A visit to Manitoba means travelling through Treaty 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 Territory and through communities who are signatories to Treaties 6 and 10. It encompasses the original lands of the Anishinaabeg, Anish-Ininiwak, Dakota, Dene, Ininiwak and Nehethowuk and the homeland of the Métis. To learn more about Manitoba's Treaty areas, click here.

Yoga in the heart of downtown Winnipeg

This 12,000 sq.ft. facility is your oasis in the thick of it all. Yoga Public offers more than fifty classes a week, where you can partake in a variety of yoga styles, including hot yoga classes, Mysore & yoga therapy, along with just regular temperature yoga. They also offer a variety of fitness classes that include spin classes and TRX classes. An open gym is also available with all the usual weights and equipment. If hunkering down on your yoga mat isn't your idea of relaxation, then perhaps pumping up those endorphins is. To really slow down, sign up for their Meditation for Beginners to learn an eight-step system of meditation and techniques for calming your mind and body. Save us a seat.

Centre yourself in nature

FortWhyte Alive is an outdoor sanctuary located within city limits. Lose yourself in the trees and pathways of this beloved attraction as the sounds of the world melt away. FortWhyte's calendar is packed full of activities that allow you to connect with the forest, the outdoors, and your loved ones. Keep up that heart rate by partaking in baby and parent snowshoeing (don't forget to take pictures of the tiny snow shoes... kidding, that's not how it works... do look at their tips for winter babywearing, though). You can also take in a session of Alive in the Woods for nature inspired activities or get cozy with storytelling by the fire. If plans aren't really your thing, then show up after 6pm on Friday where the space is open for you to go tobogganing, skating, or snowshoeing before you warm-up around a campfire.

Thermea Spa Nordik

We can't mention relaxation in winter without a nod to Thermea. Nothing gets your zen going like sitting in a pool of swirling foamy water as the steam rises off the top and snowflakes fall gently around you. The sparkle of snow-covered evergreen trees shield you in their embrace as you make your way into a smouldering aromatherapy infused sauna and the invigorating rush you feel as you step back outside and slip into the bubbling waters. Feel the warmth of a bonfire gently tickling your skin as you sip on a piping mug of herbal tea. And finally, fantasize about the gourmet meal and glass of champagne you’ll enjoy as moonlight reflects off the snow. If that isn't relaxing, then I don't know what is.

Dine about Winnipeg

I don't know about you, but few things have me feeling happier and more content than delicious food, especially of the sweet kind. Stop in at Oh Doughnuts for some of the best doughnuts in the city where they make creative concoctions like banana chocolate chip fritters, vegan French toast and savoury options like everything bagel doughnuts. Another surefire stop is Jenna Rae Cakes, who are famous for their delicious cupcakes, beautiful macarons and nostalgic ideas like their take on the old McCain Deep n' Delicious cake. Be sure to check out their Instagram too—but keep a tissue handy for the drool. If you're in Brandon, stop in at Chez Angela where their fresh-baked breads, delicious pastries and to-die-for desserts will put a smile on your face and satisfy your tastebuds.

Put it on my card

Sometimes you just need something new or shiny to bring about those feelings of zen. Time for a little retail therapy. In Winnipeg, there some great options you can try such as the trendy shops and boutiques of Osborne Village or the Exchange District. The Forks Market is a prime spot for picking up locally themed souvenirs, Manitoba-made art, and wine (because that's important too). Academy Road and Corydon Avenue also offer trendy boutiques and destination worthy shops to peek into. For more about shopping in Manitoba, click here.