Ontario park lets you skate through a snowy forest lit with torches

The winter months are a great time to visit Arrowhead Provincial Park, where you can experience its skating trail that loops through the forest, a popular winter attraction this time of year.

The trail is a 1.3-kilometre loop, suitable for skaters of all levels, that weaves through the forest and is lit by firelight torches on "Fire and Ice" nights which begin later in January.

Although opening dates have yet to be announced — they depend on weather conditions needed to support proper maintenance — organizers anticipate the trail will open sometime in mid to late January.

In the meantime, visitors can purchase tickets for their next trip at Arrowhead Provincial Park in advance. Guests no longer need to purchase permits or day passes on site. Now, passes and permits can be booked online up to dive days in advance on the  Ontario Parks website. 

Park representatives suggest visiting the park and the skating trail in particular on weekdays when it is less crowded and the ice is typically in optimal condition.

Of course, there are plenty of other activities to enjoy at Arrowhead when you visit. Skiing is another popular option, and this year the park is bringing back its annual ski race after a two-year hiatus. Guests can take part in different races based on skill level once the events open to the public.

Arrowhead Provincial Park is open year-round and is located at 451 Arrowhead Park Rd., Huntsville, Ont.