The best traffic-free bike rides around Brandon

The Brandon area offers a diverse range of terrain for gravel biking. You'll encounter hard-packed trails, loose sand, gravel, and occasionally rocks and roots. Areas like the Brandon Hills Wildlife Management Area feature gentle rolling hills and aspen-oak parkland, while the Assiniboine River corridor provides forested paths and riverine landscapes. This variety ensures a dynamic and engaging ride.

Yes, several areas offer extensive trail systems suitable for gravel biking. The Brandon Hills Wildlife Management Area is a prime example, with trails ranging from 2 km to 7.5 km through aspen and bur oak forests. The Assiniboine Riverbank also boasts a 17 km trail system along the river corridor, connecting nature with urban areas, much of which is excellent for gravel riding.

The best seasons for gravel riding in Manitoba are typically spring, summer, and fall. Spring and fall offer cooler temperatures and beautiful scenery, though spring can sometimes bring muddy conditions after snowmelt. Summer provides warm, sunny days, but it's always wise to check local weather conditions before heading out. Winter riding is possible for experienced cyclists, but trails may be snow-covered or icy.

Many of the trails around Brandon, particularly those along the Assiniboine Riverbank, are well-suited for family-friendly gravel biking. These trails often consist of paved sections and well-maintained gravel paths, offering scenic and relatively flat routes. For more adventurous families, the gentler sections of the Brandon Hills Wildlife Management Area can also be explored.

Dog policies vary by location. While many natural areas in Manitoba are dog-friendly, it's always best to check specific park regulations before you go. For example, Spruce Woods Provincial Park has specific rules regarding pets. Generally, dogs should be kept on a leash to protect wildlife and ensure the safety of other trail users.

The region offers several scenic points and attractions. Along the Assiniboine River, you'll find beautiful riverine landscapes and diverse ecosystems. The Brandon Hills Wildlife Management Area provides views of aspen-oak parkland and mixed-grass prairie. Further afield, you might encounter highlights such as Col de la Grange du Bois or Col de Gerbet, which offer elevated views. For more general attractions, consider exploring Cluny or the Vergisson Rock.

Parking is generally available at key access points for popular trail systems. For instance, the Riverbank Discovery Centre serves as a starting point for the Assiniboine River trail system and typically offers parking. Access points for the Brandon Hills Wildlife Management Area also have designated parking areas. Always look for official parking lots or roadside pull-offs that are clearly marked.

Yes, many of the gravel trails in the Brandon area can be combined to form circular routes, allowing you to start and end at the same point. For example, the guide features routes like the Cluny – Voie verte of Southern Burgundy loop from Mâcon, which offers a substantial circular ride. You can also create your own loops by connecting various segments within the Brandon Hills or along the Assiniboine River trails.

The routes in this guide are generally categorized as 'difficult' for gravel biking, indicating they might involve significant distances and elevation gains. For example, the Col de Gerbet – Col de la Grange du Bois loop from Sologny covers nearly 50 km with over 1000 meters of elevation gain. However, within larger trail systems like the Brandon Hills, you can find easier sections suitable for various skill levels.

While specific cafes or pubs might not be directly on every trail, the city of Brandon offers various amenities. You can find options for food and drink in Brandon itself, especially near the downtown areas accessible via the Assiniboine River trails. For trails further out, like those in Spruce Woods Provincial Park, you might find limited facilities within the park or nearby small communities.

This guide features 4 distinct no-traffic gravel bike routes around Brandon. These routes offer a range of distances and challenges, allowing you to explore different parts of the region's diverse gravel biking landscape.

The komoot community rates the gravel biking experience around Brandon highly, with an average score of 3.0 stars. Reviewers often praise the diverse terrain, the quiet natural settings, and the opportunity to explore areas like the Brandon Hills Wildlife Management Area and the scenic Assiniboine River trails.