The allure of a frozen frontier

Snowmobiling

If dog sledding reflects Canada's past, snowmobiling represents its modern winter mobility.

Snowmobiling is one of Canada's most popular winter activities, allowing riders to travel across snow-covered landscapes on motorized sleds designed for ice and deep snow.

With thousands of kilometers of groomed trails stretching through forests, lakes and farmland, it offers a fast-paced way to experience winter terrain that would otherwise be inaccessible.

For Robin Banerjee, an Ontario-based snowmobiling operator, that sense of access is what makes the experience special.

"Ontario has nearly more kilometers of groomed snowmobile trails than it has paved highways — 25,500 kilometers," he said.

Snowmobiling, he added, offers a perspective of Canada that many visitors never see.

"It is a very different part of being a tourist from seeing the great cities of Toronto or Ottawa.

"There you get the culture, architecture and the people. On a snowmobile trip you get the nature and the adrenaline," he said.

Wildlife sightings are also part of the appeal.

"Along the way we might spot wild animals like moose, deer, beavers, foxes or even wolves," he said.

For many international visitors, including those from China, snowmobiling is a completely new experience. Banerjee said careful instruction and pacing are essential.

"Our first day is always an easy one," he said. Guests practice accelerating, braking and leaning into corners before heading onto the trails.

"Once everyone feels comfortable, we start out at a slower pace," Banerjee said. "We have a lead guide and a sweep guide to ensure the groups all stay together and that there are no issues."

As confidence grows, so does speed — within limits.

For him, snowmobiling strikes a balance between excitement and immersion.

"Snowmobiling is very exciting and provides a thrill," Banerjee said. "It is also a great way to see the natural wilderness."

Environmental responsibility, he noted, remains part of the operation.

"Snowmobiling is a gasoline-powered adventure, that is true," Banerjee said. "But we try to respect our environment by not leaving any litter anywhere, and by also respecting any animals we see. Stop, give them their space and take only photos."

For Banerjee, snowmobiling is ultimately about movement — not just through space, but through a landscape that defines the Canadian winter.

"To our friends in China, Ontario is ready and waiting," Devereaux said. "Ontario's winter is a season to be celebrated."

From standing beneath the northern lights to crossing frozen lakes and forest trails, for many visitors, Canada's winter is a season of discovery, movement and quiet wonder.