ATV or side-by-side for hunting
Quad or side-by-side for hunting in northern Alberta? Compare them on trail width, passengers, hauling, weather protection and where you're allowed to ride.
Both an ATV (quad) and a side-by-side (UTV) will get you into the bush. Which one is right depends on how you hunt: alone or with a partner, how far in you go, what you're hauling out, and where the trails let you ride.
The short comparison
| If you mostly... | An ATV suits you if... | A side-by-side suits you if... |
|---|---|---|
| Hunt alone | You want the narrowest, lightest machine that goes down tight cutlines. | You still want a cargo box, a roof or room for a dog. |
| Hunt with a partner | Your ATV is rated for a passenger (a two-up, or "Type II", model). Never put a passenger on a one-rider ATV. | You want two (or more) seats with seatbelts as standard. |
| Haul game out | You'll pull a game trailer rated for your machine, or make more trips. | You want a cargo bed, which is usually a better fit for heavy, bulky loads. |
| Ride in cold or wet weather | You're fine with handwarmers and good gear. | You'd use a roof, windshield or cab. |
| Use narrow trails | Trails have width limits, or you're on old cutlines. | Check the trail's rules first; some trails and PLUZ routes limit vehicle width. |
Things that matter more than the spec sheet
- Passengers. Parachute, Canada's injury-prevention charity, says never carry a passenger on an ATV built for one rider, and never carry more passengers than a machine is designed for. If you hunt as a pair, this is often what decides it.
- Seatbelts and rollover protection. Manitoba's farm-safety guidance points out that a side-by-side's seats, cargo bed and seatbelts make it better suited to heavy loads and passengers. Wear the belts every time.
- Where you're allowed to ride. Some Public Land Use Zones and trails restrict vehicle width or type. Check the zone before you buy for it.
- Noise. Quieter is better around game and other hunters. Ask the dealer to let you hear the machine run, and check whether an electric or hybrid option fits how far you go.
- Racks and towing ratings. Compare the manufacturer's rack, bed and towing ratings, not the marketing. See getting game out.
Comparing specific models
Our sister site North AB Trails compares the Segway and AODES lineups our stores carry, using the manufacturers' published specs. You can also see what's in stock at Borderlands (High Level and La Crete), Frontier Mitsubishi (Grande Prairie) or Frontier Auto & Imports (Whitecourt, AODES).
Sources
- All-terrain vehicles (Parachute), checked October 25, 2026
- ATV safety for agricultural workers (SAFE Work Manitoba / Farm Safe Manitoba), checked October 25, 2026
- Public Land Use Zones (Government of Alberta), checked October 25, 2026
Guides in this section
Our first in-depth guides for this section are being written and fact-checked now. In the meantime, start with the overview above or browse all guides.