Looking for the best bike trails in Saskatchewan and Manitoba? From the Meewasin Valley Trails in Saskatoon to biking in Riding Mountain National Park, Lonely Planet’s new Best Bike Rides Canada guidebook highlights some of the Prairies’ top cycling destinations.
If you’re up for the adventure, you can purchase it here.
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Cycling in Saskatchewan and Manitoba
There’s something special about exploring a destination by bike. You move more slowly and you notice more. One moment you’re pedalling through prairie grasslands and the next you’re winding through boreal forest and stopping in a small-town bakery for a cinnamon bun.
That’s part of why I was so excited to co-author Lonely Planet’s Best Bike Rides Canada (my first ever book!), which officially launched in print across Canada.
For the first edition of the guidebook, I wrote the Saskatchewan and Manitoba sections, highlighting some of the best cycling routes and biking adventures across the Prairies — from urban river valley trails to wilderness rides and hidden gems in small communities.
Some rides in the book are relaxing, some will make your legs burn, and some might involve spotting wildlife along the trail (is 7 bears in a day TOO many?). Or you might stumble upon an unforgettable roadside stop you never planned for, like The Old Church Pottery and Gift near Minnedosa.
That unpredictability is part of what I love most about exploring Canada.
READ MORE: Looking for the best bike trails in Saskatchewan? I share about great road, pathway, and gravel routes here.
Making Outdoor Adventure Feel More Accessible
For more than a decade on The Lost Girl’s Guide, I’ve focused on making outdoor adventure feel more approachable and accessible, especially for women who may feel intimidated trying something new outdoors.
Cycling can sometimes feel overwhelming when you’re starting out:
- What trails are beginner-friendly?
- What gear do you (realistically) need?
- How difficult is the ride?
- Where do you stop for water, snacks, or a break?
One of the things I loved most about working on this guidebook was the opportunity to answer those questions directly.
Each featured ride includes detailed directions, challenge ratings, distances, terrain descriptions, bike rental information, places to stop along the way, and tips to help people feel more confident heading out on the trail.
Outdoor adventure becomes much less intimidating when you can picture yourself doing it.
Plus, the more women we see exploring outdoors, the more possible it feels for all of us.
Saskatchewan and Manitoba Bike Rides Featured in the Book
The guidebook includes a mix of urban rides, scenic recreational trails, gravel routes and mountain biking destinations across Canada.
In Saskatchewan and Manitoba – the sections I authored – a few featured locations include:
- Meewasin Valley Trails
- Prince Albert National Park
- Wakamow Valley
- Buffalo Pound Provincial Park
- Winnipeg
- Birds Hill Provincial Park
- Pinawa to Seven Sisters
- Minnedosa’s Squirrel Hills
As more Canadians look for active and affordable ways to travel closer to home, cycling offers such an immersive way to experience a place.
And honestly? Some of the best travel memories happen between the major tourist attractions.
Best Bike Rides Canada: Available Now
Lonely Planet’s Best Bike Rides Canada is now available in print.
If you’re looking for inspiration for your next cycling adventure — whether that’s a family-friendly afternoon ride, a weekend road trip, or a bigger outdoor challenge — I hope this book helps you feel inspired to get outside and explore.
Requests for interviews can be directed to Ashlyn at thelostgirlsguide@gmail.com. High-resolution video and photos are also available.
