Are you planning a visit to Arrowhead Provincial Park?
Skating through the woods is definitely a winter bucket list activity!
But the secret is out! Arrowhead has quickly become one of the region’s most popular winter attractions, so it’s important to plan your visit carefully.
Know before you go! Skating and skiing availability depends on weather. Check our Twitter for updates and the Snow Report for ski conditions.
Get the latest capacity updates here:
We have put together a list of frequently asked questions and best tips To plan your Arrowhead adventure:
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1. What is different this year?
We no longer use paper for day use permits!
That means you can get your daily vehicle permit online up to five days in advance.
When you arrive at the park for day use, there is no need to stop by the office and register. Just come in and start having fun!
Ski racing returns this year after a two-year hiatus.
If you plan to visit Arrowhead during one of these races, you can expect the park to be very busy.
You’ll probably want to book your trip as soon as possible or consider coming on another day.
This year’s race dates are:
- January the 8th
- January 29
- February 21-23
- February 25 – 26
Please note that the Visitor Center warm-up room will be closed on February 25 and 26 for Special Olympics Ontario.
Like last year, 100% of daily vehicle permits will be available in advance. This means we will know in advance if we have reached capacity for next weekend and will provide these updates in Twitter.
If we have already sold out of daily vehicle permits for a given day, you will not be able to purchase a permit (or use your season pass) at the gate. and you will not be able to visit the park.
Do you want to attend one of our Nights of Fire and Ice? You can also reserve your permit online in advance!
We remind you that we no longer offer ski permits. We require our visitors to obtain a daily vehicle permit to access all park daytime activities, including skiing.
The snow tube has been permanently completed.
Be sure to check back frequently for updated information.
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2. Do I need a reservation to visit for the day?
If you would like to guarantee your spot during Arrowhead’s extremely busy winter season, Yeah.
We know you don’t want to waste time driving to Arrowhead or sitting in lines, only to be turned away because we’re already full. Check our Twitter for the latest capacity updates.
You can obtain a daily vehicle permit up to five days before your trip, starting at 7:00 am.
Make your reservation:
Your daily vehicle permit includes access to the skating rink (weather permitting), except for our Nights of Fire and Ice, which require your own permit.
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3. When is the park open?
The park is open all year round.
Skating and skiing availability depends on weather: skiing is typically available in mid-December and skating beginning in January.
Check our Twitter for updates.
Park hours:
Ice rink hours:
Daily: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Note: The ice trail is usually closed between 11:30 am and 1:00 pm for daily maintenance as needed.
Remember: Arrowhead can be VERY busy during rush hours. You can plan ahead by reserving your day-use permit up to five days in advance online and check our capacity updates at Twitter.
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4. I am a season pass holder. Do I still need to reserve a day use pass?
Yes, but at no additional cost.
If you have a annual or winter permit for Ontario parksYou can use your pass serial number to reserve your permit in advance.
Please remember that a seasonal permit does not guarantee entry if the park reaches capacity.
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5. Will the park host Fire and Ice nights this year?
Yes, weather permitting. Fire and Ice Nights are held every Friday and Saturday night starting in late January, depending on weather and trail ice conditions.
You can reserve your permit for Nights of Fire and Ice up to five days in advance. When reserving your permit, be sure to select the “Day Use + Night Ice and Fire Skating” option.
Please monitor our Twitter page for updates.
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6. How do I avoid crowds/lineups?
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7. What is there to do in the park?
- Skating: Glide through the woods on Arrowhead’s 1.3km Ice Trail
- Cross country ski: There are 28 km of classic ski slopes and 16 km of skate ski slopes, ranging from beginner to expert level.
- Snow rackets: Explore more than 8 km of marked snowshoe trails, as well as off-trail snowshoeing through mature hardwood forests.
- Other winter activities: Go on a snow hike, enjoy winter bird watching, or go winter camping.
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8. Is the ice skating rink/ski slope open?
Outdoor activities in winter always depend on the weather. Check park conditions before leaving home, as some activities may be closed:
Please note that the skating rink is closed daily from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
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9. How do I get to Arrowhead?
Arrowhead Provincial Park is 7 km north of Huntsville on Highway 11. Take Exit 226, turn right onto Muskoka Road 3, then turn left onto Arrowhead Park Road.
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10. Where do I park?
When you drive to the park (especially on a Saturday), you may see a line. Please, be patient; The park staff is working as quickly as possible to get you to the park!
When you arrive:
- Look for park staff or signs to direct you to appropriate parking. Please do not park on the road.
- There are several parking lots. Be prepared to walk 200-400m to the skating or ski slopes.
- Stop and purchase a park permit and then continue into the park to reach the winter facilities.
Please note: All vehicles entering the park must obtain a valid parking permit.
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11. How much does day use cost?
The cost is $21 per day, per vehicle.
If you’re looking to guarantee entry to the park, be sure to reserve your daily vehicle permit in advance online. Check our Twitter page for capacity upgrades.
If you have a annual or winter permit for Ontario parks, you can use your pass serial number to reserve your permit in advance. Please remember that a seasonal permit does not guarantee entry if the park reaches capacity.
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12. Can I rent skates/skis/snowshoes?
Yeah! Rentals are available on a first come, first serve basis.
They often sell out at weekends, so arrive early to avoid disappointment. Rentals are offered in the rental building next to the Visitor Center.
Rental rates are:
- Snowshoes: $15.00 for 3 hours
- Ice skates $15.00 for 3 hours.
- Cross country ski:
- $32.00 per adult full day, $25.00 per adult half day
- $25.00 for a full day for youth, $18.00 for a half day for youth
- $105.00 or a full family day, $86.00 for a half family day
All prices include taxes and half days start at 1:00 p.m.
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13. Are there bathrooms available?
Yes. There are restrooms across the street from the park office, at the skating rink entrance, and at the visitor center.
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14. Can I spend the night?
Yeah! You can enjoy tent camping in Arrowhead.
We also offer cozy camping cabins, which fill up quickly all winter long.
Check our booking site for availability.
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15. Is there food available for purchase?
No, food is not available for purchase. It is best to bring your own food.
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16. Where can I go if the park fills up/is already full?
Mew Lake Campground, Algonquin Provincial Park
If Arrowhead is already full, you may want to visit nearby Algonquin Provincial Park, which has:
- skating (at the Mew Lake campground, an hour’s drive from Arrowhead)
- snow rackets
- cross-country skiing (it’s just a 35-minute drive to Fen Lake Trails, or just over an hour to Leaf Lake)
- A visitor center with museum exhibits, an observation deck, and a bookstore
Explore the region
Looking for more attractions, events and accommodations for your winter trip?
Check out Discover Muskoka or Explorers’ Edge for ideas!