Respecting the rules in Whiteshell
A RidersWest reader raises an important issue
Seasonal use: Whiteshell Provincial Park is a snowmobiler's paradise—but the rules do not allow ATVs. — Doug Bonner
To the editor:
I am an avid snowmobiler and I enjoy quadding when I can. I live in the Whiteshell Provincial Park in Manitoba, which is a snowmobiling paradise, and I am proud of that. I work for a kids camp here in the Whiteshell, and I reside here year round, unlike the majority of the population of the people who come to the park. This is my home. Part of my home is the beauty and tranquility of the nature around me; as fellow ATVers, I think you know what I mean.
I was reading a RidersWest magazine (Spring 2009) recently—which I do regularly—when I came across something that concerned me: the Whiteshell Provincial Park was listed as a favourite place to ride in Manitoba. Here’s my concern—operating a quad in the Whiteshell Provincial Park without the proper permission for commercial purposes or for big game hunting is illegal. Most people know this, but they sadly choose to ignore it.
Quadders will routinely destroy swamps, walking/hiking paths, and other off-limits areas, and within days or even hours, take down no quadding signs that are posted—even when they are epoxyed and bolted to rock. Quads have destroyed many of the trails that we use for mountain biking with the children that come to our camp. There is a blatant disregard for the laws of the park because people just think they have the right to do it. And that is why I was disappointed when it was published in a popular ATV magazine that everyone reads that the Whiteshell is a favourite place to quad. I am positive that it would not have been published if you were aware of that. I would appreciate a retraction of that rider’s choice award, as well as making people aware that the Whiteshell is a no quadding zone.
Trevor Wilson
Whiteshell Provincial Park, MB
RidersWest responds
Dear Mr. Wilson,
Thank you for your letter regarding ATVing in Whiteshell Park. We completely agree that it’s important that ATVers respect the boundaries of off-limit areas, particularly when that area is as beloved and beautiful as Whiteshell Provincial Park. We at RidersWest do our best to promote responsible riding and deeply regret that our Rider’s Choice Awards—which are awarded based on reader surveys—would seem to promote or encourage riders to go to an area that they should not be.
We think this is an important issue, and one that needs to be discussed. With that in mind, we would like to use your letter to kick off a discussion with our readers. It is our hope to hear the voices of other responsible riders who feel the same as you and bring more attention to the issue.
Best regards,
Tanya Laing Gahr
Senior Writer
RidersWest
Continuing the conversation
We invite our readers to keep the dialogue going. Have you noticed other ATVers breaking the rules in areas where riding is restricted? How do you handle it? What are the solutions? Please send your letters to us at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) and we will publish your replies.
ATV Zone key contacts
Hit the road, Jack
Over 15 years ago, Jack Industries designed and manufactured the Seat Jack. Today, we create 25 different passenger seat models to fit all Arctic Cat, Polaris, Ski-Doo and Yamaha snowmobile sport models, from 1992 and up. They’re easy to install, durable, comfortable and safe.
Another invention of ours—Retrack Jack—offers a safe and secure option for loading your recreational machines. This system features telescoping ramps that fasten in the box of a pickup truck. The ramps, which are made of galvanized steel, can be adjusted for loading and unloading a snowmobile or a four-wheeled vehicle. They are designed with Teflon runners and anti-skid supergrips. Visit our website for more information about Seat Jacks, Retrack Jacks and all other Jack accessories.
Your Honda headquarters
At B&F Sales & Service Ltd., located in Grand Forks, B.C., we specialize in superior customer service. Our large supply of Honda products includes ATVs, motorcycles, lawn and garden wares, generators, snowblowers, walk-behind mowers and water pumps.
Equipped with a fully stocked parts department, we'll help you find all the accessories and dress-up items you've been searching for. Our qualified technicians are ready and willing to help with any question or concern you may have.
Let our friendly sales staff and competitive service be the reasons why you choose B&F Sales & Service Ltd. for all your recreation needs.
Saskatchewan
Give your seat new life with SaddleSkins
Snowmobiles have special cover requirements. Extra cold weather can cause ordinary vinyl to split and crack. Travelcade SaddleSkins for sleds are made of a heavy-duty cold weather material that is impervious to cold down to more than minus 40 degrees. All features of the original seat are retained rear compartment, lights, side buffers all duplicated in our replacement covers.
