Originally published in Lake of the Woods Area News, Volume 55, Number 4, Fall 2025
I have always loved snowmobiling; the ability to see parts of nature that you would not normally see via boat or vehicle. When I was transferred to Southern Ontario in 1990, shortly after Chris and I got married, I thought our snowmobiling hobby would be put on hold.
However, thanks to the generosity of my aunt, who lived in Mactier, Ontario, (adjacent to Lake Joe in the Muskoka’s, and right next to the local club trails) we were able to move our snowmachines to Southern Ontario and leave them with her. There was hope.
Chris and I spent countless weekends in Mactier, exploring the trail network, overnighting at Deerhurst Resort, participating in poker derbies, and just generally admiring the beauty of the Muskoka’s. The one vivid memory I have, however, is the amount of trail traffic we experienced in the region, and how quickly the trails deteriorated with such a high volume of snowmobiles.
Step ahead to 1996. Chris was transferred back to Winnipeg, where we looked so forward to exploring the Sunset Trail Riders network from the family cottage. Still quite busy at work, we were weekend warriors, driving up Friday night, riding all day Saturday and Sunday, and heading straight back to work Monday mornings.
Passionate volunteers from the Sunset Trail Riders put down in the area 4,200 stakes over 600+ km of trails to keep riders safe and on the right path!
We were shocked at the vast expanse of trails managed by Sunset Trail Riders, the low volume of traffic, and what I would consider riding in a more beautiful place than the Muskoka’s—I may be biased as I have been coming to Lake of The Woods since I was quite young during the summer.
Fast forward to the end of 2024 and now fully retired, we were looking forward to riding several days each week, only to see the season cut short due to poor conditions. Once the 2025 season arrived, and what looked to be a great riding winter, I decided that I would like to get involved with the Sunset Trail Riders board, given I was no longer working, and thought if I could help out and meet some new people, it would be fun.
I recall walking into the clubhouse for my first meeting and seeing the large groomer in the shop with the snow slowly melting after a day of grooming. Why it didn’t look that big when I would pass it on the trail I can’t really say. However, standing beside it and starting to realize the sophistication of the groomer and drag, I was in awe.
Once the meeting started, and the board was discussing operations, it was quite evident that managing a trail network, especially one with over 600+ km of trails, is a multi-million-dollar enterprise spearheaded by a group of passionate volunteers. The hours they dedicate to the club, whether it be grooming, repairing equipment, inspecting trail signage, following the requirements of the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs, ensuring the warm-up shelters are stocked with firewood and clean to name but a few of the responsibilities the club takes very seriously, is truly amazing.
As we prepare for the 2025/26 riding season, I am pleased to inform our members that almost all warm-up shelters have received upgrades, and in the case of the Witch Bay shelter, completely replaced.
We have applied for additional grants to continue to upgrade our network, and we hope to hear whether we were successful over the next few weeks.
If you are wondering why I have recounted my story of riding in Southern Ontario and Lake of the Woods, it is because I can honestly compare firsthand just how precious our part of Canada is. With the low volumes of traffic, the 600+ km of network, access to Manitoba and Minnesota, and a strong core of volunteers, one of the best trail systems in Canada is right here.
If you are a passionate rider, and have never experienced the Sunset Trail Riders trail system, I promise you the experience will be over the top. Although no one can predict how much cooperation we will receive from Mother Nature, if she does cooperate, you need to come check out the network and the beauty of Lake of The Woods.
I’ll leave you with a comment I received from a group of riders at one of the warm-up shelters this past season:
“We had no idea how big your trail network was, or just how beautiful Lake of The Woods is!”
I believe that pretty much sums it up. See you on the trail!
Get the latest updates, find out how you can volunteer and discover the trail system at sunsettrailriders.ca.
