AmSnow.com is now SnoWest.com
One of the highlights of this loop is when the trail crosses over the top of a power-generating dam that was built in the early 1930s. Here is where backcountry sledders will want to venture further north into the Canyon for some incredible off-trail riding. Just west of the dam, the Canyon has everything from steep hillclimbs to lower bowls of deep powder. You may be able to navigate with a shorter track sled, but snow conditions should be your guide. This is big snow country and not a place to go exploring without a proper powder machine. Still, there is often a beaten down path that you can follow if it hasn’t snowed in a couple of days.
After playing in the Canyon, we made our way down the west side of the A103 toward Smooth Rock Falls. This run is about 85km (50 miles) down a hydro cut. There isn’t as much shelter along this side, but the trails are wide and fast. It’s a great place to let out some of that horsepower! There is a gas station and a restaurant along the trail – a great place to stop for a rest and a bite to eat. After fueling up, we headed east along the A trail for another 70km (40 miles) back toward Cochrane. We pulled into the Thriftlodge before dark after completing what I would rank as one of the best trails that Ontario has to offer.
Just do it!
If you have never had the chance to ride the Abitibi Canyon Loop, just do it! Bring a camera, as there are many amazing photo ops for your group along the way. The sled-friendly town of Cochrane welcomes you with hospitality and open arms. In fact, the parking lots usually have more snowmobiles than vehicles during winter months. There are also a few local snowmobile shops in the area if you forget anything or need something for the sleds.
Ontario offers approximately 30,000km (18,000 miles) of groomed trails in its system, with great signage and an abundance of accommodations regardless of where you choose to snowmobile. Grab your riding buddies and make the trip north. You’ll be glad you did!
For more info about Ontario, trail permits and an interactive trail map: www.OFSC.on.ca. Plus, follow some of my other adventures on Twitter: @sleddincanuck. Enjoy the trails!