8 Stunning Stays to Rest Your Head this Season

Posted November 15, 2023 | Author Shel Zolkewich

Getting a good night’s sleep is the newest trend in travel. Sleep tourism! We’ve done all the deep sleeping for you, checking out Manitoba’s newest crop of sleep spots. From cozy turtle shells to posh-pillowed beds, here’s what we found. And as always, awe-inspiring landscapes and friendly faces are included to make your stay that much better.

Sleep in a Turtle Shell

Shel Zolkewich
Shel Zolkewich

Windows on three sides let the light pour in, making the snug space feel just right. Turtle Village is an Indigenous-owned glamping operation in Wasagaming campground in Riding Mountain National. There are eight turtle shells - essentially tiny homes - that are perfect for a winter stay. There’s artwork, blinds for sleepy heads, area rugs and funky LED lighting tucked under the bed. Visitors need to bring their own bedding, so you can go utilitarian with a sleeping bag or ramp up the hygge factor with comforters, blankets and oversized pillows. Sleeps two only.

Delightful and Dog Friendly

St. Malo Cabins has two and three bedroom options, some newly built and others tastefully restored with enviable kitchens and oh-so-comfy beds. Get some fresh air with a hike to nearby St. Malo Provincial Park and venture a little further into town to visit the century-old grotto and shrine, a peaceful place no matter your religious affiliation. Back indoors, light a few candles, whip up some hot chocolate and clear the table for a game of friendly competition—each cabin comes stocked with board games and playing cards. There’s even a shared hot tub and sauna nearby.

Bison, Berries and Beautiful Art

Stunning art graces the walls of the Wyndham Garden Winnipeg Airport Hotel, a full-service hotel located on Winnipeg’s first urban reserve. Long Plain First Nation made the hotel a reality and brings Indigenous touches to the property including at Manoomin Restaurant where Red Seal Chef Jennifer Ballantyne, a member of the Opaskwayak Cree Nation, features bison, berries, grains, seeds and walleye on the menu.

Modern in Gimli

Waking up to sunrise over Lake Winnipeg is on the agenda for your stay at Chippy Rentals in Gimli. The newly built condo complex has two-bedroom suites for rent featuring ultra-modern décor and that enviable view. Dishes, lines and even a washer and dryer are included. Take a stroll down the street to Interlake Brewing Company for a Hoppy Pelican or Winter Sky and pop next door to Brennivins Pizza Hus for a Tuscan Valley pie.

Friendly at Falcon Lake

A complete restoration has put The Hotel at Falcon Lake back on the radar as one of Whiteshell Provincial Park’s great places to stay. All 34 rooms have been updated, a sauna and steam room have been added and the refurbished pool area will soon be open. Take your pick from three places to dine—The Den for casual fare, The Black Bear Tavern for cocktails and the posh 1964 featuring an Italian-influenced menu.

History in Clear Lake

There’s nothing better than seeing an historic property brought back to life. That’s the story of The Stowaway in Wasagaming inside Riding Mountain National Park, where the century old hotel has reopened its doors. Each of the completely renovated rooms has all the modern amenities but still manages to keep a touch of yesteryear with warm wood accents and vintage furnishings here and there. The library nook that leads to the screened upper patio is completely charming. It’s opened seasonally so book your visit for 2024 now!

Family is the Focus at Blue Crescent

There are some new places to lay your head down in rural Manitoba thanks to Blue Crescent Hotels. Now open in Carman and Rivers, Blue Crescent is opening a third hotel soon in Arborg. Stylish and spacious rooms, all outfitted with fridges, microwaves and Keurig coffee makers, welcome guests at all the properties. There are even family rooms with separate bedrooms and two sets of bunk beds for a crowd. The Carman location has a sports equipment storage room, pool and waterslide, perfect for those hockey road trips!

Escape to Belair

The Cozy Log Cabin at Belair is just one of the prime properties offered by Bowerbird Stays. Three bedrooms, a big living room with a vaulted ceiling and a generous dining table make for a most comfortable family getaway. The big couch and nearby wood stove make it an equally cozy getaway for two. Wake up at your private woodsy oasis then explore the snowshoeing and cross-country skiing trails around Lake Winnipeg and Grand Beach.

About The Author

A journalist by trade and an adventurer at heart, my career has included stints as a reporter, magazine writer, editor, food stylist, television cook and digital marketer. I am always collecting stories about Manitoba, whether I’m on assignment or not.

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