Are ATVs Allowed on Snowmobile Trails in Ontario? Where You Can (and Can't) Ride Your Can-Am ATV or Side-by-Side This Winter

No, ATVs and side-by-sides are not allowed on OFSC snowmobile trails in Ontario, even with tracks. OFSC trails are snowmobile-only, and the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs says only machines designed, built and registered as motorized snow vehicles can get an Ontario Snowmobile Trail Permit. You can still ride a Can-Am ATV or side-by-side in winter, though: on ATV club trails that open in winter, on land where you have permission, and on roads where a local bylaw allows it.

Key Takeaways

• ATVs and side-by-sides are not allowed on OFSC snowmobile trails at any time of year.
• Only vehicles designed, built and registered as motorized snow vehicles can get an Ontario Snowmobile Trail Permit, according to the OFSC.
• A track kit does not turn an ATV or side-by-side into a snowmobile, so it still can't use OFSC trails.
• Riding an ATV on a snowmobile trail can lead to trespass charges and can cost clubs the landowner permission the trails depend on.
• Some OFATV clubs open winter ATV trails, such as the Central Ontario ATV Club in Simcoe County, and the QuadON app shows trail status.
• ATVs and side-by-sides can use some Ontario roads only where a municipal bylaw or provincial rule allows it, with a plate, insurance, a helmet and at least a G2 or M2 licence.

Are ATVs Allowed on OFSC Snowmobile Trails?

No. ATVs are not allowed on OFSC snowmobile trails in Ontario. The Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) is the volunteer organization that builds, grooms and runs about 30,000 km of snowmobile trails across the province, and its trails are for snowmobiles in winter only.

There are three reasons:

1. ATVs can't get a trail permit. Under Ontario's Motorized Snow Vehicles Act, an Ontario Snowmobile Trail Permit is needed to ride a prescribed OFSC trail. The OFSC FAQ says the short answer is no for snow bikes, ATVs, side-by-sides, dirt bikes and Argos, because only vehicles designed, manufactured and registered as motorized snow vehicles are eligible.
2. Most trails cross private land. Landowners give clubs permission for snowmobiles in winter, not for other vehicles or other seasons. Local snowmobile clubs on the Bruce Peninsula have written that ATV trespassing is one of the biggest reasons clubs lose landowner permission.
3. Trespass charges. Riding where you don't have permission can lead to charges under Ontario's Trespass to Property Act. Police and OFSC trail patrols do check trails.

The one exception: a trail can be shared if a local ATV club has its own permission from the landowner and the trail is signed as an ATV trail. If you don't see ATV signs, assume the trail is snowmobile-only.

Is a Snowmobile an ATV?

No. A snowmobile and an ATV are different vehicles under Ontario law.

• A snowmobile is a "motorized snow vehicle" under the Motorized Snow Vehicles Act, defined as a self-propelled vehicle designed to be driven primarily on snow. It has skis at the front and a track at the back, and it must meet Canada's snowmobile safety standards.
• An ATV or side-by-side is an off-road vehicle (ORV) under Ontario's Highway Traffic Act. It has wheels, handlebars or a steering wheel, and is built to ride on dirt, mud, gravel and snow.

Snowmobiles and ATVs also follow different rules for licences, permits and road use, shown in the table below.

	Snowmobile (Ski-Doo, Lynx)	ATV (Can-Am Outlander, Renegade)	Side-by-side (Can-Am Defender, Maverick, Commander)
OFSC snowmobile trails	Yes, with a trail permit	No	No
ATV club trails (OFATV)	No	Yes, with an OFATV pass where trails are open	Where the club allows side-by-sides
Permit for trails	Ontario Snowmobile Trail Permit	OFATV trail pass	OFATV trail pass
On public roads	Limited: check local rules before riding near roads	Only where a bylaw or provincial rule allows	Only where a bylaw or provincial rule allows
Track kit available	Built with a track	Yes, Can-Am Apache tracks	Yes, Can-Am Apache tracks

Can I Ride My ATV on Snowmobile Trails If It Has Tracks?

