The snowmobiling in Hearst, Ontario (about an hour’s drive west of Kapuskasing or about five hours east of Thunder Bay) is considered some of the best in the world, offering more than a thousand kilometres of groomed OFSC trails to explore and lots of snow to play in. A guided snow tour is a perfect way to discover hidden gems and get the most out of your ride. We've rounded up four incredible snow tours offered by local guide Follow Her North this 2024—so book now and get ready for adventure knowing the planning is done for you!
Born and raised in Northern Ontario, Mylène Coulombe-Gratton is a trained guide who is passionate about spending time in the outdoors. Founding her adventure tour company, Follow Her North, in Hearst was a natural next step! This part of Northern Ontario is packed with year-round outdoor recreation opportunities in unforgettably beautiful surroundings—pristine lakes, endless trees, rugged rocks, and winding trails.
1. Snow Train Tour
January 24-26, 2024
This trip combines exceptional snowmobiling to the remote north, with a return trip by rail aboard the famous Polar Bear Express! Start your trip in Cochrane, where you’ll snowmobile to Onakawana Camp. Your second day has a shorter ride to make time for ice fishing for northern fish like walleye on the Abitibi River. Return to Moosonee for a ride on James Bay, then climb aboard the Polar Bear Express for your relaxing train trip back to Cochrane, with lots of scenic views. More info here.
2. Wesley Bow Guides Camp
February 10-11, 2024
Enjoy having a home base at the Wesley’s Camp, 120 km south of Hearst. Surrounded by logging roads and logged areas, it’s a fun area to explore by snowmobile, taking in sights like the Fire River fire tower, built in 1957. Return to your comfy cabin, equipped with fresh linens, cold-weather sleeping bags, and boot dryers. The site also features a sauna—a fantastic, relaxing way to clean up and warm up after a day of riding (roll in the snow optional). This tour offers a hot homemade dinner with options that include wild game and a slice of pie made with local blueberries, as well as hearty breakfast on day two. More info here.
3. Destination James Bay
March 11-13, 2024
This women-only trip begins in Hearst, with a 280-km ride that includes a route that follows the Missinaibi River and a warm-up shack at the halfway point. Be sure to check out local wild beauty spots like Thunder House Falls and Hell’s Gate Canyon! Spend a comfortable night at Onakawana Camp. Day 2 brings time to explore the James Bay, Moose Factory, and Moosonee area, with a 220-km ride. Enjoy lunch in Moosonee and dinner back at Onakawana Camp. On your final day, head by to Hearst via the community of Smooth Rock Falls where you can stop for lunch. Fellas, take note: five similar tours in February and March are sold out for 2024, but you can put your name on the waiting list or make sure to book for 2025! More info here.
4. Deep Snow Fun
Various dates, 2024
Gather some friends and book a one-day outing to discover the snowmobile trails in and around Hearst. Follow some creeks, zip across a frozen northern lake, or head to a local landmark like Thunder House Falls to see its icy splendor. Hearst gets plenty of snow which often lasts from fall right until April, so you’ve got lots of chances to explore the boreal forest. More info here.
Be sure to check the Follow Her North website for other trips for your bucket list. For instance, the Fort Albany Trail Trip (four days in January 2024) is sold out, but start making plans for 2025! This epic trip follows power lines, going from Smooth Rock to Fort Albany. Recent partnerships have included the 4-day 2023 Trails to Powder Tour from Hearst to Dubreuilville, and trips with Ontario Quebec Snowmobile Tours. Follow Her North also offers, in their words, “adventures for every season, every skill level, every age” including ice hut rentals and kids’ ice fishing camps in the winter, and canoeing, backcountry biking, hiking, ATVing, freighter and pontoon tours, and hunting in the non-snowy parts of the year.
While you’re in the Hearst area, take the opportunity for some R&R at INN The North, a quaint bed and breakfast housed in a former general store. Cozy and attractive, this inn has outdoor gear like snowshoes for guests to use, and a summertime fire pit. Local indoor and outdoor rec includes cross-country skiing, curling, the Winter Carnival, an ice fishing tournament, sliding, and cheering on the local Junior A hockey team, the Hearst Lumberjacks. There’s also the Rheault Distillery (makers for fine spirits) and the Place Des Arts, home to live music and the arts. With a bit of luck, you may even catch a spectacular showing of the northern lights!
