Near North Trail Association - District 11

09/14/2026

We are pleased to announce Bonfield Snowmobile Club as the District 11 and The Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs - OFSC Club of the Year!

This great honour is presented to the team at BSC for their outstanding contributions to organized snowmobiling in Ontario. Bonfield Snowmobile club has a reputation both locally and provincially with area townships, businesses, and ministries as an outstanding model of what an organized snowmobile club should be. Bonfield is fully volunteer club with no paid groomer operators. They still do the vast majority of their groomer repairs in house and are always looking to save a buck wherever possible. The club's rock solid reputation and commitment to the ridership is truly unmatched. If Bonfield says they'll do it, you can consider it done.

Consistently exceeding expectations, Bonfield strives to provide reliable, table top condition trail for the ridership. Being a heavily forested area most trails are on beautiful, scenic bush trails or old logging roads. Bonfield has many sites to visit, as part of District 11's Explorers Snow Tour (https://www.nnta.ca/explorers-snow-tour) with favourites being Devil's Canyon, Boulter View Lookout, and Pioneer Spring. Be sure to watch out for the infamous Wendigo in Bonfield territory!

Bonfield has manage to blend the traditions of the past with modernization of the club to meet current requirements. They have maintained their core identity of strong volunteer ethics while rolling with the changes. It hasn't always been easy but strong leadership and support for the concept of organized snowmobiling is always ever present.

We nominated BSC as last season the club stepped up when the Microburst Storm ripped through our district and destroyed many of the area trails including the closure of Samuel De Champlain Provincial park. Bonfield members were out in force to assist with the immediate emergency and help to clear trails for emergency responders to assist stranded campers. Those chain saws were running day and night! No need for a thank you, Bonfield doesn't seek recognition, just wants to help the community. A quiet, diligent group who is always there when duty calls. Once the dust had settled Bonfield lead the recovery assessment and was instrumental in assisting the district with the infrastructure project submission for the combined Bonfield & Mattawa club recovery project.

The Bonfield Snowmobile Club models the values of the OFSC and district each day, online and in person. We couldn't be more proud to call Bonfield Snowmobile Club the OFSC Club of the Year!

09/14/2026

This year's Volunteer of the Year is awarded to Ian Helps of the South Shore Restoule Snowmobile Club - SSRSC.

Ian has been with the club only a few years but in that short time has become the very definition of a VOLUNTEER! Ian's last name is very fitting as he is the kind of person you can call anytime and he is ready to help. He has taken a lead role in the club as the new Treasurer; also working to open trails and pack wet spots, installing a new door at the clubhouse this summer, and still finding the time to groom. Ian obtained grant funding to cover the cost of modernizing lighting at the club facility and led the installation.

As an exemplary member of our team, Ian, infuses projects with newfound energy and fresh insights that help us to stay relevant and bring a forward thinking approach to the club work. Way to go Ian!

09/14/2026

Announcing Cheryl Hoeksma of the Almaguin District Snowmobile Club as District 11's Outstanding Woman of the Year!

Cheryl works tirelessly year round with the club and local community pursuing, establishing and executing fundraising and public appearances activities for the club. She also supports the neighbouring club in District 7. She is a driving force for club BBQ's and has been instrumental in sourcing and setting up events such as participation in the local Santa Claus Parade. Cheryl still finds the time to assist with the clubs social media presence and design/ promotion of the club logo.

Cheryl's unbridled enthusiasm and approachability are key factors in creating a homogenized club. Public gatherings and events build relationships within the club and welcome new faces!

Well done Cheryl!

09/14/2026

The Outstanding Communications Award is presented in recognition of contributions to the development and implementation of a marketing/communications campaign or initiative promoting one or more of the following areas: rider experience, education, safety, volunteerism and/or partnerships.

Join us in congratulating Sean Healy of the Near North Snowdrifters Snowmobile Club for Outstanding Communications. Sean has been an integral part of the Near North Snowdrifters Snowmobile Club for over 22 years.
Sean created the NNSD website www.nearnorthsnowdrifters.com around 2004 and has maintained it as webmaster ever since. The site was created to inform snowmobilers of trail status, where to find fuel, food and lodging. The site grew to include safety tips such as hand signals and ice thickness information.

Sean created the clubs page, YouTube Channel, Twitter page and Pinterest page where you can view over 800 photos from over the years. He has also created banners, fold out maps, club merchandise, and worked with local sponsors and advertisers year after year. Sean’s many years of volunteer work with the club has profoundly impacted the NNSD executive & volunteers, and grown the NNSD membership. Congratulations!

Near North Snowdrifters Snowmobile Website, Ice thickness, Trail loops, Sundridge, South River, Trout Creek, Snowmobile information, Volunteer opportunities, Restaurant and snowmobile fuel information, Snowmobile trailer parking locations, OFSC Ontario Snowmobile club website, snowmobile trail maps,...

09/14/2026

Join us in celebrating the Boyce Family, winner of the District 11 Family of the Year!
The Boyce family has volunteered with the Argyle Riders Snowmobile Club for 18 plus years. John and Marjorie have volunteered in many roles over the years; assisting with trail work, groomer operations, equipment maintenance, organizing the annual Poker run and Cornfest fundraisers.
John remains in his role of Vice President and Marjorie in her role of Club Treasurer to this day. Their son Paul and grandchildren have assisted with trail maintenance for many years as well. The family enjoys snowmobiling and spends many hours out on the trails checking conditions, brushing, removing fallen trees and filling in wet areas.

Kudos to the Boyce Family carrying on the tradition of snowmobiling for future generations!

09/14/2026

That’s a wrap on the The Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs - OFSC 2026 Annual General Meeting! ❄️

We are focusing on rejuvenating our trails and operations, cultivating deeper connections within our community, and finding fresh motivation to tackle our upcoming goals. Most importantly, none of this is possible without our incredible volunteers. You are the heartbeat of this organization, and it is your dedication that will fuel our momentum and guide our tracks through the season ahead.

Let's take this momentum straight to the snow!

09/13/2026

Just over a week away!
Sunday is the last day to reserve your spot!

09/05/2026

A very foggy morning telling us fall is quickly approaching. Trees are just starting to show a hint of colour and we know what's coming next! Wishing everyone a safe, fun, Labour day weekend.

08/24/2026

Only one week until the Northern Back Roads Tour! Argyle Riders will be at the Arnstein Community Center in the arena selling our merchandise. All proceeds support our Club and trails. A great way to say good bye to August.