Great Snowmobiling from the Thriftlodge Cochrane

Right on the trail, with a hot tub, ample parking and everything you could ask for—it's no wonder sledders love this place.
thriftlodge cochrane interior

As anyone who has experienced Ontario snowmobiling in OFSC District 15’s Northern Corridor already knows, this area of Northeastern Ontario delivers some of this province’s best and most reliable snowmobiling, plus a long season. The Town of Cochrane is the eastern staging point for your Northern Corridor ride and my favourite lodging is the Thriftlodge Cochrane South. Besides great grooming by the Polar Bear Riders Snowmobile Club, here are my top ten reasons for choosing the Thriftlodge Cochrane as my staging hotel…

10. Communications: The Thriftlodge offers free and reliable Wi-Fi, phones in rooms and new TV’s with service that includes The Weather Network.

9. Hot Tub: The Thriftlodge may have the best hot tub in town – large and hot!

8. Restaurant: Terry’s Steakhouse is the on site restaurant at the Thriftlodge.

7. Renovated Rooms: The Thriftlodge is currently undergoing a major renovation to its rooms. All rooms have fridges and microwaves.

6. Truck & Trailer Parking: The Thriftlodge offers plenty of secure truck and trailer parking close to your room.

5. Snowmobile Parking: The Thriftlodge provides a fenced and gated, secure sled lock up for those who choose not to park in front of their own room

4. Fuel Nearby: There’s an Esso station right across the road and for after hours, a 24-hr truck stop 1,000 metres south.

3. Location by Trailer: Driving northbound on Highway 11, the Thriftlodge is easy to find – it’s the first hotel you’ll come to before arriving in town.

2. Location by Snowmobile: The Thriftlodge is positioned at the intersection of TOP A and Highway 11, so if you’re arriving by sled from the south, it’s the first hotel you’ll come to before arriving in town.

1. Great Rides from The Door: From the Thriftlodge, you can do days rides in every direction. Eastern return ride east to La Reine, Quebec for lunch & fuel via A105Q (330 km total).

Northern loop to Fraserdale (Abitibi Canyon) for lunch & fuel via TOP A103, continuing on A103 to Smooth Rock Falls (fuel) and back to Cochrane on TOP A (300 km total).

thriftlodge cochrane interior

Western loop via TOP A, L103, TOP A106C and TOP C to Smooth Rock Falls (lunch & fuel), then back to Cochrane via TOP A, TOP A103, L101, A105Q & A (250 km total). Southern Loop to Iroquois Falls and Timmins (lunch and fuel) via TOP A, A111C, TOP C, A106C and TOP A (270 km total).

Of course, you can also stage from the Thriftlodge Cochrane for the Gateway to the North Tour – and that’s why, whenever I’m in Cochrane, I stay at the Thriftlodge. Make your reservation today!

Snowmobiling Tourism Contacts:

Contributing partners for this Ontario snowmobiling site about great Ontario snowmobile trails and snowmobile conditions include: Intrepid Snowmobiler, Murphy Insurance, Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs, Ontario Tourism, Snow Goer Media, Supertrax Media.

About Craig Nicholson—The Intrepid Snowmobiler

Popularly known as The Intrepid Snowmobiler, Craig Nicholson is an International Snowmobile Hall of Fame journalist who specializes in recreational snowmobiling activities. Craig has snowmobiled in every region of Canada and many states. His one-of-a-kind tour book, “Canada’s Best Snowmobiling – The Ultimate Ride Guide”, chronicles his adventures, as does his website and Facebook page.

Recommended Articles

Snowmobiling Winter Weather Forecast 2024-2025

Find out what to expect with the 12th annual Ontario snowmobiling prediction!

The Complete List of Snowmobile Events in Ontario 2024-2025

The most comprehensive list of snowmobile poker runs, swap meets, show n' shines, pig roasts, and charity events going on in Ontario this winter.

The Best Snowmobile-Friendly Lodges

Northeastern Ontario's top spots to rest up.

I Rode the Explorers Snow Tour in Ontario and Here’s What It Was Like

The Mica Mine was the coolest part of this 3-day ride.

Why Ontario is One of the Best Snowmobile Destinations in the World

Discover our world-class snowmobiling experiences.

11 TikToks That Prove Ontario is the Best Place To Go Snowmobiling

Get in the ‘feels’ for snowmobiling in Ontario this winter.

5 Weekend Snowmobile Getaways Near the GTA

Get out and ride this week!

31 Ways To Get In The Know About Snowmobile Trail Riding in Ontario

Get informed—go online before you go on snow!

A Beginner's Guide to Snowmobile Lingo

Helmet head, humped out, weekend warrior...how many of these terms are you familiar with?

Snowmobiling the NWOSTA Wilderness Loop in Northwestern Ontario

Check out this 3-day itinerary and some hot tips for riding near Sioux Lookout!

Ontario Snowmobile Clubs and Regions

The complete list.

Access the Great White North: Tips and Resources for U.S. Riders

Everything Americans need to know to ride in Ontario.

Search Snowmobiling