Northern Ontario’s Algoma Region boasts over 1800 miles (3000 km) of well groomed trails. On this visit we rode in the southern and eastern portions and no visit would be complete without a trip on the fabled SnowTrain.
We decided to ride the train back to Sault Ste Marie from the city of Wawa at the tail end of our ride. Starting in the “Soo” our destination was St.Joseph Island, the first stop for many US visitors who ride their sleds across the ice from Drummond Island.
If you do this, always check local ice conditions and the weather forecast for snow squalls. Pay careful attention when riding out onto the North Channel and always follow the marked stake lines. The trails on St.Joseph Island are groomed impeccably but be sharp as there are more deer on the island than people!
Riding the North Shore club’s trails is a hoot and the hydro line (Trail 3) into Elliot Lake is a 10-plus. Elliot Lake is a snowmobiler’s paradise and you may want to stay for a couple of extra days to ride the trails of the North Shore.
After Elliot Lake we headed further north and for the next two days rode Top Trail “F with an overnight stay in the town of Chapleau. We departed Chapleau with Wawa in our sites via Missanabie and Dubreauville.
Leaving Dubreauville you have two route options to get to Wawa: You can take TOP Trail D or the man made Magpie Reservoir. We opted for the Reservoir and never have I ridden in powder snow this deep for so many miles! Believe me, none of our crew was stopping to do a drive belt check and that was a good thing!
On our last day we had a short ride to Hawk Junction and loaded our sleds on the Snow Train in a blinding snow storm. We were glad to be aboard and enjoyed the snowy, relaxing ride back to Sault Saint Marie. The views are absolutely breathtaking and be sure to have your best tall tales ready.
Another big draw to this region is the Superior Snow Challenge Loop. This self guided tour now has two parts, one extending into the North of Superior travel region.
Call 800-263-2546 and visit SnowmobileInOntario.com for maps and more information.
For more about the Snow Train, click the TRACK & TRAILS banner on the left side of this page.
