On behalf of our dedicated team, I’d like to extend a warm welcome to all visitors who have chosen to experience the natural beauty and outdoor adventure that Arrowhead Provincial Park has to offer. Whether you’re here to hike through towering forests, paddle along the serene Little East River, ski our world-class trails, or simply relax and take in the breathtaking surroundings, we are thrilled to have you with us. At Arrowhead, we take immense pride in maintaining the park’s ecological integrity while enhancing visitor experiences. Our mission is to ensure that the unique landscapes, diverse wildlife, and rich ecosystems of the park are protected for future generations to enjoy. Conservation is at the core of our work, and we continually seek ways to balance recreation with responsible environmental stewardship. We encourage all visitors to respect park guidelines, minimize their environmental impact, and appreciate the natural world around them.
We are also committed to continuous improvement, recognizing that parks should evolve to better serve our visitors while maintaining their natural beauty. Our team is always looking for ways to enhance accessibility,
upgrade facilities, and provide meaningful programming that connects people with nature. Whether it’s improving trail systems, expanding educational opportunities, or refining our seasonal activities, we strive to make Arrowhead a place that inspires and welcomes everyone.
As you explore the park, we invite you to take a moment to truly connect with nature. Listen to the wind rustling through the trees, watch the wildlife that calls this park home, and enjoy the peace that comes with being in the great outdoors. Arrowhead offers a space for adventure, relaxation, and discovery, and we are honored to share it with you.
Thank you for choosing to spend your time at Arrowhead Provincial Park. If you have any questions, need assistance, or have suggestions on how we can improve, our staff is always here to help. We hope your visit is filled with unforgettable moments and that you leave with a deeper appreciation for Ontario’s natural spaces. We look forward to welcoming you back again and again!
Jason Crozier
WHAT’S INSIDE
Park Superintendent, Arrowhead Provincial Park Fire, Police and Ambulance –
We would like to respectfully acknowledge that we are on the traditional territory of the Anishinaabeg, specifically the Chippewa, Ojibwa, and Potawatomi peoples, under the terms of the Robinson-Huron Treaty #61 of 1850, and the Williams Treaties of 1923.
We are grateful to be here. We hope you are, too.
Together, we honour all Indigenous peoples- First Nations, Métis, and Inuit- for their cultures, their languages, their wise teachings, and ways of being, their stewardship and protection of the lands and waters – and life – that have shaped this country since time began.
Together, we commit to acknowledge, to learn, to educate, to create opportunity and to honour sacred places, and to take actions toward real Truth and Reconciliation in support of our commitment to wellness for all, and to walking the path together in respect, peace, and harmony for future generations.
Arrowhead Provincial Park first opened for camping in 1966 but wasn’t officially a Provincial Park until 1971. The park is approximately 1237 hectares and contains Arrowhead Lake and Mayflower Lake. In the summer, the park offers three campgrounds with 382 campsites, of which 191 of them are electrically serviced. If “roughing it” isn’t your cup of tea, we also have 13 cabins for a unique experience in and of itself. Today when you think of Arrowhead, you may think about family traditions, cool summer nights, making s’mores around the campfire, or the snowy days skiing and skating. But have you ever thought about how the park came to be? There is history everywhere you look at Arrowhead! Just after Canada became a self-governing Dominion in 1867, the land that encompasses Arrowhead Provincial Park, located in Chaffey Township, was surveyed by a man named Walter Beatty. The land was advertised as great for farming and was opened to settlers under the “Free Grants and Homestead Act” where they would receive 100-acres for free, if they performed tasks required by the government. Most of the settlers quickly realized that this land was not adequate for agricultural use because of the rock beneath the surface and appealed much more to the logging industry. Under this act, settlers like Louis Roe and C.E. Stubb, for which Roe Campground and Stubb’s Falls are named after, settled on their designated land and created homesteads. There are several throughout the park, some remnants of which may be seen on the Homesteader and Beaver Meadow trails. This history of many families is within our boundaries, so please stay on the trail, respect the land, and take only pictures when you leave!
Please Respect Our Trees
Please don’t remove anything living or dead from our forests. Many trees are cut down every year to ensure your safety. Our chainsaw operators inspect the campgrounds, roads and trails and are forced to cut down trees that may become dangerous to people or block roads during a storm or high winds. It can be difficult to tell if a tree is safe because they can be affected by insects, animals, and diseases that impact the tree internally. Often times trees can be weakened and even go unnoticed for a period of time. We let dead and fallen trees lie where they fall as long as they don’t pose a hazard to people. But why? In nature, living and dead trees have a purpose and are part of the ecosystem we are protecting. Dead trees provide crucial habitat for wildlife. Many mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and insects rely on dead wood for shelter or sustenance. Studies show that diversity and abundance of nesting birds declines in forests with lower amounts of deadwood and fallen trees. Dead tree bark nurtures insects that attract and feed woodpeckers and other carnivorous, insect-loving birds. Fallen limbs create understory
Have you ever wanted to learn about plants and animals living in the park you’re visiting? Want to help us protect the living things that make parks beautiful?
Visit iNaturalist.ca or download the app. It’s a simple as:
Snapping a picture of a living thing Uploading it to the app
✓Letting iNaturalist’s algorithms and experts help identify what you saw
Help park ecologists even more by joining the Ontario Parks project within iNaturalist. Select “trust this project with hidden coordinates” at the bottom of the page, and “yes, for any of my observations.
This free app helps park staff, scientists, and your community protect nature. Try iNaturalist today and help protect the places you love to visit.
cover and food for Ruffed Grouse underneath the falling canopy. Dead logs also provide habitat for plants as “nurse logs”, providing the perfect seedbed for some tree seedlings and other plants and fungi. This is all a part of the cycle of life in a forest. Arrowhead is known for its large well treed campsites, and we want to keep it this way. This is why we are very strict when it comes to visitors damaging park trees. For example, lodging an axe into a tree is an evictable and expensive offence. Removing branches for roasting a marshmallow is the same offence. We have made it one of our goals to plant trees and renaturalize areas of the park that are no longer used. For example, sections of unused or rerouted trails and roads and old building sites are areas of focus for us when we are preserving the natural integrity of the park. This is all a part of the balance we are determined to maintain when it comes to an increasingly busy visitation rate and ecological integrity- we want to give back to nature where we can, and not take too much. Please respect the park trees by leaving them be!
On Patrol– The Park Rules
What is a Park Warden?
Arrowhead Provincial Park Wardens are the front-line workers responsible for educating and enforcing the rules and regulations within the park, while ensuring the safety of our visitors. You will frequently find them patrolling campgrounds, trails, and beaches, or just saying hello to visitors at Discovery events! Within a Provincial Park, a Park Warden has all the power and authority of a member of the Ontario Provincial Police.
