WESTLOCK, Alberta
Explore these scenic trails
Westlock has a strong sledding base with snowmobilers dedicated to safe and fun riding
Relaxed riding: Friends and family get together for a ride in Westlock on a picture-perfect day. —photo courtesy of Cliff Bromberger
The winters rock in Westlock—period. The surrounding areas of prairie land are covered in scenic vistas and secluded forest trails. The local club, the Pembina Drift Busters, has an average membership of 70 families who share a passion for sledding and good times with family and friends.
For the love of the sport
Denise England, the secretary for the Pembina Drift Busters and the Alberta Snowmobile Association, said that she started sledding in Westlock in 1985. She got into the sport when she split the cost of a sled with her brother, and she continues to ride whenever she can.
“I love the sport and I don’t care where I go,” said England. “That is an Alberta mentality. We ride trails here because we love riding and we will ride anywhere. We ride for the sport and the people—the people who are safe, who know what is going on, that are courteous and that don’t drink. That is why we ride and we have so much fun because we have the same attitude.”
The trail system around Westlock is ideally suited for families and groomed by a member of the Pembina Drift Busters. Regardless of which direction sledders choose to take, they will have an enjoyable and expansive journey.
“Our trails are great,” said England. “They are nicely groomed and family rideable. There is no one that can’t ride our trails—as long as you are legal to get on a snowmobile, you can ride our trails.”
A close-knit group
Westlock is situated 85 kilometres northwest of Edmonton and has a population of approximately 5,000 people. England said there is a big calling for sledding in the community and the club members are always eager to host snowmobiling events.
“(The Pembina Drift Busters formed) in 1986, so we are a stable and respectable club,” said England. “Three of our members are on the board of the Alberta Snowmobile Association and that is huge. We are joiners…If anyone ever wants to host something and no one else will do it, we will put our hand up because we love it. We all think alike too, and we have all been friends for so long—that is what we have worked hard on.”
Alberta Central contacts
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How Does Snowmobiling Affect Caribou?
As most snowmobiling occurs in high elevation areas, there is the potential for snowmobiling to disturb and displace these animals from their preferred habitat into areas less suitable and more prone to avalanches. Mountain caribou may also become stressed, which can affect energy reserves during critical time periods. In addition, snowmobile trails can provide easier access for predators into areas occupied by mountain caribou. Please take caution and be aware of, and avoid, mountain caribou in your riding area.
Environmental Stewardship Division, Ministry Of EnvironmentPHONE: (250) 565-6135 -
Rimby, AB
Make the Rimbey Super 8 your choice in accommodation
The Super 8 hotel in Rimbey offers an on-site fitness centre, indoor pool, water slide and hot tub. We have an on-site meeting room, guest laundry and business centre for your convenience. We are conveniently located off Highway 20 near restaurants, shopping and area attractions (including some top-notch sledding terrain).
All rooms offer free high speed internet, fridges, microwaves, iron and boards, in-room coffee, and hair dryers. In the morning we also offer our guests a Super Start breakfast. Pets are allowed with permission in designated rooms, for a modest fee per pet, per day. There is ample room for parking large vehicles, even trucks and buses.
Super 8 -
Whitecourt, AB
Enjoy your stay in Whitecourt Super 8
Welcome to the Super 8 in Whitecourt. We are conveniently located off Highway 43, close to restaurants, shopping and area attractions. Some rooms offer high speed internet, and all rooms offer fridges, 27' televisions and in-room coffee. We offer Super Start Plus breakfast in the morning as well as an on-site fitness centre, guest laundry and meeting facilities. Pets are allowed.
Any local snowmobiler can tell you that Whitecourt offers some of the most prominent sledding terrain in the country. With trails of all kinds, and plenty of rental facilities and snowmobiling authorities, any sledder will feel at home in this warm community.Super 8 -
Rocky Mountain House, AB
Enjoy top-notch accommodation
When visiting Rocky Mountain House, you can't go wrong with the Super 8 motel. We are located just minutes away from some of Alberta's finest attractions and most incredible scenery. With a hot tub, pool/water slide, fitness centre and numerous in-room amenities including high speed internet, Super 8 is built to accommodate your every need. Enjoy a free Super Start Plus breakfast, and take advantage of our meeting area and guest laundry room. Pets are allowed for a reasonable fee.
Winter in Rocky Mountain House brings sledders from all over, and there is no better place to warm up after a day on the trails than our local Super 8. Book your stay today.Super 8 -
Bonnyville, AB
Have fun, work hard, play harder.
With experienced technical staff and well equipped facility, T & T Power Sports Ltd. is capable of servicing all of the products we sell. Motorcycles, outboards, personal watercrafts, snowmobiles or ATVs—we handle it all. Our techs are masters at installing all kinds of performance upgrades. Get the most out of your bike, ATV or sled—talk to our service department for more information. They say the key to every business is customer service, which I believe is right. We do our best to ensure the customer is always on top of any service repairs that are being done, so there are no surprises. Have fun, work hard, play harder.
T&T Power Sports
