It’s been called one of the Top 50 Canadian Winter Experiences by Flight Network and one of 19 Stunning Natural Ice Skating Rinks Around the World by Travel+Leisure: and it’s here in our own backyard.
The skating trail at Arrowhead Provincial Park is topping a lot of winter to-do lists, and why not? Bundle up, pack a lunch, and strap on some skates for an outdoor adventure like no other. At 1.3km, it’s one of the longest man-made outdoor ice-skating trails around. People of all skating abilities are invited to enjoy and embrace the Muskoka winter landscape.
And if you’ve been anxious to give it a go, the skating trail will open for the season on December 30 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
“It’s quintessential Canadian-ness,” quips John Leadston, assistant superintendent at Arrowhead Provincial Park. The trail at Arrowhead is for people who want a different skating experience, away from the noisy echoes, bright lights and circular loops of an arena.
“People are outside and participating in one of our favourite national pastimes,” says Leadston. “And being outside, breathing in that forest air is really good for us.”
Don’t have skates? It’s not a problem as the park has ice skates available for a reasonable rental fee. Skaters are encouraged to wear helmets, but must bring their own.
The busiest days on the trail tend to be Saturdays, and more than a few people have been turned away when the trail has reached capacity. Wait times of up to 30 minutes to enter the park have also been noted. If possible, midweek or Sunday visits are much more likely to ensure entrance and less crowded skating trails.
Fire & Ice Nights, held on various dates in January and February (weather depending), see the trails lined with blazing Tiki torches and are the most popular events of the season. The midweek events on Thursdays tend to be less busy but no less spectacular. Here’s the schedule, but be sure to check the park’s ski report or Twitter feed @arropark for updates before you go.
- Monday, December 31, 2018, 6-9 p.m.
- Thursday, January 3, 2019, 6-9 p.m.
- Saturday, January 12, 2019, 6-9 p.m.
- Saturday, January 19, 2019, 6-9 p.m.
- Thursday, January 24, 2019, 6-9 p.m.
- Saturday, February 2, 2019, 6-9 p.m.
- Saturday, February 9, 2019, 6-9 p.m.
- Thursday, February 14, 2019, 6-9 p.m.
- Saturday, February 23, 2019, 6-9 p.m.
- Saturday, March 2, 2019, 6-9 p.m.
- Saturday, March 9, 2019, 6-9 p.m.
Admission to the park is $17 per vehicle, providing guests with a full-day pass. Arrowhead Provincial Park also offers 33 km of cross-country ski trails, as well as snowshoeing and a tubing hill. For safety reasons, tubing enthusiasts are required to use the provided tubes and are not permitted to bring or use their own sleds. Cross-country skis and snowshoes are also available for rental at the park office.
Don’t miss out on Doppler! Sign up for our free newsletter here.
Joan Diaond says
It is a wonderful experience. “quintessential Canadian-ness”. Yes but why are you using American spelling for
Favourite. (your favorite). Even the spell check knows better
Elizabeth Rice - Doppler Publisher says
You are absolutely correct. That one slipped by in the proof reading. It has been corrected.