Testimonials & Itineraries
District 16 Testimonials & Itineraries
Scroll down and check out the testimonials and itineraries from individual clubs within District 16. Hornepayne has written an extensive itinerary of our local trails. Other clubs have also submitted comments, testimonials and itineraries. The information given can help you plan your next trip to our District. If you need any information that you cannot find on the website please feel free to call the NOSSA office @ 1-800-526-7522 or 807-887-0970.
Hornepayne Self-Guided Tours, Throughout District 16
With, Links to Districts 13, 14 & 15
We recommend that you plan your trip in advance and make reservations for accommodations. A great tool to use is The 2008 Ultimate Snowmobiling Tour Planner. This is available on line at www.ontariotravel.net. Select travel guides and scroll down. It is also important to know that cell phones service will not be available in remote locations. So plan ahead and be prepared.
The following information has been put together by Shawn Rotar. Shawn is our Club Vice President, Signage Coordinator and is an avid snowmobiler. This will get you started on planning a tour and provides a great overview of our trail network along with some personal experiences. Thank you, Shawn.
The Superior Challenge Loops-1st-The East Loop
Starting from Hornepayne, you will be heading on the “A” trail towards Hillsport. From Hillsport, the next stop is the town of Manitouwadge, which is approximately 104 miles/ 167 kilometres from Hornepayne. Leaving Manitouwadge, it is a short run to the town of Marathon, a distance of 44 miles either down the “D110A” or the “D109A” trails. If you choose the D109A trail, there is an additional distance of 32 miles of trail, as you will have to travel west on the “D” trail to Marathon. Leaving Marathon, you will be doubling back on the “D” trail and travelling to the town of White River, the distance of this run is approximately 74 miles/ 119 kilometres. Once you leave, White River is a run of 70 miles/110 kilometres to Dubreuilville. This is the final stop on the loop before heading back to Hornepayne. This run is a distance of 96 miles/ 154 kilometres.
The East Loop is an estimated 420 miles/ 672 kilometres, recommended 2 days.
2nd-The West Loop
Once you start this trip, you will be travelling 60 miles/ 100 kilometres along the “A” trail to Hillsport. From Hillsport, Longlac is the next stop, a distance of approximately 90 miles / 145 kilometres. Geraldton is a short 28 miles/ 45 kilometres down the trail. From Geraldton, the town of Beardmore is 75 miles/ 120 kilometres away. Nipigon is the next stop with a total distance of 78 miles/ 125 kilometres between the two towns. There is also the “AD” junction, if one chooses instead of the full trip to Nipigon. The “AD” junction lets you pick either to travel to Nipigon, on the “A” trail, or turn down the “D” trail towards Gravel River. If the “D” trail is your choice, the next distance is 39 miles/ 63 kilometres. From Gravel River, Schreiber is the next stop, a distance of 44 miles/ 70 kilometres. Terrace Bay is a very short run from Schreiber. From Terrace Bay, a run of 62 miles/ 100 kilometres bring you to the town of Marathon. Leaving Marathon, Manitouwadge is next on the tour and is a distance of 44 miles/ 70 kilometres. From here, the town of Hillsport is only 44 miles/ 70 kilometres. Finally, the last 60 miles/ 100 kilometres, brings you back to your trailer in Hornepayne.
The West Loop is an estimated 624 miles/ 992.4 kilometres, recommended 3 days.
