Only in the Peg | Tourism Winnipeg

  • Home
  • Things to Do
    • Spring Top 50
    • Winnipeg Guides
    • Top 10s
    • Only in the Peg
    • Family Fun
    • Free Activities
    • Attractions
    • Performing Arts
    • Shopping
    • Nightlife
    • Tours
    • Recreation
    • Spectator Sports
    • Spas
    • Architecture & Design
    • 2SLGBTQ+
  • Places to Stay
    • Hotels
    • Campgrounds
    • Hostels
  • Eat & Drink
    • Eat & Drink
    • Best Eats
    • Peg City Grub
    • Breweries / Distilleries
    • Food Trucks
    • Patios
  • Festivals & Events
    • Upcoming Events
    • Live Music
    • Annual Festivals & Events
    • Submit an Event
  • Plan Your Trip
    • Welcome to Winnipeg
    • Neighbourhoods
    • About Winnipeg
    • Getting Around
    • Travel Information
    • Publications & Maps
    • Moving Here
    • Manitoba Day Trips
    • Summer
  • Deals & Passes
    • Packages & Deals
    • Winnipeg Attractions Pass
  • Contact Us
Build an Itinerary
  • Home
  • Things to Do
  • Only in the Peg
Better than Disney: the magic continues - Fort Gibraltar > Haunted Mansion

Fort Gibraltar > Haunted Mansion

Better than Disney: the magic continues

By: Only in the Peg // February 20, 2018

There was a lot going on in Winnipeg this weekend. We know we saw thousands of you at  Festival du Voyageur, or hitting up the skating trail at The Forks. But there’s one family in particular who had a truly magical weekend: the Byers family.

You might recall your  first introduction to the Byers clan, where boys Jonathan and Ethan were tragically surprised that their trip to Winnipeg was actually going to be a vacation in Disney World. Parents Ian and Chantalle thought they had prepared a fun treat, and did not expect the now-famous blowback they got.

We agree with Jonathan and Ethan: Winnipeg is absolutely better than Disney World. So naturally, we invited the Byers family over for a weekend they would remember for a long, long time.

Flying in from Calgary Friday morning, the family enjoyed Winnipeg hospitality in a few jam-packed days. To hit on some of the highlights, the Byers clan took in a Jets game (they’re usually Flames fans, but enthusiastically cheered on the home team), skated along the river trails at The Forks, and lived their first  hé ho’s at Festival du Voyageur. The family got to enjoy some quality local cuisine at Rudy's and Smith (and maybe one or two tires à l'érable for good measure). To work off all the yumminess, Jonathan and Ethan were pumped to bounce their way through Sky Zone, while Ian and Chantelle found some time to unwind at Thermëa. Further adventures awaited at the Assiniboine Park Zoo, Royal Canadian Mint, and Manitoba Museum. 

Part of what made the weekend such a great experience was how Winnipeggers came together to roll out the red carpet. “We’re absolutely blown away. It was amazing,” said Ian at the end of their journey.  

Jordon Lanthier, the director of Sales & Marketing for  Fairfield Inn Winnipeg, was pumped to host the Byers crew for the weekend, because that’s just the way they like to do things. “The Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Winnipeg is honored to partner with Tourism Winnipeg to have the Byers family stay with us,” he said. “After all, Winnipeg is the best city to visit, work, live and play - it’s easy why they would pick us over Disney World!” 

Completely agree, Jordon.

Of course, we had to ask the question at the end of the weekend: “How does Winnipeg compare to Disney World?” 
“Better!” Jonathan responded without hesitation. 

“Cooler,” Ethan followed up with enthusiastically.  

We don’t know about you, but we’re convinced this weekend sounds more way more fun than anything that a certain cartoon mouse could offer. We previously referred to Winnipeg as ‘the real magic kingdom’, and this weekend is just further proof of that.

Our castle looks a lot cooler, anyway.

Back

Become a
Winnipeg Insider

Subscribe to our blog
for more great content

+No Thanks

More Inspiration

 
2025 Winnipeg Pride Guide

May 18

 
Let Winnipeg Architecture Foundation’s Places + Spaces guide you

May 13

 
RWB principal dancer Azulay pays homage to flamenco roots with Bolero

April 22

Visitor Information

21 Forks Market Road
Winnipeg, Manitoba
Canada R3C 4T7
1 855 PEG CITY (734-2489)

Newsletter Sign-up
  • Leisure
  • Meetings & Conventions
  • Travel Trade
  • Sport Tourism
  • Media
  • Site Map
  • Industry
  • About Us
  • Français
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact Us
Visitor's Guide

Visitor's Guide

Discover the best of Winnipeg.

Download Now

Economic Development Winnipeg acknowledges that we are located in Treaty One Territory, the home and traditional lands of the Anishinaabe (Ojibwe), Ininew (Cree), and Dakota peoples, and in the National Homeland of the Red River Métis. Our drinking water comes from Shoal Lake, in Treaty Three Territory.

© 2025 Tourism Winnipeg

logo - Economic Development Winnipeg
logo - Tourism Winnipeg