Photo: David Bouthillier

ATV Tours and Rentals in Ontario

Experience the Thrill of Ontario ATVing Without Owning an ATV

Story and Photos by: David Bouthillier

So you want to get out of the big city and experience the great Canadian outdoors on an ATV, eh? I don't blame you, it's something I've obsessed about since I was a young child. Go-carts, lawn tractors, 3-wheelers, quads—anything with a motor and wheels and I was like a kid in a candy shop! I can remember it like it was yesterday, my grandfather’s Honda Big Red 3-wheeler that is. Our family never had the means to purchase an ATV, so it was always a real treat when my grandfather brought his machine out ice fishing or hunting. On those occasions, driving the 3-wheeler was always the main attraction.

Luckily for me though, grandparents have a way of spoiling their grandchildren, so one Christmas I was thrilled out of my mind to wake up to my very own go-kart! I’m pretty sure from that moment on I was destined to own an ATV!

Photo: David Bouthillier

But purchasing an ATV is a big decision, and it can be a costly one too! It's not just the quad or SxS that you need to consider when thinking about a budget for your new hobby. How will you transport the machine to the trailhead? Now you need a trailer and a vehicle with enough towing capacity to pull the load. Storage? Hmmm... didn't think about that one, and my garage is already full. Then you need to factor in insurance, maintenance, and possible repair bills. Yikes!

Now don't get me wrong, it's not all doom and gloom when it comes to owning an ATV—the bright side is amazing weekend getaways with your buddies to some of the most spectacular gems the Ontario outdoors has to offer. The thrill of adventure and exploration melt away all the stress of the work week as you push deeper and deeper into the throttle.

Photo: David Bouthillier

Maybe it's best to just dip your toes in first. Perfect idea, you might say, but where do I start?

If you've never ridden on an ATV before, I highly recommend booking a guided tour in order to assure a smooth introduction into the sport. Tour guides will provide safety training and instructions on the proper operation of the ATV, as well as all the navigation through the trail system so that you don't end up lost in the bush. Ontario has plenty of businesses offering ATV tours—chances are there’s one of them near you!

Guided ATV Tours in Ontario

Photo: David Bouthillier

• Mukwa Adventures, Spanish, ON Learn more on Facebook, Instagram
• Valley Adventure Tours, Barry's Bay, ON Learn more on Facebook, Instagram
• Bear Claw Tours, Seguin, ON Learn more on Facebook, Instagram
• Deerhurst Resort, Huntsville, ON Learn more on Facebook, Instagram
• Marten River Lodge, Marten River, ON Learn more on Facebook
• Horwood Lake Lodge, Timmins, ON Learn more on Facebook
• Mountainview Lodge, Searchmont, ON Learn more on Facebook
• Back Country Tours, Haliburton and Dwight, ON Learn more on Facebook
• Tour Muskoka, MacTier, ON Learn more on Facebook
• Muskoka Wild, Port Sydney, ON
• ATV Adventure Tours, Blue Mountain, ON Learn more on Facebook

ATV Rentals in Ontario

Photo: David Bouthillier

Have a bit of off-road experience and would prefer to travel at your own pace? Renting an ATV for the weekend or the full week is another great way to satisfy that craving and lay down some tracks in the great outdoors!

• Horwood Lake Lodge, Timmins, ON Learn more on Facebook
• Mountainview Lodge, Searchmont, ON Learn more on Facebook
• Back Country Tours, Haliburton and Dwight, ON Learn more on Facebook
• Redline Outdoors, Port Stanton, ON
• Loiselle Sports, Embrun, ON Learn more on Facebook

ATVing is a great way to get out and explore, make new friends, and create lifelong memories. One of the things I enjoy most about the ATVing experience is the friendships and bonds that develop over time. You start to become a big family, and ATV events are the reunion parties.

Photo: David Bouthillier

The overnight camping events are always a highlight. Fun ATV trails during the day, BBQ supper, and then a nice relaxing campfire. Everyone has a story to tell around the fire, and there's always lots of joking around if anyone ended up stuck in a mud hole and needed a tow.

Don't let the lack of ATV ownership stop you. Contact any one of the companies listed above and start planning your weekend getaway!