The OFSC Abitibi Canyon Loop

The Abitibi Canyon Loop is one of the wildest, most remote and furthest north-reaching groomed snowmobile trails in all of Ontario, making it an incredible ride!

BACK TO Ontario TOUR LOOPS - Main

abitibi-blank

OFSC District 15
Destination: Cochrane, Smooth Rock Falls
Hashtags: #sledabitibicanyon #RideNEOntario

Before you head out, please check to make sure that the trails are available, using the OFSC's Interactive Trail Guide

Every snowmobiler dreams of vast open expanses, endless snow that makes mirages out of the horizon, and trails so wide that they're only comparable to a 400 series highway, without the traffic. This is exactly what this tour offers.

Consider starting your adventure at the newly renovated Base Camp Abitibi Canyon in the snowmobile-friendly town of Cochrane. Home to the Polar Bear Habitat and the Polar Bear Riders Snowmobile Club, this is the land where the water runs north to James Bay—big nature up here. Check out the Go Tour Ontario Interactive Trip planner to get started.

Ride from Cochrane to Smooth Rock falls, fuel up, and head north on the A103 to the Abitibi Canyon. The west side of the A103 is more exposed, whereas the east side of the loop is sheltered, providing relative protection in the trees (this tip helps if it is very cold!).

12
 
 

The landscape is quite different from the major populated centres of Ontario, offering endless hydro corridors that are uninterrupted by roads. Quite honestly, the odd stop sign is a relief and offers a moment for your riding buddies to catch up. At the top of the A103 lies Abitibi Canyon Dam, which was built in the 1930s and offers a spectacular view of the massive Abitibi River that carves north to the bay. 

100 0012

Buy your permits from Northern Corridor Du Nord, OFSC District 15, from either the Cochrane Polar Bear Riders Snowmobile Club or the Smooth Rock Falls Arctic Riders Snowmobile Club.

Accommodations

Base Camp Abitibi Canyon

Best Western Swan Castle Inn

Westway Motel


View Experience the Abitibi Canyon Loop Tour in a larger map

About Jeff McGirr

Jeff McGirr is a powersports & marine enthusiast who loves sharing Northern Ontario experiences with you through his articles and videos.

Related Articles

Here's Why You Need to Ride North This Winter

Ontario's epic trails (and the Canadian border) are open for business.

Ontario Snowmobile Clubs and Regions

The complete list.

Canyon Calling

Dive into 2017 on the incredible Abitibi Canyon Loop

Northern Ontario: Algoma Snow Train

10 of Ontario's Best Kept Snowmobile Secrets

Ride the trail less travelled this season with these less-busy OFSC trail options.

What's Going On?

The 2022-2023 list of Snowmobile events across Ontario

Building the Dream

Horwood Lake Lodge's transformation into a powersports playground

Off-road and on track

A former motorcycle racer takes up guided adventure tours to share his love of motorsports.

The Seguin Trail in Explorers' Edge

Ontario Most Well Loved (and Well Traversed) Trail!

A Highland Highlight

Haliburton Forest has everything an incredible sledding weekend.

Why I Ride Ontario

A world-class snowmobiling destination in our own backyard

Sled Safely

Top tips from some of Ontario's sledding pros, and how to take a training course.

Top 50 Snowmobile Restaurants

Great lunch stops worth planning your trip around

Getting Loopy in the Soo

Lake Superior views, sled-friendly towns, and more await riders on the Soo HIghlands Loop

Can I still snowmobile in Northern Ontario this winter?

You asked, we answered. Everything you need to know about the 2021 snowmobile season.

Finishing the Season in Style

Klim Gear and Northern Ontario

Top 5 for 2023

Northern Ontario's best snowmobile trails I'm planning to ride this winter.

Winter is Guaranteed: The Weather Forecast 2022-2023

Discover the weather in store for Ontario snowmobilers this winter!

Eastern Ontario Snowmobiling

Southern Ontario Snowmobiling: Erin