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Big Bend Lookout: A Window to Muskoka's Ancient Past

Witness Muskoka's geological past at Big Bend Lookout in Arrowhead Provincial Park: panoramic views of a glacial delta and the meandering Big East River.

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Big Bend Lookout in Arrowhead Provincial Park offers panoramic views of the Big East River winding through Muskoka's landscape. A short, accessible walk leads to a viewing deck showcasing a glacial delta formed over 10,000 years ago, revealing layers of sediment and the river's meandering path.

A brief summary to Big Bend Lookout - Arrowhead Provincial Park

Local tips

  • Visit early in the morning for the most vibrant scenery and best lighting for photography.
  • Combine your visit to Big Bend Lookout with other activities in Arrowhead Provincial Park, such as hiking to Stubb's Falls or exploring the Arrowhead Lake Trail.
  • Reservations for a daily vehicle permit can be made up to five days in advance to guarantee your spot, especially during peak season.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    From Huntsville, drive north on Highway 11 and turn onto Arrowhead Park Road. Follow the signs to Roe Campground and the Big Bend Lookout parking area. A valid vehicle permit is required to enter the park; day-use permits cost $17 on weekdays and $20 on weekends. Parking is available on-site.

  • Walking

    From the Big Bend Lookout parking area, the lookout point is a short, easy walk along a well-maintained path. The path is accessible and leads directly to the viewing platform. The walk is less than 5 minutes.

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Discover more about Big Bend Lookout - Arrowhead Provincial Park

Big Bend Lookout, nestled within Arrowhead Provincial Park near Huntsville, Ontario, provides a stunning vista into Muskoka's geological history. This easily accessible scenic spot offers visitors a panoramic view of the Big East River as it carves its way through the surrounding terrain. The lookout is a short walk from the parking lot off Roe Campground Road, making it an ideal destination for all ages and abilities. From the viewing deck, you'll witness the Big East River's sweeping bend, a classic example of a meandering river. The river's shape and erosion patterns are gradually creating an oxbow lake, a process visible from the lookout. More significantly, the Big Bend Lookout offers a unique perspective on a glacial delta formed over 10,000 years ago. As a melting glacier receded, it deposited layers of sand, rock, and gravel, creating Lake Algonquin. Over millennia, the Big East River has cut into these deposits, exposing the sandy delta layers. The horizontal bands of sediment reveal the river's flow over time, with thicker bands indicating periods of greater flow. Arrowhead Provincial Park itself is a 1,237-hectare natural environment established in 1971. The park offers a diverse range of recreational activities throughout the year, including hiking, camping, swimming, and paddling in the summer, and cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and ice skating in the winter. The Big Bend Lookout provides a unique opportunity to appreciate the park's natural beauty and learn about the geological forces that have shaped the landscape.

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