Ontario is one of Canada’s best provinces for ATV adventures, offering everything from rugged wilderness routes in Northern Ontario to well-maintained multi-use trail systems closer to major cities.
With thousands of kilometres of backroads, forest access roads, abandoned rail corridors, and Crown land routes, riders can explore everything from remote lakes and Canadian Shield landscapes to scenic forests and small-town ATV communities.
Many of Ontario’s best ATV trails also offer opportunities for camping, fishing, wildlife viewing, and multi-day adventures. Whether you are a beginner looking for an easy scenic ride or an experienced rider searching for challenging terrain, there is a trail system waiting to be explored.
Here are some of the best ATV trails and riding areas in Ontario.
Atikokan ATV Trails
Region: Northwestern Ontario
Best for: Remote wilderness riding, fishing, camping, wildlife viewing
Known as the “Gateway to Quetico,” Atikokan offers some of the most remote ATV riding opportunities in Ontario. A network of old logging roads extends in every direction, creating endless opportunities for exploration.
Riders can travel through rugged wilderness landscapes, discover hidden lakes, and experience some of Ontario’s best wildlife viewing. Moose, black bears, and other wildlife are commonly spotted throughout the region.
With limited services once you leave town, riders should plan ahead and carry navigation tools, fuel, and supplies.
Don’t miss: Combining ATV riding with fishing or camping at one of the many remote lakes accessible by trail.
Image courtesy of visitatikokan.com
Bruce Peninsula & Georgian Bay ATV Trails
Region: Southern Ontario
Best for: Scenic riding, rocky terrain, weekend trips
The Bruce Peninsula and Georgian Bay area offers some of the most diverse ATV riding in Southern Ontario. Riders can explore a mix of forest roads, farmland routes, rocky Canadian Shield terrain, and scenic backroads.
The region’s varied landscapes make it a great option for riders looking for adventure without travelling deep into Northern Ontario.
Don’t miss: Exploring the area’s unique landscapes, including forests, shorelines, and rugged rock formations.
Image courtesy of Southern Ontario Backroad Mapbook
Cochrane ATV Trails
Region: Northeastern Ontario
Best for: Wilderness adventures and wildlife viewing
Cochrane has earned a reputation as one of Ontario’s premier ATV destinations. A vast network of remote roads and trails provides access to some of the province’s most spectacular wilderness.
The area is famous for wildlife viewing, especially moose and black bears, and offers riders the chance to experience true northern adventure.
ATVs are permitted on many local roads in Cochrane, making it easy to access trails directly from town.
Cochrane, Ontario
Elliot Lake ATV Trails
Region: Northeastern Ontario
Best for: Scenic trails, mixed difficulty riding
With hundreds of kilometres of trails surrounding Elliot Lake, this area is considered one of Ontario’s top ATV destinations.
Riders can explore forest trails, ancient rock landscapes, rivers, and lakes while enjoying routes suitable for different experience levels.
Despite its wilderness feel, many trails remain close enough to Elliot Lake for easy access to fuel, food, and accommodations.
Five Points Trail System
Region: Haliburton & Kawartha Lakes
Best for: Long-distance trail riding
The Five Points Trail System is one of Eastern Ontario’s most popular ATV riding areas, featuring hundreds of kilometres of Crown land trails.
The system includes routes ranging from moderate forest rides to more challenging terrain, including rocky sections, water crossings, and remote backcountry areas.
Because the trail network is large and remote, riders should bring navigation tools and plan their route before heading out.
Map Courtesy of BRMBmaps.com
Ganaraska Forest ATV Trails
Region: Southern Ontario
Best for: Beginners, families, riders near Toronto
Located within driving distance of Toronto, Ganaraska Forest is one of Southern Ontario’s most accessible ATV destinations.
The forest contains hundreds of kilometres of motorized trails through rolling sandy terrain, forests, and scenic recreation areas.
Its combination of accessibility and varied terrain makes it a popular choice for newer riders and weekend adventures.
Haliburton Highlands ATV Trails
Region: Haliburton
Best for: Extensive trail networks and multi-day rides
The Haliburton Highlands feature one of Ontario’s largest mapped and signed ATV trail systems.
With hundreds of kilometres of trails and connections to surrounding networks, riders can spend days exploring forest roads, rail trails, and remote backcountry routes.
The region is also known for its ATV-friendly communities, making it easy to combine trail riding with local accommodations, restaurants, and services.
Map Courtesy of BRMB Web Map
Rugby Lake ATV Trails
Region: Canadian Shield / Northwestern Ontario
Best for: Remote backcountry exploration
For riders looking to escape the crowds, Rugby Lake offers a true wilderness experience.
The area features abandoned logging roads, unmaintained routes, streams, wetlands, and rugged Canadian Shield terrain. With countless kilometres to explore, it is possible to spend several days riding without repeating the same route.
Because many trails are unmarked, GPS navigation is highly recommended.
Image courtesy of Northwestern Ontario Backroad Mapbook
Seguin Recreational Trail
Region: Parry Sound
Best for: Scenic multi-use trail riding
Part of the Park-to-Park Trail system, the Seguin Recreational Trail provides approximately 80 km of scenic riding between Parry Sound and the surrounding communities.
The route passes through forests, wetlands, lakes, and rocky terrain, offering a mix of adventure and scenery.
Voyageur Multi-Use Trail System
Region: Mattawa
Best for: Technical riding and multi-day adventures
Located between the Algonquin Highlands and Laurentian Mountains, the Voyageur Multi-Use Trail System offers more than 200 km of ATV trails.
Riders can experience everything from scenic forest routes to challenging climbs, mud sections, bridges, and abandoned mine sites.
The nearby town of Mattawa is ATV-friendly, making it an ideal basecamp for exploring the region.
Map Courtesy of BRMB Web Map
Plan Your Ontario ATV Adventure
Ontario’s ATV trails cover a huge variety of terrain, from easy scenic rides to remote wilderness routes where preparation is essential.
Before heading out, make sure you have:
- A reliable GPS or offline navigation app
- Updated trail information
- Fuel and emergency supplies
- A map showing backroads, access routes, and points of interest
The Ontario Backroad Mapbooks and the Backroad Maps app help riders discover ATV routes, backroads, campsites, fishing spots, and other outdoor destinations across the province.
With detailed mapping and offline navigation, you can spend less time wondering where you are and more time enjoying the ride.
Did we miss your favourite place to ATV in Ontario? Let us know in the comments below or share your ATV adventures with us on Instagram using #brmblife for the chance to be featured on our feed and win prizes.
