Snow isn’t the only thing in the air right now.
Our local TW forecast is spotting plenty of love in the air amongst these flurries, meaning now is the time to book your Valentine’s Day adventures.
With February 14th falling on a Monday this year (the least romantic day of the week—although Tuesday and Wednesday are known to break a heart) we’re suggesting you make a weekend of it.
Here’s just a few suggestions to make this year’s Valentines one to remember. And yes, there will be chocolate-covered strawberries.
Staycations that bring the sizzle (…. and/or let you relax in the spa)
A change of scenery is always sexy, particularly when you can switch up those sweat pants for a plush hotel robe. Couple this with an onsite spa treatment, or a fancy dinner or breakfast in bed—baby, just call yourself cupid.
“Love is in the F’air’mont” for Valentine’s Day 2022, with several options to ensure romance is on the menu all weekend long. On the stay side of things, the hotel’s Kiss & Wake Up Staycation package couples one night’s luxury stay with a bottle of bubbles and chocolate-covered strawberries at night, followed by breakfast for two in bed and a 3 p.m. check-out—so there’s no need to rush. Looking to go even bigger on your stay, the Royal Romance Staycation will put you in the Royal Alexandra Suite, which will be further dressed to impress (it’s already spacious and oh so chic) with rose petals strewn across the bed and tea lights to set the tone. This one also has amenities that include a three-course dinner with wine pairings, a bottle of sparkling, and those aforementioned strawberries too. To book this Royal Romance, call 204.957.1350, or email lom.reservations@fairmont.com.
The Fairmont’s famed Velvet Glove Restaurant is also offering some irresistible culinary services on February 11, 12 and 14, with a five-course dining experience at night, and High Tea service on the morning of February 13.
At Winnipeg’s castle, The Fort Garry Hotel, Spa and Conference Centre, the Romance Package also includes a bottle of sparkling to start your overnight stay, along with chocolate-covered strawberries, and breakfast for two in the stunning, recently refurbished Oval Room Brasserie.
To complement your stay, be sure to book a couples’ treatment at the hotel’s top floor Ten Spa. We’re big on the signature hamam experience, which will see you and your love share a hot air bathing ritual, which includes being scrubbed down and then massaged to rejuvenate the body, followed by having water poured slowly over your limbs (it’s so incredibly relaxing).
Not to be outdone is Inn at the Forks, which is home to Riverstone Spa. Riverstone’s couples’ massage will let you enjoy quality time together while you free your muscles of tension. Add on the spa’s hot stones and let the warm volcanic basalt and cool jade ease your body and mind. It’s a very nice time, and one we’d recommend you attach to a stay at this hotel whose location is primetime for romance in the great outdoors (more on that below). Right now, Inn at the Forks has a number of great offers on, with deals that include passes to Winnipeg Art Gallery-Qaumajuq and Canadian Museum for Human Rights; breakfast for two at SMITH—the hotel’s handsome restaurant; and a made-in-Manitoba package that celebrates local makers.
For more spas, check out our Spas Website. It includes well-known spots like Thermëa, the city's outdoor Scandinavian-inspired spa (which surely will be bumping on the weekend, so get there early), along with hidden gems like a favourite of ours, the Japanese Pocca Poca Spa which has Valentine's specials on now.
Delta Hotels by Marriott Winnipeg has a number of packages and deals on right now too that are tailored for couples looking to stay in downtown’s largest four-star hotel for a few nights. Its From Delta with Love package includes breakfast for two, welcome drinks and a cheese plate, and a late 3 p.m. check-out.
Take that date outdoors
Holding hands while skating is considered peak Valentine’s Day in Canada. A few of the most romantic settings include The Riley Family Duck Pond in Assiniboine Park, where your escapes can be paired with fancy drinks from Cargo Bar and The Park Café Treats Window.
The Nestaweya River Trail is of course always enchanting with its Christmas tree-lined paths that will take you past all the Warming Huts. At night this scene is particularly majestic, with The Forks’ on-land trails (part of its Arctic Glacier Park) providing romantic lights to guide your way past all the landmarks. Looking to warm up after hitting the ice? sauna | Winnipeg's two stylish new saunas can be found right at the Forks Harbour, with rental times available here.
If skating is not your thing, try renting an ice bike from Kendrick’s Outdoor Adventures, which offers a host of zany things right on the ice at The Forks Harbour to get you up and down the river trail.
Or, rent a snow sled from Type Eh Bikes. This one is meant for couples, as one person can sit in the chair while the other pushes you past all the skaters on the trail. It’s seriously so much fun.
We also have all sorts of outdoor guides that will help you develop a date day, from cross-country skiing, to sliding, to all manner of outdoor adventures.
Romantic reservations and sweets for your sweetie
Winnipeg is full of dreamy spots that offer candle-lit dinners, quiet corners from which to coo, and above all, excellent service paired with dishes that will have you purring like a cat.
529 Wellington’s mansion setting houses small rooms, white table cloth service, and an impressive wine list. Sous Sol radiates warmth courtesy of countless candles, while the cocktails are top notch and the menu is all about French comfort food. Harth Mozza & Wine Bar has one of the most stunning rooms in the city, with an Italian menu buttressed by a number of housemade pastas and plenty of plates made for sharing. The Oval Room in the Fort Garry Hotel provides a setting that speaks to the city’s early 20th century grandeur, with an excellent wine list and French cuisine that is served with a side of candle light.
If you act fast, you can also enter Enoteca’s Ultimate Valentine’s Day Giveaway which, as you’ll read, is quite the offer.
For chocolates, you know we have you covered too like all those strawberries above. Chocolatier Constance Popp pulls out all the stops for Valentine’s Day; we often use Decadence Chocolates to create one-of-a kind items for our clients who are always impressed; Melt Chocolate has dazzling creations that are created by former Royal Winnipeg Ballet principal dancer Amanda Green; Morden’s is a classic; and Aschenti Cocoa is all about connecting chocolate lovers to the very people who produce the pods.
For even more sweets, Cake-ology is home to some incredible creations that draw on pastry chef Austin Granados’ impressive pastry resume, while Charleswood's S Squared Pâtisserie brings your tastebuds to Paris with items that are sure to draw rave-reviews. If your love doesn't love gluten, Rêverie Gluten Free Bakery is what you're looking for, as pastry chef Linh Tran's creations are delectable and so sophisticated. And finally, check out these Valentine’s cookie kits you can get from Sweet Impressions, which kids on your list will relish.
