Everything You Need to Know While Snowmobiling in Northwestern Ontario

It's that time again. All across Sunset Country sledders are gearing up for another season.

Be Prepared Before Hitting One of the Hundreds of Snowmobile Trails in Sunset Country

It's that time again. All across Sunset Country people are gearing up - priming their sleds and pinning the throttle to commence the season for one of the most exalted northern leisure sports.

I'm referring to snowmobiling, of course.

No matter what you call it, snowmobile, snow machine, ski-do, sled, if you're familiar with northern culture you'll know these bad boys and their riders dot practically all areas of backroads and trails in this part of the country. Whether you're a veteran of the sport or just bought your first ride this year, it's important to know the rules of snowmobiling so that we can all continue to keep the trails safe for all riders.

Snowmobiling Regulations

Rules for Snowmobiling on Trails

North Western Ontario Snow Trail Association (NWOSTA)

NWOSTA on Facebook

Motorized Snow Vehicles Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. M.44

ontario.ca/laws

Plan your Routes

Northwestern Ontario and Sunset Country are home to hundreds of kilometres of trails; tucked closely in between dense forests, off back roads, and across frozen lakes

You're guaranteed to find a trail anywhere you look.

Safety is important when participating in any winter endeavour and snowmobiling is no exception. The best way to increase security for all riders is to know where you're going before hitting the trails.

The Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs has a interactive map complete with all certified trails as well as the location of snowmobile clubs near you. 

Go Snowmobiling Northwestern Ontario

Obtaining a Snowmobile Permit in Ontario

What you'll need:
  • Proof of Ownership - Year, make, model, Licence Plate, and VIN
  • Name of the Snowmobile Club where you Ride
  • Credit Card (For Online Purchases)
    • Accepted forms of payments will vary depending on the retailer or club

FAQ when obtaining a snowmobile permit

Terms and Conditions for Obtaining a Trail Permit

Screen Shot 2016 02 02 at 13.41.14

Purchasing Permits: It is suggested that you buy where you ride so it's important to map out where you'll be riding in Ontario before purchasing a permit.

You can obtain a permit for your snowmobile at any official Snowmobile Club in Ontario or by Registering Online.

red ofsc permit logo

More on Snowmobiling In Northwestern Ontario

NWOSTA Facebook

Via North Western Ontario Snowmobile Trails Association's Facebook Page

The Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs is a non-profit organization that constitutes the 260 local snowmobile clubs as well as their associations in Northern Ontario. Their primary goal is to ensure the cohesion of the rules for snowmobiling as well as providing essential rider information such as: Where to find trails, safety procedures, local events and links to all other information regarding snowmobiling in Ontario.

You can find out where the nearest snowmobile clubs are by following the link below.

Find a club near you

Snowmobile Clubs in Sunset Country

Borderlands Snowmobile Club on Facebook

Dryden Power Toboggan Club on Facebook

Atikokan Sno-Ho Snowmobile Club on Facebook

Ojibway Power Toboggan Association on Facebook

Red Lake Trail Masters Club on Facebook

Thunder Bay Adventure Trails Snowmobile Club on Facebook

Ignace Otters Snowmobile Club on Facebook

Sunset Trail Riders on Facebook

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About Travis Heath

Travis Heath is a graduate of the Film Production Program in Thunder Bay. He worked as a Writing Intern providing content for Ontario's Sunset Country in Kenora.

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