Big Bend Lookout - Arrowhead Provincial Park
Big Bend Lookout: A Window to Muskoka's Ancient Past
Arrowhead Provincial Park: Muskoka's Natural Playground
Discover Muskoka's natural beauty at Arrowhead Provincial Park: hiking, camping, skating, and more await in this year-round outdoor paradise.
Arrowhead Provincial Park, nestled in the heart of Muskoka, offers a year-round escape into nature with stunning landscapes, diverse activities, and abundant wildlife. From summer swimming and paddling to winter skating and skiing, this park provides a memorable outdoor experience for all.
Plan your visit
A brief summary to Arrowhead Provincial Park
Opening times, essentials, and a few local tips gathered into one calmer, easier-to-scan planning section.
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Getting There
Driving
Arrowhead Provincial Park is located approximately 7 km north of Huntsville, Ontario, accessible via Highway 11. From Huntsville, follow Highway 11 north and turn onto Arrowhead Park Road. The park entrance is a short drive from the highway. Parking is available on-site, but a vehicle permit is required and reservations are recommended, especially during peak seasons. Daily park permits cost $21 per vehicle. Be prepared to walk 200-400m from the parking lots to the skating or skiing trails.
Public Transport
Parkbus, a private transportation company, offers limited services between Toronto and Arrowhead Provincial Park. Check their schedule and book in advance. From the drop-off point, follow the park's internal roads to reach the visitor center and main attractions. Confirm the precise drop-off location with Parkbus when booking. The cost for Parkbus varies depending on the route and time of year.
Local tips
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Reserve your daily vehicle permit in advance, especially during peak seasons and weekends, to guarantee entry.
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Visit during the weekdays to avoid crowds, particularly at the popular ice skating trail in winter.
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Check the Snow Report for up-to-date ski and skating conditions during the winter months.
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Bring appropriate gear for your chosen activity, such as hiking boots, swimwear, skis, or snowshoes.
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Explore the park's diverse trails to discover hidden gems like Stubb's Falls and the Big Bend Lookout.
Discover more about Arrowhead Provincial Park
Arrowhead Provincial Park, established in 1971, is a 1,237-hectare natural environment park located in the Muskoka region, just north of Huntsville. The park is known for its diverse landscape of forests, rivers, and lakes, offering a wide range of recreational activities throughout the year.In the summer, visitors can enjoy three sandy beaches on Arrowhead Lake, perfect for swimming and sunbathing. The calm, motorboat-free waters of Arrowhead and Mayflower Lakes are ideal for canoeing, kayaking, and paddleboarding, with rentals available on-site. Hiking enthusiasts can explore over 15 km of trails, including the popular Stubb's Falls Trail leading to a scenic waterfall and the Big Bend Lookout Trail with panoramic views of the Big East River.As the seasons change, Arrowhead transforms into a winter wonderland. The park is famous for its 1.3-km ice skating trail that winds through the forest, offering a magical experience. Cross-country skiers can enjoy 28 km of classic ski trails and 16 km of skate ski trails, while snowshoeing enthusiasts can explore marked and off-trail routes. The park also offers winter camping and cozy camp cabins for a unique overnight experience.Arrowhead's rich history includes its initial opening for camping in 1966 before officially becoming a provincial park in 1971. The land was surveyed in 1867 and initially offered for farming, but its rocky terrain proved more suitable for logging. Today, Arrowhead Provincial Park is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and families, offering a blend of natural beauty and recreational opportunities year-round.
A brief summary to Arrowhead Provincial Park
Use Arrowhead Provincial Park as your starting point for nearby food, family ideas, nightlife, and more local discoveries.
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