What the Current Canada–U.S. Trade Situation Means for Powersports in Canada The breakdown in the latest trade talks between Canada and the United States is creating further uncertainty for businesses and consumers across the country — including Canada's powersports industry. Moto Canada represents the manufacturers and distributors responsible for most of the motorcycles, ATVs and side-by-sides (ROVs) sold in Canada. Our industry supports a nationwide network of approximately 900 dealers employing over 88,000 Canadians in every province and territory. With approximately 140,000 powersport vehicles sold in Canada each year coming from 15 different countries, the latest U.S. tariffs do not mean that Canadians will suddenly see a tariff added to every motorcycle, ATV or side-by-side sold here. However, the escalating trade dispute creates significant uncertainty for manufacturers, distributors and dealers operating across an integrated North American market. As the Government of Canada considers new counter-tariffs in response to U.S. trade actions, Moto Canada supports Canada's efforts to defend Canadian economic interests. At the same time, we urge the federal government to avoid applying retaliatory tariffs to American-made motorcycles, ATVs, side-by-sides/ROVs, parts and accessories. Previous Canadian tariffs on U.S.-origin motorcycles increased costs in Canada, contributed to lower sales and placed additional pressure on Canadian dealers, while doing little to influence U.S. trade policy. The impact could be considerably larger today. Approximately 50,000 to 60,000 motorcycles, ATVs and side-by-side vehicles assembled in the United States are sold in Canada each year — roughly 40% of the Canadian market. These vehicles are not simply luxury goods. Canadians, businesses and governments at all levels use motorcycles, ATVs and side-by-sides for transportation, emergency services, farming, forestry and other work, as well as recreation and tourism. Adding tariffs to these vehicles would ultimately mean higher costs for Canadian consumers, reduced sales and inventory for Canadian dealers, and increased pressure on Canadian jobs. The motorcycle market alone generated approximately $1.1 billion in Canadian retail sales in 2025, including parts and accessories, and experienced a significant decline from 2024. Moto Canada's position is straightforward:  When the time is right, Canada and the United States need to return to the table and negotiate an agreement that keeps North American trade open and provides businesses and consumers on both sides of the border with greater certainty. In the meantime, Canadian retaliation should be carefully targeted. Applying tariffs to powersport vehicles would primarily increase costs for Canadians and Canadian businesses while doing little to influence U.S. trade policy. Moto Canada is actively engaging with the Government of Canada to explain the impact of these measures on our industry and advocate on behalf of our members, dealers, riders and the broader powersports community. We will continue working closely with our members, dealers and government partners as the situation evolves. For Canadian riders and consumers, our message is equally straightforward: trade negotiations are a process with ups and downs, and we need to hold the course. The situation is changing quickly, and Moto Canada will continue to provide clear information about what these measures mean for our industry as decisions are made. If you are a rider, dealer or other member of the powersports community affected by these events, we encourage you to contact your federal and provincial representatives. Tell them what powersports mean to your business, your community and your ability to ride. The more governments understand the real-world consequences of these decisions, the better equipped they will be to protect Canadian interests.

Moto Canada is pleased to share our 2025 Annual Industry Statistics Report with members and stakeholders. This year’s report offers a closer look at the strength and resilience of Canada’s powersports community, with key insights into on-road motorcycle sales, ATV and ROV sales, registrations, and licensing trends across the country. Together, these numbers reflect not only market performance, but also the passion, participation, and momentum that continue to drive our industry forward. A few highlights from 2025 include: 61,623 new motorcycles and scooters sold. 48,994 ATVs sold. 37,918 SxS/ROVs sold. 919,313 registered on-road motorcycles. 936,776 registered off-highway vehicles. Thank you to our members, partners, dealers, clubs, and riding communities for being part of another important year for the industry. We invite you to explore the full report and see the story behind the numbers. Read the 2025 Annual Industry Statistics Report

West Side Road, Country Harbour Road Trail. Antigonish County

Photo: Broadhorns ATV Club (Facebook)

Nova Scotia’s OHV riders have a fresh reason to celebrate—trail access across the province just expanded in a big way.

