Snowmobiling

Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario and the Algoma region provide access to over 2000 km of incredible snowmobiling trails, 400 km (240 miles) which are groomed and maintained by Sault Ste. Marie's very own, Sault Trailblazers. This spectacular winter wonderland of trails is your gateway to finding the wild side of winter.

Find out below some of the unique ways to explore the trails and some sample packages for your next adventure to Sault Ste. Marie.

Tracks and Trails

The Passenger Rail has put together one of the most unique snowmobile experiences just for you. The combination of the tracks and trails creates an experience that is unparalleled to most.

This unique adventure begins at the CN Rail yard on Carmen's Way in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Canada. This location is where you will load up your sleds in the enclosed baggage cars and then sit back and relax as you are transported north, through the breathtaking winter wonderland of Sault Ste. Marie and Algoma Country.

IMG 9503-1

Enjoy scenic vistas of Lake Superior, snow choked rock cuts and deep mountain gorges as you wind your way through the rugged land towards the world famous Agawa Canyon. Once through the Canyon, the scenery gradually shifts from the mountainous pre-Cambrian shield to the boreal forests of the Great Clay Belt Region.

Get off along the line at Hawk Junction (Wawa) or Dubrevilville and ride and travel to the end of steel to begin your sledding adventure in the French Canadian town of Hearst, Ontario.

The Railway provides many options to choose from. You can take the train both ways and do your riding in one area or for those who want to spend more time on the trails than the rails, you can take the train north and sled back to the Sault or sled up and train back.

IMG 0114

No matter where you choose to explore, you will be in the heart of an incredible snowmobiler's paradise with over a thousand miles of well groomed and signed trails waiting for you to discover.

Your sledding adventure doesn't stop at the trails. You will discover friendly communities offering snowmobilers all the conveniences and comforts you desire after a day of riding. From quality, park at your door accommodations and restaurants, to service centres, trail-side gas stations and local snowmobile clubs who take pride in their trails and northern hospitality.

The spirit of the north truly comes to life in winter. Hearst and the surrounding communities love to play host and with numerous carnivals, rallies and snowmobile racing events being held throughout the winter months, you will find more than trails to fill your days and nights.

 MG 2721

Whether it's a couple of sleds, a large group, diehard riders or a relaxing family outing, incredible snowmobile experiences are waiting for you along the line.

Before planning your next snowmobile holiday, contact the Algoma Central Railway and they will help you "Get on Track to the Trails."

RESERVATIONS

All snowmobilers must reserve baggage car space well in advance. Fares, schedules and services information can be found here!

CN/Algoma Central Railway
P.O. Box 130, 129 Bay Street
Sault Ste. Marie, ON
P6A 6Y2

tel: 705.541.2857
fax: 705.541.2989
www.agawacanyontourtrain.com

 

IMG 0003

SUGGESTED TRIPS

Hawk Junction and Dubreuilville are ideal for those looking for 4 day trips. Up Friday - back Monday. Sledders can also get off here and ride up to Hearst.

Due to length of the train ride for those traveling to Hearst, riders tend to spend a week in the area or ride back to Sault Ste. Marie.

HIGHLIGHTS

The Railway provides access to thousands of miles of well groomed and signed trails.

Trails are part of the TOPS trails system.

Northern towns and accommodations truly cater to sledders and there are lots of carnivals and events taking place all winter.

TRAIL PERMITS

Trail Permits are required and available in the community you plan to start your ride in or upon entering Sault, Canada at the Ontario Travel Centre, just south of the International Bridge Plaza.

REGIONAL SNOWMOBILE GUIDES

Toll Free for Algoma Country: 1-800-263-2546
website: www.algomacountry.com

For information on Hearst contact the:
Chamber of Commerce at: 1-800-655-5769
Website: www.hearstcoc.com

Trails Conditions and Maps

Sault Trailblazer's Website and Trail Conditions
Sault Ste. Marie and Area Trail Map
Algoma Central Railway Route Map Sault Ste. Marie to Hearst

 

button hotels

Catalina Motel

Here are some sample packages brought to you by Catalina Motel in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, including lodging, train tickets, shuttle services and trail permits!

 MG 3073

Six Day Package

Day 1 - Arrive in Sault Ste. Marie
Day 2 - Drive to the railway, load sleds 8:00 am, train will depart at 9:00 am
Arrive in Hearst at approximately 7:00pm * note it can be as late as 9:00pm so make sure to bring your own food for the ride
Day 3 - Sled to Magpie Relay (Dubreuilville)
Day 4 - Sled to Aux Trois Moulins (Chapleau)
Day 5 - Sled to Black Creek Lodge (Aubrey Falls)
Day 6 - Sled to Sault Ste. Marie and stay for a second night

Catalina Motel also provides a shuttle service from the staging area to your vehicles parked at the train station.  This is included in the package price. Total per person is $782.11 including a 7 day trail permit.