Need a Warden?
In case of an emergency, please call 911. If you wish to speak with an enforcement officer, please contact any park staff or call/text 705-571-2029. Complaints are confidential and will be investigated as soon as possible.
Remember! This phone line is dedicated to those who need a Park Warden’s help. Park information is available over-the-phone by calling the Park phone number (705-789-5105). We appreciate your help in keeping Arrowhead safe!
If you see a Warden, feel free to say hello! They may just have a sticker for you!
Vehicles on Your Campsite
One vehicle is included in the purchase of your campsite permit – all other vehicles must purchase an “Additional Vehicle Permit” when they arrive at the Visitor Centre/ Park Store. At Arrowhead, one additional vehicle may be parked on a campsite (if there’s enough room) for a total of two vehicles on a campsite. All other vehicles must be parked in separate designated parking areas away from your campsite.
EMERGENCY INFORMATION
Fire, Police and Ambulance ................................. 911 Park Warden ....................................... 705-571-2029
Do not call the Park Warden for Park Information. You will be directed to call the Main Park Phone. Poison Control ................................. 1-800-268-9017
About Your Campsite
Campsites must be vacated by 2 p.m. and roofed accommodations by 10:00 a.m. on the day of permit expiry. Failure to do so is an offence and you may be fined. Campsite turnover is at 2:00pm and roofed accommodations are ready by 4:00 p.m. Limit of 3 shelters (only 1 of which may be a trailer/RV) plus a dining shelter on a campsite.
A maximum of 6 people/ campsite (5/ cabin) are allowed. Please plan accordingly. Fires are only permitted in the firepit provided on your campsite. Do not move any firepits.
Removal of vegetation living or dead to start a fire is an evict-able offence. Please respect the park environment and help us keep the park looking natural.
Radio-Free Areas
Radios, CD players, speakers, and other amplified devices are prohibited on campsites 200-260 (Roads 1 to 4) in East River Campground. The same applies to South Lumby Campground (sites 101-163). In these areas, you may only use your radios and other devices with headphones.
Generators
Generators are allowed to run between 8:00am4:00pm only. Generators being used should be considered quiet generators with a rating of less than 67dB rating. Excessive noise regulations apply.
Other common offences are laid out on pg. 5 of this guide.
Recreational use of drones in provincial parks is not permitted.
Visit OntarioParks.com to learn about applying for authorization for commercial or research purposes.
Summary of Provincial Park Offences
There is one basic rule in Ontario Parks: Have respect and consideration for your fellow visitors and the park environment. The following table lists some of the more common laws enforced in provincial parks. Under the Provincial Parks and Conservation Reserves Act, 2006, the registered permit holder is responsible for the conduct of all campsite occupants and could be charged with an offence based on the actions of the occupants of the registered campsite. The Provincial Parks and Conservation Reserves Act, 2006 and other legislation governing behaviour in provincial parks can be reviewed at provincial park offices and on the e-Laws website at www.ontario.ca/laws. These laws are enforced by provincial park wardens who have all the power and authority of a member of the Ontario Provincial Police within a provincial park. Many of the listed offences could result in eviction from a provincial park. Evicted visitors are prohibited from re-entering any provincial park for a period of 72 hours. Minimum fines listed below include court costs and the victim fine surcharge.
$ 125.00
Liquor and Cannabis
• Having liquor in open container in unauthorized place
• Consuming liquor in unauthorized place
• Driving or having care or control of a motor vehicle with open or unsealed container of liquor
• Person under 19 years having liquor
• Being intoxicated in a public place
• Person under 19 years – possess cannabis
• Driving or having care or control of a vehicle or boat with cannabis in open original packaging, open baggage, or readily available
Rowdyism / Noise
• Use discriminatory, harassing, abusive or insulting language or gestures
• Make excessive noise
• Disturb other persons
• Operate audio device in prohibited area
Storing Wildlife Attractants
• Unlawfully store wildlife attractants
Refuse
Litter or cause litter
• Fail to keep campsite / facility clean
• Fail to restore campsite / facility to original condition
Vehicles
• Unlawfully take motor vehicle into park or possess or operate it
• Operate vehicle off roadway
• Drive without seatbelt
• Drive while passenger under 16 fails to wear seatbelt
• Speeding – more than 20 km/h
• Disobey stop sign
• Operate all-terrain vehicle
Parking
• Park vehicle in area not designated
• Park vehicle in prohibited area
• Fail to display permit on parked vehicle
Pets
• Permit domestic animal to be without leash
• Permit domestic animal to make excessive noise
• Permit domestic animal to be in designated swimming area or on a beach
• Permit domestic animal to disturb people
• Permit domestic animal to harass or chase wildlife
• Permit domestic animal to be in a posted prohibited area
• Fail to vacate and remove property from campsite on permit expiry
• Unlawfully occupy campsite
• Camp over time limit
Camping Equipment / Persons
• Place more than 3 pieces of shelter equipment on campsite
• Place more than one tent trailer, travel trailer or self-propelled camping unit on campsite
• Excessive number of persons occupying campground campsite / interior campsite
Campfires
• Start or tend fire other than in fireplace or designated place
• Start or tend fire where notice of fire hazard is posted
Fireworks
• Possess fireworks
• Ignite fireworks
Hours of Closing
• Enter park after closing
• Remain in park after closing
$ 125.00 $ 65.00 $ 125.00 $ 215.00
$ 180.00
$ 180.00
$ 180.00
$ 95.00
$ 155.00
$155.00
$ 155.00
$ 155.00
$ 240.00
$ 240.00 (plus 2 demerit points)
$125.00
$110.00 (plus 3 demerit points) $155.00
$ 30.00
$ 95.00
$ 155.00
$ 155.00
$ 155.00
$ 180.00
$ 180.00
$ 95.00
$ 155.00
$ 95.00
$ 95.00
$ 180.00
$ 125.00 $ 180.00
Explanation
If you are 19 years of age or older, you are permitted to possess or consume liquor (beer, wine, spirits) only on a registered campsite.
Drivers are responsible for ensuring that liquor is properly stored while in a vehicle. Liquor must be in a container that is unopened and the seal unbroken or is packed away and not accessible to any person in the vehicle.
No person under 19 years of age can possess or consume cannabis.
Drivers are responsible for ensuring that cannabis is properly stored while in a vehicle or boat. Cannabis must be in its original packaging that has not been opened or cannabis must be packed in baggage that is fastened closed or is not otherwise readily available to any person in the vehicle or boat.
Provincial parks are established to provide a setting for peaceful and natural experiences. Rowdy behaviour, which includes excessive noise, or obscene language or gestures, is not permitted. You cannot disturb any other person or interfere with their enjoyment of the park any time of the day or night.
