From the epic big mountains of BC to endless trails of the prairies and the breathtaking Atlantic ocean vistas of the Maritimes, every inch of Canada is worth exploring, no matter the season. With winter here and snow falling across the country, many outdoor adventurers are tuning up their sleds and getting ready to plunder Mother Nature’s winter bounty.
To celebrate the start of snowmobile season, we have put together a list of some of our favourite places to ride across the massive snowmobile playground that is Canada. Some of these areas are well known, while others you may not have heard of - either way, we hope you get inspired to get out and enjoy the beautiful Canadian outdoors!
British Columbia
Houston
This small town in BC’s northern interior has been described as one big staging area with trails extending in all directions. While this is basically true, there are three main riding areas managed by the local snowmobile club – Telkwa Range, Dungate Meadows and Rhine Ridge/Sibola. The club also maintains several cabins throughout the backcountry, with wood stoves and first aid kits for emergencies.
Valemount
With a vast amount of terrain, a beautiful mountain setting and plenty of small town charm, Valemount is a sledder’s paradise. The amount of trails you can ride really depends on how much time you want to spend on the sled – your opportunities are virtually endless. Some good areas to check out include Clemina Creek, which offers wide groomed trails perfect for family riding and Chappell Creek, a real alpine deep-powder playground.
Image: Clemina Creek B.C - @bpilgrim_
Revelstoke
Although it is better known as a skiing and snowboarding destination, Revelstoke has been an epic sledding destination for many years, and any dedicated snowmobiler will tell you all about the area’s big mountains and massive snowpack. Groomed trails can be found in places like Frisby Ridge and Sale Mountain, while Mount McCrae and Turtle Mountain offer a good challenge for experienced backcountry riders.
Image: Frisby Ridge - @dangerleblanc
Alberta
Whitecourt
Known for outstanding snow conditions and a dedicated snowmobile club, Whitecourt is home to an extensive network of groomed trails, including the 120 km (75 mi) Eagle Loop and the 90 km (55 mi) Silver Summit Trail, among many others. Whitecourt also offers access to the Golden Triangle, a 350 km (220 mi) multi-day loop that connects with the towns of Fox Creek and Swan Hills.
Crowsnest Pass
Better suited for experienced snowmobiles, this area near the BC border offers deep powder and some truly glorious mountain riding. Additionally, the small towns scattered along Highway 3 are very snowmobile friendly and it is easy to find places to stock up and food, gas and other supplies. Some of the main riding areas include Lost Lake, Crowsnest Mountain and Widow Mountain.
Fort McMurray
More than just an industry town, Fort McMurray offers over 275 km (170 mi) of groomed trails that criss-cross through the area’s beautiful backcountry, and Fort Mac’s northern location allows for an extended sledding season. To the south of town, Stoney Mountain is a popular sledding destination, while Thickwood Tower to the northwest offers a good mix of beginner and advanced terrain.
Saskatchewan
Yorkton
With over 500 km (310 mi) of groomed trails and 12 warm-up cabins scattered throughout the surrounding area, Yorkton is as a good as it gets for sledders. Many of the trails connect right to the city, so you can literally access this extensive trail network from your backyard. Not only that, but both Duck Mountain Provincial Park and Good Spirit Lake Provincial Park are found nearby, offering heaps of terrain to play around in.
Hudson Bay
Surrounded by five million acres of provincial forest, much of Hudson Bay’s amazing sledding terrain can be accessed right from town. The Pasquia Hills to the north of town and the Porcupine Hills to the southeast both offer some spectacular higher elevation riding, with countless viewpoints to pause at and enjoy the scenery. Additionally, Wildcat Hill Provincial Wilderness Park is a great choice for sledding in a pristine environment – keep your eyes peeled for wildlife.
Image: Wildcat Hill Provincial Park - @kelly_tiller
North Battleford
450 km (280 mi) of maintained trails are found around North Battleford, leading through a mix of aspen parkland, boreal forest and rolling plains. The local snowmobile club has 10 warm-up shelters throughout this trail system, with each shelter equipped with a wood-stove and solar panels. One popular route in North Battleford is the Denholm Loop, an easy 70 km (45 mi) ride that takes you to the Whitewood Lakes.
Manitoba
The Pas
Surrounded by bush trails, open fields, forest, lakes and rivers, the area around The Pas is a sledder’s playground. 350 km (215 mi) of groomed trails are maintained by the local club, along with seven warm-up cabins scattered throughout the system. Some of the more popular trails include the Atik Trail, which travels to the north side of Rocky Lake, and the trails around Clearwater Lake which wind through the boreal forest.
Lac Du Bonnet
Conveniently located close to the trails of four different snowmobile clubs, Lac Du Bonnet is known for its endless routes and beautiful scenery. The Lee River Snow Riders, Nopiming Snomads, Eastmand SnoPals and Mooswa Lake Snow Riders all pitch in to make this one of Manitoba’s premiere snowmobiling destinations. Warm-up shelters are scattered throughout and we recommend stopping by the Nopiming Lodge for a burger and brew.
Image: Lac Du Bonnet - @jensmithson
Swan Valley
With over 750 km (460 mi) of trails groomed by two local clubs, along with 11 warm-up shelters spread out through the seemingly endless scenic countryside, Swan Valley is what rural Manitoban snowmobile dreams are made of. The valley sits at a fairly high elevation and its proximity to Duck Mountain and Porcupine Hills allows for a bountiful snowpack and considerably long riding season.
Image: Duck Mountain - @scott_9dorf
Ontario
RAP Tour
The Round Algonquin Park Tour is one of Ontario’s most celebrated snowmobile loops, and that is saying something for a province with the world’s largest network of interconnected snowmobile trails. The tour spans the territory of 14 different snowmobile clubs and can be done in three to four days, with plenty of options for side trips to extend your journey – we recommend taking a detour to the ice caves located just north of Kearney.
