The main draw
If you’re like most trail riders who come to the Greenwater/Porcupine Plain area, you’ll want to head straight to the scenic vistas of Cougar Canyon. You'll come across a high ridge scenic viewpoint just before you come to Big Valley Lake; despite its narrowed trail and the 150-foot dropoff, the views and the heart-stopping moments make it all worthwhile. Once you’ve taken in the view, head across Big Valley Lake to the Pee Wee Shelter just four miles north.
In total, the Cougar Canyon trail is nearly 100 kilometres as it loops south of Porcupine Plain or east from Greenwater Lake on a slightly shorter route. A forested trail that heads into the wide open as you cross the lake, it’s the premier route to ride if you’re looking to spot wildlife that includes moose, white-tailed deer, elk and fox.
Sledders' hangouts
Right within Porcupine Plain and indeed all of the surrounding townships, local bylaws allow snowmobilers complete access to the townsites, widening the number of places sledders can go to hang out. A few of the more popular ones include:
- Greenwater Fisherman’s Cove: A beautiful spot right on Greenwater Lake, it has a café, motel rooms and cabins where folks can rest for the night and compare notes with other sledders at the end of the day.
- Carolines, Main Street in Porcupine Plain: A place to meet and greet with locals and sledders alike prior to heading out.
- Double-J Cafe, located on Highway 23: A favourite among sledders, where you can grab a hot breakfast before heading out for a day in the cold.
For an extended stay
With its heavy snowfalls and sparse population, the Greenwater Lake/Porcupine Plain area offers up miles and miles of trails that allow you to snowmobile early in the morning until sundown with accommodations at either end—all without ever having to leave a signed trail.
- Porcupine Plain to Duck Mountain via Kamsack: 150 miles, featuring Duck Mountain Lodge.
- Porcupine Plain to Moose Range Lodge near the Manitoba border: 100 miles, then to Hudson Bay and back around to Porcupine, 80 miles.
- Porcupine Plain to Greenwater Lake Provincial Park: approximately 60 miles.
