8 bucket list snowmobile adventures in Ontario
Round Algonquin Park Tour | Virgil Knapp
Ontario’s world-class network of sledding trails, prescribed and operated by the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC), is diverse enough to keep you busy for the rest of your snowmobiling career.
Here is a list of some of the most unique routes you need to ride, snowmobile-friendly places you need to stay at and attractions you have to see to believe.
Check out this Ontario snowmobile bucket list and start planning your next ride of a lifetime.
Ride above the “Niagara of the North”
Just outside of Thunder Bay, Kakabeka Falls is the second-highest waterfall in Ontario. Now picture yourself riding your sled less than 30 metres (100 feet) from the edge of this natural wonder and feeling the thundering power of these massive falls.
North Western Ontario Trails Association (NWOTA) features a snowmobiling tour that loops riders between Atikokan and Kenora. Ride out of Atikokan to Kakabeka Falls via TOP A Trail or out of Thunder Bay via Snowmobiling Trailer Service (contact Thunder Bay Adventure Trails).
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Visit the world’s only log castle
Completed in 1915, White Otter Castle has been shrouded in mystery for over 100 years. As the legend goes, woodsman Jimmy McOuat single-handedly built the remote “castle” to prove himself to his community or as a gift to an unrequited love—or both.
Regardless, this three-story red-pine structure is a strange sight in the middle of an otherwise inaccessible wilderness. Check out the White Otter Loop for a short weekend route that leads right to the castle.
Ride out of Atikokan and stay locally at Quetico Inn.
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Snowmobile across an international border
Not many people know this, but you can actually ride directly from the U.S. into Canada at four border crossing points in Northwest Ontario.
You'll need both a Minnesota and an Ontario Snowmobile Trail Permit, but this is one of those bragging rights experiences that not many sledders can claim.
Apply for a remote border crossing permit with Canada Customs if you’re entering Canada from the U.S. Ride into Ontario, Canada, from the U.S. via Grand Marias, Crane Lake, International Falls or Baudette. For info, call (218) 283-8611.
If you’re travelling from Canada to the U.S., you’ll need to check in with a border agent via videophone because of the remote location. These locations include south of Kashabowie, west of Atikokan and at Fort Frances or Rainy River. Call Pigeon River (807) 964-2093, Fort Frances (807) 274-3655 or Rainy River (807) 852-3341.
Nearby hotels include Quetico Inn in Atikokan and the Super 8 or La Place Rendez-Vous in Fort Frances.
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Explore an awesome network of private trails
There are limited private snowmobile trails in North America, but Haliburton Forest and Wild Life Reserve is one of the few exceptions.
This wilderness attraction features over 400 kilometres (264 miles) of groomed trails through 40,468 hectares (100,000 acres) of forest, not connected to the OFSC-prescribed snowmobile trails in Ontario. On-site snowmobile rentals are available.
These trails generally open for a full season, early and late. Haliburton Forest is home to wildlife, including moose, deer and foxes, and features an interesting wolf sanctuary if you want to add some variety to your vacation—a variety of year-round accommodation options round out your stay. Ride out of Haliburton.
Useful link: Snowmobiling adventures in Haliburton Forest
Complete Ontario’s oldest snowmobile tour
Algonquin Park, Ontario’s oldest and arguably most beloved provincial park, is at the heart of this epic three-day ride.
Known as the Round Algonquin Park Tour (RAP), it’s an easy route to jump on at any point and follow in either direction. The circle tour showcases a vast diversity of landscapes, from the mixed forests of the Almaguin and Haliburton Highlands to riverside trails in the Ottawa Valley.
Ride out of North Bay, Mattawa, Pembroke, Haliburton or Dorset. A stay at Spectacle Lake Lodge in Barry’s Bay is highly recommended. Other accommodations along the route include Quality Inn, North Bay, Mattawa Adventure Camp, Pembroke’s Best Western, Sir Sam’s Inn in Haliburton and Dorset’s Blue Spruce Resort.
Useful links:
- Haliburton County Snowmobile Association
- Snow Country Snowmobile Region
- Highland Rovers Snowmobile Club
- Algonquin Snowmobile Club
- Tall Pines Snowmobile Club
- South Shore/Restoule Snowmobile Club
- Near North Snowdrifters Snowmobile Club
- Near North Trail Association
- OFSC District 6
- OFSC District 7
Sled like an Ontario local
The OFSC-prescribed Seguin Trail is a favourite among local and visiting sledders.
It cuts from Parry Sound on the shores of Georgian Bay all the way east to Algonquin Provincial Park. Combining old railway trails, wooden bridges, rock cuts and lake crossings, it’s a cross-section of the best that Ontario has to offer.
The communities at either end live for snowmobilers, so expect to have a warm welcome when you reach either destination. Near Parry Sound, dine at Blakes Memories of Muskoka or at the east end of the Sequin Trail, fuel up at Fork on Main in Kearney.
Ride out from Parry Sound in the west or Kearney at the east end of the trail. Accommodation options include Jolly Roger Inn & Resort in Parry Sound and Edgewater Park Lodge in Kearney.
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Soak in Northern French culture
For a unique, international flavour, visit Hearst, a Francophone community located at the western end of the popular Northern Corridor. While French is the predominant language spoken, you’ll be able to communicate in English too.
Hearst is a popular destination for riders heading north from Sault Ste. Marie on Agloma’s epic All the Way There snowmobile route. Take a few extra days to explore club trails north of town, including the Missinaibi Expedition Tour.
Ride out west from Cochrane or north from Sault Ste. Marie. Stay at Villa Inn and Suites or The Companion Motel in Hearst and at Best Western Swan Castle Inn or Westway Motel in Cochrane.
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Discover a winter canyon playground
Known for its incredibly deep powder snow, the hilly Abitibi Canyon is Northeastern Ontario’s most popular backcountry riding adventure.
Located at the northern end of the Abitibi Canyon Tour, an Ontario Snowmobile Trail Permit is required to access this winter playground via TOP Trail A103. Fuel up at Base Camp Abitibi Canyon before heading out to play in the great north wilderness.
Ride out of Cochrane and opt to stay at one of these local lodgings: Best Western Swan Castle Inn, Flood's Landing Cabins or Westway Motel.
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Snowmobiling in Ontario is one of winter’s most exciting recreational activities. These epic routes and trails take the sport to a whole new level, delivering the kind of adventure you’ll be talking about long after the snow melts.
Last updated: December 3, 2025