The Romantic Loop
Travelling north along the “A” trail, your first stop is the town of Hearst. Hearst is 116 miles/ 186 kilometres from Hornepayne. Mattice is a short run from Hearst, with a distance of 24 miles/ 39 kilometres. Next, comes the town of Opasatika, with a distance of 26 miles/ 42 kilometres. From Opasatika, the town of Val Rita is once again a short ride away with a distance of 20 miles/ 32 kilometres. Leaving Val Rita, the next stop, 7 miles/ 11 kilometres, is the town of Kapuskasing. Kapuskasing has all 4 snowmobile retailers, so this would be the time to stock up on the items that you will be needing throughout your trip or replenishing items used on the trail. From Kapuskasing, the next run is 34 miles/ 55 kilometres to the town of Fauquier. Smooth Rock Falls is up next, a distance of 32 miles/ 51 kilometres away. From Smooth Rock Falls, you’ll have to choose either to continue down the “A” trail to Cochrane or slip down the “C” trail towards Timmins. If going to Cochrane, and continuing to Timmins you will also have to travel on the “A106C” trail to get back on the “C” trail. Smooth Rock Falls to Cochrane is a distance of 43 miles/ 69 kilometres and the distance that you would have to travel down the “A106C” trail to pick up the “C” trail would be 25 miles/ 40 kilometres. Coming straight from Smooth Rock Falls down the “C” trail, the distance 35 miles/ 57 kilometres would take you to the same point on the trail. From this point you are about 37 miles/ 60 kilometres from Timmins. From Timmins, you’re going to be travelling on the “C101F” trail in the direction of the town of Foleyet. Here the distances are a bit longer, the run here takes you approximately 93 miles/150 kilometres. Leaving the town of Foleyet, the next stop is Chapleau, the distance this time is 70 miles/ 140 kilometres. The town of Missanabie is you next stop with a total distance to travel of 90 miles/ 145 kilometres. The run to Dubreuilville is a short one with only 24 miles/ 39 kilometres between the two. Once again you’re on the home stretch with only 96 miles/ 158 kilometres between you and your trailer, which you have parked in Hornepayne.
This trip is an estimated 737 miles/ 1205.2 kilometres, recommended 3 or 4 days.
I myself, have travelled two of the three above mentioned trips. The East Loop is a one trip that I enjoyed, due to the fact that it was the first overnight trip that I’d taken by snowmobile. Once out on the trail, you can forget about everyday routines, it’s just you and the trail. Getting to Hillsport, you have the choice of resorts, The Wilderness, or The Hilton. Both serve great food and have gas available. Next stop is Manitouwadge. There are two available trails from Manitouwadge, myself, I would recommend using the “D109A” trail, as we travelled the “D110A” trail and did not see any other snowmobilers. The “D109A” trail is a bit longer, but if something were to happen, there is the possibility of another rider being there to help. Next stop, Marathon. We stop here for the night as we had travelled far enough. It was time for something to eat and enjoy the company of a group of snowmobilers from Minnesota. We sat there trading stories until it was late. Time for some shut eye. The next morning, we were off and running again, 175 miles was the plan for the day. Travelling from Marathon, the trail goes behind the gold mines of Hemlo. In this area, there are some views that are worth pulling out the camera. From here, the trip to White River can be completed. We gassed up in White River and were set for the trip to Dubreuilville. Stopping for lunch once we had reached Dubreuilville, the last part of the trip was to head back to Hornepayne, but first we had to gas up. The local gas bar in Dubreuilville is located next to the mill, and just off the “D108A”. By the time we hit Hornepayne, I was glad to stop, as this part of the trip had worn me out. After all was said and done, the group that I was with all said that the next time we did the East Loop, we would travel a little farther the first day, allowing the second day to be a bit shorter. In all, the trip was a blast, and I am looking forward to possibly doing it again this year.
The second loop is the Romantic Loop. No guys, you do not have to bring the wife to enjoy this trip, but it is an option. Stopping for gas in Hearst, we continued to ride down the “A” trail east, passing several towns, but not actual seeing them because the trail runs behind them on concession roads. The next town that we stopped at was Kapuskasing. This was the point that we had picked as our first overnight stop. The next morning, conditions were perfect, freshly groomed trails. As we travelled along the trail, the next town was Fauquier, beware in this area, as the signs are hard to spot. Sure enough, we missed the point that we were to turn and ended up in the middle of some field. Doubling back, we were able to figure out our way. By this time, it was time to stop for lunch, with Smooth Rock Falls just down the trail. With lunch completed and topped up with fuel, the next stop was Timmins. The “C” trail to Timmins runs down the power lines and is quite flat, with plenty of room to play in powder along the sides of the trail. Staying the night in Timmins, it was time for supper and some down time. The next morning, the temperature dropped, and we had one machine freeze up. Looking in the local phone book, we were able to find a shop that was capable of coming to the rescue. They took the downed machine back to their shop to unthaw the carburetors. This put us back a couple of hours, but we were able to continue. Foleyet was up next, down the “C101F” trail. This part of the trip had the longest runs. Stopping in Foleyet to get gas and refreshments, we once again were on the trail. Leaving Foleyet, the trail is quite twisty. Myself, running a 136″ machine, found that I was slowing down for almost every corner, but through the twists came open runs that proved to be better suited to my riding style. Chapleau was next on the list of places to stop. The temperature had dropped to a bone chilling – 42 degrees C, as it was dark by now. The light at the end of the tunnel, was finding out that the motel had a couple of hot tubs and a sauna. The morning came quick, but the temperature still remained cold. Leaving Chapleau at around noon, we made our way to Missanabie, a town with a single street, but there was gas and a small restaurant. From here, Dubreuilville was a short hop down the trail. Stopping in Dubreuilville to gas up, as the last portion of the trip was almost a full fuel run, we took the time for refreshments. Once you leave Dubreuilville, you will soon find yourself riding on abandoned logging roads until the Kaby River; from here the “D108A” trail follows the local logging road and brings you back to Hornepayne.
