// Sponsored stay in collaboration with Travel Manitoba
I was excited to be visiting Canada this summer, and extra excited as I started browsing photos of the hotel. I’d be staying at the Inn at the Forks for almost a week, which meant I could truly take advantage of all the hotel facilities, and enjoy that hotel room feeling that I love so much.
I’ll start by giving you a little back story. I’ve already shared this information on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook (#SorryNotSorry), but it’s too interesting to leave out. The Forks is an area in Winnipeg where the Assiniboine River meets (and merges with) the Red River. Thus, the area has been an important meeting point (trade-wise, especially) for thousands of years. Yes, thousands. Today, the Forks is a cool, downtown-vibe area (though it is not actually considered downtown Winnipeg), with lots of fun things to do and see. It is one of my top tips for what to do in Winnipeg during your visit!
The hotel is located right in the centre of the Forks (and thus, is aptly named the Inn at the Forks), and is within walking distance to both the river trail, the Human Rights Museum and the Forks Market. In my opinion, the location of it was absolutely perfect, and I felt like I was truly in the heart of everything for all my exploration.
Quick Winnipeg Travel Guide
Where to stay: I stayed at, and absolutely loved, the Inn at the Forks. Considering I was there for a week, I truly got to sample all amenities and offers at the hotel, this post contains all my thoughts and feedback about the experience. Other great hotels in Winnipeg (recommended by other travelers) include the Best Western Plus Winnipeg West ($), The Fort Garry Hotel ($$), and the Delta Hotels by Marriott Winnipeg ($$$).
Where to eat: There are lots of great restaurants in Winnipeg, and my favourites included the Forks Market and the Cibo Waterfront Cafe. I’ve covered all my favourite places to eat in Winnipeg here.
Top activities and tours in Winnipeg:
- Lower Fort Garry
- Smartphone Walking Tours
- The Human Rights Museum
- City Scavenger Hunt
- Private Walking Tour
Packing for Winnipeg: Winnipeg has all the seasons, with long, cold winters and a short but warm summer. Pack according to the season you are visiting, and remember layers if you are visiting in the winter months (my Norway packing guide will be of help).
Airport Transfer: Book your Winnipeg airport (YWG) transfer in advance here.
All Winnipeg and Canada Guides (including this one):
My room at the Inn at the Forks
As I was visiting Manitoba and Winnipeg as a part of Travel Manitoba’s Creator House, I was staying in one of the Luxury Suites at the hotel, all decked out with Creator House pillows and #ExploreMB merchandise. The suite consists of two areas, separated by a hallway, and I couldn’t have been happier. The lounge area has a TV, sink and mini kitchen (complete with a Keurig machine, so you know I was happy), a desk space to get work done (I had a lot of it), and a comfy couch to lounge on. And let’s not forget the main thing; there was a fireplace! Not that I needed it for my August stay, but I can only imagine how cosy a winter night in would be at the Inn at the Forks in January.
The bedroom had a large bed with the softest bedding I had felt in a long while, and I had 6 nights of great sleep. This is rare for your first night in a hotel, but I fell asleep like a baby the second I laid my head on the pillow. Of course, there was also a TV in the bedroom, and if you watched my stories (or the highlight), you’ll know that I spend at least one night watching Bachelor in Paradise and drinking red wine (don’t judge me).
I can only tell I was very excited about the bathroom, which had a rainforest shower, a large space around the sink (I can’t stand it when there is no space to put your makeup and toiletries in a hotel bathroom), and a jacuzzi tub! The latter was a godsend after long days of exploring Winnipeg.
Amenities at the Inn at the Forks
The restaurant at the Inn at the Forks is called Smith, and they serve breakfast, lunch and dinner throughout the day. The breakfast was to die for (french toast, fresh fruit and freshly squeezed juice, anyone?), and I would definitely recommend eating at Smith even if you aren’t staying at the hotel. I also got to try their dinner options one evening as I got back to the hotel late after a busy day, and found that I was too tired to look for a restaurant in the area. Luckily, room service is available until 11pm/23:00, which was perfect!
Side note: on a Friday and Saturday night, after dinner is over, they turn up the volume of the music and Smith Restaurant turns into quite the fun scene! Lots of locals (and visitors alike) were there to meet friends and enjoy the cocktails from the bar.
Another thing I feel that I must mention (that I loved about the hotel) was their shuttle service. The shuttle takes you to Downtown Winnipeg and operates within certain hours, but not on a set schedule as I thought at first. Basically, there is a car and driver available to take you anywhere you need to go downtown when you are ready! In my case, this meant that the incredibly kind driver took me to a grocery store at 10 pm so I could buy some much needed feminine articles (yup, that’s fancy for “tampons”) I had forgotten at home (as always). He waited while I ran to the store and took me back to the hotel afterwards. It was incredibly convenient!
Wondering how to spend your evening in Winnipeg? Here’s my guide to some of the best bars in town!
The Inn at the Forks also offers guests (and pre-booked visitors) an incredible spa, with lots of relaxing experiences. The Riverstone Spa is the complete spa experience, and they also have a lash and brow bar where you can get all pampered up after your massage treatment or a stint in the sauna. My favourite thing? The fact that they serve wine (and other drinks) from the Smith Restaurant.
Want more food? Here’s my guide to some of the best restaurants in Winnipeg, Manitoba!
In short, I had such an amazing stay at the Inn at the Forks during my time in Manitoba, and only wished I could’ve stayed a little longer. All the staff I met were incredibly friendly, and I felt completely at home during my whole stay. As I am writing this I am back in my apartment in Norway, and I am really missing the bathtub in my room (and the convenience of having the Forks with all its activity right at my doorstep).
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