Biking in the West: Saskatchewan

Gabrielle Dupont is an adventurous spirit who loves to travel across the territory to discover hidden treasure.

SOUTHWEST SASKATCHEWAN IS NOT WHAT YOU THINK

A Yukoner’s bike-touring trip in the prairies

This summer, I went cycle touring for three weeks in southwest Saskatchewan. I was lured by “Saskatchewan is fl at.” Sure, it would be easy riding. It was also part of the plan to travel somewhere at the opposite end of the landscape spectrum I was used to in the Yukon. In the deserted southwest, cactuses and Pronghorn antelope are not mirages but are very much alive. Boundless prairies and wheat fi elds are kings and queens. And it is fl at, right?

After many months of careful planning, I hit the road on August 27 at the border of Alberta and Saskatchewan on the Trans-Canada Highway. The fi rst major stop was Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park on Highway 21. I didn’t pay too much attention to the word hills, but I should have. Reaching

Hot day on Highway 18

PHOTOS: Gabrielle Dupont

Finding shade in the treeless prairies

1,468 metres, at its highest elevation, the Cypress Hills plateau is the highest point above sea level between the Rockies and Labrador. It does rise gradually above the prairie, so as not to look out of place. Still, the climb makes you notice and work harder than you wished. You curse whoever told you the prairies are fl at. The Frenchman River Valley was

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