The Department of Public Works has appoved a new round of  road‑trail sites, effective today (July 1). This latest update adds 38-new connections to the network, strengthening links between communities and making it easier for riders to reach local businesses and services along their route. Whether you’re heading for a meal, a place to stay, or a fuel stop, these additions help create a more connected and accessible riding experience across the province.

Newly approved sites include:

Bowater Mersey Road (Halifax Region)

• 2.18 km from Hwy 3 to Hiking Trail Rd

Chemin Pembroke Lake Road (Inverness County)

• 5.66 km from Chemin MacGarry Road to K-Unmaintained Chemin Pembroke Road at Pembroke Lake

Clydesdale Road (Colchester County)

• 1.19 km from trail 551 to Stewarts Road K-Unmaintained

Dick Theriault Road ext. (Digby County)

• 4.5 km from the Clare Trail to Trail 137

Frank Swinamer Road (Lunenburg County)

• 0.32 km from the Chester Connection Trail to Hwy 3

Glendyre Hill Road K-Unmaintained to MacDonald Glen Road (Inverness County)

• 8.21 km Hwy 19, North East Maboo Road, MacDonald Glen Road

Grosse Coques Road (Digby County)

• 4.07 km from Hwy 1 to Clare Trail 102

Hwy2 Glooscap Trail (Cumberland County)

• 1.67 km from Municipal Road at Cemetery to Sunshine Inn

Inverness Shean Trail to River to Sea Cottages (Inverness County)

• 2.02 km – Beach No1 Road, Central Avenue Trunk 19, MacLean Street, MacLeod Street

Isadore Thibeau Road (Digby County)

• 10.5 km from Hwy 1 to the K-Unmaintained section

Kennetcook Hwy 354 (Hants)

• 1.23 km from Trail 937, go behind XRT Station to Trail 937

Killag Rd Hwy 224 (Halifax Region)

• 1.78 km from Sheet Harbour Snowmobile & ATV Club driveway to Killag Road

Labelle Road – Molega Road (Queens Region)

• 15.8 km from Flossie Lane to Brookfield Mines Trail

Liverpool Access (Queens Region)

• 4.08 km from Liverpool Municipal Road, intersects Hwy 3 at Queens Place Drive to Glen Hill Road, to Nickerson’s Pond Road to Trail 253

MacKeigan Road (Cape Breton Region)

• 2.57 km from Trail 646, MacKeigan Road, Hwy 327 to Church’s Supermarket ESSO

Marconi Tower Road (Cape Breton Region)

• 1.37 km from trail 631A to Trail 623

Meadows Road & Morley Road (Cape Breton Region)

• 6.66 km from Trail 621 Glen Morrison Rd K-Unmaintained to Trail 622 on Morley Road

Milford Street & School Street (Queens Region)

• 7.3 km from Trail 253, Milford Street, Hwy 8, Bridge Street, West Street, and School Street to Trail 284D K-Unmaintained

Mooseland Road Extension (Halifax Region)

• 11.3 km from trail 106 to Magill Road K-Unmaintained

Morrison Road (Cape Breton Region)

• 2.61 km from trail 690 to trail 690

Hwy 10 New Germany (Lunenburg County)

• 2.27 km from the Mic Mac Rod & Gun Club driveway to Trail 10, the Lehave River Trail

North Highlands Road (Inverness County)

• 9.51 km from the K-Unmaintained section of North Highlands Road to MacDonald Glen Road K-Unmaintained section

North Side West River Road (Guysborough)

• 0.6 km from Trail 522, the K-Unmaintained section of North Side West River Road to Hwy 348 existing road trail

Old Guysborough Road Extension (Halifax Region)

• 7 km from Trail 504 Ledwidge Road K-Unmaintained to K-Unmaintained section of Miller Road

Ponhook Lodge Road (Queens Region)

• 0.315 km from the Ponhook Lodge Campground to Laurie Wamboldt Road, a private road to be numbered soon

Myra Road – Porters Peak (Halifax Region)

• 1.04 km from Trail 500B to 2014 Myra Road Porters Peak Adventure Getaway

Pushie Road (Antigonish County)

