5 Reasons the Best Sledding is Found in Northeastern Ontario

In a place where snowmobiles often outnumber cars, we know snowmobiling.

In case you haven’t heard, winter is here and trails are starting to open across Northeastern Ontario. If the current weather is any indicator, we’re looking at a doozy of a sledding season! While that may be considered bad news for commuters and warm weather enthusiasts, it’s great news for snowmobile lovers throughout and beyond Ontario.

Remember to stay safe when you’re on the trails, crossing roadways, and over bodies of water. And stick to this general rule: if you’re not sure, don’t go.

And now, for our top five reasons to choose Northeastern Ontario for your next snowmobile adventure, starting with... 

All That Gorgeous Snow

Photo: Northeastern Ontario Tourism

Enough said. Our winters start early and they run long—often well into April. With snow making an appearance in much of the region already, it looks like we could be in store for an especially snowy one. Music to a snowmobiler’s ears! As the City of Timmins puts it: we measure snow in feet, not inches. You’re pretty much guaranteed to find the white stuff if you head northeast.

Snowmobile Culture

Expect to see more snowmobiles than cars on a snowy winter's day in Northeastern Ontario!
Photo: Valois' Motel & Restaurant in Mattawa

In Northeastern Ontario, snowmobiling is more than a hobby—it’s a way of life, and one of the best ways to make the most of winter. During the winter months, you’ll often find the parking lots of local restaurants, attractions, and gas stations full of snowmobiles instead of cars.

This is a lifestyle and it means that snowmobile culture is strong in the north. You’re guaranteed to meet a range of like-minded travellers that have come to experience it for themselves.

Eleven—Count ‘Em—Eleven OFSC Designated Snow Tours

A groomer on the trails—thank you, volunteers!
Photo: Mike Carr

Northeastern Ontario is home to the largest number of Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Club-promoted routes. These self-guided routes showcase some of the province's best riding; they're well-mapped and marked, and bring you in close proximity to the services you’ll need while on the trail. As the OFSC-promoted snow tours receive priority grooming, you’ll also find the best quality riding—“all you have to do is follow the signs”!

There are many route options to choose from in the Greater Sudbury Area. 
Photo: Northeastern Ontario Tourism

Here they are: 
 

the Best Trailside Attractions & Staging Locations

Riders in front of Sudbury's Science North.
Photo: Northeastern Ontario Tourism
 
Don't want to leave your sled? That's ok - you can ride right to your door!
Photo: Northeastern Ontario Tourism

Remember what we said about snowmobile culture? Well, it applies to our attractions and accommodations, too. Many are within a five-minute drive of the trail systems and cater specifically to snowmobilers.

Feel like a sauna or a soak after a long day on the trail? There’s a lodge for that. In search of all-you-can-eat meals, satellite TV, and WiFi? There’s a lodge for that, too.

We’ve done some of your homework for you, click here to see the lodges and resorts that offer packages for snowmobilers. 

Our Wilderness is Pristine, and There’s Plenty of It  

With miles of trails winding through some remote wilderness areas, you never know who you'll meet.

Photo: Matt Clark

We don’t just have great trails, mountains of snow, and an entire culture paying homage to snowmobilers…. we also have big-time wilderness. There’s something magical about being in the forest mid-winter. It really comes alive, and there’s no telling what or who or what you might encounter. Riders have sent us photos of wolves, moose, deer, lynx, hares, a variety of birds, and other local wildlife!  

Check trail status and find services with the OFSC's Interactive Trail Guide. 
Before hitting the trails, make sure to buy your Trail Permit here.

About Northeastern Ontario Tourism

Whether planning a fun-filled family road trip, a quick weekend expedition, or a romantic getaway, Northeastern Ontario is undeniably BIG and unbelievably close.

Recommended Articles

Spectres of the Past: A Ghost Town Field Trip

Follow this trail of abandoned communities on a road trip through the history of Northeastern Ontario

Fish for one of the World's Rarest Species of Trout

Found only in 12 remote Ontario lakes–and nowhere else in the world–the aurora trout is a special fish.

Ontario's Secret Lagoon

Discover paradise just outside of Sudbury

Northern Lights in Northeastern Ontario

5 great spots in The Seven to find the Aurora Borealis.

The Vanishing Waterfall

Visit the "new" New Post Falls in Northeastern Ontario

Complete Guide to Moosonee & Moose Factory Island

12 essential experiences for visitors.

Eat Like It's Easter!

Check out these establishments for Easter specials & events.

The Northern Lights Trip Planner

3 trip ideas for an illuminating experience in Ontario

3 Easy Weekend Trips from Brampton

Lighthouses, waterfalls, epic hikes, and the world's biggest nickel await on these easy road trips from Brampton to Ontario's north. Plan your summer vacation today!

Best Things to Do in Kirkland Lake: The Town that Gold Built

Check out a self-guided gold mine tour, a northern chateau museum, and get some beach time!

An Insider's Guide to Manitoulin Island

12 communities, sights, hikes and experiences that most first-time visitors miss!

A Guide to Mushroom Hunting

How, when and where to go, and what to look for

Cochrane: Wonderfully Unexpected

One of Canada's top 50 small towns!

Moosonee Guide: Exploring The Northern Shores of Ontario

James Bay offer travellers a chance to explore the ocean, spot marine wildlife, and camp under the stars.

Lake Nipissing Fishing Hot Spots

Nipissing is one massive lake with plenty of fishing opportunities to keep anglers exploring.

Train-in Getaways in Northeastern Ontario

11 Best Things to Do in Kapuskasing, Ontario

Gourmet cheese, hammocks in the park, and Canadian-Szechuan cuisine await in this historic lumber town

Stonehenge of the North

Huge boulders aligned with the setting sun on solstice pose more questions than answers.

Explore the Northeastern Towns of Ontario

Increase Your Odds

Visitors to the region often wonder, how do I see the Northern Lights?