Arrowhead: Ontario’s Coolest Park

Though perhaps less known than its sister to the east, Arrowhead Provincial Park just north of Huntsville, Muskoka can definitely lay claim to being one of the coolest parks in Ontario. That’s because, in winter, Arrowhead is a hot spot for some of the most awesome-unique-and-breathtaking outdoor adventures in the province.

Arrowhead is home to some of the best Nordic ski trails around. It’s also home to the Arrowhead Nordic Ski Club and can boast of over 30 kilometres of exceedingly well-groomed tracks that will please novices and elite athletes alike.

So fine are the trails that the park and club have hosted provincial competitive events, and they annually host the long-standing Muskoka Loppet (taking place on January 26, 2020). Recreational skiers can head out to enjoy the snow-covered forests as well, and you can rent equipment if you don’t have your own. No experience necessary!

Just as incredible as the Nordic trails is the stunning Arrowhead Ice Trail.  Opened in 2012, it’s a 1.3 km iced path in the forest that winds its way through the East River campground. With skate rentals available for the whole family, a visit to this fantastic spot has quickly grown to be one of the most popular – and most mesmerising – winter experiences in Ontario.  Watch this season also for multiple evening-skate events (when the trail is lit only with tiki torches!), and for the old Zamboni machine coming through the trees to make the surface of the trail as smooth as can be. (The Ice Trail is an extremely popular winter attraction in Ontario’s cottage country, and weekends can see line-ups. Head there mid-week if you can.) For information on the Ice Trail, including pass price, hours of operation and more, click here.

Arrowhead also has a fantastic tubing hill – arguably more popular with kids that the Ice Trail! Head down the groomed slope and enjoy winter the way we’re meant to…laughing all the way.

With accommodations located so close to Arrowhead, a getaway to the wilderness north of Toronto to hit the superb trails – whether you enjoy skiing or skating –  is the perfect opportunity to experience all that Ontario’s coolest park has to offer. And check out local dining establishments for some good eats after a day of adventures at Arrowhead.

For up-to-date info on Arrowhead Provincial Park and the Ice Trail, follow the park on Twitter: @ArroPark

See snippets of the Ice Trail below…how cool is that?