No. Adding tracks does not make an ATV or side-by-side a snowmobile, so it still can't get a snowmobile trail permit or use OFSC trails. The OFSC FAQ lists ATVs and side-by-sides as not eligible, and a track kit doesn't change what the vehicle was designed and registered as.

Tracks are still the best winter upgrade for an ATV or side-by-side. A track system replaces each wheel with a rubber track, which spreads the weight over a much bigger footprint so the machine floats on deep snow instead of digging in. They're ideal for ATV club winter trails, ice-fishing access, hunting camps, farms and cottage roads. Read our complete guide to ATV and side-by-side snow tracks to choose the right kit.

Where Can You Ride an ATV in Ontario in Winter?

You can ride an ATV or side-by-side in Ontario in winter on ATV club trails that stay open, on your own land or land you have permission to use, and on roads where a bylaw allows off-road vehicles.

• OFATV club winter trails. The Ontario Federation of All Terrain Vehicle Clubs (OFATV) is the umbrella group for ATV clubs in Ontario. Some of its clubs keep trails open in winter. Closest to us, the Central Ontario ATV Club has developed winter ATV trails in Simcoe County, including through the Brentwood forest, according to Northern Ontario Travel. You'll need an OFATV trail pass, and the QuadON app shows which trails are open or closed.
• Your own land, or land with permission. Farms, woodlots, hunting properties and cottage land are where most winter ATV and side-by-side riding happens. Always get the owner's permission first.
• Roads with a bylaw. Off-road vehicles can use some municipal roads where the municipality has passed a bylaw allowing them, or where it is listed in Ontario Regulation 8/03. See the road rules in the next section.
• Check for closures. Many ATV clubs close trails during the spring thaw, and some close during deer rifle season. Check the club or the QuadON app before you ride.

For summer and fall riding spots, see our guide to where you can ride your ATV in Ontario.

Can You Drive an ATV or Side-by-Side on the Road in Ontario in Winter?

Yes, but only on roads where it's allowed and only if you follow the on-road rules. According to Ontario's Ministry of Transportation, single-rider ATVs, two-up ATVs, UTVs, recreational off-highway vehicles (ROVs) and some other off-road vehicles may use certain roads. These rules are the same in winter as the rest of the year:

• Only allowed roads. Municipal roads need a bylaw allowing off-road vehicles, unless the municipality is listed under Ontario Regulation 8/03. Off-road vehicles are never allowed on 400-series highways or the QEW.
• Licence and age. On the road, the driver must be at least 16 and hold at least a G2 or M2 licence.
• Plate and insurance. The vehicle must be registered, insured and show a licence plate, except in exempted areas such as far northern Ontario.
• Helmet. Drivers and passengers must wear an approved motorcycle helmet with the chin strap fastened, on or off the road.
• Speed. A maximum of 20 km/h where the posted limit is 50 km/h or less, and 50 km/h where the posted limit is over 50 km/h.
• Passengers. On the road, passengers must be at least 8 years old and wear a seat belt or use the footrests.
• Lights. Headlights and tail lights are required at night and in bad weather, which in an Ontario winter is often.

Not sure about your helmet? Our ATV and side-by-side helmet guide covers what to look for.

How Do You Set Up an ATV or Side-by-Side for Snow?

The best way to set up an ATV or side-by-side for snow is with tracks for deep snow, a plow for clearing, and protection from the cold.

• Tracks for deep snow and trail riding. Can-Am Apache track systems are built for Can-Am ATVs and side-by-sides.
• A Can-Am ProMount plow for driveways, lanes and farm yards. See our guide to a Can-Am plow setup.
• A winch to pull the plow blade up and get unstuck.
• Heat and wind protection. Heated grips, hand guards and a windshield on an ATV. A cab, windshield and doors on a side-by-side.
• Winter maintenance. Check the battery, use the right oil for the cold, and check the belt before the first cold start.

Browse Can-Am plows, ATV and side-by-side tracks and all Can-Am off-road accessories online.

Should You Buy a Snowmobile or an ATV for Winter?

Buy a snowmobile if you want to ride Ontario's snowmobile trails, and buy an ATV or side-by-side if you want a machine for work and all-season riding.