Operation of an audio device (such as a radio, stereo, TV, etc.) in a radio-free area is prohibited.
Do not maintain or store potential wildlife attractants, including food or beverages, food preparation or storage equipment, cooking devices or utensils, garbage or recycling products, scented products or any other item in a manner that is likely to attract wildlife.
Deposit all garbage and litter in the containers provided to discourage wildlife from becoming pests. Campsites and/or facilities must be kept clean at all times to eliminate potential hazards to parks visitors and minimize humanwildlife conflict.
Each vehicle in the park must have a valid provincial park permit.
Motor vehicles may be operated on park roads only. Park roads are regulated by the Highway Traffic Act. All rules of the road apply inside the parks as they do outside. Bicycles are only allowed on park roads and on designated bike trails.
Off-road vehicles are not permitted in provincial parks because of the environmental damage they may cause.
All vehicles must park in a designated area and must have a valid park permit.
Where a physical park permit is issued, it must be prominently displayed on your vehicle.
For the protection of wildlife and other park visitors, your pet must be under control and on a leash not exceeding 2 metres at all times. You must ensure your pet does not damage or interfere with vegetation or wildlife. You must also ensure your pet does not interfere with others’ enjoyment of the park. Pets are not permitted in the swimming area, on the beach or in a posted prohibited area at any time.
To maintain the park as a natural setting, the removal of natural objects is prohibited. All vegetation, wildlife and natural features are protected in provincial parks. Cutting any live growth or damaging any natural or other object is prohibited. You may not take any fallen or dead wood from a provincial park for the purpose of a campfire or other such intent.
You are required to vacate and remove all property from your campground campsite or interior campsite by 2:00 p.m. on the date your permit expires so that others may have access to it. The maximum length of stay on a provincial park campground campsite is 23 consecutive nights and 16 consecutive nights on an interior campsite to ensure park visitors have an equal opportunity to enjoy our campsites and limit environmental impact.
Without a limit on the amount of camping gear allowed, campsites would quickly deteriorate, becoming larger, eventually destroying the surrounding vegetation.
The maximum number of campers allowed per campground campsite is six persons and the maximum number of campers allowed on an interior campsite is nine persons.
Fireplaces are designated by park staff for safety reasons. Restricting fires to these locations greatly reduces the risk of forest fires. For the prevention of forest fires, a park superintendent may give notice of a fire hazard and implement a fire ban. At any time during a fire ban no person is permitted to have a fire unless otherwise stated by the park superintendent.
Possession or use of fireworks is prohibited in provincial parks at all times. They constitute a fire hazard and disturb wildlife and visitors who wish to enjoy the park in a peaceful manner.
$ 155.00 Only registered campers are allowed in a provincial park during the posted hours of closing.
Fines are subject to change. This is not a complete listing of offences; please refer to the specific legislation. The minimum fine amount includes the applicable set fine, plus $5.00 court costs, plus the applicable victim fine surcharge.
The Visitor Centre/ Park Store:
Your Hub for Everything Arrowhead!
You may have noticed on your way in that our old Permit Office building is closed. Over the past couple of years, we’ve made some changes to streamline your experience, including instituting paperless camping, and day-use permits, and shifting all gatehouse operations to our Visitor Centre/ Park Store to reduce vehicle idling and congestion on the park road. The Visitor Centre/ Park Store is located 3km from the main entrance. Follow the main park road past the old Permit Office, over the Arrowhead Lake bridge, and follow the road signs! What does paperless permits mean, anyway? Paperless permits means that you are no longer required to display a paper permit on the dash of your vehicle or on your campsite post. It’s important to note that paperless does not mean permit-less; you are still required to carry proof of your valid camping or day-use permit. If you do not already have a permit, please reserve your permit online, through the Call Centre, or head straight to the Visitor Centre/ Park Store to purchase one. Do I need to register my license plate?
Your license plate must be registered for your permit to be valid. This can be completed on your Ontario Parks account by clicking the green “Pre-Register” button on your online reservation, by calling the Call Centre (1-888- 668-7275), or by stopping by the Visitor Centre/ Park Store and having one of our Visitor Centre Attendants assist you. Now, instead of our Park Wardens seeing your permit on your dash or campsite post, they check to see if your license plate is registered. If you have registered the correct
license plate to your valid permit, you may proceed directly to your destination within the park! If you need to register an additional vehicle to your site, or wish to speak with a staff member, please head to the Visitor Centre/ Park Store, and our friendly staff will be happy to offer you the same Arrowhead welcome you’ve come to trust.
What if I have a season’s pass?
You must reserve your Daily Vehicle Permit for each day of entry. This means you have to enter your licence plate in our system! This can be completed through the online reservations system (reservations. ontarioparks.com), through the Call Centre, or in person at the Visitor Centre/ Park Store by entering your season’s pass number and voiding the payment. Without a reservation, your season’s pass does not guarantee you entry at Arrowhead if we are already sold out, and simply displaying your hanger permit does not constitute having a valid permit. Your licence plate must be registered in our system.
I want to end my stay early- what do I do?
If you decide to leave early, bring electronic proof of your permit to the Visitor Centre/ Park Store by 12:00pm and you will receive a full refund on all unused nights (not including the reservation fee). If the change is completed after 12:00pm, you will be charged the applicable camping fee for that night and receive a refund for all other remaining nights (not including the reservation fee).
I arrived after the Visitor Centre/ Park Store has closed- what do I do?
Don’t worry! If you have a reservation, please go ahead and find your site. Maps are available outside for your convenience. You will be checked in automatically the following morning, and you no longer need to display a paper-copy of your permit.
If you do not have a reservation, and/or need to register your license plate to your reservation, please make your reservation online and pre-register your vehicle at that time or visit the Visitor Centre/ Park Store first-thing in the morning. Additional vehicles will need to be purchased and registered in the morning at the Park Store/ Visitor Centre.
Park Store
Our Visitor Centre building also houses our stellar Park Store, filled to the brim with exciting Arrowhead swag, camping gear and toiletries, snacks and drinks, books and activities, and limited grocery items, including the s’more essentials, of course! Firewood and ice are also available here, and our friendly staff are more than happy to set you up for a comfortable, relaxing, and memorable time at Arrowhead!
STOP! You should read this!
Did you know the park you are staying in right now protects the natural and cultural heritage of Ontario? It is full of stories of beauty, adversity, resilience, and change. Stories waiting to be explored with the Discovery staff that work here.
Discovery staff have come up with different engaging and interactive ways to help visitors, just like you, connect with the past, present and future of the park you are staying in.
Our stories are right at your fingertips as guided hikes, children’s activities, evening talks, and art programs. What are you waiting for?
