Trans Canada Trail: Cypress Hills

Ride a rugged slice of the Trans Canada Trail through Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park, straddling Alberta and Saskatchewan. Expect a mix of forest paths and gravel doubletrack, linked by quiet prairie roads and a few short busy connectors. It’s surprisingly hilly for the prairies—steady climbs, punchy rollers, and big views from the ridges.

Surfaces skew unpaved, so bring wider tires (40 mm+), a gravel bike or MTB. Services are sparse; carry water, snacks, and basic tools. Weather flips fast up here, and the clay can get slick after rain.

Highlights: lodgepole pine woods, open grasslands, clear lakes, and big dark-sky nights if you’re camping. Watch for deer and elk, and give wildlife space.

The route is generally signed as the Trans Canada Trail, but a GPS track helps at road crossings. Tackle it point-to-point across the park or break it into shorter out-and-backs from trailheads. Best from late spring to fall.