In our 2023 update titled 'Top 5 Scenic Rides in Saskatchewan & Manitoba Under 400km', Fred's Finds takes you beyond just seeking out exceptional deals on bikes. Extraordinary experiences await in the stunning landscapes of Saskatchewan and Manitoba, the vibrant heartlands of Canada's Prairies. Embrace the allure of limitless skies and capture the authentic spirit of the open road on these exciting journeys under 400km.
Get ready for open skies and fields of gold on this route in Saskatchewan that comes in at around the 250km mark. While there may only be a few noteworthy stops, the skyline in its endless and breathtaking glory makes this ride one to remember. The route starts in Moose Jaw, heading south towards Gravelbourg. Here you can check out the Gravelbourg & District Museum, offering daily guided tours of both the Museum and Convent for $10. Gravelbourg is rich in religious history as well, with a number of historic buildings and sights. The Heritage Walking Tour Map displays some of the notable destinations to check out.
Continuing our journey from Gravelbourg, head up north to Shamrock, a small town with a population of only 20 in the last census. From there it's east to Old Wives. If you're looking for serenity, the Old Wives Lake Nature Area and Interpretive Trails provide just that with some fantastic scenery and wildlife.
As you close the loop back to Moose Jaw, reflect on the diverse beauty and rich history this scenic route has offered - a unique blend of the vast Prairie landscape, charming local heritage, and tranquil nature trails. This journey, despite its simplicity, leaves a lasting impression, truly making it a treasure of Saskatchewan.
From Winnipeg, you'll head up to Stonewall on highway 7. We recommend checking out Quarry Park, an 80 acre outdoor recreational facility that features walking trails, two man-made lakes and celebrates the importance of the quarry to the town's history. There are also a number of small-town restaurants to check out including a favorite of ours, Cravings on 67, a family style restaurant that serves up some great dishes. Speaking of "67", our next destination is Selkirk via highway 67. Selkirk, the "Catfish Capital of North America" is home to some fascinating destinations, with the pinnacle being the Marine Museum of Manitoba. Since its establishment in 1972, the Marine Museum of Manitoba offers an immersive heritage experience for all visitors, narrating the evolution and the intricacies of marine life on Lake Winnipeg and the Red River from around 1850 till today. Finally, it's back to Winnipeg to complete this short 100km ride. Keep in mind, this ride can get a little dusty depending on the time of year, thus the "dust bowl", so make sure you dress appropriately.
This straightforward route starts in Regina heading northeast toward Yorkton on highway 10. The first stop is a town and national historic site called Fort Qu'Appelle which was originally a Hudson’s Bay trading post established in 1864. This small town also has a few great restaurants to stop for lunch, a personal favorite of ours being the highly touted Broadway's New Marine Family Restaurant & Bar. Next, you'll continue northeast toward the small city of Melville, Saskatchewan. Here you'll find the Melville Heritage Museum, home to over 13,000 artifacts in themed rooms and a low fee to visit of only $3. Definitely worth a stop if you're into Canadian history.
From here we reach our destination of Yorkton, Saskatchewan. Yorkton is full of things to do no matter what you're into. A few of our favorite stops include grabbing a pint at Back Forty Brewery, enjoying a cone at YDB Scoops and testing our luck at the Painted Hand Casino.
Finally, it's time to circle back. For a change of pace, we head back to Melville and then south on highway 47 to Grenfall, Saskatchewan where you can make a pitstop at Koffee House & Bakery for a bite before cruising the Trans-Canada back to Regina. This entire route is around 400km but ensure to have at least the day booked given the number of sights along the way.
This Manitoba ride is all about the final destination and is an easy 90km each way. Starting in Winnipeg, you'll head north to Gimli as a straight shot on highway 8. This rural town on the edge of Lake Winnipeg is best visited in early August, as Gimli is home to the Icelandic Festival of Manitoba, which you won’t want to miss. If you’re visiting outside of the festival, the road to Gimli offers stunning big sky and lakeside views that you won’t soon forget. Some other notable locales in Gimli to check out include Gimli Beach, the Gimli Viking Statue and the New Iceland Heritage Museum. We also enjoy the Ship & Plough Tavern if you're looking for friendly service, a pint and a bite. This route is a back and forth rather than a loop, so you'll be headed back on highway 8 to Winnipeg when your day of exploring this fantastic town is complete.
This scenic route starts in Winnipeg heading east along Highway 1 directly to West Hawk Lake. This granite-surrounded meteor impact crater lake features walking trails, beaches, camping, and swimming. Note that West Hawk Lake is located in a provincial park and thus requires a pass, more info on that can be found on the Government of Manitoba website. The scenery here makes the trip absolutely worth the fuel, displaying some of the most note-worthy examples of the Canadian Shield that you will find anywhere in Canada. We highly recommend either booking a camp site or a stay at the West Hawk Lake Resort to give yourself the proper time to soak in all of the sights and sounds here. For a change of scenery, you can make a loop out of it by taking Highway 44 back through Rennie. Here you'll find an interesting little spot called the Whiteshell Trappers Museum that is worth a quick stop to stretch your legs. Continuing along Highway 44, you'll want to head south at Highway 11 to meet up with Highway 15 heading back west. At the junction, you'll be in Elma, Manitoba, which is home to Trail's end Coffee - the perfect spot to stop for some quick cafe snacks and fantastic coffee. From here, Highway 15 provides a straight shot west back to our starting point in Winnipeg which will clock this route in at around 320km total.
As we bring our 2023 update of 'Top 5 Scenic Rides in Saskatchewan & Manitoba Under 400km' to a close, it's evident that these prairie provinces offer more than meets the eye. Each route, under 400km, serves up a distinct blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, making every kilometer a unique adventure. Whether it's your first time venturing into the heartlands or a seasoned rider revisiting these scenic paths, you're guaranteed to discover hidden gems and create unforgettable memories. So gear up, head out, and embrace the thrill of these spectacular rides. From the team at Fred's Finds, safe travels!
Thanks for reading!
Your friend,
Fred