Dorthy was right—there is no place like home.
This spring is the perfect season to find new adventures in your own backyard, satiating that travel bug by savouring tiny shampoo bottles (figuratively of course, although maybe your hair drinks it up?) and ordering room service to your door during a local hotel staycation.
Over the winter months, we sent some of Winnipeg’s top influencers on local getaways to explore all our city has to offer while covered in a blanket of snow. Whether they were travelling with a family of four or enjoying a romantic getaway for two, Winnipeg has options for all when it comes to staycation inspiration.
The Outdoor Explorer
Get those rubber boots ready, because there’s plenty to explore outside this spring in the city. Our friend Stephanie (@steph.explores) spent her staycation outdoors while warming up in front of the fireplace at the Clarion Hotel.
Sightsee the city on two tires like Steph, who spent the day urban biking over 10km on a fat bike rented and guided by Type Eh Bikes. You’ll work up an appetite as you bike past tourist attractions and stop at local restaurants for sips and snacks along the way.
Walk the wetlands at Oak Hammock Marsh and spot your first goose of the season. A short distance north of Winnipeg, this is the perfect spot for birding. Or, spend the day at the Assiniboine Park, taking in the Leo Mol sculpture garden or grabbing a bite to eat from the Park Cafe (where the charming Park Treats takeout window also beckons).
Romantic Getaway
If your date nights over the last year have been spent in your living room, it’s time for a change of scenery. This is exactly what we had in mind when we sent Brenna (@thisbatteredsuitcase) and Jon on a romantic staycation at the historic Fort Garry Hotel.
This beautiful building is also home to Ten Spa, a relaxing retreat where you can enjoy a long list of treatments and massages to find your zen.
Spend your day shopping at The Forks, trying out the urban 9.5km walking trail The Loop, or order take-out from your favourite restaurant and enjoy it from your hotel room (with a view!).
Family Fun
Looking for ways to keep the kids entertained? The perfect family getaway is the “Home but not Alone” package at the Fairmont Hotel, where we sent Carmen’s family (@mackidwinnipeg) for a weekend retreat. The kids will surely stay busy with the DIY ice cream sundae bar brought right to your room, while adults can enjoy the DIY caesar kit too (did someone say candied bacon and bourbon? Count us in!).
Staying downtown made it easy for them to grab pick-up meals from their favourite local restaurants and enjoy them in their room (or dine-in with members of your family).
There’s plenty of time to check out The Forks, Manitoba Museum, Winnipeg Art Gallery and Canadian Museum for Human Rights when you’re already staying downtown! Read about Carmen's full itinerary on her blog here.
Another family-friendly hotel is the Victoria Inn, where Kayla (@bottlesnblondes) brought her family for a weekend of excitement. With spacious bunk beds, glow-in-the-dark lights and murals along the walls, it’s the perfect space for keeping kids entertained.
She spent the day at Assiniboine Park, roasting marshmallows at the fire pits, enjoying the playground and of course visiting all the animals at Assiniboine Park Zoo. Check out her highlights here!
Taste the City
It’s the perfect season to tour the city with your tastebuds!
We sent Jay (@therusticnomad) to the heart of St. Boniface to stay in the Norwood Hotel. A culinary hotbed, Jay was close to restaurants to enjoy eating at all hours. Here's how he spent his weekend.
Enjoy the stylish Wood Tavern for lunch or dinner, located on the ground level of the hotel, while nearby Juneberry is the perfect place for brunch. You’ll also be so close to the Forks or a short walk away from Santa Lucia Pizza too.
Another culinary staycation idea is the Alt Hotel’s In-Room Gastronomy package. This retreat includes a three-course dinner for two from The Merchant Kitchen delivered to your room so you can dine while looking out over downtown through floor-to-ceiling windows. Talk about a table with a view!
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For a full page of staycation inspiration, see our current Packages and Deals.
