SlowTouringGuy

Awful. Simply awful. In many Quebec lodges I have stayed there are people (families, young children) from Europe (France, largely) who are attracted here for the “Canadian Experience”. Dog Sledding, Ice Skating, a Polar Dip, Snowmobiling and so on. I’ve met and talked with many who are Thrilled with the Canadian Winter and are taking back fantastic memories. So Sad. This is NOT the Polar Dip they signed up for. I could cry.

OhMyGawd!!! So the MTO, which is Provicial Wide, is negotiating, separately, with how many individual Snomobile Clubs?? What a waste of time and Volunteer hours. The MTO is a provincial wide organization. Wouldn’t it make sense that “our” Provincial Wide OFSC organization negotiate with them? Or we they deflect and offer the BS “we believe that local members have the relationship” cop out? So.....members on here, from time to time, ask why Quebec seems to “ get it “. Well, it starts at the top. The Provincial Government is engaged and committed. They get various Minstries in a room and don’t ask what are the problems, they say let’s talk about how we can make it happen. Because it means XXBillions dollars in Revenue ! They get the Quebec version of the MOE and the MNR and the MTO and the Ministry of Justice and semi public/government reliant corporations like Quebec Hydro and the Pipelines over whom they have the power of making or breaking their financial year into a room. The question posed by Senior Government over these Ministries and Utilities dependent on the Government for their financial success is “ how can we all work together to make snowmobiling a success”. And they all “know” it is less a question than it is a directive. Heck, Joncas burned down the year after we were there and the next year there was a new trail through Reserve Verendrye to another lodge. I am sure more than one beaver was dislocated but neither the MOE nor the MNR spent gazillion dollars studying the potential new trail nor 12 years deciding whether to approve it. Going through La Touque you will notice that traffic lights have the usual red, orange, green illumination. They also have a fourth light illuminating a snowmobile and letting sledders know it is now safe to cross the road. How long would it take the Ontario MTO to decide whether not to even commission a study, hire a consultant, and wait for a report. The courts, in Quebec, have Capped the amount of liability that can be claimed on trails. Capped. Full stop. No multi million dollar shotgun suits naming 12 defendants. Go ahead, name whoever you want, the amount payable is not going over $50,000. (I may be out of date, so say 100). What amount of our trail permit would be reduced if liability was Capped. Who leaned on the Quebec Justice Department? The price of a Quebec permit is WELL above ours but, because of a number of factors, a significant amount more than us is ending up on the trails. Thats how it works. And, unlike Ontario, there is lots of money sharing. Between clubs and accommodations and gas stations and whatever. Have the OFSC rules changed or am I stil not allowed to give a Land Owner a free permit for the use of his land ?? Grease the wheels. The Ontario Government needs to “get with the program” but, at the risk of having insults hurled, I would say that the OFSC needs to step up. If they have, and if they are, then they need to tell the unwashed masses that they are doing something. Where’s the PR? Quebec is not perfect. By a long shot. But the relationships they have with the government and with all the tourist dependent organizations are better, by a long shot, than Ontario. Ontario can do the same. And I have every hope that between the Provincial Government and the OFSC it can mirror, or even Better, Quebec !! Get with it guys !

Great. Booked there in February but mid-week. Hope that avoids standing room only in the restaurant. Green trails for sledders are like a light to moths.

I’ll continue to get my news here or ask for my news here.

Terrific ! You will be thrilled with the new winter experience ! Congratulations! Lots of good advice in the posts here. Where are you located ? What lake? Which Trail? And how far is your property from the OFSC trail ?

Welcome Conski ! I’m just outside Gravenhurst right on the D trail on Kahshe. Also a long time member of Snowcrest. Lots of good trails in our area. TONS of good information here on Ontario Conditions. It’s great on the Board here and it’s great to be riding trails around here too !!!

The F trail from E Lake to Chapleau was a delight. Flame Lake Lodge was a lunch stop to die for and a great place to stay. As was Laurentian Lodge with their own Hydro plant. Stayed there twice on the same trip once. The trail through the Chapleau Game reserve would sell anyone on Northern riding ! Stop in Missinabi for an Ernie’s Burger. Made for a great loop from there through LucVille around to Wawa and Halfway and Searchmont and Wharncliffe then east again to Spanish. Must find pix of that!

All new from what it appears on their website. Including septics and water and cabins. And promising a lodge with food in the future. Quite the undertaking. All the best to them.

When we stayed last year it was included, as was the spa, as part of the snowmobile package.

Neither would I.

Looks like an encounter we had on C101F on the Timmins side of Foleyet.

Hey Giddy. Knowing you as I do, I would heartily recommend Cedar Meadows. Huge parking with lots of room for vehicles and trailer. Right on the trail. It’s not a strip motel or econo type place. Large property all snow covered. No asphalt to be seen. Good rooms. With different choices. Good pricing. No highway noise. No non resident traffic. Completely safe leaving sleds at the front door. Or at your room if you are ground floor. The indomitable MRS. STG enjoyed the spa and post riding in the outdoor hot tub is great. Restaurant is indoors on site. No need for a coat or boots to get to feed. The menu is varied and extensive. Stayed there close to a week year before last and never felt the need to repeat a supper entree. Snowmobile package also available. Listed as one of the Top snowmobile accommodations in Northern Ontario. https://www.northernontario.travel/snowmobiling/top-ontario-snowmobile-destinations Enjoy !!

Great place to stay !

Welcome to the Forum Dewman. Lots of great information is shared here !

It absolutely POURED rain here last New Years. TEEMED! I think I saw Noah collecting animals it was so bad. However, we had a pretty good season for sledding around here. Late start but, also, a late finish.