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Cartier Moose Loop: History, Wildlife, and Northern Adventure
The Cartier Moose Loop winds through rugged, rounded rock formations in the Laurentian Highlands. It also travels deep into Ontario’s vast boreal forest. Along the way, this scenic snowmobile trail offers more than great riding. It delivers a journey through northern history, abandoned communities, and remarkable wildlife.
Exploring the Ghost Town of Sellwood
As you ride the Cartier Moose Loop, you can explore the remains of the former Village of Sellwood. Today, it stands as one of Northern Ontario’s historic ghost towns.
Sellwood was founded around 1900. It sat approximately 14 miles north of Capreol and began as a small sawmill town. At the time, about 100 people lived there, including prospectors and Indigenous residents.
By 1907, Sellwood gained importance as the northern terminal of the Canadian Northern Railroad. Soon after, iron deposits were discovered in 1910. This discovery launched mining operations and rapid growth.
By 1916, Sellwood had become a thriving settlement. The town featured four general stores and a Chinese laundry. It also had a bowling alley, four pool halls, and two restaurants.
In addition, travelers could stay in two bunkhouses or the 100-room Warren Hotel. Many residents owned their own homes. The town also supported a school, post office, and church.
At its peak, Sellwood reached a population of nearly 1,500 people. However, by 1930, residents had completely abandoned the town. Sellwood remains a silent reminder of Northern Ontario’s boom-and-bust history.
👉 Learn more about Sellwood here:
https://ghosttownpix.com/sellwood/
Northern Lynx of the Boreal Forest
While riding the northern section of the Cartier Moose Loop, snowmobilers often spot Northern Lynx. These animals live throughout the surrounding boreal forest.
Northern Lynx thrive in snowy environments. For example, their wide, furry paws spread weight across deep snow. Their long legs allow fast movement through powder.
Meanwhile, their short tails prevent dragging and freezing. The black tips on their ears and tails help protect against extreme cold.
Northern Lynx usually raise litters of two or three kittens. The young stay with their mother for about a year. Adult lynx measure between 825 mm and 950 mm in body length. Females are typically smaller than males.
Because lynx need large territories to find food, they often travel long distances. This behavior makes sightings along the trail possible.
When you encounter these animals, always maintain a safe distance. Northern Lynx are powerful hunters. They have been known to take down deer. For this reason, snowmobilers should use caution and respect wildlife.
Arrival in the Town of Cartier
Eventually, the Cartier Moose Loop leads riders into the Town of Cartier. This marks the end of the scenic snowmobile route.
The community was originally known as Archer in 1885. Later, it was renamed Cartier in 1888. The township honours Sir George-Étienne Cartier (1814–1873).
He served as joint Premier of the Province of Canada alongside Sir John A. Macdonald from 1857 to 1862. Today, Cartier offers a welcoming stop for snowmobilers. It’s the perfect place to finish a ride through Northern Ontario’s forests and historic trail system.