Enjoying the joys of snowmobiling is a totally Canadian pastime. In Québec, the province boasts the largest network, with 33,000 km of federated trails. Winter and snow cover stretch over several months. Let’s not forget that the snowmobile is a Quebec invention created by Joseph-Armand Bombardier, the founder of Ski-Doo. All the conditions are right, and we’re the envy of the world for this winter activity. In fact, many tourists take to the snowmobile trails to enjoy Quebec’s wooded landscapes. However, the budget for owning a snowmobile has been rising steadily.
In addition to the vehicle’s inflationary purchase price, you have to add the cost of a trailer, storage during the summer months, trail permits and special clothing. Snowmobiling has become a leisure activity who needs a good budget. However, the Ski-Doo is rooted in the genes of Canadians. Enthusiasts started out in their younger years making rounds on private land under daddy’s supervision. Rather than giving up snowmobiling altogether, renting is a solution worth trying out. To continue gliding across the snow, in the fabulous landscapes that Quebec has to offer, and to enjoy the unique sensations that deserve a few sacrifices.
Rental market in Quebec
In Quebec, snowmobile rentals are mainly used by foreign tourists. Some 30,000 of them travel every year to discover Quebec by trail. Existing rental companies tend to be organized around these groups, offering them a 5-day package including snowmobile, clothing, guide and hotels.
But the Covid period turned the snowmobile rental business on edge. With the borders closed, foreigners weren’t coming. So rental companies concentrated on the Quebec market, enabling them to attract local customers. With the end of the pandemic, the foreign clientele has returned, but they are more willing to welcome Quebecers for short-term rentals. This is the case of Arctic Aventure in Sainte-Marguerite-du-Lac-Masson, which filled its season almost exclusively with day and half-day rentals. They’ve even introduced a one-hour “hands-on” experience, preceded by training and driving tips. Led by an AEQ-certified guide, the ride is 20 to 30 km long and costs $156 per person solo and $107 per person duo.
How does it work?
When we talk about vehicle rental, we’re not talking about two- or three-year leases, as is the case for cars. It’s about renting for a day or a few days. Which can always be renewed. But you don’t leave with the snowmobile on a trailer. If you can prove your snowmobiling skills, you can go off on your own, unaccompanied. This is called self-guided touring. Otherwise, you must be accompanied by a certified guide. In some cases, you’ll have to join a group with other renters, accompanied by a guide for several snowmobiles.
Since the accident that claimed the lives of five people (four tourists and the guide), the rules have been tightened. A guide who supervises a group for a fee must hold a first-aid certificate for isolated areas and be trained in safety concepts for ORV tour guides. Don’t hesitate to check.
Each rental company has its own rules, but they’re pretty similar. At Location Haute Matawinie, day rentals run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m..
The rental price includes insurance covering damage to property caused to others, snow clothing (overalls, gloves, boots), a helmet with open visor, and access to marked, dedicated trails. It’s a great way to save on equipment, mandatory liability insurance and trail passes.
On the other hand, gasoline, oil and a balaclava (mandatory for helmet hygiene) are the responsibility of the renter. The oil quoted is for 2-stroke snowmobiles, but rental vehicles are often 4-stroke models. You must return with a full tank of gas, otherwise you will be billed.
Mileage included is two hundred and fifty kilometers per day. Additional kilometers are charged at $0.75. A fee of $25 will be charged for every fifteen minutes of delay. All assistance in the event of damage to the vehicle or to third parties is the responsibility of the renter.
The renter must be at least twenty-one years old and hold a valid driver’s license. A security deposit is required to cover the deductible in the event of damage, the amount of which varies according to snowmobile model. The deductible ranges from $3,000 to $3,500, depending on the model.
Reservation deposits may also apply.
Snowmobiles for rental
Rental models are often 600 cm3 for the lower price range, or 900 cm3 for those who want a little more power and passenger comfort.
In all cases, remember that the speed limit is set at 70 km/h maximum on federated trails. A 600 cm3 snowmobile will be sufficient for a guided tour. In all cases, you must not overtake the guide.
Ski-Doos with ACE 4-stroke engines are often used by professionals. The Ski-Doo Renegade or Grand Touring 600 ACE are very popular. The 900 ACE versions also include Renegades, Expeditions and Grand Tourings. At Location Haute Matawinie, there’s also a single-seater Ski-Doo Renegade 900 ACE TURBO.
For a nine-to-seventeen day, the starting price is $300 for the 600 ACE and $330 for the 900 ACE.
The advantages and disadvantages of renting
The advantage of renting a snowmobile is that you can enjoy the activity without the constraints of buying one: no more maintenance, no more trail permits, no more liability insurance, no more storage, not to mention a trailer to access the trails. Clothing and helmets are provided free of charge.
If you buy a Ski-Doo Grand Touring 600 ACE 2025 at $13,999 MSRP, you’ll have to pay $362 a month, or $4,344 a year, not including maintenance and all associated costs. These rates are calculated for a 48-month loan with no down payment, at a rate of 6.99%.
If you snowmobile less than 15 days a season, short-term rental is an economical alternative.
Renting gives you the opportunity to explore new regions and enjoy different landscapes. You can also try out different models and find the one that suits you best.
There are, however,disadvantages between renting and buying a new machine. Here are a few things to consider:
It’s not impossible that some rental companies offer basic models or older machines. These models may be less powerful, less comfortable or less equipped than the latest models on the market.
Rental hours are limited. You can’t leave early in the morning at 6:00 am or enjoy evenings on the trails until 10:00 pm.
Some enthusiasts like to customize their snowmobiles according to their preferences. This is not possible with rental vehicles, which are usually delivered in their standard version.
The latest and most popular models are the most in demand. They can be quickly unavailable, especially in high season. The choice of snowmobiles is not very wide.
In addition to the rental price, extra charges may apply, such as additional mileage, machine damage or delays.
At Arctic Aventure, for example, a $2,500 deposit is frozen on your credit card. In the event of a total loss, your deductible will be this amount.
Snowmobile rentals and trail permits
The FCMQ would like to remind you that access rights for rental vehicles are different from those for private trail passes. It has observed that some rental centers are not using the correct access rights. Renters can suffer the consequences, as the compulsory liability insurance sold with the access right is not the same for a recreational snowmobile and a rental snowmobile.
The liability insurance associated with regular annual access rights is not valid for rental, exposing renters to the risk of not being covered in the event of an accident.
The same applies to snowmobiles rented to individuals. You would not be covered for civil liability in the event of an at-fault accident.
To sum up, If you’re a high-performance enthusiast, and spend all your free time on your machine, buying a snowmobile is still the best option.
However, if you’re looking for a good way to discover or rediscover this sport, or for occasional use, snowmobile rental is a solution worth considering.
