ATV Tours 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.