The Power of Pedalling in the Parkland: Mountain Biking the Northgate Trails

Posted March 13, 2024 | Author Desiree Rantala

Power. It's what makes things go! Whether it be electricity, passion, motivation, and even, people. You're venturing to Northgate Trails in Dauphin for the first time. You've packed up a mountain bike and are on the road. You arrive to a microcabin nestled in the trees, which provides comfort after a long drive out from the city. After a restful night's sleep, you're ready to ride. With your feet on the pedals and handlebars gripped, you push off. Your momentum gains speed as you trek through guided gravel pathways, wind over wooden bridges, and navigate around tree stumps and wilderness overgrowth. You push past monstrous and lush wild ferns, thrust past an auto graveyard, and pick up speed through a bobsled luge. You pedal faster as momentum gains and your heart is racing. Your wheels come to a screeching halt as you stop for a breath. A city silhouette hums in the distance and you finish off a thirst quenching bottle of water.

Get ready to discover the power of pedalling in the Parkland and feel the flame of what it means for an experience to be powered by people.

in dauphin
Welcome to Northgate Trails

Northgate Trails, Dauphin

Northgate Trails, Dauphin

Northgate Trails, Dauphin

Take a Trip to the Trails

Welcome to Northgate Trails! A mecca for mountain bikers in Manitoba that can be found on the North Escarpment of Riding Mountain National Park. Hugging private property lines and one of Manitoba's beloved parks, this 26 kilometre stacked loop system is home to locals, visitors, adventurers, and explorers alike. With varying levels of trails available,

Northgate Trails, Dauphin

Northgate Trails, Dauphin

Northgate Trails, Dauphin

Stay and Play at the Northgate Microcabins

Who ever said an outdoor adventurer doesn't love a little glamping? These modern yet rustic all-season microcabins offer the comforts of home with simplistic charm. These 108 square foot stays pack a punch. Bunk beds for adequate sleeping and storage, wifi, lighting, clothes hooks, electrical plugs for phones and personal tech, a picturesque window view of green space, and your very own private driveway. The outdoor porch is complete with bike racks and eclectic wooden chairs.

Northgate Trails, Dauphin

Northgate Trails, Dauphin

Northgate Trails, Dauphin

Amenities and More

The site setup at Northgate is a mountain bikers dream. Enjoy hot, clean, private modern showers and shared restrooms, a bike pump station, outdoor eatery, and the well developed communal bonfire and picnic area! If you're traveling with kids or a group of friends, visit the Lady Slipper Stage, tucked away in the forest for a "create your own show" entertainment experience.

Tip of the Day

As you are venturing on the North Escarpment of Riding Mountain National Park, the cell phone service is spotty. Throughout the site you will find trail markers that include longitude and latitude along with adequate way-finding. I recommend taking a photo of the trail site map before you ride, so you'll have it when you need it.

Stock up on Supplies

Cafe Trocadero, Dauphin

Cafe Trocadero, Dauphin

Cafe Trocadero, Dauphin

Fuel Up at Cafe Trocadero

It's Saturday morning. You're hungry and ready to get going. No day is complete without the right fuel, so head on into town and stop at Cafe Trocadero on Main Street in Dauphin for morning grub. A smoothie and breakfast sandwhich will keep you going for the day.

Prairie Supply Co, Dauphin

Prairie Supply Co, Dauphin

Prairie Supply Co, Dauphin

Fashionable Yet Functional

Form meets function at Prairie Supply Co in Dauphin. Your next stop isn't complete without appropriate wears on the trail. Prairie Supply Co is a general merchants store featuring lifestyle goods, brands and local wear. It's here where you'll find the merchandise lineup for Northgate Trails with all dollars earned being returned to the trail. Stock up on casual, comfortable, and cool-wicking clothing such as t-shirts, long sleeves, and buffs. Rep local on the trails!

Northgate Trails, Dauphin

Stock Up on Swag

There's nothing wrong with looking fabulous on the trails. Support local and stock up on local swag!

Prairie Supply Co, Dauphin

Nutters Everyday Naturals, Dauphin

Nutters Everyday Naturals, Dauphin

Nutters Everyday Naturals, Dauphin

Go Nuts at Nutters

We know you're full from your morning breakfast, but trust us that you'll be hungry later. Soothe those hangry hunger pains later with your very own Northgate Trail mix at Nutters Everyday Naturals in Dauphin. Go nuts with the variety of bulk goods and natural foods at your fingertips. Create your very own custom trail mix to enjoy later on the trail. Dried blueberries, peanuts, dried papaya and cranberries. Delicious! If you think you'll need even more of a jumpstart later, check out their electrolyte and healthy workout offerings.

