From $250.21🇨🇦 Quad & ATV in Canada
ATV Tours in Canada
Canada is the rare country on this site where the off road season splits into two completely different sports.
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The complete Canada ATV experience
Canada is the rare country on this site where the off road season splits into two completely different sports. In summer, from May to October, you ride ATVs and side by side UTVs through boreal forest, lakeshore trails and mountain passes in Yukon, Quebec and British Columbia. In winter, from December to March, the same operators switch to snowmobiles on the same trails, now covered in 2 to 3 metres of snow. This dual season model is unique and makes Canada the most interesting year round off road destination on this site for riders willing to deal with the cold. The machines are Polaris Sportsman and Can-Am Outlander ATVs for summer, plus Ski-Doo and Polaris Indy snowmobiles for winter. Both are top tier equipment, better maintained than anywhere in Latin America or Asia. Prices reflect the Canadian cost of living, with half day ATV tours running 120 to 200 CAD per person and full day snowmobile tours 250 to 450 CAD including gear, lunch and transport.
Why Canada
The reason to ride in Canada is landscape scale. A summer UTV tour in Yukon covers 80 to 120 km of forest trail, passing along glacial lakes, climbing to alpine viewpoints and often reaching wildlife sighting points for moose, bear and caribou. Quebec forest tours in the Mauricie region roll through maple country with sugar shack lunches included. British Columbia tours around Whistler and Squamish combine old growth forest with mountain viewpoints over Howe Sound. In winter, the snowmobile experience is even bigger in scale, with multi day expeditions across Quebec's organised 33,000 km of groomed trails. Canada is the world leader in snowmobile tourism, with trail grooming, fuel stops and cabin lodging that no other country matches. Combined with a strong safety culture, professional guides and reliable wildlife sightings, this is the most complete off road destination for serious travellers.
Best time to ride
Canada's two season calendar gives you a 12 month option. Summer ATV and UTV runs from mid May to late October, with peak season July and August when temperatures are 18 to 25 °C, bug levels manageable and trails fully open. Quebec and Ontario ATV scenes open earlier than BC or Yukon. Winter snowmobile runs from mid December to mid March depending on snow conditions, with peak quality in January and February. Yukon aurora season within snowmobile tours runs November to March. Avoid the shoulder months of April, early May, and November, when trails are muddy and some operators close between seasons. Summer wildfire smoke in BC can disrupt July tours in dry years.
What to bring
For summer ATV, closed boots, long trousers and long sleeve shirt for bug protection and sun, plus a warm layer for mountain viewpoints. Insect repellent is essential in May and June, especially in Yukon and Quebec. For winter snowmobile, most operators supply thermal overalls, helmets with visors, gloves and snow boots, but you need base layers of thermal merino, fleece trousers and top, and two pairs of thermal socks. A neck gaiter or balaclava under the helmet. Cash in Canadian dollars for tips and any optional extras. Hand warmers are useful even with supplied gloves on full day winter tours below minus 20 °C. A dry bag for your phone, since humidity inside the helmet is real.
Safety & permits
A valid driver licence is required for all guided ATV and snowmobile tours in Canada, verified at check in. Non Canadian visitors should bring an International Driving Permit. Minimum age for solo driving is 18 to 21 depending on operator. Tandem passengers from 6 years are welcome on ATVs and from 8 on snowmobiles. Helmets are mandatory and always supplied. All Canadian operators carry comprehensive insurance, typically 2 million CAD plus public liability. Safety culture is high, with briefings covering machine operation, wildlife encounter protocols for summer and cold weather management for winter. Cold weather kills quickly. Follow guide instructions on hydration, warm up breaks and avoiding sweat in base layers. Wildlife sightings are common but do not approach any animal.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a licence to ride an ATV in Canada?
Yes, a valid driver licence from your home country is required for all guided ATV and UTV tours. Canada is strict on this and operators verify the licence at check in. Non Canadian visitors should bring an International Driving Permit alongside their home licence. The minimum age to drive solo is 18 at most operators, with some in British Columbia and Alberta requiring 21.
What is the minimum age for ATV and snowmobile tours in Canada?
Solo driving is 18 to 21 depending on operator. Tandem passengers on ATVs from 6 years old are welcome with a parent driving. Snowmobile tandem is usually from 8 years old due to the longer exposure to cold. Children's thermal clothing is supplied by the operator. Quebec family ATV parks offer dedicated kids only machines on safe loops for supervised riders from 10 years.
How much does an ATV or snowmobile tour in Canada cost?
Half day ATV tours run 120 to 200 CAD per person. Full day summer tours with lunch 200 to 350 CAD. Full day snowmobile tours 250 to 450 CAD including thermal gear and lunch. Multi day Yukon snowmobile expeditions with cabin lodging run 1,500 to 3,500 CAD per person for 3 to 5 days. Tips are expected at 15 to 20 percent of tour price.
What is the best season for ATV in Canada?
Summer ATV runs from mid May to late October, with July and August the peak months for warm temperatures and fully open trails. September is excellent for autumn colours in Quebec and Ontario. For snowmobile, mid January to late February is the peak with reliable snow conditions. Yukon aurora viewing during snowmobile tours is best in February and March.
Can I do a snowmobile tour in summer?
Not at sea level, but some BC and Yukon operators offer glacier snowmobile experiences in summer using snow on permanent glacier fields above 2,500 metres altitude. These are rare, expensive and require helicopter access, typically 800 to 1,500 CAD per person for a 2 hour ride. For most visitors, summer means ATV and winter means snowmobile.
Can I see wildlife on a Canadian ATV tour?
Yes, wildlife sightings are a genuine highlight. Yukon tours regularly encounter moose, grizzly bear, caribou and occasionally bison. Quebec tours see white tail deer, black bear and beaver. BC tours see deer, bear, mountain goat and occasionally cougar. Guides carry bear spray and radio communication. Never approach wildlife and follow guide instructions at sightings. Photograph from the machine without dismounting.