SaddleSkins are available for motorcycles, ATVs and snowmobiles with original manufacturer s fit and design. Their weather-resistant vinyl endures all sorts of riding conditions, and replaces duct tape and unsightly tears at an economical price.
WARN XT and RT Winch Series: the best winches in the world are now even better.
The complete line of WARN Powersports winches lets you ride with confidence knowing that when you need to pull yourself out of the muck or move a heavy load, you'll be up to the task time and time again. Both the XT Extreme Terrain and RT Rugged Terrain winches are designed specifically for powersports vehicles. Standard features includes weather-resistant sealed construction; rugged and reliable three-stage planetary geartrains; patented disc brakes for enhanced control; efficient electrical systems for less battery drain; easy-to-use clutch dials; and legendary WARN quality. You can be assured these winches are the best on the market.
Both the SaddleSkins and WARN Powersports winches are available at Recreation Supply Co. Ltd. in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.
-
Mighty Peace River, AB
Come join us on the wide open roads
The Land of the Mighty Peace stretches across northwestern Alberta, from the British Columbia border along the Northwest Territories border, deep into Wood Buffalo National Park. The Peace River has created a magnificent theatre of nature, inspiring scenery, rolling hills, and stunning river banks.
Riding through this magnificent territory is an experience you will never forget. Find yourself surrounded by breathtaking boreal forests and stop along the way to visit one of the many fine attractions in the area. The Mighty Peace Country offers something for all; urban exploration and nightlife, a vast and relaxing nature, history, fishing, camping and adventure. The Mighty Peace Tourism Association is now offering a waterproof circle tour map featuring plenty of roadside attractions and icons, as well as discounted accommodations just for our rider friends. 
Manitoba, BC
The fun starts here, at Enns Brothers Powersports
When a person in Manitoba wants to have fun and enjoy the pleasures that power sports and vehicles have to offer, they come to Enns Brothers Powersports
Located in three locations (Winnipeg East, West and Portage La Prairie), Enns Brothers will be Manitoba's first choice for motorized products, accessories and servicing. Our customers and suppliers trust us for honesty, knowledge, fairness and professionalism. Our dynamic team can help you with all your powersport needs in a friendly and efficient manner, and you will feel welcome and supported in every one of our locations.
Tumbler Ridge, BC
Discover the wonder and beauty of Tumbler Ridge
Tumbler Ridge is unique, as it has all the amenities of a larger town, while retaining its small town culture. With its beautiful geographic location and rich history, this is truly the perfect location. Tumbler Ridge has plenty of activities and events occurring regularly to help keep you involved in the community. If you’re looking for other ways to stay active, our local terrain will be waiting for you to bring out your ATV or off-road bike, and witness the exquisite scenery of Tumbler Ridge.
Grande Prairie, AB
We are your four-season destination!
Stanford Hotels & Resorts are the ideal accommodations for riders! Take advantage of our $89.00* rider rate which includes a complimentary bike wash. The Grande Prairie location offers ground floor rooms, meaning you are never far from your pride and joy. As well, the inner courtyard parking lot gives you peace of mind during your stay. Choose Stanford Hotel Grande Prairie if you are looking for that home away from home feel and great service! We are your four-season destination, so check out our winter rates for sledders.
*Taxes and applicable fees will be added to this rate
Get in on the action
If you consider yourself a powersports enthusiast and are interested in breaking into the industry, the Outdoor Power Equipment Technician Program or Motorcycle Mechanic, Pre-Employment Program is right for you. Offered at GPRC Fairview College Campus, these programs provide students with the skills that are in demand by North America’s recreational powersports industry. Students obtain the current knowledge of emerging technologies, combined with relevant, hands-on experience—and that’s exactly what employers are seeking.
Furthermore, students in either program are eligible to write the Alberta Apprenticeship exams—their first step towards obtaining their Journeyman status in the trade. For more information about the career opportunities – with job openings available across the country following graduation, call Les Ashton or Brad Chorney at 1-888-999-7882.
East Central. SK
The destination for every level of rider
You will find a surprise around every corner in Saskatchewan’s East Central region. The stunning transformation of the landscape from prairie to boreal forest showcases nature in its most grand form. Vast numbers of birds migrate through the area, making this an incredible destination for bird lovers. Unique communities are part of the mix, including four vibrant cities and a dynamic Ukrainian culture. Add a natural healing spa and a host of exciting events, not to mention a landscape that is truly an off-road enthusiast's dream. It is no wonder that our area won nine Rider’s Choice Awards for our spectacular ATVing terrain.