This was one trip I would recommend, due to the fact that you travel through 4 districts and get to experience all types of riding.
Thanks for taking a few minutes to read about Hornepayne and the surrounding areas. I hope that the above experiences will help you to decide to ride in District 16.
See you on the trails!
Shawn Rotar – Vice President, Hornepayne Snowmobile Club
The Hornepayne Snowmobile Club Welcomes You to Enjoy Riding in District 16
Hornepayne is located on the most eastern portion of District 16, which links with Districts 13, 14, 15, and is the home of the Hornepayne Snow- Bears. Hornepayne offers lodging and fuel at either the North Star Centre Inn (807-868-2008), Craig’s Place Restaurant, The Hornepayne Service Centre (807-868-263 or 4 Stevens which offers Cabins, restaurant and fuel (807-868-2242). The riding area of Hornepayne allows riders to choose from 3 different OFSC trails with connecting links and they are as follows:
1st – the “A” trail north- this trail leads from Hornepayne to Hearst (via Mooseland)
2nd – the “D108A” trail – this trail leads from Hornepayne to Dubreuilville
3rd – the “A” trail west – this trail leads from Hornepayne to Manitouwadge (via Hillsport)
The “A” trail north to Hearst is approximately 116 miles/ 186 kilometres. On this trail you will find parts of the trail that are twisty, along with wide open logging roads that allow a rider to cruise right along. You will enjoy the scenery which will change throughout the ride as you will be riding through replanted areas. Local riders enjoy this ride, as you can do it in a day. If you would prefer, you could stay the night in Hearst and return the next day. The Snow-Bears groom as far as Mooseland, approximately 58 miles/ 93 kilometres, from there the Hearst Snowmobile Club (District 15) pick up and return to Hearst.
The “D108A” trail to Dubreuilville is approximately 96 miles/ 154 kilometres. The Hornepayne Snow-Bears groom this trail up to the Kabinakagami River or Kaby River, as it is known to the locals. On this trail you will find plenty of different physical changes in terrain, there are hilly sections, followed by wide open runs. There are a few river crossings, where a rider must use the local logging road to get around, but for the most part you will be riding on groomed trails. This is also one of the local trails that you can go to Dubreuilville and return in one day.
The “A” trail west to Manitouwadge is approximately 104 miles/ 176 kilometres. This trail also has plenty of physical changes in terrain with plenty of twists and turns. Leaving Hornepayne’s section of trail travelling towards Hillsport, the trail opens up and runs on old abandoned logging roads. The trail is groomed for approximately 38 miles/ 60 kilometres by the Snow- Bears. This trail is popular with locals as you can go to either Hillsport or Manitouwadge and return the same day. The “A” trail west is also part of the Superior Challenge East Loop and Hornepayne is a good starting point.
Hornepayne, along with the above mentioned trails, also has two local loops, The Alaskan and The Chelsea, which are enjoyed by the local snowmobilers. Both loops are about an hour and a half long or you can take your time riding and truly enjoy the scenery. The Chelsea Loop can also be used as an alternate route to and from Hornepayne on the A Trail West.
Hornepayne Snowmobile Club Volunteers provide emergency/ rescue services, along with on trail assistance. Cell phone services is very limited and may not be available on our trails, so plan ahead and be prepared. Satellite phones or messengers are a great tool to have with you when riding in remote locations.
Our Rescue co-ordinator, Richard Olson can be reached at home by phoning- 868- 2873 or his cell phone 228-1312. The Trails/ Groomer Co-ordinator, Walter Arenovich’ can also be reached at home- 868- 2252 or on his cell 228- 1281.