• 1.01  km from Trail 713 to old Hwy 4

Salmon River Road (Cape Breton Region)

• 3.43 km from Trail 616 to Loch Lomond Road, an existing road trail

Sheet Harbour Hwy 7 (Halifax Region)

• 1.7 km from Trail 393A driveway to church across from Irving to Marmalade Café & Coffee Bar

Shore Cycle & Marine Hwy 3 (Lunenburg County)

• 2.0 km from the Dynamite Trail 202 to Shore Cycle & Marine on Hwy 3

Spry Bay Hwy 7 (Halifax Region)

• 1.68 km from Trail 105A to 105B at the end of Twin Bridges Loop Road

St. Mary’s Road – Wheelers Wilderness Base Camp (Halifax Region)

• 1.47 km from Trail M-RG to Wheelers Wilderness Base Camp

Strathlorne – North Highlands Road (Inverness County)

• 5.96 km from Trail 105 to Strathlorne-Scotsville Road, West Lake Ainslie Road, Church Road, Hwy 19, North Highlands Road K-Unmaintained section

Sunnybrae Eden Road (Pictou County)

• 2.4 km from trail 507 to trail 502

Swan Creek Road (Cumberland County)

• 2.47 km from Trail 31 to Hwy 2 across the bridge to Parrsboro municipal roads

Vinegar Lake Road (Halifax Region)

• 1.12 km from St. Margarets Bay Trail 355 to Trail 356

Westside Road (Antigonish County)

• 6.11 km from the Guysborough Nature Trail 528 to the trail directly across Hwy 316 from the bridge, soon to be numbered

West Side West River Road (Guysborough County)

• 1.79 km from the K-Unmaintained section of West Side West River Road to Hwy 348, currently an existing road trail to Trail 519 & Trail 531

These newly approved road trails bring the total to 112-provincially approved and eight municipal sites. Most of these connections would not be possible without the planning and advocacy from our clubs across Nova Scotia.

Links to all approved road trails (including maps), and the Road Trails Act are included below.

All Approved Road Trails in Nova Scotia 

Link to the Road Trails Act

      

June marks Off‑Road Safety Month nationwide, a coordinated campaign led by Moto Canada with support from the Canadian Motorcycle Association (CMA), the Canadian Quad Council (CQC), and provincial partners including ATVANS. The month‑long initiative promotes safe riding habits, responsible trail use, and stronger stewardship of Canada’s off‑road trail systems.

With more Canadians than ever enjoying ATVs, side‑by‑sides, and off‑road motorcycles, the campaign delivers a unified message: safer riding protects people, preserves access, and strengthens our trail‑riding community.

Key Safety Priorities

The national campaign focuses on three core themes:

• Gear Up: Wear certified helmets, protective clothing, and eye protection. Complete pre‑ride inspections and always ride sober.
• Ride Smart: Stay within your skill level, slow down in unfamiliar terrain, watch for other users, and ensure youth riders are properly supervised.
• Respect the Trails: Stay on designated routes, follow signage and landowner rules, share the trail respectfully, and help keep riding areas clean.

Why It Matters

As participation grows, so does the need for consistent safety practices. Preventable injuries, trespassing, and off‑trail riding can threaten long‑term trail access. Off‑Road Safety Month reinforces that every rider plays a role in keeping trails open and communities safe.

Supporting Clubs and Riders

Moto Canada has released a national toolkit with graphics, messaging, and resources to help clubs and associations share safety information throughout June. The campaign also tailors guidance for different rider groups, including ATV, side‑by‑side, and off‑road motorcycle users.

Protecting the Future of Riding

Off‑Road Safety Month is a reminder that safe, respectful riding is essential to maintaining access to the trails we all enjoy. By working together, riders across Canada can help ensure these opportunities remain available for future generations.

Region of Queens Municipality says that newly designated Road Trails in the Liverpool area are NOW OPEN. Municipal crews have been installing signage along the approved routes since the bylaw was passed.

These Road Trails follow Council’s adoption of Bylaw No. 28 – Designation of Road Trails on Municipal Roadways on January 13, 2026, establishing where approved ATV and SxS travel is permitted within the Municipality.

