9 Best Biking Trails in Winnipeg
Truth be told, I wasn’t really an adventure seeker. But when my friends wanted to bike for the first time, I had to borrow one from my cousin to join them.
Little did I know that biking in Winnipeg would be one of the best experiences of my life. As we pedaled through the city’s scenic routes, I couldn’t help but feel the rush of excitement and sense of freedom that comes with exploring a new place on two wheels.
The well-marked trails and the gentle slopes made it easy for me to keep up with my friends. And soon, we were cruising through the forests and riverbanks, taking the city’s beauty from a unique perspective.
With its sprawling parklands, scenic river trails, and breathtaking views, Winnipeg is a paradise for cycling enthusiasts. So, put on your helmet, grab your bike, and let’s take a ride through the best biking trails in Winnipeg.
1. Seine River Greenway Trail
The Seine River Greenway has a lot of biking and hiking trails. However, this specific loop is one of Winnipeg’s most popular and beautiful trails, offering a beautiful 3.8-kilometer ride along the Seine River.
The trail is well-preserved, making it a smooth ride, and there are plenty of rest stops along the way, making it easy to take a break and enjoy the scenery.
And as you cycle along the trail, you can enjoy stunning views of the river and its surrounding natural beauty, where you will also find wildlife, such as deer and birds.
The Seine River Greenway trail is also perfect for beginner bikers, thanks to its relatively flat terrain and wide pathways. If you’re new to cycling, this trail is a great place to start, as you can go at your own pace and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
The trail is designed to be accessible for all types of bikes, including road bikes and mountain bikes.
Overall, the Seine River Greenway Trail is an excellent way to experience the beauty of Winnipeg’s natural environment while also getting some exercise and fresh air.
2. Aspen-Preston Trail
As an occasional biker in Winnipeg, I’ve had the pleasure of exploring the Aspen Trail and the Preston Trail.
The Aspen Trail is a peaceful oasis, surrounded by trees and nature, and provides a fantastic opportunity for a leisurely bike ride. The smooth and well-maintained surface makes for a comfortable ride, while the lush scenery adds to the overall experience.
On the other hand, the Preston Trail is a bit more challenging for biking, especially on rainy days. The Preston Trail can be particularly hard and can get muddy and slippery, making it difficult to maintain control of your bike.
However, the trail can still offer an exhilarating experience for those willing to brave the elements. The wet conditions make the hills even more challenging, and navigating through the mud requires more skill and balance.
But for experienced bikers, the Preston Trail offers a thrilling adventure with stunning views of the city and the Red River.
Just be sure to bring appropriate gear, such as rain jackets and mudguards, to make the most of your ride on the Preston Trail in any weather.
But overall, the Aspen-Preston Trail is still considered an easy route. It is perfect for biking, and it is kid-friendly too!
3. Wolseley-Wellington Trail
This 7.2-kilometer biking loop takes riders through some of the city’s most charming and historic neighborhoods, with plenty of scenic stops.
Starting in the leafy streets of Wolseley, riders can admire the grand homes and green parks that give the area its distinctive character.
From there, the route winds through the lively West Wolseley, where local shops and cafes offer plenty of opportunities to refuel.
Next, the loop heads east to Wellington Crescent, a tree-lined boulevard that shows stunning views of the Assiniboine River.
And finally, before arriving back at Wolseley, you will be welcomed at the peaceful Assiniboine Park, in which you will also pass by one of Winnipeg’s iconic landmarks, the famous Pavilion.
To sum up, the Wolseley-Welling trail is a well-kept bike path and relatively flat terrain, which is an excellent option for all cyclists.
Whether you’re looking for a solo biking adventure or fun bonding with friends or family, the Wolseley-Wellington Trail is a fantastic choice for a biking adventure in Winnipeg.
4. Preston Trail
The Preston trail provides an incredible biking experience as it winds through some of Winnipeg’s most breathtaking natural landscapes, showcasing the mesmerizing Assiniboine River along the way.
What I find most appealing about the trail is its diverse terrain range, including paved and unpaved sections that cut through the thick green lands of Assiniboine Park.
There are also plenty of opportunities to stop and take in the scenery, with benches and lookout points scattered throughout the trail.
This makes it an ideal spot to take a break, snap some pictures, and fully appreciate the stunning views surrounding you.
Additionally, the trail is well-looked-after, making for a smooth and enjoyable ride regardless of your experience level.
As you make your way along the winding path, you’ll come across various wildlife, including birds and small mammals, adding to the trail’s allure.
You can also jog or take a walk with friends and family; bird watching is one of the top activities here too!
Overall, the Preston Trail is an unforgettable biking experience showcasing Winnipeg’s landscape’s natural beauty and tranquility.
