Can I snowmobile across Canada?
You can crisscross the stunning Canadian landscape on a snowmobile, alone or with friends. But before you answer the call of the wild, you need a lot of information to make the trip safe and memorable. Join us as we delve into the Great Canadian Snowmobile Trail (GCST) when the season starts, guided tours, permits, and more to help navigate this adventure.
What is the Great Canadian Snowmobile Trail?
An enthusiastic group of volunteers started the Canadian Council of Snowmobile Organizations (CCSO), which has created a network of snowmobile enthusiasts. These fans are spread across the country and have developed the GCST to ensure it is optimized for local users and tourists.
The GCST started in 1992 due to this volunteer group. Millions of Canadians and tourists use it to explore remote areas spread over 18,000 kilometres from east to west. From guided tours to dog sledding, people traverse this trail on their ATVs or Ski-Doos.
Spanning 12 provinces and running through about 1,000 communities, the GCST is accessible within 30 minutes to approximately 80% of the Canadian population. Because of volunteer efforts and national pride that drive the GCST development and maintenance, you can have an exciting snowmobiling experience across Canada. Before you do, here are some tips to guide your adventure.
What You Should Know About the Canadian Snowmobile Trail
Snowmobiling is a winter sport, so the season typically runs from December to March, when it is a great time to explore the magnificent backcountry in Canada.
Before the season starts, you should consider which section of the trail to explore. Many people love the extensive trails in French-speaking Quebec near the Laurentian mountains, the origin of the first snowmobile club, the Club Pionniers Laurentides. Alternatively, the Algonquin Provincial Park in Ontario offers enthusiasts a diverse landscape to test their snowmobiling skills.
Otherwise, snowmobile trails in the north are another challenge with great appeal. But whether you decide to start your adventure in British Columbia, Alberta, or Manitoba, you should prepare well for the trip.
Planning Your Snowmobile Adventure
Depending on where you intend to start and end your snowmobile trip, you should investigate whether you need a trail permit. Many trails require a permit, and if you’re planning a border crossing, you will also need official permission.
The best route is to contact a club like the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) for information to help plan the trip, especially if you’re not going on a guided tour. Otherwise, communicate with one of the other snowmobile clubs across Canada for help.
However, if you’re booking a guided tour, you will still need to provide proof of a driver’s license. If you have children, check if the age limit for passengers is eight years or other. Also, you’ll need proof of insurance for your snowmobile tour or day trip, for which you must have a trail pass.
No matter where you start your snowmobile adventure, you’ll need help with gear, an ATV, Ski-Doo, and more. The best place to get that help is from FMS Saskatoon, so contact us now for the best adventure of your life.