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Off-Roading in Canada: Essential Tips and Gear for Tackling Snow and Ice

Sep. 11 2024 Miscellaneous By FFUN Motorsports Central

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An off-road adventure in Canada can be the best fun or the worst nightmare. What your experience is will depend largely on preparation. Plan well with these tips and gear for navigating the snow and ice, and you have a far better chance of enjoying a pleasant off-roading adventure in cold weather.


Vehicle and Driving Tips


Driving in deep snow or on icy roads can be dangerous. When driving under hazardous winter conditions, you should be extra cautious, especially if you lack experience. But with a few tips for safe driving, you can prepare yourself better for an off-roader venture.


Pre-Trip Vehicle Checks


Always check the following on your vehicle before an off-road trip:


  1. Get proper snow tires with or without studs for a winter trip and adjust tire pressure for the terrain

  2. Take tire chains with you

  3. Check antifreeze and other fluid levels

  4. Check the battery and windscreen wipers

  5. Try to stay within reach of help via your phone and have rescue numbers available

  6. Ensure your vehicle insurance is current and covers your vehicle for off-terrain adventures, towing, and roadside assistance


A Jeep Wrangler has good ground clearance and technology for beginners who want a safe winter off-roading experience at that time of year.


If you have a Jeep, drive with an experienced companion who can show you the ins and outs of using 4WD Low options for better traction and control when off-roading. When on-road, use the High setting for higher speed and less torque. Similarly, before attempting off-roading, you should become familiar with an all-wheel drive, ATVS, UTVS, CAN-AM's and other off-roaders.


A good off-road vehicle also gives you the option of wheel-locking differentials. When driving in deep snow, you want to use 4x4 to increase traction but disengage this with on-road driving.


Driving Tips


Even with a good vehicle, you could easily find yourself in trouble if you don't observe several basic driving trips, such as the following:


  • Reduce your speed and maintain a healthy following distance

  • Drive cautiously during snowstorms or pullover to a safe spot

  • Use gentle braking and acceleration to avoid slipping or going into a skid

  • Avoid spinning and over-steering when snow wheeling

  • Keep your thumbs outside the steering wheel to avoid whipping (breaking thumbs or wrists when the steering wheel whips in one direction or the other)

  • Practice left foot braking because a split second can save you from disaster in rough terrain


Gear to Pack


Among the essential recovery gear items to pack for backcountry winter driving are the following:


  1. A winch or recovery strap, cable, recovery shackles

  2. A tow strap

  3. Traction boards and mats for tire traction

  4. Air compressor and tire deflator for tire pressure regulation

  5. Vehicle snorkel


Pack personal gear to stay safe if you are reading for remote areas:


  • Battery jump-starter

  • Work light or torch

  • Maps, GPS, and other navigation equipment

  • Mechanical toolset and offroad jack

  • Spare tire

  • Tire repair equipment

  • Work gloves

  • Insulation blanket

  • Water

  • Food

  • Warm clothing

  • First-aid kit

  • Seat-belt cutter and glass breaker

  • Fire extinguisher


Get your next off-road vehicle from FFUN Central in Kenora, Portage, and Winnipeg, and make your off-road adventures truly memorable and safe.