Everything you need on the trail
Trail Resources
Plan Your Ride
Find & Ride the Trails
COATV trails are mapped on QuadON, the OFATV's interactive trail guide for the entire province. View open/closed status, plan routes, and check trail conditions before you head out.
Safety
Trail Etiquette
Wardening
Bylaws
Volunteer
Report Issue
Ride Safe · Ride Smart
Safety, Rules & Regulations
Whether you're new to the sport or have been riding for years, these are the must-knows for staying safe and legal on Simcoe County trails.
Trail Rules — Every Ride, Every Time
Our season runs May 1st through December 1st. Please follow these rules whenever you're on COATV trails.
- Wear a DOT-approved helmet at all times.
- Carry a valid insurance certificate while riding.
- Follow the by-laws for the area you're riding in.
- Don't trespass — if it's not mapped & not yours, don't ride.
- Stay on signed COATV trails only.
- Check the QuadON app before heading out.
- Snowmobile trails are not ATV trails — don't use them.
- Max machine width: 65" / 1650mm (incl. mirrors & tires).
OFATV Safety Resources
Download these printable references from the Ontario Federation of ATV Clubs. Keep digital copies on your phone or print and stash in your trailer.
Know Your ATV
Parts diagram & key safety components every rider should know.
OFATV Trail Etiquette
The official OFATV one-page guide to respectful trail behaviour.
Clean Equipment Protocol
Prevent invasive species & protect Ontario trails — wash before & after.
Hand Signals
Quick-reference for group ride hand signals & communication.
Group Ride Protocol
Best practices for organized group rides — order, spacing, signals.
Ready To RideON Course
OFATV's online rider-training program. Especially recommended for new riders.
Ontario Regulations
Every rider is responsible for knowing the law. These are the primary provincial statutes and regulations governing ATV use in Ontario:
County of Simcoe
Operation of Off-Road Vehicles on Highways
Regulation 316
Operation of Off-Road Vehicles on Highways
Occupiers' Liability Act
R.S.O. 1990, c. O.2
Smart Ride, Safe Ride
Ministry of Transportation · Driving Off-Road Vehicle
ATV ByLaws by Municipality
Local bylaws differ by township. Tap your area below for the official PDF or website link. If you have any questions about the bylaws in the different Townships, please contact the township bylaw officer.
The townships listed below are linked to either pdf versions of the local atv bylaws, or to the municipal or government webpages for ATV regulations and trail operation requirements. These external sites are maintained by their respective authorities and may be updated without notice.
Adjala-Tosorontio
Clearview
County of Simcoe
Essa
Innisfil
New Tecumseth
Oro-Medonte
Ramara
Severn (view 2020-63)
Wasaga Beach
Share the Trail
Trail Etiquette
Trails are shared by riders, hikers, cyclists, equestrians, and more. Good etiquette is what keeps every trail open - for us and for them.
The COATV trail etiquette guide is organized around four areas: safety, public awareness, code of ethics, and environmental awareness.
01 — Safety
Safety Etiquette
Trail users have both the right and the responsibility to ride safely and expect the same from others. Prevent incidents first, then respond responsibly if something happens.
"Wheels yield to Heels" — ATVs yield to all other users, including cyclists. Pass on the right.
02 — Public Awareness
Public Awareness
- Be friendly. Stop, speak, answer questions politely.
- Present a neat appearance — you represent every rider out there.
- Any motorized vehicle operator under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
03 — Code of Ethics
Code of Ethics
- Respect private property and other trail users.
- Use only the marked trail route.
- Proceed slowly in heavily used areas; observe speed limits.
- No stunts or showing off. Report any crimes witnessed.
- Proceed slowly in heavily used areas; observe speed limits.
04 — Environmental
Environmental Awareness
- Keep trails clean. Don't litter — pick up after others when you can.
- Pack out everything you packed in.
- Fully extinguish cigarette butts and take them with you.
- Stay on the marked path — deviating destroys vegetation.
- Don't pick plants. Don't harass wildlife or livestock.
Step Up · Lead the Trail
Trail Wardens
Wardens are the eyes, ears, and ambassadors of our trail system. They support riders, maintain trail integrity, and represent COATV on the ground.
Wardens are ambassadors for safe and respectful riding.
We educate, guide, and support riders, not enforce laws, because our trails exist only through landowner permission, and that permission can be lost.
Our role is to protect access by engaging riders with professionalism and courtesy.
If you're interested in becoming a Warden, the best first step is to volunteer and join our club rides. This lets you learn the role, gain experience, and see firsthand how Wardens support safe, respectful, and sustainable trail use.
When
Same day as AGM in April
Where
COATV Clubhouse, Klondike Park
Who Should Apply
Active members with trail or volunteer experience
How to Register
Email info@coatv.ca to pre-register
Required Reading
COATV Trail Warden Download
The 2026 COATV Warden Orientation Session covers the warden role, OFATV and club knowledge, trail etiquette, applicable laws and municipal bylaws, vehicle classifications, stop protocols, radio communication, and joint patrol procedures with OPP and bylaw officers. All new and returning wardens should review it before heading out on patrol.
COATV Trail Warden Information PDF
~5 MB · PDF Document
See Something? Say Something
Report a Trail Issue
Help us keep the trails safe and well-maintained. Send us details on what you saw — photos, location, anything that helps.
Whatever You Spot, Tell Us
Trail conditions change fast. Storms drop trees, signage gets damaged, washouts open up overnight. The faster we know, the faster we can act.
Common Issues to Report
- Fallen trees / blockages
- Damaged or missing signs
- Washouts & erosion
- Trespassing / unauthorized use
- Damaged gates / bridges
- Litter or dumping
Trail Emergency?
For active emergencies (injury, fire, criminal activity), call 911
Then report to us so we can dispatch trail support and document the incident.
Report Details
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to the questions we hear most often. Don't see what you're looking for? Reach out — we'll help.
Q1 If I buy my annual pass this month, when does it expire?
Your annual membership is good for one year from the date of purchase (365 days).
Q2 What is the maximum machine width on COATV and OFATV trails?
Maximum overall width is 65" (1,650mm). This includes mirrors, tires, and any accessories.
Q3 How long is the ATV season?
COATV's season typically runs from May 1st (weather permitting) until November 30th or first snow cover. Dates vary by region — always check QuadON before heading out to confirm trail status.
Q4 Where can I find a map of the trails?
You can view all COATV trails (along with every OFATV trail across Ontario) on quadon.evtrails.com, or download the QuadON app from the iOS App Store or Google Play for a minimal annual fee.
Q5 Where can I buy a day pass or 3-day pass?
Short-term passes are available online from OFATV. Click here to purchase.
Q6 What does a COATV / OFATV permit cost?
All pricing below includes HST. Effective October 1, 2025.
For full details and the official breakdown, visit ofatv.org/trail-pass-info/.
Q7 Do I need insurance to ride on the trails?
Yes — you must carry a valid insurance certificate at all times while riding. Liability insurance through your OFATV permit covers club-managed trails, but personal vehicle insurance is your responsibility.
Q8 Can I ride on snowmobile trails?
No. Snowmobile trails are not ATV trails. Using them risks permanent loss of trails for everyone — unsanctioned land use jeopardizes the agreements that make our trail network possible.
Still have questions? We're happy to help.
Our Sponsors
COATV is proud to partner with these local and regional businesses.
Please show your support for the businesses that back COATV.
Interested in becoming a sponsor? See our Corporate Sponsorship tiers above.