With snowmobiling season just around the corner, many of us are already planning our winter sledding getaways. And with a developed trail network stretching from coast to coast, there are plenty of options to choose from across Canada when deciding on a vacation destination. Finding a place to spend the night that is snowmobile-friendly, however, can at times be a challenge. To fill you in on a few of the hotels, lodges and cabins that have the snowmobiler in mind, here is our list of snowmobile-friendly accommodations across the country.
BC
Mount 7 Lodges
Located just south of Golden, BC, Mount 7 Lodges is set on 24 hectares (60 ac) of private mountainside and boasts a variety of lodge options for guests, all offering the luxury of home in a natural setting. Snowmobilers can make use of a covered area to work on their machines after a day in the mountains and the lodge is surrounded by a multitude of trails, granting you unparalleled access to the Kootenays' famous champagne powder fields.
Glacier House
Offering guests the choice between a room in the main lodge or their own private cabins, Glacier House is located just across the Columbia River from Revelstoke, well known as one of the country's premiere snowmobiling destinations. There are massive trail systems found on Frisby and Boulder Mountains, and the lodge offers guided snowmobile tours for those looking to push their limits and access those secret powder fields.
Alberta
Grand Rapids Wilderness Adventure Lodge
With no vehicle access in the winter, ride in and ride out is the name of the game at this lodge's cozy cabins. Accommodating up to 12 guests, the lodge is surrounded by wilderness that receives very little riding pressure, so you can pillage miles of untouched powder as you explore trails, pipelines, muskeg and miles of frozen river.
Summit Creek Cabins
Located just off Highway 3 on the legendary Crowsnest Pass, this lodge features three separate cabins with direct access to some of Western Canada's best snowmobiling terrain. Winners of the Snoriders West Platinum Award in 2011 and 2012, and the Gold in 2013, this is the place to enjoy a snowmobile getaway on the continental divide.
Saskatchewan
Moose Range Lodge
Located four hours from either Regina or Saskatoon, Moose Range Lodge offers 5 two-bedroom cabins and one three-bedroom cabin along with access to some phenomenal sledding in the Porcupine Hills. There are around 60 km (37 mi) of groomed trails that start right from the lodge and weave back and forth across the Manitoba border, with connections to Swan River, Benito and beyond.
North Country Bed and Breakfast
This lodge-style Bed and Breakfast is nestled deep among the pines outside of Hudson Bay and offers easy access to the extensive trail network maintained by the Hudson Bay Trail Riders. Head north towards the Wildcat Hill Provincial Protected Area, south to Usherville, east to Norquay or west to Mistatim – the choice is yours.
Manitoba
Sasagiu Rapids
Located right on a Thompson Trailbreakers snowmobile trail, this sled-friendly lodge has a large lounge that serves Canadian and Thai cuisine and cool drinks, cozy suites, a cabin and even snowmobile rentals.
Elkhorn Resort
Located on the border of Riding Mountain National Park, Elkhorn Resort offers a large pool, outdoor campfire area and a number of groomed trails right on their property which connect to a much larger network of trails beyond. Park your sled next to the resort and unwind after a full day of riding before doing it again the next day! Members of the Snowman snowmobile club even receive a 15% discount.
Ontario
Magpie Relay
Promising the best in northern hospitality, the Magpie-Relay has rooms designed specifically for sledders, with ample drying areas for your wet clothes and a heated garage to store your machine. The motel is surrounded by trails and old logging roads that lead you through rolling hills, tall jack pine stands and swooping curves that will take your breath away.
Spectacle Lake Lodge
Featuring nine lakeside cottages and six lodge rooms, this lakeside resort offers a Sledder's Package that includes a three course dinner and hot breakfast. The Opeongo Snowbirds trail system is just a few minutes' sled away, giving you direct access to some of Ontario's best snowmobiling.
Quebec
Domaine Valga
Featuring nine rooms, a dining room, reception hall, meeting room and lounge, plus three log cabins, this is Quebec's largest log inn. Domaine Valga offers a special snowmobile package that includes a hearty homestyle dinner and is located right on Snowmobile Trail #579. In fact, the lodge serves as a snowmobile clubhouse during the winter, serving lunch to snowmobilers daily throughout the season.
Bioparc de la Gaspesie
Located right on the St. Lawrence just minutes from Bonaverte, there are nine fully furnished cottages available for snowmobilers here. There are signs pointing the way from Trans-Quebec Trail #5 and the lodge offers a snowmobile package with dinner, breakfast and seaside views.
New Brunswick
Atlantic Host Hotel
This independently owned hotel is found along the banks of the picturesque Tetagouce River, directly along the New Brunswick Federation of snowmobile club trail system. Featuring loading ramps, heated repair bays, pressure wash, secure indoor sled parking and fuel on site, the Atlantic Host bills itself as “the snowmobile center of the North East.”
Adairs Wilderness Lodge
Located in the wilderness of the Bay of Fundy region between the village of St. Martins, Fundy National Park and the town of Sussex, Adairs Wilderness Lodge offers access to thousands of kilometers of groomed trails right from their front door.
Nova Scotia
River Trail Cottages
Located on a 150 acre farm in the beautiful Margaree River area, these cottages are found just off the Cabot Trail and provide you with direct access to a multitude of snowmobile trails. Explore the surrounding woods or head out on a long-distance ride along Nova Scotia's groomed trail system.
Prince Edward Island
Ocean Acres
Ocean Acres is found in the southeast of Prince Edward Island, less than a mile from the Confederation Trail. The trail bisects the island from tip to tip and serves as its main snowmobile corridor during the winter, meaning you can access just about any snowmobile trail on PEI while staying at Ocean Acres.
Newfoundland
Marble Mountain Resort
Marble Mountain Resort boast an average annual snowfall of 5 metres (16 ft) and, while staying at the Marble Villa, you can enjoy direct access to over 1,200 km (745 mi) of snowmobile trails. Tails leads you deep into the backcountry, including into Gros Morne National Park. Guided snowmobile trips are available and are a great choice for those unfamiliar with the area.
City of Deer Lake
The city of Deer Lake holds the distinction of being the “Snowmobile Hub of Newfoundland,” with off-loading sites found at each of the city's hotels and a snowmobile trail that runs right through town, connecting you to an extensive trail system that branches out in every direction. Heading south from town will lead you to Marble Mountain and Lewis Hills, heading north will lead you to Big Falls and Gros Morne National Park, while sledding east will carry you towards Saint John.
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