Ask park staff for more information on
activities.
Rentals
In the spring, summer, and fall we offer canoes, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards for rent, weather dependent. You are provided with paddles, lifejackets (PFDs), and safety kits.
Every person using the equipment must wear a PFD when renting our watercraft, and we offer free PFD
rentals, even if you’re using your own equipment. If you brought your own PFD and are renting our equipment, please ensure our staff see your PFD at the time of rental.
Summer rentals may be reserved in-person up to 24-hrs in advance. When you’re done enjoying your allotted time, please return your watercraft to its rack and lock it, and return all equipment, including keys, to the Visitor Centre Attendant.
Late and damage fees may apply, so be sure to watch the time and be gentle with the equipment! Rentals are inspected daily.
New as of 2024, we offer an accessible canoe and kayak, pictured below.
Equipment Rentals
Arro head Pro incial Park
Arro head offers op ons for adap e eq ipment to ens re there are eq al opport ni es for people of all abili es to par cipate in the sport of paddling! The goal is to offer freedom and independence for o r isitors.
This dock as installed in and has a feat re here paddlers can posi on their boat onto slick plas c bars nder the ater and mo nt/dismo nt sing the t o floa ng docks on either side, as ell as a handle bar to assist ith stabilit
Uni ersal Paddling Seat:
Each s pport point of the seat is able to be independentl lted, adj sted or remo ed to create a c stom fit. All s pports are c shioned and the seat pro ides as m ch or as li le s pport as the paddler needs. The canoe seat is set lo er into the boat, so the indi id al is not posi oned p too high.
Stabili ing O triggers:
The o triggers can be adj sted to t o posi ons; either ght to the h ll for ma im m efficienc , or o t from the h ll for ma im m stabilit . The are easil adj stable depending on the eight in the essel and can be altered to each specific paddler or gro p.
Mo nted Paddle:
The mo nt s pports the eight of the ka ak paddle, red cing stress on sho lders, back and joints. The paddle can be sed straight or angled do n ard on both sides. The angled posi on req ires a smaller range of mo on and permits one-handed paddling. The paddle is also easil remo able from the mo nt.
Please see the staff at the Visitor Centre/Park Store to rent, here lifejackets, paddles and safet kits are also incl ded. Reach o t to a staff member for more informa on!
Adap e Eq ipment Feat res:
Paddling Arrowhead
Can you imagine yourself paddling in the early morning mist on Arrowhead Lake- sun peaking over the hills, a loon silently swimming nearby? Paddling by canoe or kayak is an excellent way to explore the aquatic side of Arrowhead. Canoes, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards are available for rent at the Visitor Centre/ Park Store during the spring, summer, and fall, weather dependent.
Mayflower and Arrowhead Lake
Both are protected from strong winds, so wave action is generally minor. Both offer lovely shorelines to explore and good wildlife viewing opportunities.
Little East River to Stubb’s Falls
Many people enjoy paddling slowly down the river. Along the way, look for signs of beavers and aquatic plants such Arrowhead and Cardinal flowers. Access the Little East River at the Arrowhead Lake bridge. Pull out for Stubb’s Falls on the right side of the river before the foot bridge. Several lift-overs may be necessary due to lower water levels later in the season. Distance-2km. Round-trip paddling time-1.5 hrs.
Stubb’s Falls to Big Bend Lookout
From Stubb’s Falls you can then portage around the falls and continue down the Little East River. When you reach the Big East River, head up stream (left) to get a bottom view of the Big Bend Lookout. This route is navigable in spring and early summer only. If in doubt, check with staff about current water levels. Distance from falls – 8 km. Round-trip paddling time – 6 to 8 hrs.
Paddling Safety and Notices
• Some routes are only navigable in spring and early summer
• River conditions may include fast moving currents and hidden rocks
• Please respect the fragile nature of the sandbanks and beaches and DO NOT CLIMB on the banks.
If you wish to go for a paddle, please proceed to the Visitor Centre/ Park Store. Here, you’ll find reasonable rental rates with a variety of options.
Oxtongue River/Ragged Falls
Located on Highway 60, only 30 minutes from Arrowhead, towards Algonquin Provincial Park! A valid permit is required and can be obtained through the Ontario Parks Reservations website.
Oxtongue River-Ragged Falls Provincial Park protects one of Ontario's significant waterway corridors. The park includes 382 hectares of land and water along the Oxtongue River. The Oxtongue River flows through an ancient glacial spillway which drained meltwaters from the Algonquin Highlands into glacial Lake Algonquin. The river drains southward out of Algonquin Provincial Park, cascading over several waterfalls and rapids, including the spectacular Ragged Falls, which has a vertical drop of approximately 25 metres over a horizontal distance of 200 metres. The park includes a portion of a scenic canoe route, which begins in Tea Lake and ends in Oxtongue Lake. Remnants of log chutes and dams are still evident at Ragged Falls from when the Oxtongue River was once part of the Gilmour Timber Route, which was used to ship logs from the Canoe
Fishing Arrowhead’s Lakes
Arrowhead has two lakes that provide fishing opportunities. The smaller of the lakes is Mayflower Lake, located across from the old Permit Office. This lake is stocked with Speckled Trout that vary in size from fry to several pounds. Arrowhead Lake is the larger lake, and is located in the heart of the park. It contains large and smallmouth bass, and well as perch and sunfish, and maybe even a few speckled trout. You can fish from shore or in a canoe on both lakes. Please remember: No motorized watercraft are allowed in Arrowhead Provincial Park (including electric trolling motors), and a fishing license is required under most circumstances.
Do you love spending time in nature? Do you care about making people happy and healthy? Interested working in a provincial park for the summer?
Visit OntarioParks.com/careers for more information.
Apply early for the best chance to join us next season.
NEED A PERSONAL FLOTATION DEVICE?
Ask us about our free lending program. OntarioParks.com/pfdlending.
Water Safety—It’s Your Responsibility
1. There are no lifeguards on our beaches. Water safety is your responsibility at all times.
2. Take the steps to be safe around water. Learning how to swim and water survival techniques help keep us all safe.
3. Always supervise children and non-swimmers by watching them when they are in or around the water.
4. Ensure children and non-swimmers wear a Personal Flotation Device (PFD) or lifejacket in or around the water.
5. Swim only in designated swimming areas. When the water is rough, or conditions are not clear –STAY OUT! Never swim alone. You should always swim with a buddy.
6. Using a floatie? Offshore winds often blow inflatables out into dangerous waters. Ensure inflatable rafts or toys are used in shallow water areas only and pay attention to changing wind conditions.
