Tips for Snowmobiling in Ontario

The following is provided for your information only. It is by no means a complete list. The information here is from the OFSC website.

The Gist:
To snowmobile legally in Ontario, you must have:
a valid driver’s license
proof of snowmobile ownership
registration
insurance
helmets

Advice For Visitors to Ontario
To make your border crossing easier, register your sleds with U.S. Customs before leaving the country. This will make your return hassle-free. It’s also wise to bring your passport or birth certificate along.
For U.S residents traveling to Ontario, you will receive the most favourable exchange rate at a bank.
Visa , Mastercard and American Express are widely accepted.
Ontario is a very large province, so you probably won’t have time to see all in one trip. The best idea is to pick a region or preplan a route that fits with your allotted vacation time and personal riding style.
Always carry emergency/repair kits) when touring.
Ontario’s weather conditions and winter temperatures are generally similar to those of northern Michigan, Wisconsin and Minnesota, so dress accordingly.
Opening and closing of snowmobile trails in Ontario can be extremely varied depending on the area and weather conditions.
Always phone ahead to check both weather and trail conditions. The best place to check is with the local club in the area where you will be riding. They are the ones who will best know the trail conditions.

Snowmobiling Laws
While operating a snowmobile, the same rules of the road and penalties apply as for driving a car, including possible fines, loss of driver’s license, criminal record and/or imprisonment.
Ontario requires the mandatory use of approved safety helmets according to the Highway Traffic Act Regulations while operating or riding a snowmobile.
All Ontario residents must register their motorized snow vehicles (MSV) with the Ministry of Transportation, display the registration numbers and show proof of insurance.
All non-residents must produce evidence of insurance and registration, or bill of sale and comply with Ontario’s snowmobile regulations.
Non-Ontario residents who are not compelled to insure their snowmobile in their own state must be covered while in Ontario. They may do so through their car insurance.
All Ontario residents must display a current validation of their MSV.
In addition, both resident and non resident drivers must be at least 12 years old and hold a motorized snow vehicle operator’s license. Those 16 and over can use a valid driver’s license.
In order to ride OFSC snowmobile trails, a current valid Trail Permit must appear on the windshield of your sled. Trail permits can be purchased from many local businesses, and from the local snowmobile club
The maximum legal speed limit on Ontario trails is 50 kilometres per hour (35mph)

Helmets
Helmets must bear certification verifying conformance to one of the following recognized standards:
Canadian Standards Association Standard D230 Safety Helmets for Motorcycle Riders and shall bear the monogram of the Canadian Standards Association Testing Laboratories;
Snell Memorial Foundation and shall have affixed thereto the certificate of the Snell
Memorial Foundation;
British Standards Institute and shall have affixed thereto the certificate of the British
Standards Institute; or
United States of America Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 218 and shall bear the symbol DOT constituting the manufacturer’s certification of compliance with the standard. R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 610, s.

Vehicles and Insurance
The entry of vehicles and trailers into Canada for touring purposes is usually a quick routine matter.
Any necessary permits are issued at point of entry.

If you’ve rented a vehicle or trailer, make sure you bring a copy of the rental contract, which stipulates that you have permission to use it in Canada.

U.S. Motorists planning to travel in Canada are advised to obtain a Canadian Non-Resident Interprovincial Motor Vehicle Liability Insurance Card available on in the US, Contact your local insurance agent.

Links:

Ontario Snowmobile Trail Conditions can be checked at the OFSC website.
Ontario Weather Conditions can be checked at The Weather Network Canada