Whenever I pick up guests of ours at Winnipeg's James Armstrong Richardson International Airport there are several things that always happen, usually in this order.
First, I wave to them as they travel down the arrivals elevator, followed up by a big hug on the Hug Rug, whose positioning on the floor is just so apropos.
Then, before I can get out my "Welcomes" and "Hey, how was your flight?" my guest will start to remark as to what a stunning setting YWG is, to which I firmly agree.
Winnipeg's Airport was designed by renowned Argentine American architect César Pelli, who took influence from our expansive prairie skies. It lets sunlight in (Winnipeg gets plenty) in just about every direction through floor-to-ceiling windows and there are some interesting pieces of art all over the place (I'm quite partial to Incoming by Ione Thorkelsson -- those cast-glass wings that hang above security), while the futuristic-looking skylights at baggage arrival always are remarked upon by people.
James Armstrong Richardson International Airport (Gerry Kopelow)
It's of little wonder that Winnipeg's Airport has been labeled one of the most stylish airports in the world, as well as one of the most iconic.
And now, the whole surrounding airport area is living up to this world-class building, with supporting hotels, restaurants and a proximity to great shopping and attractions that will have you acknowledging that this whole area is a destination within itself.
Take for instance the brand new Courtyard by Marriott Winnipeg Airport, whose sleek lobby, splash rooms and cool artwork is like having a first-class experience even before you get on the plane.
Guest room at the Courtyard by Marriott Winnipeg Airport (Tourism Winnipeg)
Mister and I went there for a night staycation before our Mexico vacation a couple weeks back and it was a marvellous stay. The rooms are gorgeous and so chic. We loved the walk-in glass door shower, while the lobby, with its bar and nouveau furniture, was a great spot to grab a drink and talk with fellow travellers.
Plus in the morning before our flight, we even got a workout in in their brilliant fitness room, whose panoramic views look out onto the arriving and departing planes, which made it feel so cosmopolitan.
The lobby/lounge area of the Courtyard by Marriott Winnipeg Airport (Tourism Winnipeg)
For dinner that evening, we walked over to The Blue Marble Restaurant and Lounge in one of the adjacent airport properties, The Grand Winnipeg Airport Hotel by Lakeview (which is also a slick new hotel that I would highly recommend). The Blue Marble isn't just another airport hotel, this place uses locally produced ingredients and this “Urban Cultivator” to grow its own garnishes, which is put to good use on their sophistically presented plates.
My favourite thing about The Blue Marble is that the menu is tapas, so it forces Mister to share with me, which is a good thing as I can never make up my mind and I like to try everything. (They also have a regular menu with standards -- and my friends tell me the pizzas are good -- but why go there when you can get some shared plates?)
The Grand Hotel by Lakeview Hotels and Resorts (Lakeview Hotels and Resorts)
We ordered the oxtail ravioli, the duo of squab, and the calamari. They were all spot on, and quite out of the ordinary for a restaurant beside the airport -- which you have to say is pretty cool. They also store over 150 vintages in a custom-built wine cellar.
The whole airport area has expanded exponentially in the last few years, becoming a real hot spot for development. There are now more than 3,000 guest rooms at both independent and brand name hotels right there, while the area itself is only a 10-minute drive from downtown.
Arctic char at The Blue Marble (Lakeview Hotels and Resorts)
So, if you are coming in to Winnipeg to stay for a couple days, check out one of our swank new hotels, which are so centrally located for all the best our city has to offer.
You'll only be a short ride from fabulous shopping at Winnipeg’s largest mall, Polo Park, along with top attractions like Assiniboine Park and Zoo and all the nightlife in downtown Winnipeg. Plus, for you people flying out from rural areas, great buys are right there too with the newly-developed shopping corridor along Kenaston Boulevard, featuring IKEA.
Now how many other Canadian cities can say that about their airport area?
Only in The Peg chronicles the adventures of the Peg family–Missus, Mister and Lil’ Peg–as they discover everything there is to see and do in Winnipeg. Follow them on Twitter at @tourismwpg or visit them on Facebook. For even more info on Winnipeg, visit www.tourismwinnipeg.com. Subscribe to our monthly e-newsletter to stay in the loop on the latest information, contests, and upcoming events!
