This Is Winter

The truth about snowmobiling in Ontario, Canada

Slush. Road salt. 2 hour commutes. Mountains of grime-covered snow on every corner. Treacherous roads, bad drivers, impossible parking. Snow days with the kids at home.

This is why you say WINTER SUCKS. But those of us who snowmobile in Ontario know a totally different winter. 

For years, I moaned about winter that same way many of my city friends did, but that was before I discovered Northern Ontario, and the way the locals embrace winter here. Dogsledding, snowmobiling, ice fishing - if there's a way for them to get outside and enjoy the season, they do it.

the perfect winter

And for the past four years I've had the pleasure of riding a snowmobile on the thousands of miles of groomed trails that exist here in Ontario, Canada every winter. I trailer a few hours, unload a few snowmobiles with friends, ride with locals from the clubs and districts in the area and every second out there is worth more than a day in the city.

this is winter 1

In fact, it's the only way to get through the winter. 

cool dudes on snowmobiles

If you travel to your cottage in the summer, and moan about the winter like I used to, you're only seeing half the picture.

this is winter final photo

If you're tired of the city winter, with slush-filled boots, hellish traffic and condo cabin fever, join us where winter is a bold adventure. 

  • If you're new to snowmobiling and want to try it, check out one of a dozen rental places all across the province
  • If you think winter is over, think again. Over 80% of all trails in Ontario are still open and conditions for trails look good until MID-APRIL. Check trail availability HERE.
  • If you've already done every trail in your own backyard, click here for the top eight loops in Ontario for 2014. 
  • If you want to find some people to ride with, check out our listing of clubs on Facebook or our complete list of events.
  • If, for some insane reason, you haven't bought your permit yet, BUY ONE NOW.
  • To learn more about OFSC Snowmobiling click here.

beside the links

Thank you to everyone who helped to make the video possible:

Ontario, Yours to Discover

The Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC)

Ontario's Highlands

Northeathern Ontario

Mattawa-Bonfield Economic Development

Snowtrax TV

ChocPaw Dogsled Tours

BRP

Yamaha 

Cedar Gables Lodge

Holiday Inn Pembroke

Spectacle Lake Lodge

Mattawa Bonfield Snowmobile Club

Muskoka Snowmobile Region

Snow Country Snowmobile Association

Sleddealers

WhataRide noscratchBlack

`
About Mike Jacobs

Mike is an avid Northern traveller, having spent years traversing its backroads, and visiting its remote lodges and fun cities by car, RV, motorcycle, and boat. There's always something new to discover in the North and Mike never shies away from the next great adventure. Mike is the chairman of the board for the Tourism Technology Company.

Recommended Articles

Get Your Permit Now and Save $80

2024 Ontario Snowmobile Trail Permit are available online only

Winter is Guaranteed: The Weather Forecast 2022-2023

Discover the weather in store for Ontario snowmobilers this winter!

A Snowmobiler's Guide to Hearst, Ontario

How to Stay and Play in Algoma Country’s Friendliest Town for Sledders

9 Stunning Places to Go Snowmobiling in Ontario

Check out our mini guide and kickstart your best ever snowmobile season.

Top 5 for 2023

Northern Ontario's best snowmobile trails I'm planning to ride this winter.

A Beginner's Guide to Snowmobile Lingo

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

Ontario Winter Forecast for Snowmobiling

What's the weather going to be like for Ontario snowmobilers his winter? Read on and find out!

Ontario Snowmobile Clubs and Regions

The complete list.

What's Going On?

The 2022-2023 list of Snowmobile events across Ontario

Snowmobile Rentals, Dealers, Tours and Repair Shops

The Complete List for Ontario

Get out and ride this weekend

5 snowmobile getaways near the GTA.

Don't Put Your Sled Away Yet!

Northeastern Ontario is just getting warmed up for the Rides of March

Gold Rush Tour

Northeastern Ontario's Snowmobile Riches

The Best Snowmobile-Friendly Lodges

These 5 Northeastern Ontario spots have everything a rider needs

Guided Snowmobile Tours in Ontario

Why not have an adventure this winter?

Northern Ontario: Algoma Snow Train

Ontario Snowmobile Tour Loops

The RAP Tour

Top 9 Gift Picks for Snowmobilers

Show the sledder in your life that you really care.

Ontario Snowmobile Loops

Cartier Moose Loop

Bon Echo Loop

Early and late season touring in Ontario's Highlands