Manitoba
A ride through the southern stretches of Manitoba will prove just how surprisingly varied the landscape can be in this Canadian province that is the centre of the Hudson Bay drainage basin. Deep forests, freshwater lakes, wandering rivers, and prairie grasslands are dominant features of this bikepacking route. But, yes, there are moments of flat riding in agricultural areas that will leave you yearning for a few shade trees or hills. Since about half of the 1,300,000 population of Manitoba resides in the city of Winnipeg, this is largely a journey through a rural part of Canada.
Highlights include:
- A ride through Duck Mountain Provincial Park. Rolling terrain of woodland, wetlands, and deep, clear lakes. It’s part of a long series of highlands known as the Manitoba Escarpment. A variety of wildlife call the park home, including black bear, moose, white-tailed deer, elk, lynx, coyote and wolves.
- Riding the fun and well-built mountain bike trails in the Northgate trail system. It’s not all straight prairie riding out here.
- Taking the trails and dirt roads through Riding Mountain National Park, an area of tranquil lakes, windswept grasslands and verdant forests. Black bear, elk, moose, and lynx all call the park home, as well as approximately 30 plains bison that live in an enclosure by Lake Audy.
- Although small in size, many towns on the route are big in charm and character.
- A visit to the Forks National Historic Site in Winnipeg - A nine-acre urban park, operated by Parks Canada, where two major rivers come together and is comprised of interpretive exhibits, inspiring sculptures, stone pictographs, walking trails, native prairie garden, and an amphitheater.
- Riding on a seemingly endless string of prairie dirt roads and quite pavement.
- Taking advantage of the large network of community trails into and out of the city of Winnipeg
Here is a nice rundown of the Manitoba portion of the GNBR that appeared on the Travel Manitoba website.
The Tough Stuff
Farm dirt roads can become sandy in very dry conditions and impassable in wet conditions. Alternative routing might be needed in these cases. In many cases, paved road alternatives can be found.
Some would say the forested parks of Manitoba aren't made for humans but instead are designed for bugs. Bugs can be a huge nuisance (deer fly's, mosquitos etc.) in areas such as Duck Mountain Provincial Park and Riding Mountain National Park during certain times of year, mainly spring and early summer.
A few areas including Duck Mountain Provincial Park and Riding Mountain National Park are black bear territory. It’s important to be bear aware, including not having any food with you in your tent when camping in these areas.
As is the case when riding through middle Canada, the wind can be your enemy or best pal. The wind is known as the prairie mountains for a reason. For the most part, the wind direction is west to east, but this is not always the case.
During summer heating events, riding in the open landscape can be rather steamy. Make sure to follow hot weather riding protocols like maintaining good fluid intake. Some people will avoid riding during the peak heat hours of the day.
Ticks can be problematic in Manitoba. Anytime you cycle through woodlands such as the trail sections southeast of Winnipeg, it's important to conduct a thorough tick check on your body.
Bike shops are few and far between
For a shorter journey in Manitoba, check out the SE Crow Wing Loop in the GNBR Micro Rides library.
If you have any questions about the Manitoba segment of the GNBR please feel free to use the contact page.
