The last trail stakes have been pulled and the 2025/26 riding season is officially in the books. Despite snowfall totals coming in slightly below average, this was one of the most successful operating years in STR’s history and we have our riders, volunteers, and community partners to thank for it.
Season highlights
Witch Bay shelter: Our most significant infrastructure project of the year, the brand-new Witch Bay shelter opened to rave reviews. On February 14, 2026, we marked the occasion with a group ride and BBQ from the Kenora A&W staging grounds along Trail #A113A, a route that includes the newly relocated trail section completed in Fall 2025. Over 75 riders joined us throughout the day.
Warm-up shelter renovations: Riders visiting the Enn’s Brothers and Yamahut shelters would have noticed significant upgrades this season, including new doors, windows, and woodstoves throughout. These improvements were made possible through the support of the Federal and Provincial governments and the City of Kenora Tourism.
New on-trail network maps: Updated trail maps are now installed across the network, giving riders from Manitoba, Ontario, Minnesota and further afield clear, concise guides to navigate the STR system.
Trail permit growth: STR was pleased to see a 7.1% increase in trail permits for the 2025/26 season. Permit revenue remains one of our largest funding sources, and we thank every rider who purchased one.
Looking ahead to 2026/27
Renovations are planned, and in some cases already near completion, at the Dick & Dolly’s, Hitrac, Tomahawk, and Barbie shelters. Once complete, this will mark 100% of our warm-up facility upgrade program, a milestone the STR Board is extremely proud of.
Members can also look forward to a new logo survey this Fall, where you’ll be able to vote on STR’s updated look. Alongside the new logo, we’ll be launching an STR Pop-Up store with club merchandise available to all riders. Stay tuned to our Facebook page for details as these projects roll out.
Thank you
On behalf of the STR Executive and Board, a sincere thank-you goes out to our grooming team for their countless hours on the trails, our volunteers who stake, sign, clear, and repair across the entire network, and every rider who explored the Sunset Trail Riders system this season.
We hope you enjoyed a safe 2025/26 season and look forward to seeing you next year. If you are interested in joining our volunteer team as a groomer or trail volunteer, we would love to hear from you. Email [email protected] and someone will be in touch.
See you next season!
