The idea of a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow might be the basis of many a fairy tale, but when it comes to snowmobiling in Northern Ontario, more specifically the northwestern reaches of Algoma Country, the fairy tale is a reality.
The pot, in this case, is the Town of Dubreuilville and the rainbow is Highway 519, the town’s only access road. With an average annual snowfall of more than 12 feet, courtesy of that big beautiful snow-making machine to the south (aka Lake Superior) and a riding season that pushes well into April, this pot is overflowing with the only commodity that is more valuable than gold to the snowmobiler: snow. So as snowmobiling bucket lists go, Dubreuilville should be at the top of the list.
Trails in every direction
While Highway 519 is the only way that you can drive to Dubreuilville, it’s not the only option. With Ontario’s more than 30,000 km of groomed snowmobile trails, you can pretty well get everywhere in the province by sled, and Dubreuilville is no exception. If coming by snowmobile, Dubreuilville is located at the intersection of TOP D and D108A, about 16 km west of the junction of the TOP D & F trails.
Beautiful days of riding are available in Algoma Country
While touring snowmobilers are always welcome, you've really got to experience the area’s 300 or so kilometres of trail, lovingly pampered by the local Les Alouettes Snowmobile Club. With an approximate drive time from Sault Ste. Marie of 3.5 hours and five hours from Thunder Bay, I say pack ’em up and stay a while.
Deep powder in the heart of Ontario's Algoma Country
With Dubreuilville as the hub, your groomed trail options are plenty. Head west towards Marathon and White River. To the north you have the popular 300-km, there-and-back ride to Hearst. Or how about Hornepayne for lunch at Uncle’s Restaurant? Missanabie, Dog Lake, Wawa, and Hawk Junction (awesome lunch at Big Bear here), all are sure to please. Then there’s always the trek south to the famous Halfway Haven. You can easily fill four days with a variety of terrain and points of interest.
Snowmobile parking at the Fishing Moose Lodge, a popular lunch destination from Dubreuilville
For the backcountry fan, the area is full of snow-covered logging roads, hydro corridors, and local secret stashes; your opportunities are only limited by your willingness to explore. The website Aventure Nord is a good place to start gathering your intel. You can also try the new MooseBack App, which gives you the ability to find your way around the local trail system of the same name. The app can also track your progress on your mobile device using GPS coordinates. Of course, the best information is in the heads of the locals—extraction is not easy, but bribes of food and drink have been known to help.
Lots of great spots to be found around town
Accommodation availability is Dubreuilville is limited, and that’s a good thing. The Magpie Relay Resort might just be the most snowmobile-friendly accommodations anywhere. Owned and operated by snowmobilers, the property was renovated with your comfort and experience in mind, from ample parking for trucks and trailers to a heated garage for your sled, and special racks in the rooms to hang and dry your gear and helmet.
Heated snowmobile garage at the Magpie Relay
At the end of the day, enjoy the hot tub or sauna then kick back in the games room, referred to as the Man Cave, where you can partake in a game of pool, shuffleboard or foosball, or just sit back and take in some snowmobile action on the big screen.
Relaxing at the "man cave" after a long day of riding
As for town amenities, gas is available 24 hours with a credit card. For dining, it’s another situation where less is more and the LOL Resto Bar will not disappoint. You’ll find the LCBO is next door to the restaurant, and the Quickee Mart will be happy to take care of your snacking needs. For guests at The Magpie Relay, a free shuttle service is available to get you around town.
The Magpie Relay is the place to stay when snowmobiling in Dubreuilville
Your home away from home
With a French vibe of good food, good music, and good times, snow aplenty, riding opportunities to satisfy any snowmobiler, and a season that seems to last forever, Dubreuilville truly is a snowmobiler’s pot of gold at the end of a rainbow, or in this case Highway 519—and believe you me, it’s no fairy tale.