5. Yellow Ribbon Greenway Trail
The Yellow Ribbon Greenway in Winnipeg is a scenic and popular trail for biking enthusiasts. Spanning almost 12 kilometers, this trail takes you through some of the most beautiful parts of the city, making for a refreshing and relaxing biking experience.
Along the way, you’ll be surrounded by greenery and wildlife, providing an escape from the busy city life but still relatively close to the center.
The trail is well-maintained, and plenty of spots exist to stop and take a break or enjoy a picnic.
Moreover, the Yellow Ribbon Greenway is suitable for riders of all levels, from beginners to advanced. It is also a great place to enjoy the beauty of Winnipeg’s natural surroundings while getting some exercise.
In addition to biking, the Yellow Ribbon Greenway is also a great place for hiking and walking, providing an excellent opportunity to explore the city’s outdoors.
And, the trail is accessible year-round, which is particularly stunning during the fall season, as the leaves turn into brilliant shades of red and gold.
6. South St. Vital Trail
The South St. Vital Trail is a popular biking route south of Winnipeg. It stretches for approximately 5 kilometers, close to the Red River, and goes through residential neighborhoods and parklands of South St. Vital.
The trail is well-maintained due to its wide paved paths to guide cyclists along the way.
However, the view along the trail is purely residential, with minimal scenery. Although bikers may enjoy the scenic parks of the neighborhood surrounding green spaces, they can also stop there to rest.
Additionally, the trail is ideal for families with young children who are just learning how to ride a bike as it offers a safe and controlled environment for them to practice. The flat terrain and absence of steep hills make it easier for beginners to navigate.
Overall, the South St. Vital Trail is an excellent option for anyone looking for a leisurely bike ride or a quick workout.
While it may not offer the most scenic views, the well-maintained path and easy accessibility make it a popular destination for cyclists in the area.
And if you’d ask me, I would say that the trail is perfect for southerners. It’s a great trail for quick bike exercise if you live in the neighborhood.
7. Bishop Grandin Greenway Trail
The Bishop Grandin Greenway is a popular multi-use trail that spans over 12 kilometers south of Winnipeg.
It is an ideal destination for cycling enthusiasts and marathon runners and provides a perfect setting for a bike ride or an intense workout or training.
The trail’s unique feature is that it is separated from the roadways, offering a safe and peaceful environment for cyclists, runners, joggers, or walkers.
In addition to the safety benefits, the Bishop Grandin Greenway trail offers breathtaking views of the surrounding area.
Along the trail, you can witness the beautiful prairies, wooded areas, and wetlands that Winnipeg is known for. It is also a great opportunity to observe the local wildlife, such as birds, squirrels, rabbits, and even deer.
The well-kept trail has wide paths, signage, and rest areas to make your ride comfortable and enjoyable.
8. Assiniboine-Beaudry Trail
The Assiniboine Park – Beaudry Provincial Park trail is an impressive and well-known route for biking enthusiasts in Winnipeg.
This 22.4-kilometer trail runs through the heart of the city and out, providing cyclists with spectacular views of the Assiniboine River, with its lovely greenspace and charming neighborhoods along the way, and the quiet fields of Hacienda and South Headingley.
The trail is relatively flat, making it accessible to riders of all skill levels. However, the trail length is too long, and if you are solely going with just your bicycle, it would be a total of almost 45 km if you ride your bike back to the city.
Despite the length, you will arrive at the beautiful Beaudry Provincial Park at the end of the trail, where you can take a break and enjoy a picnic or explore the park’s hiking trails before returning.
Ultimately, you’re bound to enjoy the trail as peacefully as possible, as it is rarely used. It is ideal for introverted individuals who prefer to avoid others exploring the same route.
9. Tom Chester Park Loop
The Tom Chester Park Loop covers approximately 3.2 kilometers and takes riders through scenic terrains and neighborhoods in the city. It’s well-paved and mostly flat, making it suitable for bikers of all skill levels.
With its combination of beautiful scenery and accessible terrain, the Tom Chester Park Loop is a great biking destination for both locals and visitors to Winnipeg.
Along the way, you’ll pass by charming neighborhoods. The trail winds through green parks and residential areas, giving riders a glimpse of the city’s diverse landscapes.
As you pedal along, the gentle breeze and warm sunshine create the perfect atmosphere for a relaxing ride.
And with plenty of benches and rest areas scattered throughout the loop, riders can take a break and soak in the scenery at their own pace. You will definitely enjoy the simplicity of the trail.
All in all, riding the Tom Chester Park Loop is an experience that truly captures the essence of Winnipeg’s beauty. It is the ideal trail for west Winnipegger families and kids who don’t want a wild biking adventure.