Nutters Everyday Naturals, Dauphin

Brews with a View

Think now, thank yourself later. Top up your cup with fresh brews and a view for Sunday morning. Take advantage of the large bulk coffee selection at Nutters. Support local and try Garage 41 Coffee, locally roasted in Dauphin! With roasts of flavour from Columbia, Brazil, Nicaragua, and beyond. Will it be a medium or dark roast for you?

Northgate Trails, Dauphin

Ready to Ride?

Auto Alley, Northgate Trails, Dauphin

Gaylene's Garden, Northgate Trails, Dauphin

Northgate Trails, Dauphin

Feeling Meh?

Some of the trails at Northgate offer views that might make it hard to believe that you are in Manitoba, but rest assured that you are. Not only will you remember the sights seen, but the names of the trails that took you there. With trail names like Slim Jim, Niko, Bobsled, Auto Alley and Meh, you're in for a true adventure. In Gaylene's Garden, take in the glow of monstrous ferns; feeling like you are in a rainforest or a new land. I'd like to say it's the Jurassic Park of the Parkland.

Northgate Trails, Dauphin

Northgate Trails, Dauphin

Northgate Trails, Dauphin

Cool Off at the Creek

Discover the most beautiful rest stop... creekside! Cool down with some creek toe dipping. With a few friendly spots available along the trail, take off the shoes and helmet, roll up the pants, and take in nature's air conditioning. You may even discover fun finds once you slow down and take in your surroundings.

This is the place to be
Craving the Need for Speed?

Northgate Trails, Dauphin

Northgate Trails, Dauphin

Northgate Trails, Dauphin

Choosing the Fast Lane

If you're a little bit of an adrenaline junkie then you'll feel right at home on Bobsled, Auto Alley, and the Pump Track. If you're looking for a faster space, challenge yourself! Measure in speed, distance, timing, or even confidence.

Northgate Trails, Dauphin

Northgate Trails, Dauphin

Northgate Trails, Dauphin

Slow Down For The Love of Art

As you wind through the trail and landscape of Northgate opt in for a different change of pace. Discover more than beautiful scenery and lush greenery. With a strong arts and culture sector stemming from Dauphin, several community members and groups have taken the initiative to create and continue to beautify and enhance the area. Be welcomed by the varying ornamental tree sculptures that are left to be adorned by passerby's. Or the tucked away Lunenbirdhouse Play Area that is decorated with a collage of bird houses for even the smallest of trail friends. These artful surprises found in Northgate are an homage to the dedication and continued passion of the Parkland's arts and culture community. From them, for you.

Into the Evening

Corrina's On Main, Dauphin

Corrina's On Main, Dauphin

Corrina's On Main, Dauphin

Corrina's is Calling

A great day of riding deserves a great meal. There's nowhere better to stop for your Saturday evening dinner delight then Corrina's On Main in Dauphin. Order up a plate of homemade deliciousness that will leave you wanting more. I recommend their pickle chips, chicken parmigiana, and you have to try their Reubenator sandwhich! If you're feeling brave and extra hungry... go for their famous King's Burger.

Stop by the Cinema

Dauphin is home to the Countryfest Community Cinema. This four theatre cinema packs a punch and serves hot popcorn with the latest flicks straight outta Hollywood. After dinner stop by the cinema and catch a flick!

Obsolete Brewing Co, Dauphin

Wet your Whistle

If you're looking to continue the adventure, stop by Obsolete Brewing Co. in Dauphin! This award winning and brand new brewery offers 20 taps in their tap room. 16 house-made beers and four craft non-alcoholic drinks are the starting line up to wet your whistle. Stop by and check out the vibrant interior!

Obsolete Brewing Co, Dauphin

Take in the Day

Northgate Trails, Dauphin

Northgate Trails, Dauphin

Northgate Trails, Dauphin

A Meca for Mountain Bikers

After an epic day of trail riding, it's time to put your feet up. Head to the community shared bonfire for snacks, stories and friendly company. I dare you to not to be tempted by the pump track siting wayside to the fire pit.

If you're starting to plan your trip out to the Northgate Trails but in need of an extra step up, the kind folks at Decipher Wilderness Experiences have you covered. With bike rentals and lessons available year round!

I hope you're now craving the power of pedalling in the Parkland.

Northgate Trails, Dauphin

Northgate Trails, Dauphin

Northgate Trails, Dauphin

About The Author

Hey there, I'm Desiree! I've lived in Manitoba my whole life. I love a great slice of pizza, photography and exploring our beautiful province. I'm passionate about storytelling. Have an idea for adventure? Let me know! drantala@travelmanitoba.com

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