ALWAYS check Alerts and other information on the official website, as conditions and facility availability are subject to change.
News
Day Use Vehicle Permits: Because of this park’s popularity, it will need permits to be purchased in advance to guarantee park access. This process was started in 2021 and will be kept for 2023.
If you’re smart, grab the permit before any visit, even mid-week. We found this out the hard way at our local Provincial Park.
You can buy the vehicle permit up to 5 days in advance, which guarantees you access to the park on that day. If you have an annual or season pass, you should still book your permit online, but there’s no extra charge.
New Camping Rules for 2023 (14-night max) – new for 2023 are revised rules about the maximum number of nights you can camp. In this park, if you are camping between July 1 and the Saturday of the Labour Day long weekend, you’ll be restricted to no more than 14-nights at this park. Outside of those dates, it’s still the old 23-night maximum. Ontario Parks promises this will be clear when booking.
Rules for backcountry camping and the roofed accommodation haven’t changed.
Facebook and Website Links
Arrowhead Official website
Arrowhead Official Facebook
Information
Phone #: 705-789-5105
Main entrance co-ordinates: 45.3915 , -79.2140
Address: 451 Arrowhead Park Rd. Huntsville, P1H 2J4
Opening seasons: January 1, 2023 to December 31, 2023
Activities
Winter Activities
As an all-year-round park, there are many opportunities to snowshoe, X-country ski, hike and even camp.
Snowshoing
Snowshoes are available to rent at this park. But, it’s always best to call ahead to make sure that snowshoes are available.
There is over 8km of marked snowshoe trails and freedom to explore through the mature woodland.
Camping & Accomodation
Car Camping
Arrowhead offers camping in three campgrounds: Roe, East River, and Lumby.
Roe Campground generally offers the most private, well-drained sites. The beach near this campground is less crowded and offers great access for fishing.
East River Campground is great for RVs, especially along Road 10. It is also closest to Stubbs Falls – a wonderful area to explore. The beach here is also a designated day-use beach so tends to be busier.
Lumby is divided into two sections: north and south and they are quite similar. Forest cover in Lumby Campground is mixed deciduous forest. It offers great sites for tent trailers and tents. The dog beach is located nearest to the north Lumby Campground.
Radio-Free Camping
Roads 1-4 in East River and South Lumby Campground are radio-free from May until September.
Hiking, Biking & Paddling
Hiking
Beaver Meadow Trail – 7 km (2 hours) moderate
Arrowhead’s longest trail passes Porcupine Bluffs, the remnant shoreline of a huge ancient lake. The bluffs are easily visible in the spring and fall but are hidden during the leafy summer months. The trail circles a large beaver pond with large rafts of cattails where you might see otter, moose, Great Blue Heron, Tree Swallows, and, of course, beavers. Near the end, the trail crosses a field and you can see evidence of the once successful Oke homestead—old fence lines, building foundations, and domestic plants such as rhubarb and apple trees.
Big Bend Lookout – easy
This short walk from the parking lot on Roe Campground Road leads to a panoramic view of the meandering Big East River and the surrounding Muskoka terrain.
Homesteaders Trail – 3 km (1 hour) moderate
In the 1870s, homesteaders cleared this area. Take this trail across moderately rugged terrain and see traces of abandoned farm fields now reclaimed by the young forest.
Mayflower Lake Trail – 1 km (30 minutes) moderate
Ten thousand years ago, Mayflower Lake was a small bay in a large glacial lake. Today it is a small, deep, spring-fed lake. Its cold, clear waters provide ideal habitat for cold-water fish such as Rainbow Trout. This trail has several lengthy climbs and descents over the hills surrounding Mayflower Lake and can be muddy, so wear your hiking boots.
Stubb’s Falls Trail – 2 km (45 minutes) easy
Take this trail in early spring when wildflowers and songbirds will be your reward. At Stubb’s Falls, the Little East River rushes down a rock chute. Stop here for a pleasant respite.
Biking
If you’re looking for some moderately challenging mountain bike trails, the 4.5 km Arrowhead Lake Trail and 3 kilometers long Lookout Track should do just fine!
Paddling
Visit our partner website for more information about canoeing, kayaking, and paddle boarding at Arrowhead Provincial Park.
Winter Activities
Arrowhead provincial park is located almost three hours away from Downtown Toronto and located near Huntsville, Ontario. Best reached by car.
Arrowhead is open for day use year-round for your winter activities. Vehicle permits are required all year. You can get them at the parking lot or buy them online before leaving home. There’s parking available.
Bring your snowshoes or cross-country skis and enjoy a wonderland experience close to home.
Parking and self-serve permits are available at the main park office. Vehicle permits are required year-round.
Arrowhead’s winter offerings are well-known across Ontario, and for a good reason. There is nowhere better to go when you want a spot of cross-country skiing or snowshoeing in the forest while also enjoying some leisure time skating on an ice trail!
Before heading out, you can check snow conditions on the park’s official website.
In the winter, Arrowhead’s Visitor Centre rents ice skates and snowshoes to those who want a fun way to explore this picturesque park.
Being so close to Huntsville, there are plenty of places to get hot drinks, snacks, and meals.
Maps & Resources
An overview map of Arrowhead Provincial Park and summer and winter trail maps are available on the official website.