In Your Self Care Era? Go to The Fort Garry Hotel

Posted February 13, 2024 | Author Breanne Sewards

I'm in my self care era. And what says 'treat yourself' more than checking into a luxurious hotel and enjoying a weekend away from it all?

As one of Winnipeg's best and most historic hotels, The Fort Garry Hotel oozes charm and opulence. With a location that can't be beat, upscale dining, luxurious and comfortable rooms, one of the city's best spas and an amazing array of entertainment: a stay at the hotel is just what you need this winter in Winnipeg.

Creature Comforts

Check in, check out. Out of stress, that is! The excitement builds from the moment you make your way through the revolving doors of Fort Garry Hotel.

Draped in velvet and ornate patterns with dazzling chandeliers overhead, the hotel's careful consideration to detail makes a fabulous first impression in the lobby. Opening its doors in 1913, the hotel was constructed in the neo-château style (based off French Renaissance architecture) - and is in fact Manitoba’s only example of this architectural style - with towers, spires and steep roofs. It's one of those buildings you will always notice when driving into downtown Winnipeg, and definitely iconic for the city.

The ornamentation and opulence continues throughout the hotel's interior, mixed in with contemporary elements and art deco flair. Each room is a little different from the next, which means you never know exactly what you'll get. What you can always expect is a comfortable, clean and tastefully designed place to rest your head. The quality linens and mattress mean a great night's rest, key to any self care weekend.

Can't go anywhere without your best friend in tow? Dogs under 50 lb are welcome to stay at the hotel! An off-leash dog park is located beside the hotel for your convenience.

Laughter is the best medicine

Comedy lovers: there's a new club in town! Located in the ambient, dimly lit club room of The Fort Garry Hotel, Yuk Yuk's is the place to go for a laugh every Friday and Saturday night.

The club brings in a fantastic lineup of stand-up comics each weekend and is great way anchor your self-care getaway with an event that's bound to loosen you up. After all, laughter is the best medicine!

On select Thursdays, head to the hotel for a live karaoke experience - where you can rock out and sing your favourite song with a live band. If you prefer something a little more laid back, the space turns into a swanky jazz club every Sunday.

The club room's food menu is unique with a delicious array of upscale bar food dishes. The nachos are a must try, made with traditional tortilla chips, spiced ground beef, melted cheese, pickled onions, jalapeño, Pico de Gallo and lime crema. Pictured above is the vegetarian version, sans beef. 10/10!

Feeling Fancy

Make a dinner reservation in the Oval Room Brasserie or in the new, exclusive Vida Cucina Italia for food after the show.

Or, do as I did and hang out on the emerald velvet chaises of the lobby for drinks and appetizers. On a typical evening, the lobby is abuzz with activity and attracts a lively, social atmosphere.

Order shareable plates like the smoked goldeye (so fresh, so light, so delicious), the jumbo prawns (a classic pairing with many cocktails) or the cheese board (because who doesn't love to indulge in cheese?) and chit chat over candlelight while taking in the sights and sounds of the hotel. It's the best spot for people watching.

On select holidays throughout the year, check out the pop-up bar on the mezzanine where you can find more specialty cocktails in a lavishly themed room. On now is the Cupid's Bow Valentine's Day pop-up! Cupid's Bow

Rise and Shine

The Fort Garry Hotel is known for its breakfast and weekend brunch. There's really no better way to start the day here after a good night's rest than with a meal in the stunning Oval Room Brasserie. Admire the dome ceiling as the morning light shines through the windows of this bright space.

Every truly great, over-the-top breakfast has at least two beverages on the table, so you'll want to be sure to order a specialty coffee and the freshly squeezed orange juice. The breakfast menu takes all your favourite dishes up a notch, like the classic breakfast but with peameal bacon and the eggs Benedict with from-scratch hollandaise. Gluten-free folks, you're not left out here. Try the gluten-free, house-made pancakes for a unique spin on the classic with poppyseed, quinoa, seasonal berries and crème fraîche.

The hotel is also in close proximity to many of Winnipeg's top attractions, including The Forks. Walk just a short distance (less than 10 minutes) to this traditional meeting place and green space to find a variety of food, coffee and shopping options. Rent skates and make your way along the land trails, rinks and Nestaweya River Trail.

Glow Up

Before or after check out - don't miss heading up to the 10th floor where you'll find Ten Spa and Glo Skinbar + Dispensary. While Ten Spa is known for its chic lounge and mind-and-body services (like the Hamam), Glo Skinbar + Dispensary is ideal for those looking for a quicker service plus longer term solutions for their self care routine.

Designed to be an in-and-out experience, Glo offers condensed facials where you get all the benefits of a usual face treatment, but in a shorter time period -- think 30 to 45 minutes. If you don't know where to start with your skincare routine, Glo's skincare experts will examine your skin and recommend a facial based on your specific needs and concerns.

My aesthetician Cristina recommended I go for the Glo Facial as I was experiencing some general dryness in my skin.

Skincare Expert Cristina

The facial included 8 steps:

• A gentle cleanse
• Pore preparation with a hot towel
• Extractions of necessary areas - for me this was the nose and chin
• Oxygen mist to nourish the skin
• Enzyme peel - made with pineapple and papaya
• An ampoule for glow and lift
• A peel off mask that you can get OVER your eyes for the ultimate excuse not to answer any texts
• Eye cream
• A moisturizing mask to leave you with that final, luxurious glow

From there, you can easily set up a consistent facial plan if you would like to incorporate skincare into your regular routine. This is especially great if you happen to be in downtown Winnipeg often. Glo Bar dispenses high quality skincare brands from locations like Italy and Germany at a lower price point - and best of all, all products are pharmaceutical grade.

A treatment here is the cherry on top of a self care weekend away, and you'll walk out feeling refreshed, cared for and beautiful.

Ready to book your stay? Head to The Fort Garry Hotel for more details!

About The Author

Hey! I'm Breanne, Editorial Content Specialist for Travel Manitoba. First to jump in the lake and last to make it down the River Trail. Lover of croissants, cats, and croissant-shaped cats. Got a story idea? Email me at bsewards@travelmanitoba.com.

Editorial Content Specialist