Arrowhead Provincial Park Ontario
Arrowhead Provincial Park offers a magical winter ice trail, stunning fall colours, beautiful lakes, and scenic hiking trails.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Skate the magical ice trail
Arrowhead Provincial Park Ontario
Best Time
Skate the magical ice trail
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Arrowhead Provincial Park offers a magical winter ice trail, stunning fall colours, beautiful lakes, and scenic hiking trails.
"Any time of the year this park was inviting and a lot of fun for the family and friends."
❄️ Book Winter Day-Use Early
The ice trail is a huge draw; day-use spots fill up fast! Book online in advance. :ticket:
🍁 Fall Colours Peak Timing
Visit mid-week during peak fall for the best colours and fewer crowds. :camerawithflash:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Winter Ice Skating Trail
Arrowhead Provincial Park
A magical 1.3km ice trail winding through a snow-dusted forest. Pure winter wonderland!
+1
Vibrant Fall Colours
Throughout the park
Witness a breathtaking display of autumn hues painting the landscape. A photographer's dream!
+2
Stubbs Falls
Stubbs Falls Trail
An easy hike leading to a picturesque waterfall and a charming footbridge. Perfect for a nature escape.
Big Bend Lookout
Near Arrowhead Lake
Offers splendid panoramic views, especially stunning during peak fall colours.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Ahead, Especially for Winter!
+2Pack for All Seasons
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
❄️ Book Winter Day-Use Early
The ice trail is a huge draw; day-use spots fill up fast! Book online in advance.
🍁 Fall Colours Peak Timing
Visit mid-week during peak fall for the best colours and fewer crowds.
🛶 Kayak & Canoe Rentals
Rent equipment for Arrowhead Lake and Mayflower Lake for a fun day on the water.
🥾 Trail Shoes Recommended
Wear comfortable shoes for hiking trails, especially Stubbs Falls.
Tips
from all over the internet
❄️ Book Winter Day-Use Early
The ice trail is a huge draw; day-use spots fill up fast! Book online in advance.
🍁 Fall Colours Peak Timing
Visit mid-week during peak fall for the best colours and fewer crowds.
🛶 Kayak & Canoe Rentals
Rent equipment for Arrowhead Lake and Mayflower Lake for a fun day on the water.
🥾 Trail Shoes Recommended
Wear comfortable shoes for hiking trails, especially Stubbs Falls.
🚗 Day Trip from Toronto
Arrowhead is a feasible day trip, about 2.5 hours north of the city.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Arrowhead Provincial Park is consistently praised for its year-round beauty and diverse activities, from summer lake fun to winter ice skating and stunning fall colours. Visitors highlight well-maintained trails and friendly staff, though some campsites can experience drainage issues during heavy rain. Overall, it's considered a top-tier provincial park for families and nature lovers.
"One of the best provincial parks we visited. We came here in the summer for camping and the campgrounds are excellent. We cam in the winter and stayed in a cabin, which was awesome and very cosy. We visited for a hike in the fall and loved the trails and the waterfalls. Most recent time we visited for cross country skiing in early February. The trails are so well groomed, probably the best I've seen. We also enjoyed skating on the ice loop. Any time of the year this park was inviting and a lot of fun for the family and friends. You can rent skis and skates in the park if you don't have any and the rental equipment is fairly new and we'll maintained. Staff is friendly and helpful."
Dima Berezovski
"In general, the park is great. It has a couple nice lakes & small rivers to paddle on. Some nice hiking trails and even a couple trails designated for mountain biking. Tried it all and enjoyed it thoroughly. However when it rained, our campsite, as well as our neighbour’s site became a pond; and not just a little area. This should not be happening nowadays.
There’s a beautiful visitor centre."
Burk Schmidt
"Very beautiful provincial park that we visited this saturday to see fall colors. You need to have a reservation beforehand to enter into the park. There are two lakes Mayflower and arrowhead. I loved the latter one for its beautiful view and ability to do kayaking in it. There is a beautiful huge visitor center with ample parking on site. The lake is just behind that. Lot of campsites, so it's definitely a good contender for summer/ early fall camping. The big bend lookout here is famous, and it's a splendid view in peak fall colors. There is a brown bridge over Arrowhead Lake that enhances its beauty, and you can capture really good photos there. Trails are nice. Washrooms were clean. We spent our weekend well."
Prashant Bombe
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Arrowhead Provincial Park is approximately a 2.5-hour drive north of Toronto, making it a popular destination for day trips and weekend getaways.
The park is located north of Huntsville, Ontario. The main address is 451 Arrowhead Park Road, Huntsville, ON P1H 2J6. It's easily accessible via Highway 11.
Public transportation options are limited. Driving is the most convenient way to reach Arrowhead Provincial Park. Consider carpooling if you're traveling from Toronto or nearby cities.
During winter, ensure your vehicle is equipped for snowy conditions. The park roads are generally well-maintained for access to the ice trail and other winter activities.
