This is a visit to what's probably the most iconic skating location in Ontario, Arrowhead Provincial Park. To make it even more special we'll be going for their famous Fire and Ice night which will see us skating through thick forest along a groomed 1.3km trail by torch-light.
We'll head up to Arrowhead earlier in the day, eating lunch en route and hike a couple of trails in the early afternoon that showcase some of Arrowhead's most spectacular scenery.
Once we're done with the hikes, those who need skates will go to rent those and we'll rejoin to eat our packed dinners in the heated shelters. We'll then change into ice skates to start skating after sundown.
The skating is suitable even for beginners thanks to support frames made available to help you get around. We'll have limited snowshoes and ice-spikes for those who need them and ice skates are available for rental ($15) at the park. After a couple of hours skating we'll head back home for a late arrival back in Toronto.
Hike Length: 4km total over a couple of different hikes
Terrain: Compacted snow with some short, steep climbs. Snowshoes probably won't be necessary but we'll be packing some in case. If you have ice-spikes, bring them!
Estimated time to complete: 2.5 hours to complete the hike and the lookout
10:50: Meet up at the Petro Canada gas station next to Keele Subway.
11:00 - Van leaves. Please note that we'll be leaving dead on time and don't wait for latecomers so please be on time! We'll be stopping en route for food/drink/washrooms.
14:00 - Arrive at Arrowhead Park
14:15 - 15:45 - Stubb's Falls Trail Hike
16:00 - Big Bend Look out
16:30 - Pick up ice skates
17:00 - 18:00 - Eat food, warm up
18:00 - 19:30 - Skating
22:00 - Anticipated return to Toronto
This custom map is georeferenced, meaning it will show you where you are on the map in the right software and lays out the rough path that we’ll be following. It’s opened with the Avenza app which must be downloaded and installed in advance of the adventure.
You should also download the What3words app - this makes it easy to share and find locations in the unlikely event that you get lost.
It's going to be cold so please make sure you follow the clothing advice carefully!
Winter clothing
The key for winter hiking is to have breathable layers that allow you to adjust your temperature as you start to heat up or cool down. The biggest problem you're likely to encounter is actually getting too hot - the amount of exercise you're doing means you'll warm up quickly and it's important that you vent your clothes before you start sweating because that will only make you colder once you stop.
Pay attention to your fabrics - there's a saying that cotton kills because it keeps moisture and makes you colder. Instead, go for breathable fabrics, like athletic wear or wool. Wool has the advantage of keeping you warm when it's wet but cheap polyester running gear is just fine. We've put together a simple guide to layering on our instagram.
A common mistake is to bring your heavy winter coat that you'd wear in the city - this will become very uncomfortable very quickly. If you'd like advice on what coat is suitable, we'll give you recommendations no matter your budget.
Because clothing becomes a safety issue in winter, it's particularly important that you're dress appropriately and follow these guidelines. If you turn up in clothes that could put you at risk we may have to turn you away. As always, ask us in advance if you'd like any advice, we'll be delighted to help!
Shoes
A proper winter boot that goes above the ankle is ideal but you can get away with hiking boots. Gaiters may be helpful if you have them. These go over your shoe to prevent snow coming in. Trainers and city boots are really not suitable because they won't have sufficient grip.
There's a good chance your feet are going to get wet, either through snow ingress or sweat so you should always pack a spare pair of socks when winter hiking.
Traction
You're going to find that you move more slowly and spend more effort hiking in the snow so we tend to hike shorter distances. From first snowfall you should always bring ice spikes with you. The Kahtoola Exospikes are a great option if you have the budget, otherwise Amazon has plenty of cheaper options. You rarely need snowshoes unless the snow is really deep and powdery and hiking with them usually requires even more energy.
We're bringing ice spikes and snowshoes for those who don't have their own
Ice Skates
If you have your own ice skates, bring them. Otherwise, they're available for rental for $15 - you should make sure you're at the rental area in plenty of time in order to get some for the skate trail. You're recommended to wear a helmet.
Winter Hiking packing list
Have any questions? Ask us on the Discord! Members who turn up dressed in a way that puts themselves at risk will not be able to join us.
Lunch - Either eat before you meet us, bring a packed lunch or pick it up when we stop at the OnRoute
Dinner - Bring a packed lunch to eat there
(Arrowhead does sell hot drinks and snacks if you do get peckish)
We'll have ice spikes and snowshoes with us for anyone who needs them. You should pack your own ice skates or rent them there.
Self drivers will need to book a parking pass on the Arrowhead website - be sure to select “Day Use + Fire and Ice Evening Skate” when you reserve. Your Fire and Ice permit is valid for the full day including the Fire and Ice event in the evening.
Hiking injuries - Wear appropriate footwear, ice spikes and hike within your abilities. If you need extra support, bring hiking poles.
Cold exposure - Ensure that you've brought the clothing outlined above so you're comfortable.
Getting lost - Stay with the group at all times to avoid getting lost. You should also download the map in advance to your phone. If you do find your lost, stay where you are until you've been located. There should be cell phone reception where we're going.
Ice Skating - You're recommended to wear a helmet, these are available for free with rentals
The indigenous people who historically lived in the area that is now occupied by Arrowhead Provincial Park were the Anishinaabe, also known as the Ojibwe or Chippewa. They are one of the largest indigenous groups in North America, with a traditional territory that covered much of present-day Ontario, as well as parts of Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan.
They have a rich cultural heritage and have lived in the region for thousands of years before the arrival of European settlers. Today, many Anishinaabe people continue to live in this area and maintain a strong connection to the land and its resources.
Learn more here.