Bon Echo Loop
Featuring a mix of abandoned rail lines, thick lakeside forests and well-groomed access roads, this loop takes one to two days to complete and is perfect for early or late season riding due to the area’s generous snowfall. One highlight along the loop is the lookout over Mazinaw Lake, as well as the nearby pictographs.
Halliburton Forest
Halliburton Forest offers a unique snowmobiling experience – it is the only wholly privately owned snowmobiling operation in the world. 300 km (185 mi) of groomed trails lead through the forest’s 80,000 acre wilderness, which is scattered with over 50 lakes. Situated on the “Algonquin Dome,” the Halliburton Forest enjoys consistently higher snowfall than its surrounding areas.
Quebec
The Gaspé Peninsula
Famous for its mix of mountains and sea, this area south of the St. Lawrence River offers thousands of kilometers well maintained trails that lead you through rugged and breathtaking landscapes – one of many highlights is Roche Perce, one of the most recognizable rock formations in the country. It is possible to ride an extended 10 day, 1,920 km (1,195 mi) loop around the entire peninsula, from Riviére-du-Loup in the south to Gaspé in the north and back again.
The Haute Gatineau
The high ground surroundings the upper Gatineau River features thousands of kilometers of groomed trails through a mix open fields, woodlots, dense forests, backroads and former railways. The area is also home to many lakes that, when frozen, offer some great riding. Local communities are very snowmobile friendly, and it common to see fellow riders in full snowmobile gear unwinding at the local pubs and restaurants.
The Laurentians
Located not far from the Haute Gatineau, this area’s spectacular snowmobiling is no secret. With an average 350 cm (140 in) snowfall and over 2,500 km (1,550 mi) of groomed trails, this area offers some of the best snowmobiling in Quebec. One of the major draws for snowmobilers here is the spectacular mountain riding, including the 780 metre (2,560 ft) Devil’s Mountain and the 970 metre (3,200 ft) Mont Tremblant.
Image: Devils Mountain - @jack_morgan9
New Brunswick
Bathurst
Proudly calling itself “The Snowmobile Capital of Atlantic Canada,” the area around Bathurst boasts average winter temperatures of -5° C, average snowfalls of 400 cm (160 in) and over 3,000 km (1,865 mi) of professionally groomed trails. Trails are well signed and maps are located throughout. When sledding in the area, be sure to stop by the Governors Wilderness Lodge at Popple Depot for gas, food, lodging and a bit of socializing with your fellow riders.
Campbellton
Located in the heart of the Appalachian Mountain Range along the Restigouche River, Campbellton is a gem of northern New Brunswick’s snowmobile circuit. Friendly accommodations, well-groomed trails and easy access to the Gaspésie region of Quebec make this a must-visit destination for snowmobilers in Atlantic Canada.
Miramichi
Around 300 km (185 mi) of trails can be found in the Miramichi area, linking to the surrounding communities of Newcastle, Chatham, Douglastown, Nelson and more. Warming shelters are located throughout the well-signed trail system and it is possible to connect with trails from several other snowmobile clubs. Generous snowfall and a strong sense of community make this one of the most welcoming riding areas in New Brunswick.
Nova Scotia
Annapolis Valley
Running down the west side of Nova Scotia between Windsor and Digby, the Annapolis Valley contains over 600 km (370 mi) of groomed trails maintained by the Annapolis Valley Ridge Runners. The trails follow along lakes and streams, through forest and open fields, and even offer sweeping views of the Bay of Fundy.
Celtic Shores Coastal Trail
This 92 km (57 mi) trail offers a mix of picturesque wilderness and charming communities, stretching from Port Hastings to Inverness on the west coast of Cape Breton Island. This is a great way to mix your snowmobile adventure with some authentic Gaelic culture as you explore the restaurants and inns along this easy snowmobiling route.
Margaree Highlands
Boasting one of the highest average snowfalls in Nova Scotia, there are over 200 km (120 mi) of groomed trails to explore in this region of Cape Breton Island. From sea level, you can climb over 350 metres (1,200 ft) in elevation into the highlands, as well as connect with the Cape Clear trail system for even more deep-powder adventure.
Prince Edward Island
Snowmobiling on Prince Edward Island is relatively small compared with the rest of the country, but it is steadily growing thanks to a dedicated core of volunteers at the PEI Snowmobile Association. Approximately 650 km (400 mi) of groomed trails can be found throughout the island, with the main route following the Confederation Trail, an historic former rail line that stretches the entire length of the island.
Newfoundland and Labrador
Gros Morne National Park
This is Canada’s only National Park that allows snowmobiling and, although the activity is highly regulated within the park, the five metre (16 ft) annual snowfall makes following a few rules more than worth it. Highlights amid this pristine natural landscape include the glacier-carved fjord at Western Brook Pond, where rock walls rise to heights of 600 metres (2,000 ft) and an area west of Angus Lake nicknamed “Powder Playground.”
Lomond Sinkhole
This is a fairly short ride that will not present much of a challenge, but will allow you to see an incredible waterfall that leads into an underground river system. In the winter, the waterfall is often partially frozen, and it is possible to get off your sled and descend into the Sinkhole via a rope.
Cartwright
This coastal Labrador community offers 100 km (62 mi) of groomed trails, plenty of snow and a riding season that runs from January to April. Nearby, the Mealy Mountains offer backcountry riding, and there are plenty of other open, ungroomed areas to explore. A 54 km (33 mi) coastal trail runs along the Wonderstrands, a stretch of beach that was the site of early Viking exploration.
