Why Ontario is a Premier North American ATV Destination

Most off-road travel articles feature the same crowded top five parks in North America based on thousands of tourist ratings. However, more isn't always better. The real magic of ATVing in Ontario lies in the uncrowded trails, peaceful wilderness, and freedom to ride at your own pace without gridlock.

Ontario boasts a vast landscape featuring everything from historic railway bed trails and sandy shorelines to open meadows and rugged Canadian Shield rock outcroppings. Riding here feels like stepping back into a time of open trails and welcoming small towns. For riders looking to escape congested off-road parks, Ontario provides thousands of kilometers of scenic, connected riding options.

1. Parry Sound: Historic Rail Trails & Georgian Bay Scenery

Parry Sound is home to the famous Park to Park Trail network, a system built largely on the historic JR Booth Railway line from the late 1800s. Thanks to the "One Pass" permit collaboration with the Eastern Ontario Trails Alliance (EOTA), riders gain seamless access to nearly 2,000 km of interconnected trails stretching from Killbear Provincial Park to Algonquin Park.

• The Seguin Trail: The most famous 80 km section of the network, guiding riders through Canadian marshlands, ponds, dense mixed forests, and rough rock outcroppings.

Accommodations & Dining

• Jolly Roger Inn & Resort: Features direct trail access, a restaurant, indoor/outdoor pools, a hot tub, a sauna, and mini-golf.
• Log Cabin Inn: Offers casual fine dining and cozy cabins fitted with fireplaces and Jacuzzi tubs.
• Parry Sound KOA Holiday: Located right off the Seguin Trail with quick access to fuel and food at the Georgian Bay Travel Centre.
• Town Amenities: Additional stays include the Best Western Plus, Comfort Inn, and Parry Sound Inn & Suites, located close to local dining options.

2. Haliburton Highlands: Deep Woods & Crown Land Adventures

Trail Highlights & Connectivity

The Haliburton ATV Association (HATVA) manages one of Ontario's largest mapped, signed, and insured trail networks, spanning roughly 1,700 km.

• Terrain Variety: Ranges from smooth municipal rail lines—like the Haliburton/Victoria Rail Trail stretching south to Lindsay—to technical, deep-woods routes requiring winches and high clearance.
• Network Connections: Links directly to the Bancroft EOTA trail system to the east and the Kawartha ATV Association trails to the south.

Accommodations & Dining

• Silver Maple Motel: Situated just 500 meters from trail access points.
• Sandy Lane Resort: A lakeside retreat on Halls Lake featuring 70 acres of property.
• Local Eats: Visit Maple Avenue Tap & Grill for Canadian-Korean fusion pub fare, or stop by The Kosy Korner, a legendary local staple serving all-day breakfast since 1935.

3. Elliot Lake: True Northern Wilderness & Loop Systems

Located just two hours east of the Sault Ste. Marie border, Elliot Lake offers a true Northern Ontario wilderness ride without a long drive across the province.

Trail Highlights & Safety

Elliot Lake features over 300 km of signed, insured, loop-style trails weaving through boreal forests, escarpments, and wild rivers.

• Convenient Design: The loop design keeps riders within 20 minutes of municipal services and fuel at almost any point.
• Backcountry Access: Experienced riders can explore unmaintained logging roads, water crossings, and technical rock climbs. A working winch, GPS, safety gear, and first-aid kits are strongly recommended.
• Shared Trail System: These routes transition into OFSC snowmobile trails in winter, maintaining strong community support and year-round trail care.

Accommodations & Dining

• Dunlop Lake Lodge: Direct trail access featuring a full restaurant, bar, live music, lodge rooms, private cabins, and RV slots.
• Laurentian Lodge: Located 32 km north of the city, offering lakeside chalets and cottages designed for an off-grid digital detox.
• City Comforts: Includes options like the Hampton Inn by Hilton, along with local dining at FireSide Classic Grill, Mum’s Place, and Topper’s Pizza.

4. Mattawa: VMUTS Network & ATV-Friendly Roads

Mattawa features the Voyageur Multi-Use Trail System (VMUTS), which offers over 300 km of marked multi-use trails, with access to a network of 4,000 km worth of trails!

• Key Points of Interest: Features iconic stops like Bird’s Eye View lookout, Redbridge Bluffs, Kearney Lake, and the historic Mica Mine.
• ATV-Friendly Town Bylaws: Local municipal bylaws permit ATVs on town roads, allowing riders to travel directly from their hotel or campsite to the trails without trailering.

Accommodations & Dining

• Le Voyageur Inn: A historic 1881 downtown inn featuring an on-site restaurant serving authentic Thai and classic Canadian dishes.
• Valois’ Restaurant & Motel: Offers walk-out rooms directly across from trail access points and traditional northern comfort food.
• Mattawa River Resort: Features private rental cottages, an RV campground, a sandy beach, boat launches, horseback riding, and a wood-burning sauna.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a permit to ride ATV trails in Ontario?

Yes. Most organized trail networks in Ontario require a trail permit. Major networks like the Park to Park Trail, Haliburton ATV Association (HATVA), Eastern Ontario Trails Alliance (EOTA), and Voyageur Multi-Use Trail System (VMUTS) issue day or seasonal passes. Passes like the "One Pass" cover multiple connected networks across regions.

Can I legally ride an ATV on roads in Ontario?

Road access depends on local municipal bylaws. Some municipalities, such as Mattawa, have passed ATV-friendly bylaws allowing off-road vehicles on designated local roads to reach services, gas stations, and accommodations. Always verify local municipal road bylaws before riding on public streets.

What equipment should I carry when ATVing in Northern Ontario?

For remote regions like Elliot Lake and Mattawa, bring a fully operational winch, a satellite GPS device or offline mapping software, a first-aid kit, extra fuel, tow straps, toolkits, and overnight safety provisions.

What is the best time of year for an ATV trip in Ontario?

The primary ATV season runs from spring through late autumn (typically May to November), depending on trail conditions and local opening dates. Autumn offers crisp temperatures, fewer insects, and vibrant foliage along the Canadian Shield.

NOTE: This is sponsored content produced in partnership with Destination Ontario