7. Be responsible. Avoid substance use when involved in water-related recreational activities.
8. Protect your neck. Never dive into shallow or murky water.
9. If you suspect a drowning or any other type of water emergency, call 911 and contact the park immediately.
Water Quality and Beach Postings
Ontario Parks Recreational Water Posting Fact Sheet
Recreational water quality is routinely monitored at Ontario Parks designated beaches. Water samples are tested at Public Health Ontario Laboratories for Escherichia coli (E. coli), an organism found in the intestines of warm-blooded animals.
Water Quality Factors
of factors and can change between sampling periods.
Influences include:
• Heavy Rainfall
• Large numbers of waterfowl
• High winds or wave activity
• Large number of swimmers
Visitors should avoid swimming if any of these conditions are present.
Recreational Water Posting
Ontario Parks staff post signage at beaches when E. coli levels in the water exceed provincial standards. Signage is placed to warn bathers that the recreational water may be unsafe for swimming. Swimming in recreational water that is posted for elevated bacterial levels may cause:
• Skin infections/rash
• Ear, eye, nose, and throat infections
Beach Closures
Ontario Parks staff may physically close beaches using caution tape and post informational signage in the instance that a health hazard exists that could present a health and safety risk to visitors (presence of blue-green algae for example).
How you can help
Ontario Parks visitors can help maintain our recreational water quality by following these simple guidelines:
• Do not feed birds or other wildlife, to prevent harboring in the beach area
• Leave nothing behind - dispose of all garbage/ food waste in the designated waste disposal areas throughout the park
• Use designated pet beaches when swimming with your dog - pets are not permitted on Ontario Parks public beaches. Stoop and scoop in all areas of the parks.
• Use swim diapers for young children
• Do not use any shampoos or soaps in lakes (even
The Trails of Arrowhead
Mayflower Lake Trail 2km/Moderate/45 mins:
This trail follows the north shore of Mayflower Lake. It has several lengthy climbs and descends over the hills surrounding the Lake. 10,000 years ago, Mayflower Lake was a small embayment of a large glacial lake. Today it is a small, spring-fed lake with a surprising depth of 21 metres. Its cold, clear waters are home to fish species, such as speckled trout. Along the water’s edge you will notice the diversity of wetland plants. They provide an ideal place for reptiles and amphibians to live. Please remember that these wetland habitats are fragile and should not be disturbed.
The Lookout Trail 3km/Moderate/1 hr:
This trail begins and ends in the Mayflower Lake parking lot and traverses rolling topography through a mature hardwood forest that also harbours several small wetlands. Along the trail, you may see trees with tags on them. These tags indicate that you are in a plot that is used periodically for training tree marking technicians that work in the logging industry. While no logging will take place in Arrowhead, the park contributes in a variety of ways to research and skills development to be applied to the sustainable management of Ontario’s forests. This trail is designated as a cycling trail, please exercise caution when encountering hikers!
Homesteaders Trail 2.8km/Intermediate/50 mins:
This trail begins at the amphitheatre and the
terrain is moderately rugged. With its thin, rocky soils, numerous wetlands, lakes and rocky cliffs, Muskoka does not offer very favourable conditions for farming. Yet, lured by the promise of free land, settlers arrived and attempted to homestead much of the Muskoka landscape. In the 1870s, the first attempts were made to homestead in what is now Arrowhead Provincial Park. Evidence of a few abandoned fields can be seen along this trail, although much of the formerly cleared land has grown back with the young forest we see today. You will pass by the remains of the homestead founded by Mr. William Lunt in the mid 1870s, where the foundation of an old stone milk house, rock piles, parts of a rusted wagon are visible and rhubarb and raspberry bushes grow wild.
Stubbs Falls Trail 2.6km/Moderate/45 mins:
This trail begins east of the bridge at Arrowhead Lake and runs parallel to the Little East River through a mature hardwood forest to scenic Stubbs Falls. The trail is an excellent area for wildflower viewing early in the spring before the trees leaf out, the forest floor is covered in trilliums. The most common tree species that you will see in this area is the sugar maple. The dense, shady canopy of the maples provide an ideal protected place to walk on a hot summer’s day. The Stubbs Falls trail and surrounding area is designated as a nature reserve zone to ensure the protection of the wide variety of plant and animal life found here. At Stubbs Falls, the Little East River rushes down a rock chute and then meanders out to join the Big East River.
Arrowhead Lake Trail 5.1km/Moderate/1.5 hrs:
This trail winds around the perimeter of Arrowhead’s major lake. The trail can be used for hiking and cycling and turns into one of our most popular cross country ski trails in the winter. At 5.1 km in length, the trail takes approximately 1.5-2 hours to walk and 30-45 minutes to bike. It is important to note that there is a steep hill along the trail and inexperienced cyclists should dismount and walk their bike down the hill. You will encounter a variety of terrain that utilizes campground roads and old colonization roads. The Arrowhead Plant, the park’s namesake, is visible along the shorelines. The trail provides some great vistas overlooking the lake and a wetland where Great Blue Herons are often seen.
Beaver Meadow Trail 4km/Intermediate/ 2 hours:
Only accessible via the Arrowhead Lake Trail, this trail circles a large beaver pond that supports a large community of cattails and has quite deep water. This provides habitat for a diversity of wildlife from otter and moose to great blue heron, tree swallows and of course, beavers. This is why it is called the beaver meadow trail and not the beaver pond trail. This area was much drier in the past. A beaver meadow had formed here as the beavers left the area to search for food elsewhere. With no beavers, the large dam slowly deteriorated and the pond drained. Vegetation grew quickly in the fertile soil and the area was filled with aspen, willow, and birch. These are favourite foods of beavers, so naturally they returned, repaired the dam, and enjoyed the feast.
Portage Trail 700m/Easy/ 20 mins:
The Portage Trail was created to make the park fully connected by walking trails! This trail takes you through the Lumby Campground up to the old Permit Office, where you can access the Mayflower Lake, Lookout and Homesteader trails. This trail offers a better option than walking along the main road.
Big Bend Lookout 50m/Easy/2 mins:
The lookout platform is a very short distance from the parking lot and offers a panoramic view of the meandering Big East River and provides and opportunity to see the inside of a glacial delta. Across the face of the slope, you will see a series of horizontal bands, these are the layers of sand and silt that were laid down by a glacial river 10,000 years ago. Each band represents one year. The eroding power of the Big East River makes it difficult for vegetation to keep a foothold. Trees are constantly being uprooted as the sand beneath them is swept down the river. Please do not walk or slide down the banks, as this speeds of the process of erosion.
Ticks & Lyme Disease
Do ticks and Lyme disease make you wary of going outdoors? By being aware of ticks and understanding the role they play in spreading Lyme and other diseases you are taking the first step to protect yourself and your loved ones.