IF YOU NEED ASSISTANCE IN A HURRY, DIAL – 911
Other emergency contacts in Hornepayne are as follows:
O.P.P- Police Services- 1-888-310-1122
Hornepayne O.P.P office- 868- 2315
Hornepayne Community Hospital- 868- 2442
Hornepayne North Star Center Inn- 868- 2008
Hornepayne Service Centre – 868-2638
If you have any questions, please feel free to call the Hornepayne Snowmobile Club at 1-807-868-3331 or e-mail us at fboimistruck@tbaytel.net
Club Contact #’s – President- Fred Boimistruck 1-807-868-2235
- Vice President- Shawn Rotar 1-807-229-6609
Please visit our website at www.hornepayne.com and follow the links to the Snowmobile Club.
Hope to see you on the trails “Powered By Permits – Operated By Volunteers”
“Buy Where You Ride”
Manitouwadge Testimonials District 16
Why I live and ride in the Manitouwadge area of District 16.
We use the groomed trails to access favourite fishing spots or simply to go for a ride after a day at work. The trails also provide easy access to powder riding after a snowfall. I don’t need to go very far and I can carve my own patterns in what is my own playground at least for the short time that I am there.
The best part is that there are no crowds – if you venture off trail your track will likely be the only one there unless you are enjoying this with a partner.
Ron Jung
Manitouwadge, Ontario
Testimonial #2 Manitouwadge
Hi I live in Manitouwadge Ontario; I enjoy snowmobiling in District 16. Whenever I have a spare moment off work, I get to together with friends and plan a trip to any destination possible. We grab some food and explore our great wilderness the trails bring us to some of the most beautiful sites in Northern Ontario.
When we find a good spot we start a little camp fire and have smokies and a pop, take pictures of our adventures to put on facebook. While out we always find a spot to challenge our riding skills. In less than twelve weekends I’ve put on close to 4000 kms riding anywhere from Manitouwadge to Marathon to Hornepayne and Longlac.
The experience is breath taking.
Phil Leduc
Nipigon Bay Snowmobile Club Testimonial
The trails in the Nipigon Bay Snowmobile Club area provide a good variety of riding, from twists in the bush to wide flat straights and hills – both big and little. The scenery is great and some of the views from the bigger hills are spectacular. Nothing is better than being the first riders on a freshly groomed trail, which happens quite often because there is not a lot of traffic on our trails – some days we can ride all day and never see another machine. It’s like the trails belong to only you.
Nipigon Bay Snowmobile Club Member (Anonymous)
White River Testimonial
The trails around White River encompass a number of driving conditions and some very beautiful scenery. The trails are well maintained by the White River Snow Bank Riders. There is ample opportunity to get in a little “off trail playing” also, as there are many areas to pull off the trail system. The trails are a great help accessing some favourite fishing spots. Whether going out on a trip, or just a short relaxing ride, the space to your self is wonderful.
If you are in the mood for a trip, the “D” trail west will lead you to Marathon and Manitouwadge (via “D109A”) to travel those loops, while the “D” trail east will take you towards Dubreuilville and Wawa. Being in the centre of the loops, makes White River a great spot to spend the night.
District 16 sure is a wonderful place to ride!!
White River Amenities
Accommodations
Continental Motel & Dining Lounge (807) 822-2500
Paws Northern Cabins (807) 822-1987
White River Motel (807) 822-2333
Restaurants
A&W Restaurant (807) 822-2240
Continental Dining Lounge (807) 822-2800
Jen’s Place (807) 822-2130
Robins Donuts & Deli / 241 Pizza (807) 822-1876
Gas
Albert & Sons Husky (807) 822-2441
Bagdon’s Esso (807) 822-2557
Kenogamisis Snowmobile Club Testimonial
The community of Geraldton lies within the Municipality of Greenstone and is home to the Kenogamisis Sno Club. The club is made up of a small group of very dedicated volunteers who enjoy the sport of snowmobiling and take pride in their trails. Geraldton is accessed by road via HWY 11 then following Michael Power Boulevard approximately 5 km north to the town center. It is approximately 300 km east of Thunder Bay and 240 km west of Hearst.
