The best cycling routes in Arrowhead Provincial Park

Arrowhead Provincial Park and its surrounding region offer a variety of touring cycling routes. You can find 8 routes documented on komoot, ranging from easy loops within the park to more challenging regional paths.

The terrain in Arrowhead Provincial Park is shaped by ancient glaciers, featuring diverse landscapes. Within the park, you'll find multi-use double-track paths, some with steep hills, like the Arrowhead Provincial Park loop. Outside the park, routes often follow paved roads through mixed forests, past lakes, and over Canadian Shield rock formations, with moderate elevation changes characteristic of the Muskoka region.

Yes, there are routes suitable for various skill levels. The Arrowhead Provincial Park loop from Arrowhead Provincial Park is an easy, family-friendly multi-use trail that circles Arrowhead Lake, though it does include some steep sections. This route is 4.9 miles (7.9 km) long and offers scenic views.

For experienced cyclists seeking a greater challenge, routes like the Oxtongue River – Schufelt Lake loop from Deerhurst Resort offer a more demanding experience. This route spans 95.1 km with significant elevation changes, providing a rigorous ride through the Muskoka countryside. Another difficult option is the Music Café – Trinity United Church loop from Huntsville, covering 48.8 km.

While cycling, you can experience the park's rich natural beauty. The Arrowhead Provincial Park loop offers views of Arrowhead Lake and a wetland where Great Blue Herons are often spotted. Nearby, you can visit Stubb's Falls, a rugged Canadian Shield waterfall, or the Big Bend Lookout for panoramic views of the Big East River. The region is also known for its lush mixed forests, particularly vibrant in the fall.

Arrowhead Provincial Park is home to diverse wildlife. Cyclists might spot great blue herons and tree swallows around the lakes and wetlands. The forests are also home to otters, moose, and beavers, which can often be observed near beaver ponds along various trails.

The warmer months, from spring through fall, are ideal for touring cycling. The fall is particularly stunning when the hardwood forests display vibrant reds, oranges, and golds. While the park's internal trails are more geared towards mountain biking, the broader Muskoka region offers excellent road and gravel routes during these seasons.

While the park is a winter wonderland, its internal trails are primarily groomed for fat biking, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing. From 2025 onwards, the Lookout Trail will be groomed for multi-use activities, including fat biking. For traditional touring cycling, the winter months are generally less suitable due to snow and ice conditions on roads and trails.

Yes, an Ontario Parks permit is required for trail access within Arrowhead Provincial Park. It's advisable to check the official Ontario Parks website for current permit requirements and fees before your visit.

Yes, bike rentals are available at the park's Visitor Centre. This provides a convenient option if you don't bring your own bicycle.

Yes, parking is available within Arrowhead Provincial Park, typically at the Visitor Centre, which serves as a central hub for accessing the park's trails and facilities. For routes starting outside the park, such as the Music Café – Trinity United Church loop from Huntsville Marine, parking would be available at the designated starting points in nearby towns.

The touring cycling routes in Arrowhead Provincial Park and the surrounding area are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 2 reviews. Cyclists often praise the scenic views, the diverse landscapes shaped by ancient glaciers, and the variety of routes available for different skill levels.