Winter lovers rejoice - it's snowmobile season! Time to get out in the wild on groomed trails for unforgettable  adventures that will get you somewhere (fast).

Amid the vast woodlands of Ontario's Highlands, snowmobiling is an outdoor experience that takes you places you may never see in warmer months, through hidden forests and secluded hillsides.

Whether you’re looking for a rider-designed loop, private trails to explore, or to create your own path along the intricate OFSC trail system, read on to discover the groomed trails laced across Ontario’s Highlands, and the friendly hosts waiting to welcome you.

If you're dying to hit the trails but are new to the snowmobile world, no worries. You can rely on the years of knowledge gleaned in the back woods with a guided tour from Tom Irwin Adventure Tours in Calabogie, or Highland Wilderness Tours near Maynooth. If all you’re missing is a snowmobile, you can rent one from Haliburton Forest & Wild Life Reserve in Haliburton, Urban Sport in Calabogie or Outdoor Adventure Rentals in Perth.

You will need to purchase a permit to ride the trails in Ontario's Highlands. Get your permit here. 

Rails & Trails Ontario East Loop

Brand new to Eastern ontario, the Ontario East Rails & Trails Loop takes riders over 267 rugged kilometres through Lanark County, Ottawa Valley and Frontenac County's snow territory. Stop at one of the small towns peppered along the route to explore food and drink options. 

Wondering where to stay?

  • Comfort Inn: Located just off the trail in Carleton Place, this brand new hotel is the spot to spend the night while feeling confident your snowmobile will be well looked after until morning. 
  • The Grand Hotel: This is another good one in Carleton Place! This historic building will be a classy way to spend the night after roughing it on the trail all day. 
  • Best Western Smiths Falls: Use this as your base camp for your snowmobile expedition. This location is within walking distance to everything you would ever need while snowmobiling. 

Old Hastings Snow Riders Trail

Come and play on over 350-kilometres of groomer trails that take you through Bancroft, McArthur Mills, Coe Hill, Gilmour and surrounding areas. The Old Hastings Snow Riders Club organize a number of events throughout the year for intrepid snowmobilers. Adjoining trails make this a route that will take you virtually anywhere you want to go on the trails.

Wondering where to stay?

  • Forest Yurt: Spend the night in a unique accommodation at this super cool forest yurt. The on-site wood stove makes this accommodation a fun overnight alternative in the winter months, and includes everything you would need for a delightful overnight stay. And don't worry about trekking out to an outhouse - there is an indoor private bathroom.

Haliburton Forest Trails

Known as one of  the top 10 snowmobiling destinations in North America, this can be the ultimate destination for your snowmobile getaway. Not only does the reserve offer cabins  to tuck into for the night, but you can also rent a snowmobile onsite to explore over 300-kilometres of privately-owned trails. Escape to this snowmobile haven, where passes are limited so you can avoid extra traffic, and build on your trip with a visit to the Wolf Centre onsite. *Please note these are private trails and permits are required.

Wondering where to stay?

  • Haliburton Forest Cabins: Stay at one of these cozy cabins that were originally used by 19th century loggers, but have been fully renovated for today's travelers. You'll be right in the heart of trail country the next morning.

RAP (Round Algonquin Park) Tour

As the name would suggest, this 900-kilometre loop winds its way around Algonquin Provincial Park, offering the chance to explore lush forests and rugged landscapes of the Canadian Shield along a series of utility corridors, abandoned rail lines, and old logging roads.

Wondering where to stay?

  • Oakview Lodge & Marina: Warm up fireside after a day on the trails and have your taste buds delighted in the restaurant onsite at this retreat in Algonquin Highlands.
  • Lakeview Motel: Wind your way to this family-run Haliburton motel and upgrade your evening by booking a room with a personal hot tub to soak away any chill left behind from a day on the trails.
  • Best Western Pembroke: Be welcomed by small town hospitality and amazed by the larger city facilities as you warm up in the sauna or take a dip in the heated salt water pool.
  • Spectacle Lake Lodge: Book a Sledder’s Package to refuel with a three course dinner and hot breakfast at The Lakeside Smokehouse onsite and enjoy the view of sparkling icy Spectacle Lake in Barry’s Bay.
  • Sandy Lane Resort: Set your inner child free while you glide along a natural skating rink or take a trip down the lit toboggan hill in the evening before tucking into a cottage for the night in Algonquin Highlands.
  • Pinewood Inn: Unwind after your day on the trails knowing  you won't need to go far the next morning. Two trails are accessible from the parking lot of this cozy inn.

Bon Echo Loop

Have your breath taken away as you wind along this 235-kilometre loop, through picturesque landscapes, rugged terrain, and frozen lakes glistening in the sun.

Wondering where to stay?

  • Mazinaw Lakeside Resort: Contact your hosts in advance to coordinate something extra special for your stay – like a pot of hot chili or cold beet in the fridge – then sit back and unwind in your cozy winterized cabin in Cloyne, just meters of the trail.
  • Limerick Lake Lodge: If you’re visiting on a weekend in February or March, tuck into a cozy cabin in Gilmour to rest up from a day on the trails.

Round Bonnechere Tour

Rev your engine along this 230-kilometre loop of rail bed and pipeline corridors interspersed with twisting mountainous terrain and soak up some spectacular views while you’re at it.

Wondering where to stay?

  • Sands on Golden Lake: Embrace the casual charm and welcoming spirit that flows through this inn in Golden Lake, feel your taste buds jump for joy at the restaurant inside, and go the extra mile to unwind at the spa onsite.
  • Ash Grove Inn: Enjoy the views of the sparkling frozen Kamaniskeg Lake in Barry’s Bay and fuel up with home style meals and unique menu twists at the restaurant onsite.

Calabogie Highlands Loop

With tight forest trails to set a leisurely pace, opportunities to stop in historic Eganville, Griffith, and Calabogie, this is a 260-kilometre tour with uncrowded trails and picturesque views.

Wondering where to stay?

  • Calabogie Lodge Resort: Satisfy your hunger after a day on the trails at one of Calabogie's delectable restaurants, and pick up some craft beer from Calabogie Brewing Co. to enjoy while taking in the beautiful views of Calabogie Lake.
  • Calabogie Highlands Golf Resort: Spend a casual evening in a lakeside suite, or book the Jacuzzi Suite, for the added bonus of soaking any stiff muscles after a day on the trails.
  • Calabogie Peaks Resort: Book a room or condo at the Peaks and add to your winter adventure by hitting the slopes, and unwinding in a hot tub under the stars.

Madawaska Highlands Loop

Enjoy the Valley hospitality along this 180-kilometre trail winding its way along rail corridors and following the Madawaska River.

Wondering where to stay?

  • Hush Lodge and Cottages: Let the hospitality of your friendly hosts make you feel welcomed home in Barry’s Bay, and your muscles relax as you warm up in the sauna onsite.
  • Kirkman House Bed & Breakfast: Relax in this ‘home-away-from-home’ in Arnprior and recharge with a hearty breakfast before hitting the trails for the day.

The Voyageur Route

Step back in time as you follow the route of voyageurs from yesteryear along the Ottawa River along this 350-kilometre trail through scenic vistas and changing landscapes – from farmland to forest.

Wondering where to stay?

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