Snowmobiling

The Sledding Gateway to Northern Ontario

North Bay and the region are blessed with abundant snowfall and vast stretches of picturesque landscapes, making it an ideal destination for snowmobiling adventures. 

Snowmobile trails in the immediate area offer great diversity combining twisting forest runs with plenty of elevation change, wide open utility corridors that lead to extensive vistas, scenic lake trails accordingly marked, and even self-guided snow tours that take in unique points of interest, like an abandoned Mica mine.

Due to the lake-effect snow from Lake Nipissing and Georgian Bay, it’s common for the area to have one of the longest snowmobile seasons in the province, sometimes stretching from December into April. This extensive season allows for local clubs to build an ample base providing some of the best quality and well-managed trails you will find anywhere in Ontario.

North Bay Snowmobile Trails

North Bay sits in the middle of 3,400 kms of world-class snowmobile trails, including 1,900 km in District 11 of the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) trail system. 

Area trails are managed by the Near North Trail Association and its member clubs, locally the North Bay Snowmobilers Club and South Shore Snowmobile Club who provide trails that connect directly to and within the City of North Bay.

Snowmobile Tour Loops

There are three much-loved snow tour loops in District 11, where North Bay is perfect as a homebase for day trips on a weekend getaway from Toronto, or as an overnight stop on your bucket-list saddlebags tour on the RAP (Round Algonquin Park) Tour, one of Destination Ontario’s ‘must-ride snowmobile loops’.

When you ride the multi-day RAN (Ride Around Nipissing) Tour or the 250km Explorers Snow Tour, perfect for day trips, you’ll explore the pre-Cambrian Canadian Shield – home to some of the world’s oldest rock and enjoy endless surfaces mixed with countless lakes, majestic pines and clean northern air.  

Don’t miss out on the Top 10 Points of Interest along the way on the Explorer’s Snow Tour, including the must-see Mica Mine and gorgeous views at Redbridge Lookout.

Explorers snow tour

w alexis outdoors

Sled-Friendly Accommodations

North Bay is a small city with an amazing wealth of full service snowmobile-friendly hotels and restaurants eager to make your stay as easy and as comfortable as possible. 

Many hotels and motels along the Lakeshore have ample parking for your trailers and sleds and are also perfect for adding a little ice fishing to your trip.

Here are just a few options right on or nearby the trails – and keep these winter stay & play promotions handy for your booking.

• Best Western North Bay – on-site restaurant, free truck and rv parking right across the road from Lake Nipissing
• Quality Inn North Bay – with direct trail access, free sled and trailer parking, nearby restaurants and a gas station, this is a great base for day trips  
• Sunset Inn on the Park – located right off the trail and adjacent to Lake Nipissing & nearby restaurants, perfect for both ice fishing and snowmobiling
• Glen Garry Motel and Cottages – direct trail access on Lake Nipissing, group and family-friendly accommodations

Snowmobile Permits and Regulations

The appropriate Ontario Snowmobile Trail Permits and licenses are required before embarking on a snowmobiling adventure in Ontario. It’s also important to note that safety is paramount when snowmobiling. Riders should familiarize themselves with local regulations, follow trail etiquette, and be aware of weather conditions.

With its scenic trails, abundant snowfall, and a vibrant snowmobiling community, North Bay offers an exhilarating and unforgettable snowmobiling experience for riders of all skill levels. Whether you’re seeking thrilling speed, stunning winter landscapes, lake riding or the camaraderie of fellow riders, North Bay is a fantastic destination to explore the joys of snowmobiling.