{"id":60131,"date":"2018-12-29T15:58:27","date_gmt":"2018-12-29T20:58:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/huntsville.dopperonline.ca\/?p=60131"},"modified":"2019-01-01T10:34:30","modified_gmt":"2019-01-01T15:34:30","slug":"quintessential-canadian-ness-the-arrowhead-skating-trail-opens-dec-30","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/doppleronline.ca\/huntsville\/quintessential-canadian-ness-the-arrowhead-skating-trail-opens-dec-30\/","title":{"rendered":"Quintessential Canadian-ness: The Arrowhead skating trail opens Dec. 30"},"content":{"rendered":"

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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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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“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.<\/p>\n

“People are outside and participating in one of our favourite national pastimes,\u201d says Leadston. “And being outside, breathing in that forest air is really good for us.”<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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The rest area is a busy place on Fire and Ice Nights at Arrowhead Provincial Park (Photo: Cheyenne Wood)<\/p><\/div>\n

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A Fire and Ice Night on the Arrowhead skating trail (Photo: Muskoka Tourism)<\/p><\/div>\n

Fire & Ice Nights<\/strong>, 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<\/a><\/span> or Twitter feed @arropark<\/a><\/span> for updates before you go.<\/p>\n