Planning the Off-Road Trip of a Lifetime: Tips for Exploring Alberta’s Backcountry on Your ATV

There aren’t many thrills in life like setting off on a full-day or multi-day ATV adventure through Alberta’s backcountry. Whether you ride quads, snowmobiles, side-by-sides, bikes, or choose your own adventure on another type of ATV, there’s always more to explore on Alberta trails. 

Since our recently announced partnership with Massimo Motor Canada, our team has been talking about nothing else. We’ve learned about how to find some of best places for ATVing in Alberta, how to ride the backcountry safely, and even how to help our customers save money on their ATV adventures. As we get more inventory from Massimo—including ATVs, snowmobiles, side-by-sides, and more—we’ll be sharing more information about them, including why they’re some of the best ATV options for Alberta’s wild terrain.

Where to Ride in Alberta’s Backcountry

There are virtually endless trails to explore in Alberta. Luckily, enthusiasts post a lot about their adventures, allowing you to follow in their tracks. Check out riding forums, social media groups, websites, and maps like this one to choose your route and get all the information you need for a safe and fun trip.  Plus, you can choose from different types of terrain depending on the adventure you want to experience. Some of the best areas for Alberta ATV enthusiasts include Nordegg, Rocky Mountain House, the Brule sand dunes, Tunnel Mountain Drive, and Iron Horse Trail. 

Lots of the popular ATV areas include campsites, or you can find your own piece of Alberta Crown Land to create a camping spot that acts as your home base for a multi-day adventure.

Where to Buy Your ATV

Before you hit the backcountry, it’s important to make sure you have the right ride. A reliable ATV will make sure you can enjoy the experience safely. Massimo Motors ATVs are built for rugged backcountry terrain, which makes them perfect for Alberta adventures. The MSA series offers powerful 4-stroke engines, electronic fuel injection, and on-demand 4WD for your most challenging rides. They also come with a best-in-class standard equipment package so you get the most features out of your new ride.

Buying an ATV is about more than just the ride itself, though. You’ll also want to consider where you buy, because 5-star service makes all the difference. If you’re considering financing your purchase, you’ll also want to work with a dealership whose partnerships allow them to get you the best financing options out there.

How to Explore Alberta’s Backcountry Safely

Plan Your Route

Alberta’s ATV trails are breathtakingly beautiful and there are so many to explore. Before you head out, look at information on websites or forums to get the lay of the land, and map out your basic route (leaving a little room for exploring, of course!) You can also share this with a friend or family member who is staying behind so they know where to send help if you’re delayed in returning. 
 

Check Your Safety Gear

Before you leave, consider the most essential safety items you’ll need for your trip. A first aid kit, a flashlight, and a toolset are just a few basics. You’ll also want a way to communicate in case of an emergency, so consider radios or satellite phones for those backwoods trips where cell service is out of range.

Ride in Groups

They say there is safety in numbers, and this is true of ATVing. Always ride with at least one partner and stay close enough that you can communicate. It’s especially important to make sure kids and inexperienced riders have someone with more experience nearby to guide them through any challenges.

Preparing Kids for Riding

For plenty of Alberta families, riding is a team sport. Depending on your kids’ age, they might have a good amount of experience on ATVs already. Still, no matter their age and experience level, it’s good to set out some reminders before a lengthy or particularly rough trip. Excitement can get the better of them (and you, too!) so lay down the guidelines, expectations, and what to do in case of an emergency.

How to Save on Your Ride

There’s no way around it: ATVing is a costly sport. Between getting a high-powered ATV that will take you down Alberta backcountry trails, the right setup and safety equipment, and travelling, every trip is an investment. Luckily, there are a few ways you can ride for less. 

Save on Insurance

Insuring your ATV for all the different events that can happen is essential, but not all companies insure ATVs. If you’ve never insured an ATV before or you aren’t sure whether you have good rates, ask our team of finance experts at Insta Auto Solutions for a referral. We work with insurance professionals who we trust, and who can get you great rates with extensive coverage. 

Make Sure You Have a Best-in-Industry Warranty

A great warranty can give you confidence in your purchase, and it also makes sure you can keep riding, no matter what. It’s important to get a warranty you can trust that extends for at least five years. Make sure you ask about the warranty when you buy a new ATV so you know what’s covered. 

Get Great Prices on High-Quality ATVs

At Insta Auto Solutions, we are your key to driving, and that includes motorsports. It’s our goal to get you onto an ATV that will take you through life’s greatest adventures in the outdoors. Stop by our St. Albert or Acheson locations to see our inventory and choose your adventure alongside a team that cares. We offer some of the best financing options in the industry, including responsible no-credit or bad-credit loans with great terms. 

Reach out to our team at Insta Auto Solutions today or stop by our locations in the Edmonton area to see our Massimo Motor inventory for yourself. We’re looking forward to helping you get out on the trails!