Arrowhead Provincial Park

Just 10 minutes north of Huntsville, the stunning Arrowhead Provincial Park is part of the Ontario Parks system and offers access to many activities all year long.

During the winter, a 1.3 km skating trail meanders through the forest. Cross-country skiing, snowmobiling and snow tubing are also popular throughout the season. Summertime activities range from hiking and camping to swimming and relaxing on beautiful beaches along Lake Arrowhead. No matter the time of year, you’ll find you never run out of things to do while in the park. 

There are five year-round hiking trails. The Beaver Meadow Trail is 7 km-long and winds its way past the Porcupine Bluffs for a moderate two-hour hike. Big Bend Lookout, an easy hike, offers panoramic views of the meandering Big East River and the beautiful surrounding terrain. 

Homesteader’s Trail is a moderate one-hour hike of 3 km across semi-rugged terrain where you can still see traces of an abandoned farm now reclaimed by the forest. Mayflower Lake Trail is a moderate 1 km hike that takes about 30 minutes to complete. The trail has lengthy climbs and descents surrounding the once glacial lake. The final trail, Stubb’s Falls Trail, is 2 km long and offers an enjoyable hike for birders and photographers in spring with songbirds surrounding the beautiful rock chute falls. 

Wildflowers, birds, and wildlife abound at Arrowhead. Great blue herons, tree swallows, beavers, and many other critters and birds can be spotted on quiet hikes through the woods or around the natural water features in the park. Pick up a bird list at the main gate. 

Three sandy beaches offer great swimming opportunities, while both Mayflower Lake and Arrowhead Lake welcome paddlers for great canoeing and kayaking. Mayflower Lake is also stocked with rainbow trout and smallmouth bass for fishing. 

For up-to-date information and details on Arrowhead Provincial Park, we recommend you visit their website. For information about other places of interest to explore nearby, keep scrolling to see what Destination Ontario recommends. 

Skater heads down a torchlit path through the forest at dusk

Accessibility Features

Support persons welcome

Support persons are welcome to provide  services or assistance with  communication, mobility, personal care,  medical needs or access to facilities.  Please check with the organization about  entry fees, if applicable.

Service animals welcome

Service animal can be identified by visual  indicators (guide dog or other animal  wearing a vest/harness); or  documentation available from a  regulated health professional to confirm  the animal is required due to a disability. 

Accessible washroom

An accessible washroom stall has  adequate manoeuvring room for mobility  devices. Includes grab bars, transfer  space, accessible door latch, sink with  knee clearance, and lever handles or  automatic sensor faucets. 

More about Arrowhead Provincial Park

Arrowhead Provincial Park is open year-round.The park is located only 7 km from Huntsville, making it a convenient day trip for visitors and a welcome respite for locals. 

While you’re at the park, you’ll find a plethora of outdoor activities suited for people of various age ranges and skill levels. 

During the warmer months, biking is a favourite activity in the park. The 4.5 km Arrowhead Lake Trail and 3 km Lookout Trail offer moderately challenging mountain biking opportunities. 

Camping is a popular option for out-of-towners and folks looking for a break from everyday life. There are also ten cabins available for rent. Each cabin sleeps five people and includes a single parking space in the rental fee. The cabins are rustic one-bedrooms with a queen bed, double or single bunk bed. Cabins are available year-round and must be reserved in advance, especially in peak seasons. 

For those looking for soft-sided accommodations but don’t want to haul their own tent along with them, there is a deluxe tent available for rent. The tent is outfitted with rustic log furniture, including two queen beds. The rental also includes one parking space and requires a reservation to ensure availability. 

If you’re with the majority of campers, and prefer car camping (where you bring your own tent) sites are available throughout three campgrounds. Some sites are suited for tent camping, as well as RVs. 

Ice skating is an extremely popular attraction at Arrowhead Provincial Park. The unique 1.3 km skating trail offers stunning views of the scenery around the park. There’s also a skating rink for those looking for a shorter ice-skating adventure. Saturdays are the busiest times on the trail and skating rink, so if you’d like to avoid the crowds, weekdays are ideal for your visit. 

Break out the snowshoes on the classic 8 km trail marked for the occasion. The snowshoeing trail runs through the mature hardwood forest and offers some of the most magical winter wonderland views of the region. 

If you’ve got a dog who’s game, skijoring with your dog leading the way is a great way to spend the afternoon. Or try cross country skiing through the 28 km of classic Nordic ski trails and 16 km of ski-skate trails. 

The park hosts special events throughout the year, which are open to visitors from all over. The Fire and Ice Nights are a particular favourite among visitors and locals alike. The event features ice skating along the skate trail under the light of tiki torches placed along the edges of the trail. It’s a magical experience you’ll never forget. 

Last updated: August 18, 2023

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