This summer we are here for Winnipeg staycations. Our staff, along with their loved ones, stayed in hotels throughout the city and took in outdoor spaces, attractions and local shopping. Here are the themes that inspired their staycations.
Wellness & Wall Street
Sarah and Arturo kick things off at the Clarion Hotel & Suites Winnipeg. Located across from CF Polo Park, the hotel is nestled in one of the city’s hubs to enjoy great shopping and restaurants. The Urban Oasis Mineral Spa and newly renovated indoor waterpark are what staycation dreams are made of. The Clarion is also a short drive to Wall Street, which is growing in popularity for its small but bustling food and beverage scene. Make sure you pop into Barn Hammer Brewing Company, Seven Café, Sleepy Owl Bread, Wolseley Kombucha, and Wall Street Slice.
Treats & Touchdowns
The St. Norbert Farmers' Market is Winnipeg’s largest and longest running market where you can find local fruits and veggies, meats, handicrafts and baking, all grown and produced right here in Manitoba. After picking up some treats at the market, Tiffany and her family head to the Four Points by Sheraton Winnipeg South, located just a short drive away from St. Norbert. With a saltwater swimming pool, fitness facility and the Broadway Lounge, there are plenty of options to spend some downtime after a full day of exploring. With its proximity to Investors Group Field, the Four Points is an ideal spot for Winnipeg Blue Bombers fans. Be sure to get your tickets as the home opener touches down on August 5.
Picnics & Pop-up Patios
Brittany, Chris and Winston enjoy an amazing summer in the ‘Peg with a Limitless Picnic Pack, expertly curated by Fairmont Winnipeg. With menu items including a panini sandwich, caramel bacon popcorn, Bombolini Italian doughnuts and Pic-a-Pop, dining al fresco has never tasted better.
The Fairmont Winnipeg is located at the historic corner of Portage & Main, just a short walk from many amazing restaurants and attractions. Guests have access to the saltwater swimming pool and health club complete with city views, the VG Lounge, as well as complimentary use of TaylorMade golf clubs and BMW bicycles. Yes, that’s right – BMW bikes! The hotel is also pet-friendly, which means Winston, an Aussiedoodle, also gets to enjoy a Winnipeg staycation.
Brittany and family head over to Blue Note Park for the evening, a super cute pop-up patio organized by The Times Change(d) High & Lonesome Club. It offers local beers on tap, fun cocktails, Electric Snacks, live music all summer long and is also “Winston-friendly!”
Walking & Waffles
The ALT Hotel Winnipeg is located near Winnipeg’s historic Exchange District and across the street from the Sports and Hospitality Entertainment District. Twins Abigail and Naomii arrive at this sleek spot for their urban staycation. Part of Le Germain Groupe, the rooms at the Alt blend local flavour and an ultrahip, minimalist aesthetic. Be sure to eat at the adjoining Merchant Kitchen, a must-eat restaurant which honours the traditional ingredients, flavours and techniques of Asia and Latin America.
The ALT offers complimentary bikes for guests, but Abi and Naomii choose to explore The Loop on foot. This curated walking guide connects downtown, The Exchange District and Old St. Boniface with nearly 60 points of interests.
They stop at Modern Electric Lunch enroute, a hipster hot spot located in the Fortune Block that opened during the pandemic. Be sure to order its walkaway waffle, a savory Belgian Waffle with a smoked gouda dipping sauce.
Racing and Railroad History
For our final staycation Inspiration segment, we find Tyler and his family, who chose to spend their Winnipeg staycation in Transcona. Did you know the name "Transcona" was chosen to commemorate the Grand Trunk Railway to which the town owes its existence? Today, a visit to Transcona is a trip back in time to the glory of the railroad.
After taking a Historic Downtown Transcona Walking tour developed by the Transcona History Museum, the family heads to the Best Western Premier Winnipeg East. The hotel is perfect for families, with amenities for everyone including a 24-hour fitness centre, pool with waterslide, Sherwoods Bistro, Bar and Patio, beer boutique and complimentary hot breakfast.
Just a short drive away from Best Western is Grand Prix Amusements. In addition to go-kart racing, it has 18-hole pirate-themed mini-golf, bumper boats, water wars complete with water balloons and batting cages. Guests are welcome to bring a picnic lunch and use the outdoor picnic tables or pick up a treat from its concessions, including packaged ice cream, slushes, potato chips and chocolate bars.
For more staycation inspiration ideas, including packages and deals, go to Hereforitwpg.com
