The OFSC Ride the 8's

You'll find this self-guided turnkey snow tour only a few hours' drive from Toronto. But don't expect to want to head back to the city after just one day!

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

April 12, 2023

BACK TO Ontario TOUR LOOPS - Main

OFSC District 8
Destinations: Midland, Orillia, Wasaga, Barrie
Hashtag: #ridethe8

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

Ontario's Ride the 8 snowmobile tour is right in the heart of the lake-effect snow belt, offering an impressive abundance of snow within a short two-hour drive from the City of Toronto. It's not uncommon to find trail signs buried by snow in the Collingwood area, making for great late season riding opportunities or a mid-season powder jaunt.

Full-service hotels in Orillia, Midland, Wasaga Beach and Horseshoe Valley provide direct trail access from their properties, or park 'n' ride at one of the many locations identified on the OFSC District 8 trail guide. The county of Simcoe is home to smaller communities such as Midhurst, Elmvale, Stayner, Creemore & Coldwater, which offer easy access to fuel and snowmobile-friendly restaurants.

The terrain on this route is a medley of indulgence, offering lofty pine forests, wide open fields (stay on the trail, as farmers feed our cities!), abandoned rail lines, and hilly terrain that collects bountiful amounts of snow. The B111, located just west of Glen Huron, is home to a breathtaking lookout on the top of the Niagara escarpment, offering a snowy scene that reaches endlessly towards the horizon.

If you're looking to drive the least and “ride the most”, ride the 8’s this winter. Permits and additional information are available from Mid Ontario Snowmobile Trails (M.O.S.T).