Image courtesy Flickr.com

Just 2 hours north of Toronto, ATVs rider’s heaven is found at the Seguin Recreational Trail. In Ontario, the Park-to-Park trail system links many existing or once established trail systems for public use. Whether you are an ATV enthusiast, a hiker or a biker, the Trans Canada Trail system is a self sustainable network for the public. The Sequin Trail is the major east-west spine of this vast system and covers about 75kms from from Highway 11 to Highway 400/69.

Originally, the trail bed was a base for a railroad system used to haul lumber from the Ottawa river to shipping yards on the Georgian Bay. The Sequin Trail is now maintained by the Parry Sound District Ministry of Natural Resources and managed by Park-To-Park Trail. This means the trail is kept clean and safe year round. No matter what the season, ATV and snowmobile enthusiasts can ride the trails of Ontario.

As this vast system of public trails is managed and maintained regularly, there is a fee to use them. Pricing depends on how you are using the trail system. As an ATVer, you need a permit.

1. Permits are issued to the person, not the machine/vehicle.
2. You must be at least 16 years of age.
3. You must sign a condition of sale contract.

You can buy a trail pass online or via one of many locations listed on this site.

If you don’t yet have an ATV or want to travel with other enthusiasts, you can go with arranged ATV tours. There are many ATV adventure packages through various local companies. Or join a yearly arranged event – there are many to choose from in 2009.

Some upcoming ATV events in Ontario include the Can-Am Spring Jam, Haliburton ATV Associaton yearly events, and the VMuts Rallies. Make sure you pre-register or apply for membership as some of these events are members only. You will also want to be prepared by making sure you have your trail pass purchased before you look for events to join.

If you are still thinking about buying an ATV so you can join in on the fun of Ontario’s trails and meet other ATV enthusiasts, you may want to look for ATV reviews online (they also have snowblowers).  Join one of the local ATV clubs and ask around to see what other people are buying or using now. Make an informed decision on the right ATV for you and your family.