Services
Being the largest town in the Municipality of Greenstone, Geraldton has a large variety of services to offer. There are two gas stations that are both accessible from the local snowmobile trails and the OFSC A-trail. A selection of lodging is available including bed & breakfasts, hotels and resorts. A wide variety of restaurants are found in Geraldton from pizza to Chinese and everything in between. There are also snowmobile repair shops, automobile garages and grocery stores, all of which can be accessed by snowmobile. For more information about fueling locations, lodging or others services please visit the Greenstone Snowmobiling website at:
http://snowmobiling.greenstone.ca
This website has updated trail information, news, pictures, contact information and a variety of businesses that sponsor the Kenogamisis Sno Club within the Town of Geraldton.
Local Trails
The Kenogamisis Sno Club maintains a number of beautiful snowmobile trails that wind their way around the Town of Geraldton. The season usually begins by the end of December and lasts until mid-March. This provides the local snowmobilers and visitors a long and enjoyable season of riding. The trails follow power lines, the pipeline, old logging roads and also include a number of trails that were cut by the Kenogamisis Sno Club. These trails provide an excellent ride for all abilities of riders. All the streets in Geraldton except for Main Street are snowmobile accessible, which makes it easy for visiting riders get around town without another vehicle. All hotels, restaurants, gas stations and other stores are only a short distance from one of the many trail entrances around town.
OFSC A-Trail
The Kenogamisis Sno Club also maintains a large portion of the OFSC A-trail that starts at the shores of Long Lake, just outside of Longlac and continues over 160 km across the Municipality of Greenstone all the way to Beardmore where they meet up with the Nipigon Sno Club. A variety of riding environments are experienced on this trail including long straight stretches of pipeline and old winding, narrow logging roads. This makes this section of the A-trail very appealing to all levels of snowmobilers. This portion of the A-trail also provides excellent powder riding and off-trail opportunities for interested riders from the web of old logging roads that spread from the trail in all directions. The scenery is excellent; there are plenty of wildlife viewing opportunities and always pristine snow conditions.
The Greenstone Loop
In addition to the A-trail and the local Geraldton trails, the Kenogamisis Sno Club maintains a portion of the Greenstone Loop. The Greenstone Loop lies in the most Northern portion of District 16 and is nestled within the boreal forest. It is not uncommon to see wildlife such as wolves, moose and other small animals when riding the trails.
The Greenstone Loop is an excellent day of riding for all levels of snowmobiler and offers everything from tight winding trails, to old rail beds and logging roads. The Loop is just over 200 km of some of the best trails you will experience in Northern Ontario. Ontario Snowmobiler Magazine has said that, “this was an outstanding part of the trip”. The Greenstone Loop connects the communities of Geraldton, Longlac and Nakina by a highway of snow. All required services can be found in each of these communities from repair shops to lodging and fuel.
Even though hundreds of snowmobilers come north to ride in the area it is a rare sight to see other snowmobilers on the trails. More and more snowmobilers are making their way up to Geraldton to experience the Greenstone Loop, which is a great addition to any trip.
Greenstone Testimonial
Greenstone Testimonial
Our Guests
“Your Experience”
The Greenstone Snowmobile Loop traverses over 200 km of some of the most impressive scenery in Northern Ontario.
This loop lies in the middle of the Municipality of Greenstone connecting the communities of Geraldton, Longlac, and Nakina by an immaculately groomed trail system of snow. The loop can be accessed via the OFSC trails from Hearst to the east, Beardmore to the west or from highways 11 and 17.
Our informative signage and Google Map overlay will guarantee you safe and adventuresome experiences. Off the beaten trail allows you the enjoyment of deep powder riding over miles of unused logging roads or through the virgin forests.
Lodging and a variety of unique shops and services can be found in each of the three communities.
We welcome you to include the Greenstone Snowmobile Loop in your nest snowmobile adventure.
Ontario Snowmobiler’s
“Their Experience”
Snowmobiling in Greenstone was wonderfully profiled in 2007 Fall Edition of “Ontario Snowmobiler Magazine” highlighting the Greenstone Loop, the quality of our local trails, and the hospitality shown by the snowmobilers active in our local clubs.
The FAM Tour (which travelled from Bruce Mines to Nakina had nothing but praise for the experience created by the organizers and our local hosts).
“We fueled our tanks in Longlac and were on the trails again for what were the best trails we would ride on this trip. We were impressed with these trails that were just as wide as the TOPS Trails and it seems you could see forever. The signage was great as well, which guided us right into Nakina. This was an outstanding part of the trip and we’re convinced that if this were a TOP Trail, there would be more snowmobilers making the trek to Nakina.” (Ontario Snowmobiler Magazine, 2007)
Leave a Reply