Radium Hotsprings, BC
Adventure is yours to define and discover
Bighorn Meadows offers luxury resort accommodations on the Springs Golf Resort in Radium Hot Springs, British Columbia, Canada. Enjoy recreation and relaxation with one of the many activity providers in and around the Village of Radium, Kootenay National Park and the beautiful Canadian Rockies. Bighorn Meadows is far removed from the bustle of big city life with its natural hot springs and abundant wildlife. It's a short scenic walk to the middle of friendly Radium Hot Springs and only a few minutes' drive to Lake Windermere. Nearby Panorama Mountain Resort and Kicking Horse provide alpine and heli-skiing opportunities. The valley provides an ideal setting and terrain for ATVing and other outdoor activities.
-
Big River, SK
Convenient, comfortable and affordable
Ride from your door and enjoy an overabundance of ATV trails.
The Timberland Motel is located in a woodland setting with more than 20 lakes within 12 miles of our front door, but in Big River you can fish right where the town dock extends into Cowan Lake.
We are located on the Trans-Canadian Snowmobile Trail, so you can snowmobile right up to the door of your comfortable room. The Timberland Motel features a range of amenities, such as air conditioning, wireless high-speed Internet, an outdoor hot tub and much more.
The motel itself is also for sale, so rent a room now and see the incredible potential in this modern, clean facility.
The small shop with big service
Season's Edge Recreation has been serving Nipawin and surrounding area for more than 12 years, and we are dedicated to our customers' needs. Like our customers, we are also snowmobile and ATV enthusiasts.
Here at Season's Edge we ride what we sell so we are able to understand and respond to your needs. We know how important it is for you to have a great experience every time you ride.
On our days off, we look forward to jumping on our toys and hitting the trails or venturing out into the back country, so don't be suprised if you meet up with us next time you're out for a ride.
Cranbrook, BC
There is always something to do in Cranbrook
The City of Cranbrook is nestled at the base of the Rocky Mountains, and offers visitors an array of fun activities. For winter guests, this warm and welcoming community is conveniently close to a full range of sledding locations. With literally hundreds of excellent sledding trails nearby, snowmobilers can experience everything from beginner to extreme mountain riding in the area. Cranbrook is also known as the sunniest city in B.C., so expect to find brilliant blue skies and sunshine to top off the mountain vistas you will enjoy while out on the trail.
Kootenay Rockies
Warm up after your sledding adventure
Prestige Hotels & Resorts are elegant, full-service hotels and resorts, located in the Okanagan and Kootenay Rockies—destinations known for some of the most renowned snowmobiling terrain. The Prestige offers deluxe rooms and amenities, executive and designer suites. All guest rooms feature quality comforts such as voicemail, data ports, high-speed Internet access and pay-per-view movies. Facilities also include a pool, hot tub, athletic club, restaurant and lounge—so there are several relaxing options to choose from upon your arrival. We are proudly 100% smoke-free. Inquire about our getaway and recreation packages, and make us your first choice in accommodation when you plan your next sledding excursion.
Cranbrook, BC
A quality motel in the heart of the Kootenay Mountains
Surrounded by the pristine Kootenay Mountains, the Travellers Motel features newly remodeled suites that will make your stay a quality one. We are conveniently situated just 10 minutes from the airport, and offer special rates for seniors and corporate guests. Also for your convenience, we have complimentary parking, a laundry facility, direct dial phones, smoking rooms, wireless internet and a continental breakfast. Kick back and enjoy our barbecue area, or one of our two new bubble tubs. Bring your four-legged travelling companion, because our motel is pet-friendly.
Cranbrook, BC
We go to great heights for you!
At the Nomad Motel, we offer several amenities to make our guests feel comfortable. With a 46-inch heated outdoor pool, large family suites and a children's playground, our facility is ready to welcome you and your family. We also offer corporate, group and senior rates, free high speed internet, and fax and photocopy services to suit your business needs. Take advantage of our guest laundromat, free VCR and movie usage, continental breakfast and cable TV with movie channels. Pet-friendly rooms are available as well. All of our rooms are air conditioned and have refrigerators and other basic necessities to make your stay fun and relaxing.