The newly designated Road Trails include:

• West Street — from civic number 181 to the intersection with Harley Umphrey Drive, continuing to the intersection with White Point Road.
• King Street — from civic number 56 to the intersection with Lawrence Street, then to the intersection with Wolfe Street, ending at civic number 16.
• Main Street — from the intersection with Central Boulevard to civic number 741.
• Brunswick Street — from civic number 63 to the intersection with Main Street, then to the intersection with Henry Hensey Drive, ending at the pump station at civic number 4 Henry Hensey Drive.
• Milton Road — from civic number 31 to the intersection with Bristol Avenue, west to the intersection with Hank Snow Drive, and east to the intersection with Queens Place Drive.
• • This includes Hank Snow Drive to civic number 38, the entirety of Queens Place Drive, and Old Cobbs Barn Road.

These new connections represent a new chapter for recreation and responsible OHV use in the Region of Queens—providing access to amenities, supporting local tourism, and offering riders a safe, clearly marked way to enjoy the area.

Adventure Motors Sales Consultant, Karleigh Crawford reading the winner of the SxS alongside ATVANS Executive Director, Barry Barnet.

Jeff Robinson of Westville is the lucky winner of a brand‑new side‑by‑side!

The grand prize draw for the record‑breaking ATVANS Lottery took place on Sunday, March 15, wrapping up a busy weekend at the Atlantic Outdoor Sports and RV Show in Halifax.

This year’s lottery generated just over $150,000, with nearly $82,000 going directly to participating clubs. A huge thank‑you goes out to ATVANS’ partners—especially Adventure Motors—for their continued support. Our clubs and volunteers also deserve tremendous credit for helping make this year’s lottery such a success.

ATVANS Vice President Tom Arnold dedicated countless hours to planning and delivering the 2026 lottery and is already making strong progress on next year’s campaign.

“I’m working hard to meet our timeline and have our rollout announcement ready for our Annual General Meeting in May. We have some amazing prizes and partners lined up for this year’s campaign,” says Tom.

He also extends his thanks to the staff and board members who supported the Outdoor Show this past weekend, calling the event a “great success.”

PRIZE WINNERS:

GRAND PRIZE: 2025 Can-Am Commander XT700 side-by- side, provided by Adventure Motor Marine & RV

Winner: Jeff Robinson (Westville)

Ticket# 14702

SECOND PRIZE: Yamaha EF5500DE Generator, provided by The Shack

Winner: Cameron Malay (Sheet Harbour)

Ticket# 28754

THIRD PRIZE: A pair of helmets provided by Canmac Power Sports

Winner: Michael Thorburne (Hunts Point)

Ticket# 21210

ATVANS would like to thank our lottery sponsors - Adventure Motors, BRP, The Shack, and Canmac Power Sports.

**Parts of the following obituary for Lorne Seymour Johnstone were taken from the original posting from Personal Care Cremations & Memorial Services. Click the link below to access the full obituary.**

https://personalcarecremations.ca/memorial/lorne-seymour-johnstone/

Lorne S. Johnstone, 87, of Head of St Margarets Bay / Macleod Cares Nursing Home, Mahone Bay, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on the morning of February 8th, 2026.

Born July 15, 1938, in Carleton, Yarmouth county to the late Milton and Edna (Allen) Johnstone. He grew up in Waterville, Kings county and Carleton, Yarmouth county.

He met Ruby in Yarmouth; they had both moved to Ontario for work and were married there in 1958 then returned to Carleton. In 1962 they settled in Head of St Margaret’s Bay for 60 years as Lorne came to work for Wiles Electric. He eventually took over the business from Mr. Wiles and ran it as L.S. Johnstone TV and Electric until he was in his late sixties. Lorne was a member of the District #1 Volunteer Fire Department and served in various positions. He was a founding member and first president of The Safety Minded ATV Association (SMATVA), based in Head of St Margarets Bay and served as the first president of the All Terrain Vehicle Association of Nova Scotia (ATVANS).

