Snowmobiling in Canada
Take to the trails on a snowmobile for a whole new perspective on winter.
By Karen Eull
Over 1.5M people use the Great Canadian Snowmobile Trail annually. | PHOTO: COURTESY OF TRAVEL MANITOBA
JOE THIEVIN AND HIS SNOWMOBILE have been to every province, and his favourite stretch is in Saskatchewan, northwest of the town of Hudson Bay. “It’s all through the forest, where the trees bend and form a snow canopy overtop the trail in the winter. It’s like driving through a tunnel,” he says. “It’s a picture that you just can’t forget. Every time I go to Saskatchewan, I have to travel that section of trail.”
Thievin, who lives in Stonewall, Man., has been riding for 55 of his 60 years. He’s noticing lots of changes on the trails these days, including more families and couples enjoying experiences that range from leisurely, guided day trips to advanced backcountry adventures. “Nothing makes me happier than when I see a family out there. I just have such a passion for it because I love the social aspect.” As president of the Canadian Council of Snowmobile Organizations (CCSO), he oversees a national, volunteer-led organization that advocates for the sport and partners with local snowmobiling clubs to keep trail networks in good repair. The CCSO relies on thousands of volunteers to groom and maintain the Great Canadian Snowmobile Trail (GCST). The GCST is the world’s longest recreational snowmobiling trail, with a network of over 131,070 km. It stretches from the Atlantic to the Pacific to the Arctic coasts, putting it within reach of 90 percent of the Canadian population.
“Nothing makes me happier than when I see a family out there. I just have such a passion for it because I love the social aspect.”
All these well-cared-for trails are not just for sledders — that’s what snowmobile enthusiasts call themselves. They’re used year-round by hikers, bikers, skiers and ATV riders. “We tried to develop a system that takes [you] through the most scenic country.”
According to the CCSO, snowmobiling has a $9.3B impact on the national economy each year, thanks to the over 1.5M Canadians (and visitors) who enjoy this classic winter pastime.
Sledding on slopes is physically demanding and takes practice. | PHOTO: COURTESY OF ALCOM
Finding your path
Today, whether you’re a beginner or advanced rider, there’s a path for everyone — and thousands of advocates willing to act as teachers and guides to get you out there. “For new riders, I always say take a snowmobile safety course and go out with somebody who is a respected rider,” advises Thievin. “Start in the daytime. But most importantly, just get out and enjoy it. Nothing puts a bigger smile on someone’s face once they get the hang of it.” There are snowmobile trails, regional clubs and travel operations in every province and territory — including these local favourites.
- The guides at Call of the Wild offer a five-day Snowmobile Safari in Algonquin Park, Ont., that zips through forests, scenic lookouts and charming towns with warm hotel beds.
- Residents are permitted to operate sleds in downtown Whitecourt, known as the snowmobile capital of Alberta. There’s a 485-km route in the area with scenic lookout spots, warm-up shelters and staging areas with parking, loading ramps, shelters, firepits and restrooms.
- Northeast Saskatchewan offers 1,610 km of trails with stops in 12 communities from St. Brieux to the town of Hudson Bay, and 261 warm-up shelters along the way. Hotels and cabins in each town are set up to accommodate multi-day trippers.
Happy snowmobilers at Algonquin Provincial Park, Ont. | PHOTO: COURTESY OF CALL OF THE WILD
Sledding for all
Those who want to ride slopes in the backcountry can head to Alberta and B.C. Julie-Ann Chapman of She Shreds runs snowmobile clinics in Nelson and across British Columbia. She started with the first “all-girl” snowmobile clinics 15 years ago. Now, she offers clinics, avalanche courses and training to anyone who wants to learn — including lots of couples looking to share an adventure.
Chapman grew up riding snowmobiles in Québec, but found sledding in deep snow and on steep mountain trails quite challenging at first. There weren’t many other women around to help her learn, and it took her a year to get the hang of it. So, she created She Shreds to introduce the sport to other women in a safe and friendly environment. “Women really have to figure out [their own] technique, because we [often] don’t have as much body mass to throw around, and so it’s a lot of figuring out the throttle and how to move your body to help you maneuver the snowmobile in off-camber, deep powder conditions.”
Though sledding on slopes is physically demanding and takes practice, her clinics can cater to absolute beginners and advanced snowmobilers alike. Even those with trail experience often need training to navigate steep, unfamiliar terrain on a mountain sled designed for deep snow. She also teaches riders about avalanche safety and how to use the transceiver, probe and shovel in every avalanche kit — essentials for anyone on the slopes.
It’s a joy for Chapman to introduce riders to alpine trails. “It’s one thing being able to hike to the mountaintop in the summer — of course, it’s gorgeous. But being able to get to the top real quick, you can do multiple mountain passes in one day. And you’re able to get to these incredible places — ice fields and glaciers…. It brings you to the most beautiful places in the entire world.”
Smart Sledding
All riders, by law, need a CSA-compliant helmet. Experienced riders wear well-insulated, protective clothing, waterproof snowmobile suits and gloves, and rubber-bottomed boots.
Riders should travel in groups of two or more, and only in permitted areas. Riding off-trail can damage crops and disrupt wildlife. Routes may run through First Nations’ territories and small communities — riders should always show respect for locals wherever they go.
Riders are advised to carry a first aid kit, an emergency tool kit and a survival kit with flares, blankets, food, water and any gear required to survive outside on a cold night. Every rider should have a communication safety device, such as a satellite communicator, that works outside of cellphone range.
Snowmobiling in Manitoba
There are more than 13,000 km of groomed trails in Manitoba maintained by Snoman Inc., an umbrella organization for 53 member clubs across the province that offers a user-pay system. To ride on designated trails here, you must have a Snopass, which comes with an orange Snopass licence plate for your snowmobile.
Laws vary across provinces. In Manitoba, all riders under the age of 14 must be supervised by an adult while operating a snowmobile. As for speed limits, it is important for drivers to adjust their speed to the weather and trail conditions. Here are the limits for various paths and areas: on both snowmobile trails and roads where the posted speed limit is over 50 km/h, it’s still a maximum of 50 km/h for snowmobiles; roads where the posted limit is 50 km/h or less, it’s 20 km/h for sledders; and any public park or exhibition grounds is also 20 km/h. Drivers should familiarize themselves with snowmobile hand signals and trail signs. It’s illegal to operate any motorized vehicle while impaired by drugs or alcohol. All operators must have valid registration and insurance for any snowmobile ridden on public land. Operators are encouraged to complete a snowmobile safety education course — having a Snowmobile Safety Certificate may result in savings on insurance. CAA