Five Day Package

Day 1 - Arrive in Sault Ste. Marie
Day 2 - Drive to the railway, load sleds at 8:00am, train departs 9:00am arriving in Dubreuilville at approx 3:00pm. Stay the night at Magpie Relay
Day 3 - Sled to Aux Trois Moulins (Chapleau)
Day 4 - Sled to Black Creek Lodge (Aubrey Falls)
Day 5 - Sled to Sault Ste. Marie stay a second night 

Catalina Motel also provides a shuttle service from the staging area to your vehicles parked at the train station.  This is included in the package price. Total per person is $604.00 including a 3 day trail permit.

Four Day Package

Day 1 - Arrive in Sault Ste. Marie
Day 2 - Drive to the railway, load sleds at 8:00am, train departs at 9:00am. Arrive in Hawk Junction at approximately 3:00pm. Stay the night at Ernies in Missinaibi
Day 3 - Sled to Black Creek Lodge (Aubrey Falls)
Day 4 - Sled to Sault Ste. Marie and stay a second night

Catalina Motel also provides a shuttle service from the staging area to your vehicles parked at the train station.  This is included in the package price. Total per person is $505.00 including the 3 day trail permit.

All of the packages are self-guided. 

button family

Some special features that are offered at the motel are:

- a shuttle service to and from Catalina Motel and the railway station
- a shuttle for customers form Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan to the Motel and to the train the next morning

To book a snowmobile package visit www.snowcombo.com or www.catalinamotel.com to book directly through the Motel.

Location and Contact information

Catalina Motel
259 Great Northern Rd, Sault Ste. Marie, ON
(705) 945-9260

The Inn as Your Trailhead

Algoma's Water Tower Inn & Suites offers unexpected features at their property (Trailhead Program) that will appeal to outdoor enthusiasts and act as your 4-season headquarters for fun and adventure in Sault Ste. Marie, the wildly spectacular Algoma Region, as well as the coastlands of Lake Huron and Lake Superior.

Algoma's Water Tower Inn & Suites Trailhead Program is designed to be your hub for local and regional attractions and adventures with hosts that can help you plan your itinerary, give you current information and maps, and make recommendations.

IMG 9386

The Trailhead Program is only offered by Algoma's Water Tower Inn & Suites. The Inn staff are passionate about hospitality and they're focused on ensuring the best experience at their property, as well as the incredible great outdoors. They are known for their passion and love for the Northern Ontario heritage and would love to be your adventure hosts.

Some special features offered to enhance and support your outdoor adventure experiences include:

  • Trailhead Adventure Hosts will share information and activity tips with you
  • Trans-Canada Highway location in uptown Sault Ste. Marie
  • Direct access to the city's Hub Trail
  • Extra large parking lot to accommodate trucks, campers, boats, and trailers
  • Onsite bicycle rentals
  • Trailhead rooms with extra gear storage and whirlpool baths
  • Secure indoor storage for bikes, cycles, sleds, canoes and kayaks
  • Courtyards, waterfalls, streams and the only outdoor, 4-season whirlpool spa in the Sault
  • Gas station right next door
  • Casey's Bar and Grill for dining
  • Algoma's Water Tower Inn Pub with live music
About Dionne Elgie

Dionne Elgie grew up in Sault Ste. Marie and has a deep personal love for this city, and like many Saultites, a real passion for the great outdoors. Along with her team at DIG (Digital Intelligence Group)—she works with Tourism Sault Ste. Marie to curate compelling travel stories and collect truly useful tour tips that appeal to both local residents and out-of-town visitors. You can contact Dionne at dionne@digdeep.ca—she’d love to hear from you!

Recommended Articles

9 Facts to Know about the Agawa Canyon Tour Train

Get ready for a bucket list experience in the wilderness of Northern Ontario.

Get sandy this summer in and around the Soo

6 best beaches for any occasion.

7 great bird-watching spots in Sault Ste. Marie

Perfect for both hard-core listers and family fun

Snowshoe away the winter blues

When your hinterland hibernation turns into claustrophobic carb-loading, it’s time to get outdoors

Freedom Of The Hills

Best Places To Connect With Nature

The Best Cosy Soo Cafes

Get your warm on

A four season destination!

Offering something for everyone, anytime of the year.

A Deliciously Affordable Trip

Great food on a traveller's budget.

For The Single Girls

10 Amazing Date Ideas To Take Yourself On This Winter

Park It Up North

A Half Hour Drive From Town To A Provincial Park Paradise

3 Epic Winter Playgrounds

This is where winter is at!

Ultimate Summer Road Trip Ideas

Best scenic vistas by car, RV or motorcycle.

Visiting Canada?

Tips To Make Your Next Trip a Safe One

8 Beautiful Beaches to Visit this Summer!

Life is just better when it's spent on the beach!

Looking back on winter!

The best winter Instagram posts of 2018!

Fall in love with the colours and the season

5 ways to experience the best of autumn!

Paddle To Paradise

You, a guide, and an unforgettable adventure!

Curious to see what happens in SSM?

#thesoo is all you need

An Epic Adventure Bucket List

Fuel Your New Year With Big Adventure

Find Out Where To Heat Things Up In The City!

5 Ideas to Get Started