All-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and snowmobiles are popular for recreational use in Strathcona County. Residents should consider the safety of themselves and other riders as a top priority.

Note: Helmets are mandatory on ATVs and snowmobiles in Alberta as of May 2017.

Image of off-road vehicle in the winter

ATVs

If you operate an ATV in Strathcona County, please follow these guidelines to stay safe.

  • Helmets are mandatory in Alberta as of May 2017.
  • No child/youth under 16 years of age should operate an adult ATV.
  • Ensure your child/youth only rides an ATV that is appropriate for their age, weight and maturity. Follow manufacturers' recommendations.
  • Wear an approved helmet with face and eye protection. 
  • Drive Sober - alcohol, drugs and ATVs don't mix.
  • Refuse to carry or be a passenger on an ATV built for one person.
  • Take an ATV operator training course.
  • When conditions are dry, use extreme caution and ensure that your ATV is equipped with a spark arrestor.
Image of a snowmobiler

Snowmobiles

  • Snowmobilers require registration and insurance, and must be able to produce them when requested to do so by a peace officer.
  • Registration for snowmobiles may be obtained from any outlet in Alberta where motor vehicle licenses are sold.
  • The license plate must be clearly displayed on the front or back of the snowmobile.
  • The Insurance Act requires that snowmobiles have minimum coverage of $200,000 in public liability and property damage. Coverage of $1,000,000 in public liability and property damage is commonly carried.
  • Riders must be at least 14 years of age to operate a snowmobile on their own. Any rider under the age of 14 is required to be within close proximity of a supervising adult.

Alcohol and snowmobiling don't mix

In Alberta, a snowmobile driver can be charged with the same impaired driving charges as a driver of a motor vehicle. The majority of snowmobile collisions involve drinking and riding. Play it safe – avoid alcohol and drugs before and during the ride.

  • 1. Where snowmobiles are permitted

     Permanent link to Where snowmobiles are permitted
    Where snowmobiles are permitted

    Snowmobile riding is allowed on your property, or other private property with the owner's permission. Snowmobiling is also permitted on publicly owned lakes and Crown land.

    In Alberta, snowmobiles cannot be operated on any portion of a highway including ditches. In this case, highway refers to all types of roadways.

    Snowmobilers are permitted to cross a highway. Snowmobile operators MUST stop and yield to all traffic, have all passengers get off, and cross by the most direct, shortest and safest route.

    Designated trails

    • Blackfoot Provincial Recreation Area
      780-922-3293
    • Ministik Lake Game Bird Sanctuary
      780-464-7955
    • Fort Saskatchewan & District Snow Angels Snowmobile Club
      Contact: Robbie Hagstrom, President
      780-497-8985
      www.snow-angels.ca
    • Elk Island Sales Staging Area

  • 2. Alberta Facts

     Permanent link to Alberta Facts
    Alberta Facts
    • Helmets are mandatory in Alberta as of May 2017.
    • You must be 14 years of age to operate a snowmobile, otherwise under 14 years of age you must be accompanied by an adult.
    • The majority of snowmobile collisions involve drinking and riding.
    • Snowmobilers require registration and insurance and must be able to produce these documents when requested by a peace officer.  The license plate on a snowmobile must be displayed and clearly visible.
    • A snowmobile must be equipped with a muffler and cannot be modified.
    • Complete regulations can be found at www.qp.alberta.ca 

 

Further information:

Enforcement Services
Phone: 780-449-0170
Address: 911 Bison Way
Sherwood Park, Alberta
T8H 1S9

The law defines ATVs and snowmobiles as Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV). OHVs are motor vehicles designed for off-highway travel such as quads, trail bikes, snowmobiles, amphibious vehicles and off-road go-carts.

Before you go riding, please make sure there isn’t a fire advisory or ban or off-road vehicle ban in place.

Last updated: Thursday, May 08, 2025
Page ID: 50162