There are more than 2,700-km of groomed trails in this district. The big attraction is the Wilderness Loop tour - a 956-km journey which visits 11 communities and is good for all levels of riders. Bucket list items here are the White Otter castle near Atikokan, the scenic lookout over the lake beside Sioux Lookout, thrill hills on the pipeline near Kenora, and various rapids and water falls along the trail near Sioux Narrows.
NWOSTA president Kim Cross, a long-time rider, took on the Wilderness Loop last year, along with many other riders. The trip showed the power the sport has as the riders experienced a lot and built lasting friendships and stronger bonds.
“We had 15 riders when we let Atikokan and started,” Cross said. “More people joined in as we went through the different communities. We ended up with 26 riders: people from the area, southern Ontario and even the United States. We built great camaraderie along the journey and made new friends. It was an amazing trip for everyone. That’s why snowmobiling is so great. It is low cost for a recreational outdoor activity that you can do any day of the week , any time, day or night. You get outdoors and see the world.”
For more information on District 17, check out: nwosta.ca