Living in Whitehorse
Our Roads
Safety
All-Terrain Vehicles

All-Terrain Vehicles

ATVs shall only operate on motorized, multiple-use trails between April 1 and October 31.

All recreational vehicles with 2, 3, 4, or 8+ wheels are all considered ATVs. This includes gas and electric dirt bikes, quads, unimogs, etc.

Only ATVs registered (with a licence plate displayed on the ATV) with the Department of Motor Vehicles may operate within Whitehorse.

Requirements for operating an ATV within city limits:
  • Valid driver’s license
  • Certificate of registration
  • Attached license plate
  • Valid public liability insurance
  • Valid Safe Card
  • Prescribed safety helmet

View the ATV Pamphlet.
Read the ATV Bylaw.

Safe ATV CardSafe ATV Card

ATV operators must be at least 16 years old and have a Safe ATV Card when operating within the city limits. To obtain your official City of Whitehorse Safe ATV Card, take the online test here.

Get the card now – the test is quick and easy!

  • Narrated, illustrated and interactive
  • Visual chapter quizzes help you learn
  • Convenient home study
  • $34.95 + GST
  • Once you’ve passed the online certification exam you will be able to print your temporary Safe ATV Card and go riding right away!
  • The course promotes safe operation of ATVs and provides an over view of rules.
  • Upon completion of the course, ATV operators must carry a card certifying completion of the course when operating their ATV.

Trails

2022 Motorized Multi Use (MMU) Trail Map

Implementation of trails is underway. There are many excellent motorized, multiple-use trails within the city limits. Please remember that ATV operators may not deviate from the motorized, multi-use trails at any time.

ATVs must only operate on motorized, multiple-use trails between April 1 and October 31.

Environmentally Sensitive Areas

Areas within city limits have been identified as environmentally sensitive. ATV riders are now prohibited from riding in these areas. Learn where these areas are to avoid fines, and to reduce your impact on our environment. Click here to download the City of Whitehorse ATV Brochure.

Additional excluded areas for ATV riders:

  • Boulevards
  • Campgrounds
  • Cemeteries
  • Areas designated as environmentally-sensitive
  • The Downtown area
  • The Millennium Trail
  • Playgrounds
  • Restricted roadways
  • Roadways (except most direct route to motorized, multiple-use trail)
  • School playgrounds
  • Ski trails
  • Open water

Respectful Riding in Residential Areas

Be a respectful rider and Gear Down in Town. When travelling to the motorized, multiple-use trails within city limits, the ATV Bylaw requires riders to travel respectfully and slowly – especially those close to residential areas. Riding in town? Your dirt bike must be street-legal, and don’t forget your helmet! Fines are expensive. Save your money and respect your neighbours. 

Operators must take the most direct route on the road to get to a multiple-use trail and the most direct route on the road back. Operators cannot go off motorized, multiple-use trails!

Some operating rules to remember:

  • On the roadway the maximum speed is 30 km/hr
  • When operators are travelling on the roadway, it must only be for the purpose of travelling to a permitted area and must be the most direct route
  • When operating on motorized, multiple-use trails the maximum speed is 50 km/hr unless posted otherwise. See 2015 MMU Trail Map here
  • When approaching or passing a pedestrian, dog, or cyclist, ATV operators must reduce their speed to 15 km/hr
  • When on designated trails ATV operators are required to follow the posted speed limit

If an offence is observed please contact the Trouble Line at 667-2111, or email [email protected].