Yes, there is ample parking available, especially at the visitor centre and trailheads. During peak times, parking lots can fill up, so arriving early is recommended.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, reservations are highly recommended, especially during peak seasons like fall colours and winter for the ice trail. Day-use permits can be booked online through the Ontario Parks website. +1
Park hours vary by season. The park is generally open year-round for day use, but specific facilities like the visitor centre and rental shops have seasonal hours. Check the Ontario Parks website for the most up-to-date information.
Day-use fees apply and vary based on the season and vehicle type. Camping and cabin rental fees are separate. Check the Ontario Parks website for current pricing.
While some sources mention rentals, recent information suggests that ice skate rentals may not be available at the park. It's best to bring your own skates or confirm rental availability before your visit.
Ontario Parks offers various passes, such as annual passes, which can provide cost savings if you plan to visit multiple parks throughout the year. Check the Ontario Parks website for details.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Popular trails include the Stubbs Falls Trail (easy, 2.6 km loop) leading to a waterfall, and trails around Arrowhead Lake. The park also offers mountain biking trails.
Yes, Arrowhead Provincial Park has beaches on Mayflower Lake and Arrowhead Lake, perfect for swimming during the summer months.
Summer activities include swimming, picnicking, camping, hiking, biking, and paddling on the lakes. Kayak and canoe rentals are available.
Absolutely! Families love the beaches, easy hiking trails like Stubbs Falls, and the winter ice trail. Campsites offer a great base for family adventures.
The Big Bend Lookout provides a stunning vantage point, especially during the fall, offering expansive views of the park's colourful landscape.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no full-service restaurants within the park. Visitors typically bring their own food for picnics or BBQs at designated areas and campsites.
Yes, campfires are permitted in designated fire pits at campsites, and BBQ facilities are available in picnic areas. Always check for fire bans before your visit.
The nearby town of Huntsville offers a variety of restaurants, cafes, and grocery stores for dining and supplies.
There is a park store that typically sells basic convenience items, firewood, and souvenirs. For a wider selection, visit Huntsville.
Pack easy-to-prepare meals, snacks, and plenty of water. Grilling items, sandwiches, and pre-made salads are popular choices for campers.
📸 📸 Photography
The ice trail in winter, the vibrant fall foliage, Stubbs Falls, and the Big Bend Lookout are prime photography locations. The bridge over Arrowhead Lake also offers great shots.
Absolutely! The park offers diverse landscapes, from forests and lakes to waterfalls, making it a fantastic spot for landscape photographers, especially during autumn.
Golden hours (early morning and late afternoon) offer the best light for photography. For fall colours, midday can also be vibrant, while winter mornings provide soft, diffused light.
Drone usage is typically restricted in Ontario Provincial Parks to protect wildlife and ensure visitor safety. Always check the latest regulations with Ontario Parks before flying a drone.
A versatile lens (e.g., 24-70mm) is great for landscapes and general shots. A wide-angle lens is ideal for capturing the expansive fall colours and ice trail. Don't forget a tripod for low-light conditions.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
In winter, the ice skating trail is a magical experience for children, and the park often has a festive atmosphere. Consider booking a cabin for a cozy family getaway, which often comes equipped with amenities for children.
Remember to book your day-use permits or campsites well in advance, especially during school holidays. 💰 Budget Travelers
Day-use visits are also an affordable option, allowing you to enjoy the park's natural beauty without the commitment of an overnight stay. Consider visiting during the shoulder seasons (spring or fall weekdays) when day-use fees might be lower and crowds are smaller.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+2 Don't miss Stubbs Falls for picturesque waterfall shots. In winter, the ice skating trail provides unique opportunities for capturing dynamic shots of skaters amidst the snowy forest.
Golden hour (early morning and late afternoon) offers the most dramatic and beautiful lighting for landscape photography throughout the year. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Famous Winter Ice Trail
+1Planning your visit to the ice trail requires booking a day-use permit in advance, as it's a very popular attraction and spots fill up quickly. While some sources mention skate rentals, it's crucial to confirm availability as it can be inconsistent. Bringing your own skates is the most reliable option. The trail is wide and well-maintained, making it enjoyable for skaters of all levels.
+1Beyond skating, the park offers opportunities for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing on groomed trails during the winter months. The serene, snow-covered landscape provides a beautiful backdrop for these activities.
Autumn's Fiery Spectacle
+2Key spots for experiencing the fall colours include the Big Bend Lookout, which offers panoramic views of the foliage, and the various hiking trails that meander through the forests. Stubbs Falls also provides a beautiful setting amidst the autumn hues.
+1 Visiting on a weekday during peak season can help you avoid the largest crowds and fully immerse yourself in the natural beauty. Photography enthusiasts will find Arrowhead Provincial Park to be a paradise in the fall. The interplay of light and colour creates endless opportunities for capturing stunning landscape shots. Early morning and late afternoon light, known as the golden hours, are particularly magical for photography.
Camping and Cabin Stays
Campsite conditions can vary, and some reviews mention that sites can become waterlogged during heavy rain. It's advisable to check the specific campsite details when booking. For those seeking a more comfortable experience, the park's cabins provide a warm and inviting retreat, especially during the cooler months.
Booking in advance is crucial, particularly for summer camping and cabin rentals, as these accommodations are highly sought after. The park's location near Huntsville also provides easy access to amenities and supplies if needed.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit