THIS ACTIVEDAYS TRIP IS ORGANIZED BY THE ACTIVEDAYS COMMUNITY. SEE ALL ACTIVEDAYS TRIPS AND JOIN US VIA OUR FACEBOOK GROUP!

Arrowhead Provincial Park makes being outside in the winter weather SO EASY! Not only is it located in one of the most beautiful places in Ontario, but there is also something for everyone. Now, this trip is extra special because not only will you get to play outside in the winter weather, but you'll also get to be out after dark! Come experience Arrowhead's skate trail by torch-lamp.

DAY SCHEDULE

12:00pm - Pick up at 34 Asquith Ave (near Yonge and Bloor)

12:45pm - Pick up at Major Mackenzie

3:00pm - Arrive Arrowhead Provincial Park

3:00pm - 5:00pm: Trek snowshoe/ ski/ hike in small or large groups on the trail system

3:15pm - 4:45pm - optional group hike led by Carly Joynt, Toronto ActiveDays Coordinator

Be sure to grab your skate rentals at the visitors centre by 5:00pm, it gets really busy after that

5:00 - 6:00 - Dinner - please pack yourself a delicious meal to enjoy in the visitor's centre. There are microwaves and sinks for your use, along with coin-operated lockers

6:00pm- 7:45pm - Skating on the outdoor rink by torchlight!

8:15pm - departure to Toronto

WHAT TO BRING

Dinner (nut free please!)If you can, bring something warm- This helps a lot in staying warm on a cold day

A Warm Drink (optional but having something warm in a thermos to enjoy by the fire would be so nice)

Winter boots!

Water (at least 1.5L)

Skis, Snowshoes, Skates (All of these are rentable at Arrowhead too)

Medications

Weather appropriate clothing- Layer up!- wool is great as a middle layer as it helps wick water away from the body and keep you warm!

Camera

Whatever else you need to have fun on the trail :)

WHAT TO EXPECT WITH ACTIVEDAYS

To us, facilitating this event is about creating an environment that you can engage with in your own way. This is your experience and everyone has their own relationship with the outdoors and their bodies. We want to meet you where you are at — you can take part in the hike as casually or focused as you would like.

Active Days is also a community. This is an inclusive space to meet new people, share stories and have fun! To us, there is no better place to get to know someone than the outdoors. We all share a desire to get out, explore and move.

We will also be providing everyone a map and some information on some of the geology of the region.

All ActiveDays participants are required to sign a waiver. We will bring printed copies of the waiver to sign on the bus. You can find a digital copy of a sample waiver HERE

What is there to do in the park before we skate?

Tubing** WEATHER PERMITTED**: access to Arrowhead’s tubing hill is included in your daypass. Tubes are provided (only park-provided tubes are allowed on the hill; no toboggans)

Cross-country skiing: There are 28 km of classic ski trails and 16km of skate ski trails, ranging from beginner to expert level

Snowshoeing: explore the 8+ km of marked snowshoe trails, as well as off-trail snowshoeing through mature hardwood forest

Other winter activities: go for a snowy hike or try skijoring

What if there is no snow? Do you cancel buses because of the weather?

There is a possibility that we will cancel a bus due to weather conditions that make visit to the park unsafe or not enjoyable due to trail closures. We generally make this decisions in consultation with park staff. In case of bus cancellation, we will offer an option of a full refund, or a rebooking to a different date, if available.

What if we get too cold? Is there a place to warm up? Washrooms?

Yes! Arrowhead has several warm up shelters, which offer seating area, and tables. 2 of these shelters are located right at the bus drop-off, and several more are scattered throughout the park. Park also maintains several campfires to stay warm outside!

There are heated flush washrooms available near the skating trail.

Are there places to get food?

Park sells hot and warm drinks, chips and chocolates at the Visitor's Centre. We highly recommend that you bring dinner and drink with you to be self sufficient - and there are shelters to stay warm at while you are having dinner (or you can stay outside by the campfire).

Are equipment rentals included with the bus ticket?

We do not include equipment rentals with Arrowhead tickets because there are many different options available, and it would be difficult to organize rentals for everyone in advance. However, Arrowhead bus tickets include park entrance as well as trail passes that are valid for cross-country, snowshoe and skate trails.

How much are rentals?

Skates are $10 per 3 hours, and snowshoes are $10 for half day.

Ski packages (skis, polls, boots) are between $20 and $30 for a full day, and $17-23 for half day, with further discounts for youth and families.

Can I bring my skis/skates on the bus?

Yes! Lots of room.

Are there bathrooms on board the bus?

Yes.