Snowmobiling around town is a favourite pastime amongst Yellowknifers and visitors alike. 

Within Yellowknife limits, snowmobiling is regulated: you must stick to marked winter trails (especially those connecting to Back Bay) and avoid downtown, some parks, private property, and recreational ski areas. Snowmobiles require plates and insurance to legally ride on city roads, and helmets are mandatory. 

MED Snowmobiles

Who can drive a snowmobile? 

If you are under the age of 12, you are NOT permitted to drive a snowmobile in the Municipality of the City of Yellowknife. 

If you are between the ages of 12 and 15 and have completed the City of Yellowknife's Snowmobile Safety Course through Arctic Response, and you are under the supervision of a person 18 years of age or older who has a valid driver's licence or the appropriate safety training, you may drive in the off- road areas of the city. 

If you are 16 years of age or older, have completed the training course or have a valid driver's licence, you may drive on permitted off-road areas of the city. 

Registration and Insurance

To operate a snowmobile within city boundaries, you need licence plates (registration) and insurance. Licence plates must be displayed on both sides of the snowmobile, and validation stickers for the current year.

Licence plates and stickers are available at City Hall in the Municipal Enforcement office. You will also receive your registration permit, which must be carried with you and produced on demand to a Peace Officer. Insurance requirements are the same as for automobiles, and you must also carry your pink card when operating a snowmobile. 

Where can you drive a snowmobile in the city?

Snowmobiles are permitted on most streets, alleys, highways, and off-road areas.

However, you must NOT drive a snowmobile in the following areas:

  • Any school play areas, playgrounds, parks or recreational facilities, cemeteries or any area where signs prohibit the use of snowmobiles.
  • Streets in the downtown core bound by 48 Street, 54 Street, 49 Avenue, and 51 Avenue.
  • Private property without receiving permission from the property owner.
  • The ski club trail system.
  • The greens at the golf course.
  • The McMahon Frame Lake Trail system between the Hospital, City Hall and the Museum, or any boardwalk or stairs on this trail system.
  • The Range Lake Trail system between Parker Recreational Field and the Center Ice Plaza.
  • The children's sliding area in the open space at 55 Street between 50A Avenue and 51A Avenue.
  • The area known as Toboggan Hill, off Highway #3 near the power plant at Jackfish Lake.
  • The area known as the Bristol Pit.

There are speed limits, too! 

On roads: Observe the posted speed limit to a maximum of 45 km/h even in the 70 km/h zones. If there is no posted speed limit, you must not exceed 30 km/h. 

Off roads: 30 km/h maximum in Zone "A" (the built-up areas of the city); and 70 km/h maximum in Zone "B." The fine for speeding can be $100.00 or more! 

The same basic rules apply when driving a car or a snowmobile: 

  1. Be cautious and remember the braking limitations of your snowmobile and the environmental conditions.
  2. Keep as far right as possible when you are on the roads. 
  3. Stay in a single file. Do not drive on the sidewalks. 
  4. Helmet use is compulsory. Only helmets bearing one of the following certification labels are acceptable: CSA D-230, DOT218 or SNELL M90. 
  5. Be mindful of, and slow down for, other trail users such as hikers, skiers, skaters and dog sleds.
  6. Remember to dress appropriately and let someone know where you’re going and when you expect to return.

OFF LIMITS: The area zoned "Nature Preservation" adjacent to Ragged Ass Road is restricted. There are several established trails which travel through this area to allow access to Great Slave Lake. All snowmobilers are asked to stay on these trails to protect this natural area and its wildlife. 

Please be a responsible snowmobiler!