There are over 120,000 kilometres of organized snowmobile trails in Canada – enough to circle the globe three times – of which 10,200 are in Saskatchewan.
With over 610,000 registered snowmobiles in Canada, organized trails provide comfort and safety, knowing there isn’t a hazard like rocks, culverts or stumps hidden below the snow.
“You have peace of mind when you’re on a trail that it’s safer,” said Chris Brewer, President and CEO of the Saskatchewan Snowmobile Association. “You have trail signage…mileage tells you how far it is to the next destination or the next Co-op fuel stop.”
According to Brewer, Saskatchewan is the only western province to have trail from border to border. That trail and over 194 safety shelters – each one unique in appearance, from Saskatchewan Roughriders to general store – are maintained by 48 clubs across the province.
Because of snow conditions, trails are typically found in the northern and eastern areas of the province. Brewer lists the top five trails as follows:
- Kelvington to Hudson Bay: A continuous amount of high-moisture snow in the bush and good accommodations.
- Lakeland area (Candle Lake-Emma Lake-Christopher Lake): Snow amounts are good and you’re away from the flat prairie in the bush.
- Yorkton and area: Travel from Yorkton to Good Sprit Provincial Park and Canora, Sask., through a rare wooded area.
- Moose Mountain Provincial Park: Can be an anomaly and get high snowfalls when the prairie is bald and brown leading to the park.
- Battleford to Meadow Lake: A bit area, but Meadow Lake Provincial Park is one of the most scenic spots to ride in the province.
Saskatchewan’s trail is part of the Trans Canadian Snowmobile Trail. Brewer said the interconnected network of trails in Saskatchewan have been around for the last 25 years but has grown and matured in recent years.
Brewer has been riding a snowmobile for at least 50 years. While it is still typical to go for a ride in the evening or weekend, he has found week-long vacations and tours from town to town to be increasing in popularity.
“Winter is our longest season in Saskatchewan,” Brewer said. “The opportunity to get out and take in the scene is very unique in Saskatchewan.”
So dress warm, jump on a sled and enjoy the snowy surroundings.