Be ready to ride and eat and ride some more this winter. Each of these exceptional eateries are worth planning your trip around.
By Craig Nicholson—The Intrepid Snowmobiler
Craig Nicholson is an International Snowmobile Hall of Fame powersports journalist, who specializes in writing about snowmobiling.
October 26, 2023
It’s indisputable that snowmobilers love to eat. In fact, cravings for sustenance motivate many an Ontario ride being planned around a favourite lunch stop, what I call a “destination restaurant.” These popular eateries have good trail access and offer something special, exceptional or memorable that’s a cut (or more) above the rest.
Mainly, they’re mom n’ pop operations with attributes distinct from what are available at most chain establishments and fast food joints. Sometimes it’s their appealing atmosphere, unique architecture, exuberant personality, or warm hospitality—but for sure, their top-notch reputations always depend on great grub… homemade specialties, quality offerings, generous portions and good value that keep snowmobilers coming back for more.
Ontario has lots of good places to eat along the snowmobile trails, but some really stand out. So to help compile this subjective list of most popular destination pit stops, I contacted more than 30 sledding enthusiasts who really love their food, and asked for personal recommendations for their most cherished trailside establishments.
Boy, did I ever get me a bellyful of scrumptious suggestions! I culled through them to arrive at the list below, which I readily admit doesn’t cover every part of the province. That’s why I don’t pretend it’s the be-all and end-all list, and it may have left out a few of your deserving favourites, but it’s a good start… and who knows, maybe your favourite eatery will make my next list!
So the next time you’re planning an Ontario ride, check out my destination restaurant list for yummy places to chow down at lunchtime—and before leaving home, be sure to check each one online for winter hours of operation.
It’s indisputable that snowmobilers love to eat. In fact, cravings for sustenance motivate many an Ontario ride being planned around a favourite lunch stop, what I call a “destination restaurant.” These popular eateries have good trail access and offer something special, exceptional or memorable that’s a cut (or more) above the rest.
Mainly, they’re mom n’ pop operations with attributes distinct from what are available at most chain establishments and fast food joints. Sometimes it’s their appealing atmosphere, unique architecture, exuberant personality, or warm hospitality—but for sure, their top-notch reputations always depend on great grub… homemade specialties, quality offerings, generous portions and good value that keep snowmobilers coming back for more.
Ontario has lots of good places to eat along the snowmobile trails, but some really stand out. So to help compile this subjective list of most popular destination pit stops, I contacted more than 30 sledding enthusiasts who really love their food, and asked for personal recommendations for their most cherished trailside establishments.
Boy, did I ever get me a bellyful of scrumptious suggestions! I culled through them to arrive at the list below, which I readily admit doesn’t cover every part of the province. That’s why I don’t pretend it’s the be-all and end-all list, and it may have left out a few of your deserving favourites, but it’s a good start… and who knows, maybe your favourite eatery will make my next list!
So the next time you’re planning an Ontario ride, check out my destination restaurant list for yummy places to chow down at lunchtime—and before leaving home, be sure to check each one online for winter hours of operation.
Popularly known as The Intrepid Snowmobiler, Craig Nicholson is an International Snowmobile Hall of Fame journalist who specializes in recreational snowmobiling activities. Craig has snowmobiled in every region of Canada and many states. His one-of-a-kind tour book, “Canada’s Best Snowmobiling – The Ultimate Ride Guide”, chronicles his adventures, as does his website and Facebook page.