Lorne is survived by his daughter; June (Dieter) Haas Martins River; sons, Ronald (Carla) Johnstone Boutiliers Point, Corey (Ken), Ottawa ON; grandchildren, Matthew (Stephanie), Amber (Colton), Andrea (Derek), Emily, Anna (Kyle), and Dylan; great-grandchildren, Ashlyn, Link, and Archer; brother Wayne, Boutiliers Point and sister Rose, Pleasant Lake.

Lorne was predeceased by his wife, of 65 years, Ruby, and his brother Arthur.

Cremation has taken place and a celebration of Lorne’s life will be held at a later date. Arrangements entrusted to Personal Care Cremations and Memorial Services.

Donations in Lorne’s memory to the St. Margaret’s Bay United Baptist Church would be appreciated by the family.

The family would like to extend thanks to Dr. Esther Raymond, the staff of Harbour View Haven nursing home in Lunenburg for their care and the staff at Macleod Cares, Mahone Bay, where he resided since October 2025 for their love, care, and compassion.

ATVANS extends it's heartfelt sympathy to Lorne's family.

Great news for Nova Scotia’s OHV community - riders now have even more options to explore!

The Department of Public Works has officially released the latest batch of approved road trail sites, effective December 8. These 27-new connections expand and connect trail networks, making it easier for riders to reach local businesses and services along the way - whether it’s lodging, restaurants, or fuel stops.

Newly approved sites include:

ANTIGONISH COUNTY (multiple trails on same map)

• IRISH ROAD: 3.85 km, Trail 121 – Upper Springfield Road – Irish Road – Trail 529D
• LOWER SPRINGFIED: 1.06 km, Trail 529 – Springfield Road – Trail 529
  
• MARYDALE: 0.43 km, Trail 529 – Springfield Road – Trail 529
  
• ST.ANDREW'S: 1.84 km, Trail 529 – Highway 316 – MacDonald’s Convenience Store.                                                                                 

CALEDONIA (Guysborough County)

• 2.23 km Trail 526 – Cameron Settlement Rd – Highway 348 – Calgar Rd 0.68 km to the K-Unmaintained part of Calgar Rd Trail 533.

CAMERON MOUNTAIN - WEST BAY ROAD (Richmond County):

• 20.2 km, Trail 65 begins at the parking area on Cameron Mountain Road – Cameron Mountain Road – Roack Bay Road right up to Inspiration Point Lodge.

CAPE ROAD EXTENSION (Annapolis County):

• 0.54 km, from civic address 76 Cape Road to Highway 8.

DICK THERIAULT ROAD (Digby County)

• 3.32 km, Clare Trail 102 – Dick Theriault Road – Highway 1 – The Wheelhouse Seafood & Pasta.
  

FORT LAWRENCE ROAD - EDDY ROAD (Cumberland County)

• 6.29 km, Fort Lawrence Road – Eddy Rd to the municipality of Amherst. No access to municipality yet.
  

GLEN ROAD (Pictou County)

• 1.34 km, Trail 522 K-Unmaintained - Glen Road – Trail 559.
  

GLEN ROAD - DALHOUSIE ROAD (Pictou County)

• 7.74 km, Gunshot Road K-Unmaintained – Gunshot Road I-Local – Glen   Road – Dalhousie Road - Dalhousie Road K-Unmaintained Trail 551.
  

GLENELG CHURCH ROAD (Guysborough County)

• 5.78 km, Trail 520 – Leads Mines Road – Waternish Road – Glenelg Church   Road – Trail 534.
  

LOCH LOMOND ROAD (Richmond County)

• 18 km, Trail 681- Stirling Road – Loch Lomond Road – Trail 616.

LOWER CALEDONIA (Guysborough County)

• 2.54 km, Trail 522 Highway 348 – Southerland Brook Rd Trail 531.   

MABOU CEILIDH TRAIL MOTEL (Inverness County)

• 1.25 km, Trail 105 Celtic Shores Coastal Trail – Highway 19 – Ceilidh Trail Motel
  

MARGAREE VALLEY (Inverness County)

• WEST BIG INTERVALE ROAD: 1.3 km, Trail 105 at the Irving – West Big Intervale   Road Trail 105A – River Trail Cottages.
  
