Why do we Canadians love winter oh-so much? Winter sports, of course!

Canadians absolutely love their winter sports, especially snowmobiling (the first snowmobile was invented in Canada after all!). There’s more than 300 km of snowmobiling trails in Ontario alone. It would take a lifetime to explore every nook and cranny of these trails.

Before hitting your favourite hot spot or trail this winter, you should take a moment or two to go over the Ontario snowmobile laws.

The requirements in Ontario are different from the Saskatchewan snowmobile laws, along with the other provinces and territories. So instead of assuming the rules are the same across the board, you should look into the specific laws relating to your specific location. Taking the time to do this can help you stay safe and decrease the chances of making a serious (and avoidable) mistake on the trails.

What type of license do you need to ride a snowmobile in Ontario?

The type of license required to ride a snowmobile in Ontario depends on the driver's age.

Under the age of 12 — Drivers under 12 do not need a license to drive a snowmobile.

Between the ages of 12 and 15 — Drivers between 12 and 15 need a valid MSVOL or the equivalent documentation from another province or country to drive a snowmobile. 

16 and over — Drivers over the age of 16 need to have a valid Ontario driver's license, a valid MSVOL or the equivalent documentation from another province or country to drive a snowmobile.

Click this link to learn more about the snowmobile laws Manitoba has regarding licensing.

Where can you ride a snowmobile in Ontario?

The provincial government in Ontario has stringent snowmobile laws regarding where you can ride your snowmobile.

Once again, eligibility to ride a snowmobile is determined by the driver's age.

Under the age of 12 — Drivers under 12 are only allowed to ride a snowmobile on private property in Ontario.

Between the ages of 12 and 15 — Drivers between 12 and 15 are allowed to ride a snowmobile on authorized trails and private property in Ontario.

16 and over — Drivers over the age of 16 can ride a snowmobile on authorized trails and private property. Additionally, drivers over the age of 16 can ride on and across roads in particular areas. You can reach out to your municipal government to learn more about what roads you can ride your snowmobile on in your community.

Travelling over frozen bodies of water

Whether it's your first or umpteenth time riding a snowmobile, we suggest that you avoid riding over frozen bodies of water, such as:

• Lakes
• Ponds
• Rivers

Although riding a snowmobile over ice can feel exhilarating, it's undeniably risky — even if you have one of the most reliable snowmobile brands on the market. If the ice isn't thick enough, you could potentially fall through. Falling through ice can lead to severe injuries and potentially damage your sled.

If you choose to ride over a frozen body of water, we recommend having the following on hand:

• Life jacket
• Icepick
• Walkie talkie or similar communication device
• Flashlight

Additionally, we urge you to let a friend or family member know where and when you are planning on going snowmobiling. If you don't make it back by a predetermined time, they can proceed as required.

Do you need insurance to ride a snowmobile in Ontario?

Yes, you need to have valid snowmobile insurance in order to use your sled in Ontario. Snowmobile drivers need to carry a copy of their proof of insurance with them while riding.

Speaking of snowmobile insurance, if you're thinking about shopping around your policy this winter, you should reach out to a Surex insurance broker. Our insurance brokers can provide you with ten of the best snowmobile insurance quotes on the market in ten minutes or less.

In just a few short minutes, we'll have you shredding through the snow on your brand new sled before you know it.

Do you need to wear a helmet while riding a snowmobile in Ontario?

Yes, you need to wear a helmet while riding a snowmobile in Ontario.

However, it can't be any old helmet — you need to wear an approved snowmobile helmet. If you're caught driving or riding a snowmobile without an appropriate helmet, you can expect an $85 fine.

Are you interested in learning about snowmobile helmet laws in other provinces and territories? Click here to learn about BC snowmobile laws regarding helmet usage.

Can anyone use a snowmobile trail in Ontario?

Yes, but you will need to have the correct permits and be over the age of 12.

In Ontario, some trails require a permit; you can obtain a permit from the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs. A snowmobile trail permit costs $185 (before additional processing fees) if purchased after December 1st and $155.50 (before additional processing fees) if purchased before December 1st.

Check this link out if you'd like to learn more about trail usage and the snowmobile laws Manitoba and a handful of other provinces have in place.

Are there speed limits for snowmobiles in Ontario?

Yes, snowmobile drivers need to respect speed limits while riding on public property in Ontario.

If you need a quick refresher, here's the snowmobile speed limit rules in Ontario:

• Riding on trails — 50 km per hour
• Riding on a road with a vehicle speed limit that’s over 50 km — 50 km per hour
• Riding on a road with a vehicle speed limit that’s under 50 km — 20 km per hour
• Riding in a public park (where permitted) — 20 km per hour

If you get caught exceeding the speed limit in any of the public areas listed above, you will likely receive a $1,000 fine.

Always obey the rules of the road (or trail) while riding a snowmobile in Ontario

As a responsible driver, we know you would never intentionally break the rules of the road while driving a motor vehicle — so, why would you test your luck while riding a snowmobile?

Snowmobile laws are in place to keep drivers and passengers safe. Always do your very best to respect and enforce these rules while riding your snowmobile with friends and family members in Ontario. Doing this will ensure that you get to enjoy your sled all winter long!