The all-terrain vehicle, ATV for short, with its go-anywhere capabilities is one of the easiest off-road machines to please. All you need is a patch of dirt, a bit of mud, a few rocks and you are good to go. It just so happens that Northeastern Ontario has 1,000,000+ square kilometres of just the type of territory that makes an ATV rumble with happiness.
The ATV rider on the other hand is a bit more complex, his or her happiness requires all of the above, plus quality accommodations, good food, and perhaps most importantly a map that will guide you through some of the best ATV trails anywhere.
So where do you start? As luck would have it Northeastern Ontario put that question to “the masses”. Well, almost that question. The exact wording was, “What are the top five ATV destinations in Northeastern Ontario?” The people have spoken and here is a guide to what should be your next five ATV adventures.
5. West Nipissing ATV Club Trails
The West Nipissing ATV Club has trails as far north as Shining Tree in the west and Temagami in the east, and south down to west of French River and as far east as Mattawa. The trails range from very easy to challenging. Get in touch to take part in one of their group rides—there’s no better way to explore the trails than to ride with the people who make them happen!
4. Wasi Lake Trails
Located about 40 minutes outside of North Bay, you can explore the paths of trappers and loggers nearby the northwest edge of Algonquin Park. Start your ATV adventure at Booth Landing Camping & Cottages on the shores of beautiful Wasi Lake in Chisholm. Whether you cottage or camp, the trail starts at your door and heads into the surrounding crown lands where you’ll find more deer, moose, bears, bald eagles, and owls than people.
3. Voyageur Multi-use Trail System
Mattawa loves ATVs so much that they developed the Voyageur Multi-Use Trail System (VMUTS) practically walking distance from town. The 300 km mapped and signed trail system offers something for every skill level including side by sides and UTVs.
Comprised mainly of old, forest-covered logging roads peppered with river/stream crossings and lookouts, it would take more than two weeks to experience the VMUTS in its entirety.
Experience 3 days of ATVing on Voyageur Country’s Multi-Use Trail System and stay at one of the premiere ATV adventure camps in the world!
If you’re out this way, you’ve got to visit the Purdy Mica mine.
2. Kukagami Trails
The simplest way to find the epicentre of the Kukagami Trail system is to look up Sportsman’s Lodge Wilderness Resort on Kukagami Lake Northeast of Sudbury. Owner George Robbins spends countless hours maintaining and expanding the trail network. With a maze of old and forgotten logging roads and trails left behind from the area’s long history of mining and logging, his work never stops.
There are loop options for full day rides amid old pines and sparkling lakes. For the hardcore rider, ask about the Goat Trail and be ready for a workout. If adventure is your thing, try the 2-day, 400 km loop to Auld Reekie Lodge in Gowganda and back.
1. Cochrane ATV Node
Located at the northern limits of Ontario’s paved road system with a territory slightly smaller than the US State of Michigan, it’s not hard to envision Cochrane’s huge ATV touring potential. With its limitless trail network you can ride for days without crossing paths. There’s boundless potential for the backcountry explorer.
There you have it–five good reasons to load up the ATVs and make Northeastern Ontario your next trailside vacation destination. With the recent changes to Ontario laws most municipalities now allow ATV’s, Side-by-Sides and UTVs to cross municipal roads and some communities, and even let them ride the shoulder to get to restaurants, gas up, and head straight to riders’ accommodations. It’s a great time to get dirty!
