What happens when 10 content creators explore Winnipeg during summer?

Posted September 11, 2019 | Author Jillian Recksiedler

Over the course of summer, Travel Manitoba hosted Creator House Winnipeg - a digital ode to Winnipeg that invited 10 content creators from across Canada and the US to discover our fair city for 6 days and showcase their travels.

Couple hotel
Leave the Map

The result was 10 weeks worth of creative images, videos and musing about Winnipeg, all told by these creators’ fresh perspective and personal style of exploring. They were all ready for the challenge to discover what makes Winnipeg so unique to Canada, and their content caught the eye of many followers - even the Mayor of Winnipeg, who invited one creator to City Hall!

The Concept

Creator House Winnipeg participants arrived with no overly scheduled itineraries in hand. Instead they were booked on two tours (of their choice) and the rest of their time was spent exploring using a stack of attraction passes, a list of events, a pile of maps and brochures, and many recommendations from locals. A car was available for one day during their stay (who doesn’t appreciate a good summer daytrip?) and the creators eagerly explored beyond the perimeter, too.

Where They Stayed

One element was key to the campaign: Creator House participants needed a relaxing home base for resting their weary feet and heads at the end of each day. That’s where Inn at The Forks came in. Each creator checked in to the Creator House suite at Inn at the Forks, which was decked out with an extra bit of Manitoba and Canadiana flare, and stunning views of the city.

What They Said

After their visit, each creator left a little report card for fellow Creator House Winnipeg participants, sharing their Winnipeg tips, exploring secrets and must-sees. The following are excerpts about the highlight of their stay:

Megan & Scott @boboandchichi

"We had such an incredible time drinking great craft brews with the locals, picnicking next to the rapids at Whiteshell Provincial Park, eating our way through Winnipeg and learning at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights. Winnipeg is a true gem of the North!" Click here for Bobo & ChiChi's ultimate guide to Winnipeg.

James & Anna @leavethemap

"We loved being in Winnipeg for Canada Day. We especially loved the Hermetic Code Tour and the urban canoe tour. We also loved exploring Whiteshell Provincial Park and really want to come back to camp...and to see the northern lights and polar bears in Churchill!"

Kay @jetfarer

"I loved exploring your beautiful city inside and out. Whether by foot, bike, or canoe, Winnipeg's awesome neighbourhoods and friendly locals surprised and welcomed me every time. I loved exploring Hecla, Gimli & Lake Winnipeg, relaxing in the tranquil grounds of Thermëa, and wandering through the trails & boardwalks at Fort Whyte Alive. I also adored Folk Fest and the incredible music." Click here to read JetFarer's blog post about about exploring Winnipeg's outdoorsy side.

Jeff @dezjeff

"Drinks at Langside Grocery and dinner at Deer + Almond are a must! The Hermetic Code Tour was so worth it! Trying to find Sous-Sol was very hard but the meal was incredible. So were the nice decor finds at Small Mercies and the lavender soft serve at Little Sister Coffee Maker in Osborne Village." Click here to see Jeff on the Road's photo essay about Winnipeg neighbourhood haunts.

Ashlyn & Matt @thelostgirlsguide / @mattscobel

"A big highlight was the doors-off helicopter tour with Fast Air in Winnipeg. We also loved getting out of town to visit Oak Hammock Marsh to release a banded song bird. We also loved wading in hip-waders in the marsh." Click here to read The Lost Girl's Guide blog post about connecting with locals while in Winnipeg.

Norbert @globotreks

"Five days are not enough to see everything Winnipeg has to offer. My favourite experiences were kayaking at Caddy Lake through the rock tunnels! The view coming out was gorgeous! Also, the decommissioned Pinawa Dam was fun to see! The bison at Fort Whyte Alive, the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, and the polar bears at the zoo - these are a few must sees!" Click here to read GloboTreks blog post about a daytrip to Whiteshell Provincial Park.

Kevin @wanderingwagers

"Winnipeg and the surrounding area is going to blow your mind! It's so easy to spend all of your time at The Forks and still have more to experience. Our trip out to Oak Hammock Marsh was a real treat. When you drive back to the city, find one of the many sunflower fields that surround the city." Click here to read Wandering Wagars' blog post about exploring the kid-friendly The Forks in Winnipeg.

Lisa @fjordsandbeaches

"I had an incredible time at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights and loved every second of visiting Lower Fort Garry. The ghost walking tour of Winnipeg is something I'll never forget either. I couldn't recommend going canoeing enough - it was such a great way to explore and get to know The Forks. Don't miss Thermëa spa (so relaxing!) and tubing down the channel with Float & Paddle in Pinawa." Click here to read Fjords and Beaches' four-part blog series about Winnipeg.

Chris @travelingmitch

"I love a good road trip, and it turns out that Manitoba is the ideal province for a little road-trip action. From the Icelandic history in Gimli to the serenity of Hecla Provincial Park, it was a blast." Click here to read Traveling Mitch's list of top attractions in Winnipeg.

Kit @thekittchen

"I have fallen in love with Winnipeg and Manitoba! I especially enjoyed Osborne Village. The independently owned boutiques were lovely. Small Mercies was such a cool shop/coffee house/flower shop concept. Out of the Blue had a well-curated selection of women's clothing. The restaurants are exceptional! Segovia's beet, plum and yogurt salad tasted like the end of summer in a wonderful way. The schmoo torte at Baked Expectations tasted like a dream. And then the Salty Carl at Chaeban Ice Cream, plus the gorgeous NonSuch Brewery. Inn at The Forks' 6:30 am concierge run was a perfect introduction to the city." Click here to read The Kittchen's weekend itinerary post about Winnipeg.

Thank you to our content creators for sharing our fair prairie city and province with their audiences. Creator House Winnipeg was possible with the support of Inn at The Forks and Hecktic Media Inc.

About The Author

Hi, I'm Jillian, a marketer, communicator, traveller and Manitoba flag waver. Growing up in rural Manitoba during the '80s means I have a penchant for daytrips, maps (the paper kind), and prairie sunsets. I never tire of sharing stories about my home.

Senior Content Specialist