There are many different species of ticks and not all of them carry Lyme disease. The most common tick you may encounter is the American Dog Tick, which does not carry Lyme disease. The only tick that carries Lyme disease in Ontario is the Blacklegged (Deer) Tick, Ixodes Scapularis. Both ticks can be found in wooded areas or tall grass habitats. In Ontario, Blacklegged ticks are most commonly found in rural areas along the north shores of Lake Erie, Lake Ontario, and the St. Lawrence River. Blacklegged ticks are known to feed on migratory birds and as a result, they can be transported throughout the province. Therefore, while the potential is lower the further north you go, it is possible for people to encounter Blacklegged ticks, or to be infected with Lyme disease from the bite of an infected Blacklegged tick, almost anywhere in the province.
Ticks feed slowly, and an infected tick must feed on a person for at least 24 hours to infect them with the bacteria that causes Lyme disease. Because of this delay, prompt detection and removal of ticks is one of the key methods of preventing Lyme disease. If you become infected from a tick bite, symptoms usually begin within 1 - 2 weeks, but can take as long as one month to begin. The “classic” symptom is a bulls-eye rash that can develop anywhere on the body; however, this rash may not occur in all cases. Early symptoms of Lyme disease can include flu-like symptoms such as fever, headaches, stiff neck, jaw pain, and sore muscles. If untreated, problems with the heart, nervous system, and joints can occur months or years later. Lyme disease is easily treated in the early stages so seek medical attention if you feel unwell.
When you are out in tick habitat you can better protect yourself by taking a few precautions:
• Wear long sleeves and tuck your pants into your socks.
• Wear light coloured clothing so you can detect
ticks before they attach.
• Use insect repellent containing “Deet” (please follow manufacturer’s directions). Apply it to your exposed skin and outer clothing.
• Conduct a tick check when you come in from outdoors. Look on your clothes, body, and pets. Pay close attention to your groin, scalp, and armpits.
• If you find a tick on your body, properly remove it and place it in a container. Visit www.etick.ca for tick identification. Additionally, you may contact your family doctor for questions on Lyme disease and follow-up.
By following these simple suggestions, you can have a safe and enjoyable time exploring Arrowhead Provincial Park.
For more information, please consult the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long Term Care’s website: ontario.ca/page/lyme-disease
Found a Tick?
DO
4 Use fine point tweezers
4 Grasp the tick as close to your skin as possible
4 Gently pull the tick straight out
4 Disinfect the bite area with rubbing alcohol or soap and water
4 Save tick (alive if possible) in a jar, with a piece of damp paper towel for identification (www.etick.ca)
4 Watch for symptoms and seek medical attention if you feel unwell, if the tick has been attached for more than 24 hours, or if you cannot safely remove the tick.
DON’T
6 Grasp around bloated belly and squeeze the tick
6 Use a match, heat or chemicals to try and remove it
6 Twist the tick when pulling it out
These Blacklegged Ticks Ixodes scapularis, are found on a wide range of hosts including mammals, birds and reptiles.
Blacklegged Ticks Ixodes scapularis are known to transmit Lyme disease Borrelia burgdorferi, to humans
mouth parts into the skin of a host, and slowly take in
Blacklegged Tick Ixodes scapularis on a blade of grass.
As a reminder, Arrowhead is a “Bare Campsite” park, meaning that your campsite must be kept free of animal attractants. Here’s a few examples of items that have brought bears onto campsites here at Arrowhead that you may not have thought of:
• Medicines
• Dishwater emptied around the perimeter of campsites
• Camp stoves and BBQ
• Water bottles and drink cans (open or closed)
• Toothpaste spit into the bush
• Deodorant, lotions, and other toiletries left in a tent
If you’re not sure if your site is bear-proofed, our Park Wardens are happy to educate you!
Camping in Black Bear Country:
For most park visitors, seeing a black bear in its natural environment is an exciting experience. However, the excitement diminishes when that bear is rummaging through your cooler or tent, in search of food.
Bears are normally shy of humans and quickly get out of our way. However, if they’ve had luck finding food at campsites, some bears lose their fear and start visiting campsites regularly looking for something to eat. These “campsite bears” can become persistent and destructive.
Capturing and relocating campsite bears has been met with only limited success in established campgrounds. Keeping a clean campsite is the best way to avoid having to do this.
The Nature of Bears:
Bears, like most animals, are constantly looking for food. Since bears will hibernate and not eat for up to five months during the winter, they need to find enough food during the rest of the year to restore their fat reserves. Although they are large and powerful, bears survive by eating almost anything that is edible. Black Bears most often eat things like aspen leaves, nuts, berries, or grubs found by ripping apart old rotting logs. Their diet can also include young deer fawns or moose calves. It is important to keep in mind that all bears can be dangerous. However, Black Bears are almost never interested in people, only in people’s food.
Welcome and welcome back to Arrowhead! As a true Huntsville local, I feel so lucky and privileged to have a natural space like Arrowhead in our community. One of my first memories of the park is from a grade 4 class field trip, where we searched for Salamanders and learned about forest floor ecosystems. Having a provincial park like Arrowhead right here in our community is a huge benefit to our local economy and park visitors help keep our town vibrant and full of life throughout the year. Arrowhead plays a crucial role in preserving the natural beauty and heritage of Muskoka, and I can’t wait for you to experience it!
It makes me happy to see friendly and familiar faces at the park each day, and new ones too. I hope you enjoy your visit and see what Huntsville and Muskoka have to offer and that you get to experience being a local, even if it's just for a day or two!
We love seeing the personal memories and connections you make. Please keep sharing, sending, and tagging us in your experiences, posts, and pictures! Whether this is your first trip to Arrowhead and Huntsville, or your hundredth, thank you for being a part of our community.
Maddie Austin
Assistant Park Superintendent
Photo contest rules for provincial parks
1. The photo contest runs from June 1st-November 1st, 2025. Entries must be received by the contest closing date of November 1st, 2025. Neither the park, Ontario Parks, Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) or any sponsors or its agencies of this contest are responsible for entries that are lost, late, delayed, misdirected, unintelligible, illegible, incomplete, postage due, stolen, returned, separated, damaged, or undeliverable entries or mail.
2. There is no limit to the number of entries per person! Each submission must include a separate entry form (available at the Visitor Centre/Park Store). Numerous entries do not need to be mailed in separate envelopes.
3. All contest entries must include a completed photographer agreement release. Any photos containing identifiable people must also be accompanied by a model release form (available at the Visitor Centre/Park Store)!
