Arrowhead Provincial Park in Muskoka is lacing up for another season of skating on its popular 1.3 kilometre ice trail that winds through the forest. Park staff have been busy taking advantage of the cold weather, having already laid down nearly 100 loads of water to build the trail’s ice surface. “To put that into perspective, that’s roughly 650 full bathtubs worth of water frozen into place,” Park staff noted. Despite some warmer temperatures Thursday and rain in the forecast, the team says it will continue work when conditions permit to ensure the trail is smooth and safe for skater. Staff say skating is weather dependent and typically begins in January. Once open, the skating trail is available daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with extended hours during the park’s Friday and Saturday Fire and Ice nights. On those evenings, the trail closes from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. for maintenance before reopening from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. “Skating through the forest is definitely a winter bucket list activity,” Park staff stated. Don’t have skates? Not to worry, visitors can rent hockey, figure and comfort skates at the Pavilion near the Visitor Centre and Park Store. For safety, skaters are asked to wear certified, properly fitted helmets. Hockey sticks and pucks aren’t allowed on the trail, and pets aren’t permitted on the ice, but are welcome near the firepit area at the trail’s start. Additionally, staff noted strollers with rubber wheels and toboggans are allowed. New and young skaters can use skate aids free of charge, available on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrowhead Provincial Park is located about seven kilometres north of Huntsville, just off Highway 11. Visitors can reach the park by taking exit 226, turning right onto Muskoka Road 3, then left onto Arrowhead Park Road.
