How many places exist where you could plan your calendar around motorsports? From sledding in the winter to ATVing, jetboating and motocross during the warmer months, one thing is clear—there is always something for motorsports enthusiasts in Whitecourt and the surrounding Woodlands County.
Wintery goodness
Whitecourt boasts one of the oldest and largest snowmobile clubs in the province. In 2009, the 300-member-strong Whitecourt Trailblazers Snowmobile Club celebrated its 30th anniversary.
“They will be reopening the Golden Triangle this upcoming winter,” said Cheryl Lawrence, information co-ordinator for Whitecourt Tourism. “It is a ride from Whitecourt to Fox Creek to Swan Hills and back, so it’s a two-day trip.”
Other popular sledding areas include the Silver Summit Trail, a 200-kilometre round trip from Whitecourt to Edson. There is also the Eagle River staging area, the starting point of a 120-kilometre trail system. Overall, the Trailblazers have more than 300 kilometres of trails at their disposal.
Spring is king
Come spring and summer, Whitecourt becomes a hotbed for other recreational activities.
“In the county, we’ve got the designated area called the Timeu OHV Recreation Area,” said Lawrence. “It’s just on the other side of Port Assiniboine, with marked trails.”
Lawrence said there are a number of unmarked bush trails for ATVing within Whitecourt. Additionally, she estimated that 81 per cent of Woodlands County is Crown land. There are many lakes and rivers in the area, contributing to an active fishing community.
For those interested in quad and motocross racing, head to the Whiteridge MX Park. Located in Blue Ridge, a half-hour from Whitecourt, the park has a new track. The Whitecourt Motocross Association worked hard over several years to make the track a reality, and this August, they’ll be hosting the Alberta Dirt Riders Association’s provincial race.
Jetboating is another popular sport in Whitecourt. Rallies and races are organized by the Whitecourt Riverboating Association in the spring and fall, drawing in boaters from across Canada and the United States. Whitecourt is also gearing up to host the World Jetboat Races in 2011, an event that is expected to attract people from as far away as Mexico and New Zealand.
“There are four different classes and the big boats are just mind-boggling,” said Lawrence.
