We're still weeks away from our first snowfall here at Elk Lake Wilderness Resort, but that doesn't mean we're not already daydreaming about the start of the upcoming snowmobile season. Ontario is home to one of the longest networks of recreational snowmobile trails in the world. Two of the province's most beautifully-groomed trails run directly through Elk Lake and eventually connect with dozens of other networks. The dedicated teams at GEM Trail Blazers, Golden Corridor Snowdrifters, Temiskaming Abitibi Trail Association, and the Tri-Town Sno Travellers and Club Echo spend long hours grooming the area's most popular snowmobiling trails for our enjoyment. There aren't many Northern Ontario resorts that offer winter packages for snowmobile groups. We proudly provide hot, homemade dinners, warm accommodations, DIY breakfast, beverage delivery, and access to the on-site sauna, hot tub, and fire pits to every snowmobiler that stays with us.
The most popular snowmobile trail that connects with Elk Lake is the spectacular A107C, which runs west to Gowganda and eventually connects with the C Trail. A107C crosses west-bound Route 560 a handful of times before dipping southward into the Northern Ontario wilderness. It travels over four lakes before reaching the beautifully vast Gowganda Lake. The rest of the scenic journey cruises through lush forestry, peaceful lakes, and frozen creeks. Consult the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs' up-to-the-minute trail map for closures, openings, and updates.
The L143 is a beloved backcountry snowmobile trail that spans 150 kilometers of tranquil forestry that's plump with breathtaking valleys, uncolonized lakes, and friendly wildlife. L143 loosely follows an unnamed northbound country road, which becomes Naybob Rd/Pine St. This path meanders northward until reaching the charming town of Timmins. The L143 is one of the longest trails in Northern Ontario without access to gasoline, food, or water, so be well-prepared before departure. The District 14 GEM (Gowganda-Elk Lake-Matachewan) Trail Blazers groom both of these sensational trails.
While the A Trail isn't as secluded as A107C or L143, it leads snowmobilers through the beautiful lake cities of North Bay and Temiskaming Shores. The trail starts from North Bay, goes right past Iroquois Falls, near the breathtaking shores of Lake Timiskaming, and eventually up the western banks of the Montreal River past a handful of Northern Ontario resorts. Many visitors from Southern Ontario utilize the A Trail.
Elk Lake Wilderness Resort is minutes away from countless logging roads. We provide custom maps that lead guests to incredible Northern Ontario gems like abandoned mines, picturesque Canyon Lake, Kirkland Lake, and incredible backcountry lakes. Snowmobilers exploring the logging roads can find fresh snow at any time in the season, and likely won't see another group for the whole day! Some of our other favorite trails include L184, L189, L190, and L191.
Elk Lake Wilderness Resort proudly offers all-inclusive winter packages that include hot food, warm cabins, and beer and spirits delivery. Each modern, immaculate cottage is equipped with a full kitchen and a four-piece bathroom. All hot, homemade dinners are served to you in your private cabin. You'll also have access to all necessary breakfast ingredients so you can quickly cook, eat, and hit the trails before the break of dawn. We also have a steamy sauna, free wifi, satellite television, a sled workshop, and takeaway lunches available for a small fee. Dial 1-705-679-4041 to learn more about our affordable winter packages. If you book before January 1, 2019, you'll receive last year's rate!