• Choose a snowmobile (Ski-Doo or Lynx) if your goal is trail riding. Only a snowmobile can use the OFSC trail network, and nothing else is as fast or comfortable on groomed snow. See how to choose the right snowmobile for Ontario trails.
• Choose an ATV (Can-Am Outlander or Renegade) if you need one machine for plowing, hauling firewood, hunting and riding ATV trails in every season. See our Can-Am Outlander buyer's guide.
• Choose a side-by-side (Can-Am Defender, Commander or Maverick) if you want to bring a passenger, carry more, or ride in a heated cab.

Many Ontario families end up with both: a sled for the trails and an ATV or side-by-side for work around the property.

November 2026 ATV offer: from November 1 to 30, 2026, BRP offers $1,000 on select 2026 Can-Am Outlander 850 models and all 2026 Renegade models, or financing from 1.99% APR for 36 months, or 3 years of coverage on eligible models. See the Can-Am ATV promotion for full terms, and all current offers on our promotions page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are ATVs allowed on snowmobile trails in Ontario?

No. ATVs and side-by-sides are not allowed on OFSC snowmobile trails in Ontario. Only snowmobiles with a valid Ontario Snowmobile Trail Permit can ride them, and ATVs are not eligible for that permit.

Can I put tracks on my ATV and ride snowmobile trails?

No. A tracked ATV or side-by-side is still an ATV or side-by-side, not a snowmobile, so it can't get an Ontario Snowmobile Trail Permit or use OFSC trails. Tracks are great for ATV club winter trails and private land.

Is a snowmobile an ATV?

No. A snowmobile is a motorized snow vehicle under Ontario's Motorized Snow Vehicles Act, designed to be driven mainly on snow. An ATV is an off-road vehicle under the Highway Traffic Act. They have different permit, licence and road rules.

Can side-by-sides use snowmobile trails in Ontario?

No. The OFSC lists side-by-sides as not eligible for a snowmobile trail permit, so they can't use OFSC trails. Side-by-sides can use ATV club trails where the club allows them.

What happens if you ride an ATV on a snowmobile trail?

You can be charged with trespassing under Ontario's Trespass to Property Act, because most OFSC trails cross private land that is only open to snowmobiles in winter. ATV trespass also puts the whole trail at risk if the landowner withdraws permission.

Where can I ride my ATV in winter in Ontario?

You can ride on OFATV club trails that open in winter, such as the Central Ontario ATV Club's winter trails in Simcoe County, on your own land or land you have permission to use, and on roads where a municipal bylaw allows off-road vehicles. Check the QuadON app for trail status.

Do I need a licence to drive an ATV on the road in Ontario?

Yes. To drive an ATV or side-by-side on a road where it's allowed, you must be at least 16 with at least a G2 or M2 licence, and the vehicle must be registered, insured and plated. You must also wear a motorcycle helmet.

Where can I buy a Can-Am ATV or Ski-Doo snowmobile in Ontario?

You can buy new and used Can-Am ATVs, Can-Am side-by-sides and Ski-Doo and Lynx snowmobiles at Energy Powersports, with locations in Oakville and Collingwood, Ontario. Browse inventory online at energypowersports.ca.

Is there a Can-Am dealer near Collingwood or Oakville?

Yes. Energy Powersports is an authorized Can-Am, Ski-Doo, Lynx and Sea-Doo dealer with locations at 180 Mountain Rd, Unit 101 in Collingwood and 879 Cranberry Court in Oakville.

Can I finance a Can-Am ATV or side-by-side?

Yes. Energy Powersports offers financing on new and used Can-Am ATVs and side-by-sides, and BRP has November 2026 offers on select Can-Am models. Apply on the financing page of energypowersports.ca.

Visit Us

Oakville: 879 Cranberry Court, Oakville, Ontario, L6L 6J7. Call 905-901-5500.

Collingwood: 180 Mountain Rd, Unit 101, Collingwood, Ontario, L9Y 3Z9. Call 705-532-2277.

Get Set Up for a Legal Winter Ride

Whether you ride a sled on the OFSC trails or a Can-Am on ATV club trails and your own land, the right machine and the right setup make winter a lot more fun. Browse new inventory, book your winter service, shop Can-Am off-road accessories online, or visit either location and our team will help you pick the right machine and the right trails.