Ringing in 2026 at -24°C: Ontario Parks Winter Camping at Arrowhead

Ontario Parks winter camping is not for the faint of heart — and Arrowhead Provincial Park is one of the best places to learn that lesson the hard way. We closed out 2025 and welcomed 2026 winter camping at Arrowhead Provincial Park, part of the Ontario Parks system, sleeping in my VW Taos and experiencing firsthand just how serious winter camping in Ontario can be.

We arrived just after dark on New Years Eve. The drive up to Huntsville was a snowy one. We took our time and made it to our campsite. Durning the winter camping season at Arrowhead, there are only 6 campsites open and we were lucky to score one for New Years! Once we settled in, we started to make dinner. Well that didn't go as planned. We were using isobutane with the Trangia stove and it was freezing. Thank goodness I packed the electric kettle at the last minute so we were able to boil water to cook that pasta that we had planned that night.

After dinner, we walked along Arrowhead’s iconic ice skating trail. Although it was officially closed, the trail was quiet, empty, and completely still. The moon lit the sky, reflecting off the snow and ice, creating the most romantic setting for an evening walk. No crowds. No noise. Just the two of us, bundled up, ringing in the new year under a glowing winter sky.  It felt like one of those rare Ontario Parks moments where time slows down and the world feels far away. We talked, we laughed and we reflected over the past year and made promises to each other for the upcoming year.

January 1st we woke up and I asked Siri "What is the temperature outside?" She responded with "It is -24°C."

This wasn’t the cozy, postcard-style winter people imagine. This was real Ontario winter. The kind that freezes everything solid and forces you to slow down whether you want to or not. Even sleeping in the Taos, protected from the wind, with a small space heater the cold found its way into every single item we brought with us.

Water bottles were frozen solid.

Food turned rock hard overnight.

Shoes left in the car were stiff and icy by morning.

Stepping out into the park that morning felt surreal. Arrowhead was silent and snow-covered, with that deep stillness that only Ontario Parks seem to offer in winter. It was beautiful, but also humbling — a reminder that when you choose winter camping in Ontario, you’re agreeing to play by winter’s rules.

Before packing up or doing anything else, we needed coffee — urgently. Even though we had the electric kettle, all of our water was frozen. The Arrowhead park store became our saving grace. Wrapping frozen hands around a warm cup felt like luxury. That first sip alone made the entire trip feel worth it.

Arrowhead is one of Ontario Parks’ most popular winter destinations, and it’s easy to see why. The park offers excellent cross-country skiing trails, along with winter hiking and snow-covered routes that make it a standout for cold-weather adventures. Even without strapping on skis ourselves, being surrounded by such an active winter park added to the experience.

Sleeping in the Taos that night was a crash course in Ontario Parks winter camping realities. Car camping offers shelter, but winter doesn’t care about convenience. Condensation builds quickly, gear freezes easily, and preparation becomes everything. In Ontario winters, cutting corners isn’t an option.

What Ontario Parks Winter Camping Taught Me

1. Assume everything will freeze overnight

In Ontario winter conditions, anything left out will freeze. Plan to insulate water, food, and essentials — or keep them with you while you sleep.

2. Proper layering is non-negotiable

Moisture-wicking base layers, insulated mid-layers, and windproof outer layers are essential. Cotton has no place in Ontario Parks winter camping.

3. Car camping still requires serious insulation

Sleeping in the Taos helped block the wind, but insulation underneath and around us was key. We had a small space heater that we were able to plug in but a proper sleep system makes all the difference when temperatures drop this low.

4. Warm mornings matter

Have a plan for hot drinks or food first thing. Knowing warmth is coming makes getting out of your sleep setup much easier.

5. Respect Ontario winter conditions

Ontario Parks winter camping isn’t about pushing limits — it’s about adapting, slowing down, and staying aware of weather and conditions at all times.

Closing out 2025 and stepping into 2026 through Ontario Parks winter camping felt symbolic. It was cold, uncomfortable, and challenging — but also quiet, beautiful, and deeply grounding. Arrowhead offered more than a place to stay; it offered perspective and a reminder of how powerful nature can be in winter.

Would I change things next time? Absolutely.

Would I do it again? Without hesitation.

Sometimes growth doesn’t happen in comfort. Sometimes it happens at -24°C, sleeping in a frozen car, walking a moonlit Ontario Parks trail on New Year’s Eve, and holding a cup of coffee like it’s the greatest luxury in the world.

And honestly? It was a pretty incredible way to start 2026. ❄️🏕️✨

Leave me a comment on your tips and tricks for winter camping!