ATV/OHV

This feature now available on our Backroad GPS Maps!

ATV or Off-Highway Vehicle riding in Canada has certainly grown in popularity in recent years. Here at Backroad Mapbooks, we have listened to the wishes of our readers and added a section for Canadian motorized off road enthusiasts to find places to ride. We have even gone as far as to add both a duo sport (ATV and snowmobile) and a separate ATV line style for our maps. These areas are on top of the countless number of multi-use trails open to the sport found in each book.

Despite the growth in popularity of the sport, all terrain and off-highway vehicle (ATV/OHV) operators are on the defensive. As time goes on, more and more areas that were once open to ATV/OHV use are closing. From private land to parkland, it seems it is becoming harder and harder to find places to ride, even in areas that have historically been a haven for riders. With this in mind we ask that you join your local club and association and share your riding areas with others. Only by promoting these areas will it be possible to keep these areas open to off-road riding.

What to look for

Line Style/Symbol on the maps

Look for this line style in our book to find ATV trails on the map.

Symbol in the writing

Look for this symbol in our refernece section to see where else you can ATV/OHV.

Write-up in Reference

Look for the ATV/OHV section in our books for the most popular ATV/OHV routes.

Canadian Rockies: McLean Creek OHV Zone (Map 5/G2)
Nearly 200 square kilometres have been set a side for multiple users in the McLean Creek area. While hikers, mountain bikers and horseback riders are allowed in this area, it is truly a domain ruled by 4X4s, ATVs and motorbikes. There are hundreds of kilometres of formal and informal trails winding through this area, ranging from easy cruising to mud bogging. There are two staging areas, one at McLean Creek Recreation Area, one at the Fisher Creek Recreation Area. Some of the major trails to explore include the Elbow Valley Trail, Fish Creek Trail, Fisher Trail, McLean Trail, Quirk Trail and Silvester Trail.

Kootenay Rockies BC: Sugar Mountain Trail (Map 26/D5)
An old 4wd road heads up to an abandoned fire lookout on Sugar Mountain, along the Kate Creek Road. It is a steep 14 km (8.5 mile) return route. The spectacular views from the top help compensate for the tough 900 m (2,925 ft) elevation gain. The Kate Lake Trail is considered too boggy to ride and best left for people on foot.

Manitoba: Woodridge Area (Map 9/A3)
This is the hub of ATVing in Manitoba, and sets the standard for ATVing in the province. Found in the Sandilands Provincial Forest, the area is sandy with lots of rolling, forested hills. There are many trails that are quite challenging. But there's a little something for everyone here, from easy family rides to some hardcore mud and deep water. Many people riding in this area use the Wagon Wheel Campground as a base camp; trails start right at the campground.

Northeastern Ontario: Elliot Lake ATV Trails (Map 8/C3)
The 300 km of trails that loop around the area never stray more than 30 km from town. The main trails range from easy to difficult.

- The Boardwalk Run (Map 8/C3)
This 41 km loop was one of the first trails developed in the area and includes easy to advanced terrain along the west side of Elliot Lake. Beginning with a great view of the rock escarpment on Horne Lake, the trail makes its way to the High Rocks and waterfalls of Elliot Lake. Other features of the trail include sandy beaches, sand pit areas and the Boardwalk, which was built to help regulate water levels in the area.

- The Boreal Forest Run (Map 8/B3)
This run stretches 47 km and takes half a day to complete. There are old growth forests along the trail as it meanders towards Lake Matinenda and back. The moderate route can be reached via The Boardwalk Run and includes more difficult side trails.

- The Portage Run (Map 8/B4)
Spanning 49 km, users can access this trail from either the Boardwalk or Boreal Forest Runs. Much of the route is comprised of challenging, rocky and muddy terrain that is best suited for experienced ATVers. Many users follow this trail to get at the great fishing in the area.

- Rooster Rock Run [May Lake Loop] (Map 8/E3)
Featuring Rooster Rock, a magnificent rock outcropping situated on the north loop of the trail, this moderate trail covers 60 km. The run begins in Elliot Lake and travels through the "airport link", a trail cut across the Canadian Shield. A great view can be enjoyed atop the Depot Lake area if users walk to the lookout. Old forest fire burns, King's Lake Waterfall, abandoned mining sites, Sunshine Beach, good fishing and a fantastic view of Elliot Lake can all be experienced at some point along the trail. The views are a good place to watch the Northern Lights in the winter.

Nova Scotia: Annapolis Valley Trail System (Maps 1, 2, 4, 9-11, 18-20)
About 200 km (125 miles) of the abandoned rail line from Yarmouth to Windsor has been completed. This leaves about 100 km still be to upgraded, including a large section between Bear River west of Digby and Lawrencetown. Other pieces like around Kentville are closed to ATV's. Riders can piece together nice rides from Cambridge (19/G3) to Lawrencetown (18/E5) or from just east of Digby (10/C3) to the closed bridge in Weymouth (9/G6). Continuing south from Weymouth the trail links to Yarmouth (4/E7). From the south end of Yarmouth, a nice ride leads to Pubnico (2/C3) and beyond. For added adventure, there trails leading south of Berwick into the Kings County ATV system. Be wary of closures and other trail users on the rail lines.

Partners, Government, Clubs and Associations