I love my e-bike and being able to take it out on paved trails in the various communities I visit is the best way to explore.
Tourism Swift Current invited me out to enjoy their trail system and I was happy to go see some new parts of the city and to spend the night in a local campground.
My first stop was to Pedal Works Bike Shop to get a tune up. My breaks needed tightening and I had noticed a bolt missing from my fender. Grant fixed me up and got me trail ready while we chatted about life as substitute teachers and career changes.
The trail system in Swift Current continues to grow. You can get a map here that shows how the various trails can be connected through roadways. I preferred to make it up as I went, as usual!
After a quick lunch at Edo Japan ( Mmm, Sushi), I parked at the parking spot on the South Service Road, close to the Highway 4 turn off. Starting the trail above a beautiful golf course was perfect. Within seconds I was watching three deer prance around the greens.
Much of the Chinook Parkway runs alongside the Swift Current Creek. I crossed over multiple bridges, saw murals painted in underpasses, rode past a skate park, ball diamonds, frisbee golf courses, and playgrounds.
I had to stop and watch some black squirrels scurrying around.
When I got back to the parking spot, I remembered that Grant had told me there was a new portion of trail that crossed under Highway 1. Heading the opposite way out of the lot, I was taken to the outskirts of town and ended up north of the highway near the hospital. It’s exciting to see trail systems grow! The recreation aspect is great, but also the convenience and accessibility to important areas of town are nice to see.
My home for the night was Kilton Hill Campground. Located just northwest of Swift Current, it has the perfect view overlooking town. The owner, Karen, immediately made me feel at home. She introduced me to some seasonal campers, led me to my camp spot, and even brought me some ice when my van needed a “break,” preventing me from running back into town.
I parked in the tenting area which was surrounded by trees and looked out over a field. The horseshoe pit was nearby and there was a playground in the RV area.
The next morning I was chatting with one of the seasonal campers and she showed me that Karen, the owner, had let her make a little art studio in the office that they don’t use. Like I said, she is wonderful and there truly was a feeling of home.
The weather was acting up and I could see lightning in the distance, but wanted to hit up another section of trails before leaving. I knew that there were nice trails on the southwest corner of town, near the location of the kite festival, so I headed in that direction. One portion had me twisting and turning around dips and peaks. It was fun!
Parks and trails really add to the beauty of a city and to the wellness of its citizens. These trails are free for everyone to use and are also wheelchair accessible. As a visitor, trails are a great way to experience and see a new place. Great job, Swift Current! I look forward to trying out new portions on future visits.
Cruisin Christine 