Ontario Is Open!

Wait no longer—the snow is falling and snowmobiling in Ontario is on!

Professional riders on a closed course

It's on! After months of waiting, snowmobiling in Ontario is finally open. Time to ride! If you don't already have your permit you can get it online by clicking on the button below:

Last year, OFSC District 15 was the first in Ontario to get a day's worth of trails in operation so it comes as no surprise that we're looking north again for this year's sure bets. As of this week, there's almost 500km of continuous riding available on Ontario's epic Northern Corridor Adventure Tour. That'll get you from Cochrane all the way over to Hornepayne—quite a haul! And once you're in Hornepayne, the Bobcat Loop is 100% ready to go. Or halfway along the route, you could visit the historic Missinaibi River on the Missinaibi Expedition Tour. Bring your camera, you're almost guaranteed to see moose or wolf tracks!

The perfect staging grounds for starting off a multi-day tour—
Bancroft Inn & Suites

OFSC District 6, Snow Country has over 800km of green status trails. Meaning you could stage out of Bancroft and head north along the bottom of Algonquin Park to wind along the border all the way east to Pembroke. From there you could venture west along the Ottawa River to Deux-Riviéres before looping back along the 197 to start the return trip—and all on perfectly groomed and marked trails. 

Many regions are not yet ready but it won't be long. Always check trail the conditions before heading out and enjoying what Ontario has to offer!

Best Backcountry in Ontario

One place you can be sure to find lots of powder is Wawa, Ontario. Snow comes early, stays late and is always deep. If you don't want to mess around and just want to get right into some world-class backcountry riding. Get yourself to one of Wawa's backcountry locations.

Believe it or not, but Wawa is only scratching the surface of what Ontario has to offer the adventurous sledder. With unforgettable destinations in every corner of the province just waiting to be discovered, there's more than enough to keep you busy until March...or April.  

ESP and Ontario's Snow Tours

Keep your eye on the Early Season Priority Trails. These are often abandoned rail lines, utility corridors or old logging roads that are easily accessible and require little snow cover—a great opportunity for the rider who just can't wait any longer.

Covering new ground on the
Abitibi Canyon Loop Tour

If conditions are right and you're ready for a real adventure, make plans to ride one or a combination of Ontario's 33 Snow Tours. These are clearly marked and mapped out routes ranging from simple day rides to multi-day saddle bag tours. They get priority when it comes to grooming and have fuel and amazing snowmobile-friendly accommodations strategically located along the way so it's easy to just get out there and explore new places!

Plan Your Own Trip

Try out the Go Tour Ontario Trip Planner. Just pick a route and it'll show you exactly where to stay, eat and gas up. 

Snowmobile Rentals and Guided Tours

If you don't have a sled of your own to trailer up with, you can always rent for you or your group. More rental opportunities are opening up each year. Click here for a list of where you can rent a snowmobile in Ontario this winter. And if you want a guided tour with or without sleds provided, get in touch with one of the incredible tour operators out there

Sleds warmed up and ready for a day of riding with
Extreme Tours Abitibi Basecamp in Cochrane

A lot of people were disappointed with last year's winter. It's too bad because, in the north, it was ripe and ready as it is every year [[[See video here]]]. While we're predicting 2016-17 to be a better season than last, don't wait around for your sledding experience to come to you, get out there and take it on!

About Staff Writer, What A Ride

What A Ride covers stories, events and perspectives from the worlds of motorcycling, snowmobiling, ATVing and boating. Motorized adventures, full-tilt, 24/7.

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