Northeastern Ontario is known for being home to some of the world’s best snowmobiling, and it’s easy to see why. With the record snowfalls each year, and the amount of effort that clubs and municipalities put into grooming and maintaining these trails, the systems are expansive. Just don’t forget: these trails fall under the jurisdiction of the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs, so make sure you get a permit before you head out on any of the trails that you hear about.
The City of Timmins boasts ideal conditions for snowmobiling—averaging 10 feet of snow per year, there is always a fresh snowfall to be groomed and ridden. The Timmins Snowmobile Club maintains and grooms over 440 km of trails, as a part of the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs, and ensures a smooth ride.
Though many come into the city to visit and check out the trails for their recreational enjoyment, locals and visitors alike can also use the many designated trails for more practical transportation to reach businesses, gas stations, and accommodations, including the Cedar Meadows Wilderness Park Resort and Spa. This resort allows for its guests to remain heavily immersed in the surrounding natural environment, and its many winter activities and opportunities for the duration of their stay—and as a part of this initiative, it is fully accessible by sled. For those competitive spirits, Timmins also plays host to the Eclipse Financial Snowcross Pro Challenge, in which competitors race their sleds to capture the title of champion.
If your interest in sleds goes beyond just driving them, be sure to visit the town of Cochrane and check out the Cochrane Classic Vintage Riders Club Snowmobile Museum. You can receive free admission to the Snowmobile Museum if you also buy admission to the Canadian Polar Bear Habitat across the street, which is also a must-see attraction, unlike any in the world (just like the Ontario sledding trails). At the Snowmobile Museum, you can see the collection of close to 100 sleds, alongside collections of photographs and memorabilia. Some of these vintage sleds are used to take part in the annual snowmobile drag races during the second week of February, while others are used to give tours around the lake in March.
Cochrane as a sledding trail destination is a part of the Avenue Nord trail system. The trails and snowparks included in this trail system connect the communities of Cochrane, Smooth Rock Falls, Kapuskasing, Hearst, and Dubreuilville—all areas that are well suited for snowmobiling and are ready for you to come give them a test run. The Polar Bear Riders Club of Cochrane also falls within the borders of The Northern Corridor Du Nord Snowmobile Association, which is a network of nine snowmobile clubs, and their combined 1,700 km of trails, that are also ready to be driven this winter. One notable trail to follow would be the 300-km Atibiti Canyon Tour. However, as mentioned before, this tour—and all the other snowmobile trails that are part of the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs—require trail permits to be enjoyed.
You could, in theory, take your snowmobile anywhere in Northeastern Ontario, and you would probably be able to find trails to follow. Snowmobiling and snowmobile clubs are promoted by almost every town across the board. So pick a spot and buckle up—you're in for a ride.
