Snowmobiling in Muskoka

Local snowmobile clubs have maintained snowmobile trails in Muskoka and surrounding areas for over 30 years. The member clubs of the Muskoka Snowmobile Region (MSR) maintain a 1200-kilometre network of trails covering some of Ontario’s most scenic landscape. The clubs are members of the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC), which represents the 231 local snowmobile clubs who operate and maintain over 34,000 kilometres / 21,000 miles of snowmobile trails throughout Ontario.
 

It's not difficult to understand why Muskoka is such a popular snowmobile destination. As the first district north of Toronto with real, consistent snow conditions, the MSR trail network provides snowmobilers with a spectacular view of frozen lakes surrounded by snow-clad hills, valleys and thick forests. Whether your preference is short loops or multiple day journeys, this large trail network will provide you with unlimited touring opportunities. Each route offers snowmobilers a different riding experience with a mix of scenic bush trails and wide-open areas.

Muskoka is a hub of the Trans Ontario Provincial (TOP) trail network with a number of TOP trails intersecting throughout the region. Snowmobilers never need to worry about accessibility to services because a variety of businesses providing food, accommodations, fuel and repair services are located along the trail.

The MSR's large fleet of modern, industrial trail grooming equipment smoothes out the routes between communities. An extensive network of trail signs assist riders in finding their destination. Snowmobilers are reminded that Ontario Trail Permits are required on all OFSC Trails. Three day, week and seasonal trail permits are available at most lodgings, fuel or service locations. Visitors are reminded to always carry a valid driver’s license and proof of ownership and insurance when operating a snowmobile on OFSC trails.

Please support this region by “buying where you ride”. This is especially important to the Muskoka Snowmobile Region because this region has some of the busiest trails in the system. That translates into higher costs to maintain the system to the standard our riders expect. Our ability to maintain these trails rests solely on the number of permits we are able to sell. Please support the Muskoka Snowmobile Region and the Trail Guide advertisers. Remember - revenue generated by their support goes right to the trails!

For Ontario Residents: All Ontario residence must register their motorized snow vehicles (MSV) with the Ministry of Transportation, display the registration numbers and show proof of insurance. All Ontario residence must display a current validation of their MSV.

For Non-Residence: All non-residence must produce evidence of insurance and registration, or bill of sale and comply with Ontario’s snowmobile regulations. U.S residence who are not compelled to insure their snowmobiles in their own state must have liability coverage while in Ontario (minimum $500,000). They may do so through their car insurance.

Snowmobile Legalities, Quick Summary – To Snowmobile Legally in Ontario, you must have:

• Valid Driver’s License

• Proof of snowmobile ownership

• Registration

• Insurance

• Helmet

• Snowmobile trail permit

For All Snowmobilers: Ontario law requires that each sled being used for recreational snowmobiling on an OFSC trail display a valid permit. While operating a snowmobile, the same rules of the road and penalties apply as for driving a car, including possible fines, loss of driver’s license, criminal record and/or imprisonment. Ontario requires the mandatory use of approved safety helmets according to the Highway Traffic Act Regulations while operating or riding a snowmobile. The operator of a snowmobile must be at least 12 years old and hold an Ontario motorized snow vehicles operator’s license. Those 16 and over can use a valid driver’s license instead. The maximum legal speed limit on Ontario trails is 50 kilometres per hour (35mph).