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Ontario ATV Trips — Trails, Guides, Events & Trip Planning | ontarioatvtrips.ca

EXPLORE ONTARIO ATV TRIPS
LIKE NEVER BEFORE

Thousands of kilometres of trails carving through boreal forest, along Great Lakes shorelines, and across the rugged Canadian Shield. Plan your next Ontario ATV trip today.

Explore Top Trails Beginner? Start Here
10,000+
KM of Managed Trails
24
OFATV Member Clubs
4
Seasons of Riding
Dozens
of ATV Events

Why Ontario?

Canada's Premier ATV Destination

Ontario offers some of the most diverse and exciting ATV riding in North America. From the towering pines and rocky ridgelines of the Canadian Shield to gentle, forested loops through farmland in the south, every region delivers a completely different off-road experience.

The province is home to a well-organized trail network maintained by dozens of volunteer-run ATV clubs operating under the Ontario Federation of All-Terrain Vehicle Clubs (OFATV). Whether you are a first-time rider looking for a gentle gravel path or an experienced enthusiast seeking gnarly mud bogs and steep hill climbs, Ontario ATV trips have something for everyone.

Northern Ontario alone provides thousands of kilometres of backcountry trails linking remote lakes, old mining roads, and scenic lookouts that reward riders with views stretching to the horizon. Meanwhile, regions like Mattawa, Haliburton, the Gowganda-Gogama wilderness, and Eastern Ontario offer multi-day trip options with cabin and lodge accommodations right on the trail system.

Ontario ATV trips through scenic forest trails

Where to Ride

Top Ontario ATV Trip Regions

Each region has its own character, terrain and trail club. Explore the areas below to start planning your ride.

Mattawa & VMUTS

Often called Canada's off-road capital. Over 300 km of trails with lookouts, river crossings and lodge access.

Northern Ontario

Haliburton Highlands

Scenic Shield country riding through rolling hills, pine forests and glacier-carved lakes.

Central Ontario

Algoma Country

Expansive trail systems near Sault Ste. Marie with waterfalls, boreal forest and old mining roads.

Northern Ontario

Gowganda & Gogama

Remote wilderness riding on old logging roads and mining trails through dense boreal forest. Lodge-based packages with guided tours and backcountry lake access.

Northeastern Ontario

Eastern Ontario

Explore the Old Hastings Road corridor from Bancroft to Marmora — a historic colonization route through deep forest.

Eastern Ontario

Temiskaming Shores

An up-and-coming destination attracting riders from across the GTA and the U.S. with lodge-based riding packages.

Northern Ontario

Featured Trails

Must-Ride Ontario ATV Trails

Hand-picked trails for unforgettable Ontario ATV trips, from weekend loops to multi-day expeditions.

Ontario ATV trips on the Old Hastings Road trail in Eastern Ontario

Old Hastings Road

📍 Bancroft – Marmora 📏 ~100 km ⚡ Intermediate

Follow a 19th-century colonization road through dense forest and along quiet lakes. A favourite corridor for riders exploring Eastern Ontario's historic back country, with pit stops and lake views along the way.

Ontario ATV trips on Kawartha ATV Club trails near Peterborough

Kawartha ATV Club Trails

📍 Peterborough Region 📏 250+ km ⚡ Beginner – Advanced

Varied terrain that welcomes every kind of rider, from family-friendly loops to more challenging rocky sections. Located within easy reach of the Greater Toronto Area, making it ideal for day trips and weekend rides.

Ontario ATV trips in the Dubreuilville Algoma backcountry

Dubreuilville – Algoma Backcountry

📍 Algoma Country 📏 Hundreds of km ⚡ Advanced

Deep Northern Ontario wilderness riding on old logging roads and mining tracks. Solitude, wildlife sightings, and genuinely remote terrain define this area. Come prepared and self-sufficient.

New to ATVing?

How to Start Your First Ontario ATV Trip

Getting into ATV riding in Ontario is straightforward. Follow these steps and you will be trail-ready in no time.

01

Get Your Licence & Training

You must be 12 or older to drive your own all-terrain vehicle on OFATV trails. For any road use, including riding along a road or crossing it to reach a trail, you need a valid G2 or M2 licence or higher. Consider the OFATV "Ready to RideON" training program to build confidence and learn safe handling techniques before hitting the trails.

02

Register, Insure & Get a Permit

Your ATV must be registered with the MTO and carry liability insurance. You will also need a trail permit from the OFATV or the relevant local trail organization. Annual OFATV permits cost $195 (HST included), with 1-day ($30) and 3-day ($70) options available for visitors. Up to 75% of permit fees go directly to local trail maintenance.

