The Biggest Old Sled Show in Ontario

Since its start in 1999, the Old Sled Heads of Eganville have held two major annual events. The Bonnechure Cup Race, which is a famous draw for vintage sled racers - this year the Canadian Vintage Championship Race is from Feb 22-24th, and a vintage sled show. But this isn’t your average sled show. If you’re expecting to find five shinny old models that lay on a piece of carpet in a showroom, you’ve come to the wrong place. This is the Biggest Old Sled Show in Ontario, where hundreds of sleds and dealers, parts and accessories are on display for show or sale. People flock from all over to come and pay a visit to the small town of Eganville, located between Renfrew and Pembroke. They even have a Long Distance Award to hand out to the dedicated person who travelled the furthest to participate. This year it was Pierre Bellange of Hearst, ON who registered and towed his 1982 Ski Doo Elite just to be in the show. Just in case you’re wondering, it took a cool 9.5 hours – one way.

The main attractions are obvious; the old snowmobile show and shine, the swap shop – where you can buy and sell old parts, but they also have various activities along with their clubhouse for you to explore, get warm and buy some tasty snacks for the kids. This year the crowd count was one for the books and with admission only being $5.00 you can’t ask for much more in terms of some good old family fun. Its even nice to know that your money is going to a worthy cause. Being a non-profit organization, each year the Old Sled Heads pool the money that was raised from both events (including the race) and give it back to the community.

Here are the trophy results for those who couldn't make it to the awards :
Pre 1970 Original - Allan Jewell Callander ON 1965 Polaris Lil Andy
Pre 1970 Restored - Terry Leonard Lanark ON 1968 Bolens Diablo Rouge
1970-75 Original - Gary Lafreniere Sturgeon Falls ON 1974 Ski Doo Elan Deluxe
1970-75 Restored - Terry Herbison Brockville ON 1970 Ski Doo Olympique 399
1976-80 Original - Mark Trahan Petawawa ON 1978 Arctic Cat Panther 4000
1976-80 Restored - Paul Crouter Sterling ON 1979 Yamaha SRX 440
Best Mini Sled Original - Dan Hewitt Pembroke ON 1972 Arctic Cat Kitty Kat
Best Mini Sled Restored – Ceclia Buelow 1972 Sportcraft Swinger
Best Race Sled - Rob Buelow Eganville ON 1973 Rupp 3rd Dimension
Best Rare Iron - Dan Michaelis Eganville ON 1975 Manta
Best of Show - Allan Jewell Callander ON 1965 Polaris Lil Andy

But heading up to Eganville doesn’t only have to be about the show. While you’re there taking a look down memory lane, why not bring your own sled and make a weekend getaway out of it. Ontario’s Highlands has plenty of beautiful trails for you to ride on and several accommodations for you to call home for a night. Once known as the “Snowmobile City” you’ll have no trouble finding several routes and loops when your urge to snowmobile comes a knockin’.

Accommodations

Red Wolf Retreat is a place for those seeking adventure but would prefer to leave a small carbon footprint as they do. Why not go a little crazy and spend your weekend in a Yurt? A small circular structure that follows an open concept that doesn’t cause any permanent damage to the land. If that doesn’t sound like something you feel like snowmobiling up too, then check out their cottage rentals instead.

Stuart Log Cottage is a terrific place to rent for a romantic getaway or a weekend away with your kids. It is close by to many attractions and has easy access to snowmobile trails. Just be warned, if you’re not into roasting marshmallows on your fireplace or getting cozy under a blanket in a rustic lake-side cabin, this isn’t the place for you.

There’s a little bit of everything when you Come to Know Snowmobiling in the Ontario’s Highlands.