4. Acceptable entries must be in colour, or black and white unmounted prints or mounted transparencies/slides. Digital entries must be submitted on a minimum 5” X 7” print using photo-quality paper. The original file resolution must be a minimum of 7.2 megapixels. Compositional changes to digital files are not acceptable and will be disqualified; tonal or colour cast corrections are acceptable. Include for all entries, original
material, original negatives and/or digital capture files. They must be available for reproduction purposes. For all entries, original material, including original negative and/or capture file must be available for reproduction purposes. All entries and contest materials received become the property of the contest organizers and will not be returned.
5. To be considered in the contest, all submissions must be original, unpublished photographs taken of or in Arrowhead Provincial Park.
6. By signing the Arrowhead Provincial Park photo contest entry form, the contestant grants the provincial park, Ontario Parks and the MECP to use the photograph(s) for any purpose. This includes, but is not limited to, print or electronic publishing, exhibits, films, video, web, social media campaigns, news releases, merchandise, and any related communication media for promotional purposes without further compensation. Ontario Parks is not obligated to use photographer's name as a credit along with the photograph. The photographer must own all rights to any photographs entered in this contest.
7. Ontario Parks and the MECP may post the winners names and as many of the winning photographs as space permits in park tabloids and other publications, electronic, print or otherwise.
8. One (1) prize will be given to the winner!
Pets at Arrowhead
Whether you’re here camping or for a hike, pets are welcome at Arrowhead. There are a couple of rules to help ensure everyone stays safe and can enjoy their time here:
• Dogs must be kept under control, supervised and secured by a leash not exceeding 2m at all times
• Any pet causing excessive noise or disturbing another person is an evict-able offence to the owner/handler
• Pets are not permitted on bathing beaches– this is strictly enforced
• Please clean up after your pet
Pet Exercise Area (see park map on pg. 14-15)
Our Pet Exercise Area is accessed through Lumby campground. Like the rest of the park, pets must be kept on-leash and under control in this area, and in the water. Please note, this area is not fenced off.
Pet Beach Access (see park map on pg. 14-15)
There is a stretch of waterfront between Beach 1 and the Arrowhead Lake Pedestrian Bridge where owners may take their pets into the water, however, dogs must be kept on leash, both on the beach and
DO NOT LITTER!
Park visitors! Help keep our parks clean by disposing garbage correctly.
Dispose garbage at designated garbage and recycling areas. If you find a full container, don’t leave it where wildlife can access it. Find a different container with room or contact park staff for advice.
We appreciate your efforts to help protect these beautiful spaces.
Discovery Program:
What was that noise outside my tent last night? Why is the lake named Arrowhead Lake? What kind of bird was that? Why does Big Bend have huge sand banks? What is that crawling across the picnic table? Are there any deer in Arrowhead? How come bats only fly at night? What is that white flower called?
From the chirping and flying, to the crawling, to the landscapes and lakes, to the flora and faunaArrowhead’s discovery staff have the answers. The program promotes awareness and appreciation of our unique natural heritage, by encouraging visitors to connect with nature through experiences and education. The programs are not only to educate, but to inspire a love for our province’s natural spaces!
Arrowhead discovery staff offer weekly activities, exploration stations, and special events throughout the summer. Look for the list of activities posted around the park and at the Visitor Centre!
Is it the peace of nature, the thrill of navigating rocky paths, the health benefits, the snacks, or the stunning views? Maybe it’s the chance to spot wildlife.
Whatever draws you to the trail, Discovery programs and products can enhance your experience. Our staff offers programs to help you explore and discover new aspects of the trail. Some trails feature signage or guides. For a self-guided hike, bring your free Discovery activity book, suitable for ages 10-110+ (under 10, an adult can help you get the full experience).
Ask park staff about available programs and products.
Join us on August 9, 2025 for Take a Hike Day this August!
Arrowhead Camping Word Search
• ARROWHEAD
• BATS
• BEACH
• BEAR
• BEAVER
• BIKE
• BOARDWALK
• CABIN
• CAMPFIRE
• CAMPING
• CANOE
• FOX
• FROG
• HARE
• HUNTSVILLE
• HIKE
• HOTDOG
• KAYAK
• LOON
• MARSHMALLOW
• MOON
• MAYFLOWERLAKE
• MINK
• MOOSE
• MUSKOKA
• NATURE
• NORDICSKIING
• PADDLE
• PARK
• PICNIC
• PORCUPINE
• RACCOON
• RANGER
• SALAMANDER
• SKATING
• STARS
• SWIM
• SMORE
• SUN
• SNAPPINGTURTLE
• TENT
• TRAILER
• WARDEN
• WATERSNAKE
Wildlife Attractant Word Scramble
Here is a list of things that are often overlooked when a campsite is left unattended and could attract an animal. Find the answers on the last page!
1. VSTMCOEAP
2. EMEDCNII
3. SOOHHRUBTT
4. FTPEODO BSLOW
5. WNEI ELOTTB
6. OCRLEO
7. NAUDYRL
8. EMFPREU
9. GAREBGA
10. EFCOFE GMU
11. RGFNIY APN
12. SOTP
13. ETYMP FDOO EISRNOATCN
14. AERCINTLLO
15. DDENOROTA
16. AGCINLNE EIMSLHCAC
17. ERULTCY
18. TEP SEARTT
19. IEHDSS
20. QBB
21. SENTCI NLLERETEP
22. NNTASU LNOOIT
23. ERBE NCA
24. TALS ADN EPRPEP
25. GDO HWEC
26. TECESDN PSOA
27. TTTSAOHOEP
than you found it
Ensure our parks remain protected and beautiful by leaving your campsite better than you found it. Here’s how you can help:
• Leave rocks, plants, and other natural objects as you found them
• Purchase firewood locally and dispose of your firewood bags with your regular campsite garbage. Don’t gather sticks, logs, bark, or branches from around your campsite
• Dispose of dish water at the trailer sanitation station, or by pouring it down the vault toilets (outhouses)
• If you’re camping with a pet, keep them on a leash and always clean up after them
• Keep your campsite clean and remove all waste, garbage, and recycling. Large waste receptacles are available at the Visitor Centre/Park Store, Lumby Campground entrance, on the main road before entering Roe Campground, as well as at the trailer sanitation station
• Scan your campsite for any lost items and remove any ropes from trees prior to departing
• Make sure your campfire is completely out with no smoldering
Thank you for doing your part to protect Arrowhead!
What is ecological integrity?
The Provincial Parks and Conservation Reserves Act became law in 2007. This Act identified ecological integrity as a guiding principle in the planning and management of protected areas in Ontario. What does ecological integrity mean?
Ecological Integrity occurs when an ecosystem (i.e. plants, animals, geology, and water) has the ability to remain intact and grow and reproduce naturally. Activities and development (such as trail development, new campsites, and facility construction) within Ontario Parks must be conducted in a manner than minimizes negative impact on the environment.
