By mid-March, many snowmobile riders across Ontario are starting to put their sleds away. Trails soften, snow thins, and spring creeps in.
But up in Cochrane, Ontario, winter holds on just a little longer—and that’s exactly why seasoned riders make it their final ride of the season.
Located along the famous TOP A Trail corridor, Cochrane sits in the heart of Northern Ontario’s snow belt. Cold temperatures, reliable grooming, and deep northern snow mean riders can often enjoy prime trail conditions when other regions are already done for the year.
If you’re looking to stretch the season just a little further, Cochrane delivers.
One of the biggest draws to Cochrane is access to some of Northern Ontario’s most celebrated snowmobile loops—the kind of rides that feel like proper adventures rather than simple out-and-back trips.
The Gateway to the North Loop is one of the most iconic rides in Ontario snowmobiling.
This loop connects riders through Cochrane, Smooth Rock Falls, and Kapuskasing, delivering a classic northern ride through towering boreal forest and wide-open wilderness.
Late March riders love this loop for a simple reason: the snow often holds here long after southern trails melt away.
Expect:
Wide, fast OFSC trails
Long scenic stretches through pristine forest
Friendly northern towns perfect for fuel, food, and warm-up stops
It’s the kind of ride where you can settle into the throttle, watch the miles roll by, and remember exactly why snowmobiling in Northern Ontario is so addictive.
For riders who want something a little more adventurous, the Abitibi Canyon Loop delivers one of the most memorable rides in Ontario.
This remote loop travels deep into the wilderness toward the historic Abitibi Canyon Generating Station, where hydroelectric infrastructure rises unexpectedly out of the northern landscape.
What makes this ride special:
Remote wilderness riding
Huge northern scenery
Unique industrial history in the middle of nowhere
A sense that you’re riding somewhere truly wild
Late season conditions are often excellent here thanks to the region’s colder climate and consistent grooming.
For many riders, this loop becomes the highlight ride of the entire winter.
A great ride deserves a great place to stay—and Cochrane understands snowmobilers.
The town has built a reputation as one of Northern Ontario’s most sled-friendly destinations, with accommodations that make life easy for riders travelling with machines and trailers.
You’ll find everything from comfortable hotels to cozy motels and rider-friendly lodges. Many offer features snowmobilers appreciate:
Easy trail access
Large parking areas for trailers
Drying areas for gear
Restaurants and amenities close by
Browse the full list of places to stay here: Cochrane accommodations
Whether you’re planning a weekend ride or a multi-day snowmobile tour, Cochrane makes a perfect basecamp.
There’s something special about late-season snowmobiling in Northern Ontario.
The sun is higher. The days are longer. You can ride all morning, stop for lunch in a small northern town, and still have hours of daylight left to explore.
And when the trails are still firm and freshly groomed, it feels like you’ve discovered a secret the rest of the province forgot about.
That’s why so many experienced riders make Cochrane their “last ride of March.”
It’s the final blast of winter before the sled goes into storage - the last big loop of the season - the ride you 'll remember all summer.
If you’re looking for Ontario’s best late-season snowmobiling, put Cochrane at the top of your list.
Ride legendary loops like the Gateway to the North and Abitibi Canyon, enjoy reliable northern snow, and stay somewhere that understands exactly what snowmobilers need.
Start planning your trip here: https://cochraneontario.travel/
Because in Northern Ontario, winter only ends when you take that one last epic ride.
