Scenic Views · Fishing · Ontario
A short, easy walk to a viewing deck over a sharp bend in the Big East River in Arrowhead Provincial Park near Huntsville, ON. Especially popular in fall; park day-use fees apply.
Big Bend Lookout is a wooden deck perched above a steep sandy bank where the Big East River loops back on itself in a tight meander. The exposed layers of sand and silt are left over from a glacial delta, and the view across the valley is one of Arrowhead's signature sights. Visitors single it out as a photo stop, especially when the hardwoods turn in autumn.
It's close to the parking area and the walk is short and easy, so it works for most visitors. Reviewers say it's well maintained and signed from the park road, and many pair it with the Stubb's Falls trail nearby.
Arrowhead has plenty more to fill a day: sandy beaches, canoe and kayak rentals, campgrounds and several trails. Anglers can fish the park's lakes with an Ontario licence; Mayflower Lake is stocked with rainbow trout and Arrowhead Lake has smallmouth bass. In winter the park is known for its skating trail and cross-country skiing.
The lookout is inside the provincial park, so you need a day-use permit. Fall weekends are busy across the park, and a midweek visit is calmer.
Summarised from visitor reviews on Google Maps. Based on 579 Google reviews. Conditions and rules change — check current park, access and fishing regulations before you go.