There are many ways that you can modify your activities to help maintain ecological integrity in Ontario Parks. Simple actions like staying on designated trails, recycling, obtaining your firewood from the park or local vendors (rather than transporting wood which may contain invasive species like the Emerald Ash Borer), walking or cycling instead of driving, and using “green” products at your campsite, all help protect the park’s natural environment.
Arrowhead staff also help to maintain the ecological integrity of the park by utilizing already existing campground roads for ski trails in the winter, restricting development in sensitive areas in the park, and renaturalizing areas that are no longer used. By working together, we can make sure that the natural and cultural features that make Ontario Parks special will remain intact for the education and enjoyment of future generations.
Winter at Arrowhead
Arrowhead offers the most diverse and well-rounded winter activities program in all of Ontario Parks! Cross-country skiing, ice skating, and snowshoeing and hiking are among the most popular winter activities. Add in camping or cabin stays and access to our cozy Grand Room, complete with a beautiful stone fireplace and ample seating, Arrowhead is sure to blow your socks off (and if we do, we carry Arrowhead-branded socks in the store for your convenience)!
Ice Skating
Arrowhead is home to one of the finest ice trails in all of Ontario. This 1.3km trail weaves in and out of the Muskoka landscape and is a winter destination hotspot for travelers and adventure-seekers alike. CSA-approved helmets are strongly recommended and are available for rent. Maintenance periods may occur during operating hours to ensure the ice remains in good condition throughout the day. Our renowned ice trail is truly a bucket-list-worthy adventure!
Cross-Country Skiing
Skiers enjoy a wide assortment of trails ranging from our beginner Bunny trail to our hardest Homesteader skate ski trail, with many intermediate trail options, too. A few of our ski trails incorporate campground roads such as Roe (easy), East River (easy), Arrowhead Lake (intermediate), and Lumby
(intermediate). Our beautiful Beaver Meadow (intermediate) trail branches off from the Arrowhead Lake trail, and our Lookout (intermediate) trail features undulating hills and meanders through a mixed forest, rewarding the skier with a magnificent view. Finally, we have our 800m Sprint trail that the Huntsville High School Nordic Team loves to practice their hill climbs on!
With 28km of classic ski trails and 16km of skate ski trails, Arrowhead is sure to meet the needs of every skier. See you on the trails!
Snowshoeing/ Hiking
Arrowhead offers 9km of marked snowshoe trails. Mayflower Lake Trail (1.5-2km) offers stunning views of Mayflower Lake over moderate terrain. Hardwood Ridge (.7km) offers slightly easier terrain and navigation, winding through beautiful forest, and attaches to our final snowshoeing trail, Stubb’s Falls. Stubb’s Falls offers both easy and moderate-level opportunities, with a few different entry and exit points. The Lookout Trail was updated in 2025 to be a multi-use trail! The 3km trail is now available for hiking, fat biking, snowshoeing, skiing and skijoring.
Equipment Rentals
Winter equipment rentals are located next to the Visitor Centre/ Park Store in a separate building called the Pavilion. Our rental fleet includes skate and classic cross-country skis, ski boots, poles, ice skates, snowshoes, and helmets.
Ice sledges and sit-skis are also available so everyone can get out and enjoy the winter fun! Skate-aids are located at the skating trailhead for novice skaters.
Behind the Scenes: Ice Skating Trail Creation
A lot goes into making the ice. It’s not just your average backyard rink you have at home! First, there needs to be a lot of snow on the ground, then it gets packed down by driving on it in circles until its completely flat. Then we need at least –20 weather to be able to put water down with our retrofitted water truck. After a few days of that, there should be enough buildup of ice to put the “water bag” across the spreader bar and lay water nice and smooth. After a few more days of that, it's time for the secret weapon, an actual hockey arena Olympia ice re-surfacer! Once a few days of laying water and resurfacing the ice is completed, it's time to open!! Now it's just a matter of maintaining the ice. An everchanging routine of ice resurfacing, laying water and plowing off the night’s snow keeps the “ice gurus” very busy people!
Fire and Ice
Fire and Ice is a magical evening skate through the forest, lit only by torch and moonlight. This special event runs from 6-9p.m. on Friday and Saturday nights from late-January through February while ice conditions and weather permit. A maintenance period is in-effect from 4:30-6p.m. on these nights. Reservations are mandatory and are available up to five days in-advance.
Behind the Scenes: Ski Trail Creation
So much work and experience go into making and maintaining our kilometers of ski trails. Arrowhead has a fleet of grooming equipment. The equipment uses the tracks of the machine to cut the snow before the tiller chews it up and flattens it into the pristine corduroy that skiers love to see. As amazing as our equipment is, a lot of operator experience is required in determining the right combination of settings on the machines, as well as understanding the snow conditions. Understanding the snow is a major part in producing top results. Snow-type is important; is the snow light and fluffy or heavy and packable? How much new snow has accumulated? Is the snow base icy, hard packed, granular, or powder? Understanding these three snow factors and how they interact with each other helps the equipment operator determine the right combination of settings on the machine and how best to groom the trails.
Winter Camping & Cabin Stays
Arrowhead offers many ways to get outside in the winter months! Enjoy a night in comfort in one of our13 camp cabins, equipped with a propane fireplace, BBQ, microwave, kettle, and fridge. Or, you can try your hand at winter camping on one of our seven pull-through electrical campsites that have 50amp service. Washrooms and drinking water are located near-by at the Comfort Station, and the Visitor Centre/ Park Store and famous Ice-Skating Trail are just a short jaunt away!
Arrowhead Winter Activities
*Walking, snowshoes, and pets are not permitted on ski trails.
Arrowhead's Splendor
In Ontario's heart, where nature's art does bloom, Lies Arrowhead Park, dispelling all gloom. With forests so lush and lakes so serene, It's the best park around, a true nature scene. Trails that meander through whispering pines, Where sunlight dances and nature aligns. The waterfalls sing with a melody sweet, A symphony of nature, a tranquil retreat. In winter, the magic of ice and snow, A skating trail where the cold winds blow. In summer, the beaches with soft golden sand, Invite you to rest, with a book in your hand. Campsites that beckon with a warm, friendly glow, Under the stars, where dreams freely flow. Wildlife that wanders, both timid and bold, In Arrowhead's embrace, stories unfold. So come to Arrowhead, where memories are made, In Ontario's best park, where worries fade. A haven of beauty, a gem to explore, Arrowhead Provincial Park, forever adored.
Answers to Wildlife Attractant Word Scramble
SPONSORS OF THIS GUIDE
SPONSORS OF THIS GUIDE
This publication is made possible with the participation of local businesses and organizations. Show your appreciation by giving them your support.
