Get Me Outdoors: Wascana Trails

Trip Date: July 2017

During a recent trip to Regina my brother Kyle and I headed out to the Wascana Valley Natural Area, known locally as Wascana Trails, to do some biking. The area boasts over 15km of multi-use trails that are suitable for all ability levels. With its close proximity to the city (it's less than a 30 minute drive) it is popular for all types of outdoor recreation such as hiking, trail running, and mountain biking in the summer or snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and tobogganing in the winter. It also provides another option for wildlife viewing and photography than the Condie Nature Refuge, which is located close by.

Welcome to Wascana Valley Natural Area Recreation Site aka Wascana Trails

A map of the trail system at Wascana Trails

The trails are in excellent shape and are meticulously maintained by local mountain biking clubs, such as Offroad Syndicate and the South Sask MTB Club, as well as other enthusiasts. In 2011 the local clubs collaborated with Sask Environment to create a map and signage for the trail system. This has gone a long way to improving navigation throughout the complex network of trails in the area.

Crossing Wascana Creek to access the rest of the trail system

Kyle cruising down one of the trails

Overlooking the valley from one of the high points

The trail system is divided by Wascana Creek, a tributary of the Qu'Appelle River. The only way to access the trails on the eastern side of the creek is to cross the main bridge, which is visible from the parking lot above the valley on the west side of the site. It is also worth noting that the only washroom facilities are in the parking lot and there are no other amenities throughout the trail system, so come prepared.

Mountain biking prairie style!

If you look closely (to the right of my helmet) you can see the vehicles at the trailhead on the opposite side of the valley

View from the saddle

Although it is very different than what I am used to riding in the Canadian Rockies the trails feature a variety of challenges such as gradual hills, sharp and winding descents, steep climbs, technical sections, and incredible views of the valley and surrounding prairie landscape. I was pleasantly surprised with the variety of terrain available and hope to return next time I'm in Regina!