EASTERN SASKATCHEWAN
Grand adventures
There are no limits to the fun
by KIRSTEN ARMLEDER
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A WALK IN THE WOODS: Snowmobilers from Hudson Bay can spend hours exploring scenic trails.
—Jim Kinch photo |
From top to bottom, the east side of Saskatchewan is linked by a huge network of interconnecting trails that lead snowmobilers through wide open fields, scenic valleys and pastoral countryside. Dotted with friendly communities boasting excellent services, this region is perfect for multi-day snowmobile trips.
Yorkton and beyond
When asked about the best spots to snowmobile around Yorkton, Darrell Mirva, past president of the Yorkton Sno-Riders, replied, “All 600 kilometres of trails in the Yorkton Sno-Riders’ system are great to ride on. The trail system has a great mix of open field and forest trail riding.”
Fantastic backcountry sledding and an abundance of wildlife can be found at nearby Good Spirit Lake Provincial Park and Fishing Lake.
“These areas offer some great open field rides where you can take advantage of the early above-normal snowfall we enjoy,” said Mirva. “Of course, the quality of grooming on the entire system is second to none in North America.”
Have a blast in The Bay
From Yorkton, snowmobilers can follow the Trans Canadian Snowmobile Trail north to Hudson Bay. According to Rick Dolezsar, a founding member of the Hudson Bay Trail Riders snowmobile club, this area is surrounded by three million acres of provincial forest, so there are numerous woodland routes to explore.
\North of Hudson Bay is a 140-kilometre trail that stretches into the Wildcat Hills Provincial Wilderness Park. In the winter, the park is accessible by snowmobile only.
For another rewarding adventure, Dolezsar recommends sledding to Moose Range Lodge in the Porcupine Hills.
“It’s about 130 kilometres one way and it’s a very scenic, twisty trail through the hills to the southeast,” he said. “The snow levels normally increase as you get up in elevation.”
Discover a southern paradise
A little-known sledding spot with much to offer is Moose Mountain Provincial Park. Situated in the southeast part of Saskatchewan, Moose Mountain has an excellent network of groomed trails with well-maintained warm-up shelters. Snowmobilers can venture off the trail and enjoy powder play in the designated areas.
“It’s kind of an unknown snowmobiling paradise,” said Jason Windjack, a member of the Moose Mountain Snowmobile Club. “Because the park is sheltered with trees, we have more snow here and it lasts longer. We can ride an extra two weeks in the spring.”
Diverse riding in Nipawin
George Belchamber, a longtime member of the Twin Lakes Trail Blazers snowmobile club, is passionate about snowmobiling in Nipawin.
“We have forest, farmland and some hills and meadows to play in,” said Belchamber. “The family can ride our whole trail system, and off-trail you can go from very mild to crazy.”
From speaking to him, you’d never know Belchamber is a C5-6 quadriplegic—but that doesn’t stop him from going sledding. Special adaptions on his machine allow Belchamber to ride the club’s trail to the Tobin shelter and back through White Fox.
“It’s about a 50-mile ride and that’s the only one I can make,” said Belchamber. “I’ve been in a wheelchair for 12 years and I’ve done that ride nine times now.”
In addition to the Trans Canadian Snowmobile Trail that runs through town, Nipawin has access to miles upon miles of wonderful riding opportunities.
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