Get a taste of pure winter adventure this season on a fully-outfitted and guided snowmobile tour.
If you’ve travelled through northern Ontario during winter, you’ve likely seen signage, trails and facilities for snowmobiles, motorized vehicles on sleds designed to travel on snow and ice. This utilitarian mode of winter transportation is also a flourishing sport that attracts thrill-seekers of all ages and walks of life.
Somewhere between the power of the engine, the spectacular winter scenery and the crisp, clean air, snowmobiling delivers an invigorating adrenaline rush and an indescribable feeling of freedom.
Are you game?
Here are five well-established and professional companies and resorts who will hook you up with expert guides, beginner instructions and the necessary equipment and gear.
All you need to bring is your sense of adventure (and warm, weatherproof clothing).
Back Country Tours, Dwight, Muskoka
From rentals to catered guided tours, Back Country will get you out on the trail to ultimate snowmobile adventure, including the mind-blowing Star Gazer Tour, because ‘some things are just better after dark’!
Sled Tours at Mountainview Lodge, Searchmont, Algoma Country
Welcome to snowmobiling paradise. Northeast of Sault Ste Marie, and the Michigan border, Mountainview is nestled in the Goulais River Valley, surrounded by the mountainous terrain of the vast Canadian Shield and offers guided snowmobile tours. Sledding doesn’t get better than this.
Highland Wilderness Tours, Maynooth, Hasting Highlands
Ride the wilderness of Madawaska Highlands just south of Algonquin Park on beautifully groomed OFSC trails. Various guided tours cater to everyone, from beginners to diehard slednecks, making these guys your go-to for the first, second or umptieth ride.
Photo credit: Deerhurst Resort
Guided Tours at Deerhurst Resort, Huntsville, Muskoka
One of Ontario’s favourite resorts caters to everyone in the family with safe, kid-friendly snowmobile action. In partnership with Yamaha Riding Adventures, choose from a variety of guided tours, including children’s mini-sled rides!
Call Of The Wild, Haliburton, Haliburton Highlands
Ok, so this tour is for sledders with some experience under the belt, but we included it because it’s fully guided, outfitted, and seriously awesome. The award-winning three-day trip from Haliburton, to Bancroft, Barry’s Bay and through Algonquin Park will lead you to some of the most incredible wilderness trails in the world.
Read the snowmobile guide to find out what you need to know before you head out on a snowmobile tour. And for more experienced to avid riders, get the 411 on Ontario’s snowmobile season, from new trails, sled-welcoming accommodations and weather predictions.