• EGYPT ROAD - OLD RYAN ROAD: 0.6 km, Crowdis Rd (K-Unmaintained) Egypt Rd - Old Ryan Rd – Old Egypt Loop (K-Unmaintained)   
  
• EGYPT ROAD2: 4.88 km, Trail 106 to Egypt Rd (passes Ross's Cottages) –  East Big Intervale Road – Fielding Road – Stops at Valley View Chalets.
  

NEW HARBOUR WEST ROAD (Guysborough County)

• 5.82 km, Trail 701 by Harbourview Community Centre – Highway 316 – Lonely Rock Seaside Bungalows.
  

NORTH FRAMBOISE ROAD (Richmond County)

• 9.3 km, Trail 652 – North Framboise Road – Grand Mira North Road – Trail 652C.
  

NUTTBY - Highway 311 (Colchester County)

• 0.11 km, Trail 410 – Highway 311 – Trail 410.
  

OLD MARGAREE ROAD (Victoria County)

• 4.51 km, Trail 710 Landfill Site (Parking) - Old Margaree Rd – Westside Baddeck Rd to Trailhead 710.
  

PICTOU ROAD - 104 TUNNEL (Colchester County)

• 3.55 km, Trail 410 – Kemptown Road – Old Highway 4 Loop – Old Riversdale Road – Pictou Road – Service Road COL 104-12 – Trail 410A.
  

PONDVILLE (Richmond County)

• 3.79 km, Trail 601 – Highway 320 – Pondville North Road – Gibbs Lane – Rockey Bay Road – Trail 601.
  

PORT HOOD / DUNMORE (Inverness County)

• 4.3 km, Celtic Shores Coastal Trail 520 – length of Dunmore right to the Ultramar – to get to Port Hood Main Street go back to - Highway 19 that intersects with Dunmore – Main Street Port Hood – High Road – Wharf Road – Water Street to Breakwater Beach Parking area.2.5 km, Trail 253 – River Road – Trail 256.
  

RIVER ROAD (Queens Region)

• 2.5 km, Trail 253 – River Road – Trail 256.       

These newly approved road trails bring the total to 74-provincially approved and five municipal sites, totaling 260 km of connections (including municipal road trails).

Links to all approved road trails (including maps), and the Road Trails Act are included below:

All Approved Road Trails in Nova Scotia

Link to the Road Trails Act

         Photo: Government of Nova Scotia

Great news for OHV riders in the valley!

Open fire and woods access bans have been lifted in Annapolis County as of 2 p.m. today (October 15), thanks to cooler temperatures and recent rainfall. However, daily burn restrictions remain in place across Nova Scotia until October 31 due to ongoing wildfire risk.

Natural Resources Minister Tory Rushton urges residents to stay cautious: “We’re seeing improvement, but it’s still dry. Please follow the daily burn rules to keep communities safe.”

What You Need to Know:

• ❌ Burning is never allowed from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Daily burn status updates are posted at 2 p.m. on the BurnSafe map.
• Restrictions apply to open wood fires (campfires, brush fires, chimeneas).
• ✅ Charcoal and gas devices are permitted if used properly.
• Violations carry a $25,000 fine.
• Wildfire season has been extended to October 31.

Stay informed. Burn safely. Protect your community.

LINK TO DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES NEWS RELEASE

LINK TO NOVA SCOTIA BURNSAFE MAP

An unfortunate development for off-road enthusiasts in Atlantic Canada.

The reciprocal agreement between the Prince Edward Island ATV Federation and the All-Terrain Vehicle Association of Nova Scotia (ATVANS) will officially come to an end on January 1, 2025.

The P.E.I. ATV Federation has exercised the cancellation clause in the longstanding agreement, meaning riders will no longer be able to use a single permit to access trails in both provinces. Starting in the new year, ATV users will need to obtain separate trail permits for each jurisdiction.

ATVANS has a 30-day trail permit option specifically for out-of-province riders, allowing short-term access to Nova Scotia’s trail network.  Meanwhile, ATVANS' 2026 trail permits are now available for purchase online and will soon be stocked at all affiliated clubs across the province.