Manitoba’s vegetation reflects general physiographic regions and responds to local influences such as climate, soils, and topography. Bicyclists won’t see the tundra around Hudson Bay, though the northern bike paths run through boreal or coniferous forests. Mixed deciduous and coniferous forests, deciduous forests, and aspen parks (aspen groves mixed with grasslands or fields) in southwestern and central Manitoba, pass through tallgrass prairie and rare remnant mixed-grass among farmland .

Wildlife viewing is a plus to travel in Manitoba, especially in the more remote and less populated areas. Riding Mountain National Park excels in this regard, with elk, deer, bear, and numerous fur-bearing animals and rodents among its resident species. Keep an eye out for white-tailed deer, coyotes, foxes, and rabbits along the highways of southern Manitoba.

Manitoba’s continental climate has advantages and disadvantages for travelers. Long, cold winters exclude all but the most hardy traveler. When summer suddenly appears, it can be wonderful, with warm and sunny weather.

Winnipeg’s average temperatures are slightly higher than those experienced in the rest of the province. Southwestern Manitoba receives less precipitation on fewer days, while higher elevations such as Riding Mountain tend to receive more precipitation or snow on roughly the same number of days.

Wind is an important consideration for outdoor activities. When the wind blows from the north, it is usually very strong. Winnipeg has the dubious distinction of being the windiest recording station in the province. In western Manitoba, easterly and westerly winds prevail from April through October, although northerly winds are strong in April and May. In northern Manitoba (Pas), winds tend to blow from the southeast and west, although calm conditions are common in July and August. Throughout the province, the winds are strongest in April and May.