Destination Spotlight: Real Life = Snowmobiling on Drummond Island!

“Life can be real with a snowmobile. There ain’t no deal like a snowmobile!”

~ Stompin’ Tom Connors. The Snowmobile Song.

Snowmobiling on Drummond Island in Michigan is as “real” as it gets! With over 100 miles of groomed trails, annual G.L.A.S.S. races and the International Ice Bridge to Canada, snowmobilers can keep busy on Drummond Island all winter long.

Drummond has a long tradition of well-maintained, groomed trails with an annual fundraising event to help purchase equipment, improve signage and guarantee a great experience for all riders. Since 1967, the Drummond Island Snowmobile Club – a non-profit organization – has provided guided safari rides, potluck dinners and more. Safari rides are enjoyed by members throughout the snowmobiling season and visitors are always welcome!

Another great Island tradition is the annual Winter Poker Rally hosted by The Northwood Restaurant & Bar. The event kicks off with breakfast at the restaurant , and then everyone suits-up and heads out with stops planned at Wazz’s Party Store, Pin’s Bar & Grill and Chuck’s Place. At the end of the run, it’s back to The Northwood Bar to enjoy a night of celebrating a great day of riding!

Drummond Island also offers snowmobilers the experience of a lifetime – riding the Ice Bridge to Canada! If you’re a sledder and have never used the Ice Bridge (also known as the Tree Line) to access snowmobile trails in Ontario, then this is something to add to your “Bucket List!”

For Islanders and visiting snowmobilers from across the U.S., the Ice Bridge is the “Gateway to Canada.” The Bridge opens when the ice is frozen enough to travel safely, usually sometime in mid-January or early February each year. You can contact the Drummond Island Tourism Association at drummondislandtourism@alphacomm.net or 800-737-8666 to find out when it is open. Starting at Drummond Island Yacht Haven marina and crossing the North Channel of Lake Huron, the “Tree Line” is a marked snowmobile route lined with Christmas trees and reflectors leading over the border to St. Joseph Island.

Once you’ve arrived in Ontario, Canada, you’ll be able to access that Island’s snowmobile trails, the Island Getaway Loop and mainland snowmobile trails – including the Canadian Northshore Loop. Be sure to “Know before you go!” You can get updates on current ice conditions by stopping at Johnson’s Sports Shop located at 29129 Channel Road before heading across. You can also call the owners, Pam and Rick Johnson at 906-493-6300. Bring your passport, sled registration, liability insurance, driver’s license and be prepared to purchase a Canadian Trail Permit if you plan to ride on Canadian soil while visiting.

Looking for a fun-filled family event? Then look no further the G.L.A.S.S. (Great Lakes Antique Snowmobile Series) snowmobile races on the Island. These races feature vintage, single cylinder, LeMans style, enduro races of 150 to 200 laps. The Island community welcomes all race onlookers with most businesses offering “specials” throughout the weekend events. The 2016 race is scheduled for Feb. 13. You can stay up-to-date on trail conditions during your visit by following the official community Drummond Island Snow Report page on Facebook. If it snows, the volunteers manning this page will let you know.

Remember – when it’s wintertime and the weather’s fine there ain’t no deal like snowmobiling on Drummond Island! Get ready for your adventure with base layers, jackets and pants from top brands like FXR and KLIM.

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Born and raised in the Eastern Upper Peninsula, Candis is the product of a family of philosophical U.P./Canadians. She learned at a young age that “you can’t breathe easy until you get above the 45th”. These days she calls the “Safe Side” – Drummond Island – home.