I have such fond memories of snowmobiling as a youth, going on long tours through the beautiful northern landscape. Rides so relaxing I often fell asleep, perched carefully in front of my dad on his trusty Skidoo 350. Sledding is a way of life for many in this province, and now with snow in the air, enthusiasts are gearing up for another year of winter fun.
Join me as we ready our sleds to tour Northern Ontario for that first ride of the year. With blankets of white powder soon to cover the trails, let's review a few things enthusiasts should have in order for the start of the snowmobile season.
Before your first ride, naturally, give the ol' sled a quick pre-season check. Top up fluids, inspect belts and brakes, charge the battery, and look over skis, carbides, and track. A little maintenance now ensures a smoother, safer start to the riding season. See this maintenance guide for more details, as well as these tips on how to start your sledding season safely
Let’s start by joining the Federation, if you have not done so already. The Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) enhances your sledding experience by maintaining 25,500 km of groomed trails and ensuring a safe and enjoyable snowmobiling experience for all riders. The OFSC supports local economies by attracting tourism and generating revenue for northern communities. They promote responsible riding and environmental stewardship while working with landowners and government agencies to protect natural habitats. Through safety programs and volunteers, the OFSC fosters community spirit and preserves Ontario’s snowmobiling heritage for future generations. Every Ontario snowmobiler must join!
The OFSC’s 2026 early bird trail passes are now available for purchase online. An electronic communication indicating your purchase and solution will be issued if the mail strike is still ongoing. Every rider in Ontario must have a 2026 OFSC trail pass this year if they plan to ride on any OFSC prescribed trails.
Before heading off on the trails this winter, be aware that if you do not have a valid Ontario driver’s licence and are 12 years or older, a motorized snow-vehicle operator’s licence (MSVOL) is required. An MSVOL is issued by the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs in co-operation with the Ministry of Transportation. The course offered by SnowmobileCourse.com ensures that youth will ride safely, legally, and confidently. The course covers essential skills, trail etiquette, and emergency preparedness. It's approved by safety organizations and tailored for all experience levels. Completing it may even lower insurance costs and is often required for trail access in some regions. Go to Snowmobilecourse.com for more information.
All snowmobilers in Ontario are required by law to have valid insurance when operating a snowmobile on public trails or roads. This includes liability insurance with a minimum coverage of $1 million. The insurance must cover injury or death to another person and damage to someone else’s property. Riders must also carry proof of liability coverage, along with registration and a valid trail permit, when using their snowmobile outside of private property. Contact your insurance broker for more information.
According to famed Canadian snowmobile manufacturer BRP(Skidoo), their new electric sleds offer riders an easy learning curve that will have them exploring winter landscapes, accomplishing nearby tasks and enjoying the outdoors in an incredible new way! The new Grand Touring Electric ‘Two Up’ snowmobile offers a premium riding experience with advanced BRP technology at your fingertips in a fully electric snowmobile built for two riders. Quick, automotive-standard level 2 charging gets you back on the snow in approximately 90 minutes. A fully charged battery allows for rides up to 50 km in the Grand Touring and up to 30 km in the Expedition model. Check out these new green option sleds this winter.
While sledding in the north this winter, be sure to visit Cheminis Lodge for a comfortable stopover with fully equipped rooms and apartments, located on the shoreline of Larder Lake, 40 minutes east of the famous mining town of Kirkland Lake. Cheminis Lodge is part of the Timiskaming Abitibi Trail Association and described as "part B&B and part hotel". Their snowmobiling packages include fully equipped accommodation and three home-cooked meals. Cheminis Lodge offers northern hospitality and an abundance of snow and scenery that will astound. The snowmobile trails around the lodge lead riders through old mining sites, snow-covered peaks and dense forests. Can't beat that.
Northern Ontario offers some truly awesome snowmobile loops to consider this riding season, with scenic views, great terrain, culture and more.
Algonquin Park’s RAP tour is arguably the most popular snowmobile loop in Ontario, so certainly check that one out, but there are others.
The Gold Rush Tour out of New Liskeard brings riders deep into mining country, vast groomed trails, and wilderness all around.
The Abitibi Canyon Loop, the province’s most northernly loop, begins in Cochrane with wide-open trails and spectacular river-canyon vistas.
The Cartier-Moose Loop in Sudbury is another great option, passing through abandoned towns like Sellwood and meandering through the Laurentian Highlands.
Finally, the North Shore Loop in Algoma Country brings riders along Lake Huron’s shorelines and wilderness interior.
Snowmobiling was always one of my fondest winter activities growing up. The chance to explore nature at the most beautiful time of year is something you never forget. Be sure to do your sledding homework before hitting the trails. Following these rules, suggestions and tour ideas will undoubtedly improve your snowmobile experience in northern Ontario this winter. Happy sledding, and I will see you in the north country!
