Spectacular Vistas and Views
Access from the States
The trails in ofsc district 17 can be accessed from the states in the west either to Kenora or the Borderland area. Then travel up through Sioux Narrows on the Borderland access or Kenora and take the A trail east through Dryden, Sioux Lookout, Ignace, Atikokan and on to Kashabowie and Northern Lights back to the States or on to Thunder Bay. Atikokan put much time and energy into the trail between Atikokan and Kashabowie. It has some spectacular vistas at the east end going over rugged rock terrain. Ignace goes over some old logging roads and some newer ones for great riding.
Sweet Snowmobiling
Sioux Lookout trails are varied in that they include some old logging roads, some more rugged areas, along with staked groomed lake riding.
Dryden trails to the north are a mix of well maintained trails over land. It has been a few years since I rode the Dryden trails west so perhaps someone there could give descriptions.
For sweet trails the run between Dryden, Sioux Lookout and Ignace can’t be beat. The trail between Ignace and Atikokan is varied and in some places a bit rugged and goes through some impressive tall white pine stands.
Poker Derbys in February
Sioux Lookout, Ignace and Atikokan host organized poker derbys in February featuring local trails and social events providing opportunities to interact with locals and exchange ideas. Ignace usually organizes their derby with a ride to White Otter Castle* while Sioux Lookout and Atikokan have other points of interest on their trails. The Dates for Sioux Lookout is the first weekend, Atikokan the second weekend and Ignace the third. Riders from all three communities organize group rides to each others events and always welcome visitors to join them.
Lots to offer in Red Lake
The snowmobile ride to Red Lake as it is a frontier type town with gold mining as their feature industry. Seems to me that they are a major gold producer in Canada and I hear the fishing is great at Red Lake. On the way to Red Lake the trail goes over the Ear Falls dam. It is a major power supplier utilizing water from Lac Seul on the East for Hydro Electric power generation. It was built in the 1920’s and upgraded in the past few years.
Click here for more information on OFSC District 17