03

Plan Your Route & Ride

Download the free QuadON app (iOS and Android) to browse every OFATV trail in Ontario with GPS mapping. Check trail conditions with your local club before heading out. Start with well-marked, beginner-friendly loops and work your way up. Always ride with a buddy and let someone know your route and expected return time.

Know Before You Go

Ontario ATV Permits & Regulations

Riding legally keeps the trails open for everyone. Here is what you need to know before your Ontario ATV trip.

OFATV Trail Permits

The Ontario Federation of All-Terrain Vehicle Clubs manages nearly 10,000 km of trails through 24 member clubs. Your permit dollars fund trail maintenance, signage, insurance and rider-safety programs.

  • Annual Permit: $195 (HST included) — valid 365 days
  • 3-Day Permit: $70 — must be consecutive days
  • 1-Day Permit: $30 — single day access
  • Family discounts available (3rd machine and up: $125 each)
  • Reciprocal riding in Nova Scotia included with annual permit
  • Purchase online at ofatv.org or through your local club

Legal Requirements

Ontario Regulation 316/03 governs off-road vehicle use on public roads and trails. Make sure you check all the boxes before your trip.

  • Valid G2 or M2 driver's licence (minimum) for any road access
  • Must be 12 or older for OFATV trail riding; G2 or M2 licence or higher for any road use including crossings
  • Approved helmet required at all times
  • ATV must be registered with the MTO
  • Liability insurance is mandatory
  • Trail permit sticker must be attached where required and visible on the machine
  • Both ATVs and UTVs (side-by-sides) accepted on most trails — check with your club

Get Involved

Ontario ATV Events & Rallies

From poker runs and mud bogs to charity rides and concerts, Ontario's ATV community knows how to have a good time.

Be Prepared

Ontario ATV Trip Gear Checklist

Pack smart and ride safe. Here is what experienced Ontario ATV riders bring on every trip.

Safety Essentials

  • DOT-approved helmet with visor
  • Goggles or face shield
  • Gloves (knuckle protection)
  • Riding boots (ankle support)
  • Long pants & long sleeves
  • High-visibility vest
  • First-aid kit

Trail Tools & Supplies

  • Tow strap / recovery rope
  • Tire repair kit & pump
  • Basic tool kit (wrenches, pliers)
  • Spare drive belt
  • Extra fuel (jerry can for remote trips)
  • Duct tape & zip ties
  • Fire extinguisher

Navigation & Comfort

  • QuadON app (free, GPS enabled)
  • Phone mount & power bank
  • Paper trail map (backup)
  • Water & snacks
  • Rain gear / extra layer
  • Sunscreen & bug spray
  • Registration, insurance & permit docs

Common Questions

Ontario ATV Trip FAQ

Yes. Most managed ATV trail systems in Ontario require a valid trail permit. The OFATV permit gives you access to nearly 10,000 km of trails across 24 clubs. You can purchase annual, 3-day or 1-day permits online at ofatv.org. Some independent clubs may have their own permit systems, so always verify with the local club before riding.
Most OFATV clubs welcome UTVs (side-by-sides) on their trails, but not all of them do. Before purchasing a trail permit for your UTV, check with the specific club you plan to ride with to confirm their policy. Three-wheelers are not accepted.
You must be 12 or older to drive your own all-terrain vehicle on OFATV trails. For road use, including crossings, you need a valid G2 or M2 licence or higher. Always check with your local club about specific age restrictions and supervised riding options for younger riders.
Ontario offers four-season ATV riding. The main season runs from spring (once trails dry out, typically May) through late fall. Many Northern Ontario destinations also offer winter ATV riding with dedicated winter trails, guided tours, and lodge-based packages. Trail openings vary by club and region, so check the QuadON app or your local club's website for real-time status updates.
QuadON is the official trail mapping app from the OFATV. It is free to download on iOS and Android. The app displays all OFATV-managed trails with GPS positioning, shows which trails are open, and helps you navigate the trail network. You can also use the web version at quadon.ca.
Yes, several operators across Ontario offer guided ATV tours that are perfect for first-timers. Companies in areas like Mattawa, Muskoka, and Haliburton provide machines, safety gear, and experienced guides who will take you on scenic back-country routes. This is one of the best ways to experience an Ontario ATV trip without needing to own your own machine.
Off-road vehicles are allowed on many municipal roads in Ontario, unless a municipality has a bylaw that limits or bans their use. Riders still need to check local bylaws, trail rules, registration, insurance, helmet rules, and licence rules before riding on roads or crossings.
Many lodges, cabins, and resorts across Ontario cater specifically to ATV riders and offer direct trail access from their properties. Northern Ontario is especially well set up for this, with destinations like Mattawa, Temiskaming Shores, Sudbury, and Algoma Country hosting dedicated ATV-friendly lodges. Some offer full riding packages that include meals, trail maps, and even guided group rides.