Iron Horse Trail
A rewarding ride
This multi-use recreation corridor provided a fun ATV outing
It was the Family Day long weekend in Alberta in February 2008 and we had just come out of a -30° C cold snap and I was going stir crazy. I needed to get out and Alberta’s Iron Horse Trail was beckoning.
Much To Explore: During their ride, Steve and Lyn Hessels took in the snowy scenery along the Iron Horse Trail.—photo by Lyn Hessels
I checked the trail’s website, looked at some maps and figured that, for a day trip, the section of trail from Smoky Lake to Bellis would be a good option.
We left Edmonton by mid-morning and arrived at Smoky Lake around 11:30 a.m. There is a staging area on Railway Avenue by the old train station that is easy to find. We unloaded my new Honda 500 quad and got ready to ride. My wife, Lyn, loves to go ATVing and she was feeling as excited as I was—if not more.
We started off at Smoky Lake and went northeast on the trail. The sun came out and we proceeded on our merry way. The trail was covered in hard-packed snow and it had been used primarily by snowmobilers. There are several designated snowmobile trails that branch off the Iron Horse, but as a quad rider, I would probably stay off them because it only takes a few seconds to get stuck and a few hours to get unstuck. Also, there are issues with trespassing, so be considerate and stay off private property.
The scenery on the trail is marvellous— there are fields, creeks, bridges and lots of old abandoned farm sites that offer excellent picture-taking opportunities.
When we arrived in Bellis, there was a neat antique store that was open and the folks there were very pleasant.
On our way back, we stopped at several of the trailside tables. At one rest area, we started a small fire and had lunch. Man, that was living—but even the worst day of quadding would be better than my best day at work.
It took us approximately four hours to ride to Bellis and back, which is about a 50-kilometre round trip. There are no gas stations there so it was a good idea to bring an extra can of fuel.
All too soon, the trip was over. When we returned to Smoky Lake, we both had big grins on our faces, which meant we’d had a good day. It was a marvellous trip.
Alberta key contacts
Grizzly Ridge Honda
Situated at Slave Lake, Alberta, Grizzly Ridge Honda is your premier Honda dealer. Our huge inventory features all the latest and greatest sport, utility and youth ATVs, as well as Honda cruisers/Vtwin, dirt bikes, scooters and street bikes; browse our selection of pre-owned products to find your next nearly-new machine. Our parts and accessories department is equipped with the latest equipment and dress-up items on the market.
At Grizzly Ridge Honda, we have a rock-solid reputation of providing excellent service, support and satisfaction. We pride ourselves on giving our customers the best service available, the best parts and accessories, and a staff that understands all aspects of our business.
Grizzly Ridge Honda
Rosedale, AB
Avalanche gear
Rocky Mountain Xtreme, based in Rosedale, Alberta, is your source for avalanche gear. We are a supplier of ABS Avalanche airbags which have been saving lives for 25 years. We also supply Orthodox probes, shovels, transceivers and Klim apparel and gear. ABS Avalanche Airbags have 25 years of proven success. Don't be fooled by knock-offs. We offer the safest, lightest, and most user-friendly Avalanche Airbag system on the market. Compare our stats to anyone’s—if it doesn't say ABS it isn't. All of the products at Rocky Mountain Xtreme are offered at a great value with quality support, knowledge and a great price.Visit our website to view our products. Order online, by phone or via e-mail.
Rocky Mountain Xtreme
Mississauga, ON
Let them know you are OK
Spot is the world's first satellite GPS messenger system. Using satellite technology, SPOT works when and where cell phones can't, allowing you to work and play with peace of mind, virtually anywhere in the world. Track, share and save your location all at the push of a button. SPOT functions include: dispatch emergency responders to your GPS location; let contacts know where you are and that you're okay via email and text message; send and save your location and allow contacts to track your progress using Google Maps™, and request help from friends and family at your GPS location. Visit our website for more information about this device
Globalstar Canada
Hit the road, Jack
Over 15 years ago, Jack Industries designed and manufactured the Seat Jack. Today, we create 23 different passenger seat models to fit all snowmobile sport models, from 1992 and up. They’re easy to install, durable, comfortable and safe. Another invention of ours—Retrack Jack—offers a safe and secure option for loading your recreational machines. This system features telescoping ramps that fasten in the box of a pickup truck. The ramps, which are made of galvanized steel, can be adjusted for loading and unloading a snowmobile or a four-wheeled vehicle. They are designed with Teflon runners and anti-skid supergrips. Visit our website for more information about Seat Jacks, Retrack Jacks and all other Jack accessories.
Jack Industries
Edmonton, AB
Your source for all-season sports
Whether it’s making waves on the water, tearing up fresh powder or exploring the open road and backcountry, Martin Motor Sports is your source for all-season sports. Our large facility is home to Can-Am ATVs and Spyders, Sea-Doo personal watercraft and boats and Ski-Doo snowmobiles. We also carry MasterCraft, Moomba and Supra boats, Sunstream Boat Lifts and Triton Aluminum Trailers. And if you’re looking for pre-owned toys, we have a large selection of agricultural, lawn and garden and recreational equipment to fit your budget and needs. Even if you're not in the market, come and enjoy a friendly chat with the team at Martin Motors Sports.
Westlock, AB
We've got the truck to haul your gear
When it comes to hauling your toys, you want nothing but the best, most reliable truck—one that has safety and style written all over it. At Westlock Motors, our experienced staff will help you choose the perfect truck to fit your needs. Browse through our selection of new and pre-owned vehicles from GMC, Chevrolet, Pontiac and Buick. When you've made your decision, our service department can install any trailering equipment and accessories you may require. Our dealership prides itself on offering personalized, efficient customer service. We invite you to stop by and discover the Westlock way.
Westlock Motors
Peace River, AB
We're the home of customer satisfaction
The new Ford F-150 has arrived at Peace River Ford—just in time for the snowmobiling season. Available with a 4.2L V6 or the massive Triton V8, this truck is powered with engines to get your job done with ease. Peace River Ford is also the home of the 2009 Arctic Cat snowmobiles and ATVs. We offer sales, service, parts and accessories for all models. Visit our dealership in Peace River, Alberta, where customer satisfaction is our number one concern.
Whitecourt, AB
Celebrate the 2009 Sled Invasion
All snowmobiling fans are invited to Whitecourt, Alberta this February to help the Whitecourt Trailblazers Snowmobile Club celebrate. The club is proud to be hosting several fun events during its 2009 Sled Invasion from February 13 - 15, 2009. Main attractions this year will be the 2009 ASA Snowmobile Jamboree, the Trailblazers 30th Anniversary Poker Rally, and the Polaris Pro Freestyle Snowmobile Air Offs. Find out why Whitecourt is known as the snowmobile capital of Alberta.
Town Of Whitecourt