+372 880 4126 5 Amazing Off-Road Trails for ATV/UTV Enthusiasts in Canada
Canada's vast wilderness offers some of the most exciting and diverse off-road experiences for ATV and UTV riders. From coast to coast, these trails showcase stunning landscapes while providing thrilling adventures for all skill levels. Here's our selection of five must-ride trails across the country.
1. Voyageur Multi-Use Trail System (VMUTS) — Ontario
Located between the ancient Algonquin Highlands and Laurentian Mountains, VMUTS offers over 300km of trails that connect to a network exceeding 4000km. The system primarily consists of old, forest-covered logging roads with numerous river and stream crossings.
What makes VMUTS special is its variety — with trails suited for novice, intermediate, and advanced riders, all clearly marked in loops of various lengths and difficulty levels. The community of Mattawa, with just two thousand residents, provides a friendly base for your adventures.
Permits and regulations: Riders need either a VMUTS trail pass or an Ontario Federation of All-Terrain Vehicle Clubs (OFATV) permit. All ATVs must be registered, plated, and insured. Riders must be at least 16 years old with a valid driver's license.
2. Park-to-Park Trail — Ontario
This 230 km multi-use trail connects Killbear Provincial Park to Algonquin Provincial Park and is part of a regional initiative aimed at linking seven provincial parks and offers countless cliffs, lakes and streams to explore. The trail includes the notable Seguin Trail, an 80 km section following a former railway bed offering iconic views of central Ontario.
Permits and regulations: Riders require an OFATV trail permit. All ATVs must be registered, plated, and insured. Riders must be at least 16 years old with a valid driver's license. Speed limits are typically 20 km/h in built-up areas and 50 km/h elsewhere.
3. Alberta's Iron Horse Trail
This 300-kilometer section of the Trans-Canada Trail runs along what was once the Canadian National Railway line. Open year-round, it's perfect for exploring diverse Canadian landscapes including parkland, boreal forest, wetlands, and sand dunes.
Rich in history dating back to the 1700s, the trail was used by Aboriginal and Métis people, early fur traders, and later became a vital rail link from 1927 to 2000. Today, riders can explore historic train stations from Heinsburg to Smoky Lake along the route.
What's unique: This is the longest continuous stretch of the Trans-Canada Trail in Alberta, with trailheads in every community along the way. Perfect for multi-day adventures with three provincial parks and numerous campgrounds providing accommodation options.
Permits and regulations: Alberta requires all off-highway vehicles (OHVs) to be registered and insured. Trail passes can be purchased through the Alberta TrailNet Society. Riders must be at least 14 years old, and those under 16 require direct supervision by an adult.
4. Crowsnest Pass Trails — Alberta
In southwestern Alberta, Crowsnest Pass offers approximately 1,300 kilometers of trails winding through the spectacular Rocky Mountains. Managed by the Crowsnest Pass Quad Squad (CPQS), these trails provide riders with breathtaking mountain scenery and varying difficulty levels.
Permits and regulations: A Quad Squad membership is required, all OHVs must be registered and insured, riders must be at least 14 years old. Note: seasonal closures occur during spring thaw (typically mid-March to mid-May).
5. Cabot Trail & Cape Breton Island — Nova Scotia
Cape Breton Island offers various ATV/UTV trails including designated off-highway vehicle routes. While the Cabot Trail is primarily known as a scenic drive, it offers excellent opportunities for exploring off-trail areas and experiencing the natural beauty of Cape Breton Highlands National Park.
Specific designated routes for off-highway vehicles include Black River Road and Balmoral Road in Balmoral, Richmond County.
Permits and regulations: Nova Scotia requires all ATVs to be registered with the Registry of Motor Vehicles and covered by liability insurance. Riders must be at least 16 years old with a valid driver's license or have completed an approved safety course. The All-Terrain Vehicle Association of Nova Scotia (ATVANS) offers annual trail passes, which provide access to maintained trails and includes third-party liability insurance.
Bonus: Gold Bridge Trails — British Columbia
While our focus is on five main trails, we'd be remiss not to mention the trails around Gold Bridge, BC. Despite the tiny population of just 40 residents, the area offers expansive multi-use trails suitable for quads and UTVs. The area features spectacular cliffs overlooking BC's beautiful lakes and historical mining relics from its gold-rich past.
Permits and regulations: In British Columbia, all off-road vehicles must be registered with ICBC and display an ORV number plate or sticker. Insurance is recommended but not mandatory. Riders must be at least 16 years old with a valid driver's license.
Safety Tips for Canadian ATV/UTV Trails
Here are essential safety considerations for all ATV/UTV trail riding in Canada:
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Never ride alone, especially in remote wilderness areas where getting lost is a real risk
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Always ride prepared with appropriate maps, GPS, first aid kit, and emergency supplies
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Obtain proper permits for the specific trail systems you plan to ride
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Respect private property boundaries and follow "Tread Lightly" environmental principles
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Use multiple navigation resources (trail maps, topographic maps, GPS) when planning your routes
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Always wear proper safety gear, including helmets, which are legally required across Canada
From the rugged mountains of British Columbia to the pristine forests of Ontario and the dramatic coastlines of Nova Scotia, Canada offers world-class off-road experiences. These trail systems showcase the country's breathtaking natural diversity while providing exhilarating adventures for ATV and UTV enthusiasts of all skill levels. Pack your gear, obtain the necessary permits, and prepare to discover Canada's wilderness on some of North America's most spectacular off-road trails.
