Inn at the Forks strikes a fabulous duality in that it takes you to a whole new environment when you enter, while it also fits in seamlessly – and indeed compliments – the whole Forks area (the city’s most-visited tourism attraction). On top of that, many of the rooms flaunt this primetime location, looking out onto the Canadian Museum for Human Rights and WINNIPEG sign, or the Red and Assiniboine Rivers.
As soon as you walk in you will be dazzled by the minimalist repurposed wood slate-clad front desk. To your right you can see right into Riverstone Spa, with its front desk bathed in sunlight, beckoning with its gently murmuring water feature. To your left is the handsome SMITH Restaurant, inviting you in with its Canadiana design (we love those Hudson Bay Company banquettes), craft cocktails, and farm-to-table menu that works for both sharing, and single diners seated at the bar (which is often us).
If that alone isn’t enough to entice you for your next stay, this summer Inn at the Forks has some great deals on, including a Picnic Package that is simply peachy. As part of your stay you get breakfast (with an option to take it in bed, of course), along with a packed lunch that you can take out on the town, perhaps on a bike like these glamours looking people up top. The lunch includes charcuterie and cheese, fruit kebabs, pita and hummus, housemade granola bars and sparkling water, all for two.
Plus, the Inn at the Forks is once again offering a fun service that allows guests to get the most of their stay in The Forks, all while getting in a morning workout and supporting a great cause.
Run Concierge
For the second year, Inn at the Forks’ Run Concierge program is back, providing a fun introduction to the area. This complimentary service is run by the always affable Maria Cefali (we used to work with her here at Tourism Winnipeg; she’s a total peach), who will take small groups out for an informative 5 km jog every Tuesday and Wednesday morning at 6:30 (starting May 14 through autumn).
“As a runner, I had discovered this 5 km route that went by eight tourist attractions,” said Cefali, when explaining how the Run Concierge experience started last year.
“I tested it out on friends and then pitched the idea to Joel [Waterman] the GM at Inn at the Forks, because this experience aligned well with, not only the hotels location, but also their mission as a locally owned boutique hotel wanting to give their guests a unique downtown experience,” continued Cefali.
“During the 5 km route [approximately 35 minutes], I speak to eight tourist attractions along the way. We start and end our run at, what I would call the perfect location in the city - Inn at the Forks. From there, I take runners past the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, past Shaw Park, and then down Waterfront to the Exchange District. We cut across Portage Avenue (close to Portage & Main) and run the streets of the Winnipeg White-Out parties, past the Royal Winnipeg Ballet and over to the Manitoba Legislative Building for a quick 'Rocky Moment' running up the stairs.
The homestretch has us running all the way down Broadway past the delicious smell of early morning baking from Oh Doughnuts and back to The Forks, for a quick stretch, and a high five,” Cefali finishes.
To honour your participation (which is free, as we’ve mentioned), the hotel will also be making a donation to Fort Garry Women’s Resource Centre, which provides free services and programming for women and children, including “providing information, referrals, outreach, supportive counselling, and public education workshops.”
Deals that are both spa-mazing and indulgent
If you are to look at the Inn at the Forks’ smart new website (we love the large-format photos, black backdrop, and easy navigation system), you’ll see there are excellent offers on right now.
For starters, you can do what we did two weekends ago during a staycation, which is the Spa Package for Two. (Note: we are certainly not the only ones -- up to 18 per cent of the hotel’s bookings are locals doing staycations, which indicates how revered this property is in the city.)
Anyway, as soon as you step foot in Riverstone Spa, the tone is set with aromas of lemongrass, lime, and vanilla (this is courtesy of their exclusive custom scent Riverstone Spa by Coal and Canary Candles, which you will surely buy – like we did – from the front desk after your treatment). From there, you must take advantage of the facilities before your treatment, which includes lavish rain showers, steam rooms, and a sauna, before hitting up the snack bar in the spa waiting room. The massage itself is so tranquil, a nice balance between deep-tissue and relaxation, and will leave you feeling so at ease.
Starting this month, Riverstone also has a host of new spa treatments, particularly ones that will make your face feel oh-so-fresh. These include a lash and brow bar and an Urban Detox Facial – which is formulated to fight impurities, imperfections and pollutions. The Skin Expert Facial tailors products and treatments to your skin type and includes their signature Comfort Touch face massage.
For a full list of joint spa/hotel packages, click here.
SMITH and exploring the surrounding area
To make the most of your stay in the area, Inn at the Forks offers guests the free use of stylish cruiser bikes (with back tire baskets that will come in handy if you do some shopping... or take a picnic).
SMITH Restaurant is a local dining destination in the city. You'll find plenty of 'Peggers during the always busy weekend brunch service, while come afternoon/evening a handcrafted cocktail program (along with the legendary Pounded Cheese board) ensures that barstools become coveted once the lights start to dim. #negronis #oldfashions
If you are looking to get the most out of your room, several of the hotel’s packages include breakfast in bed (we highly recommend the Smith Eggs – the pulled pork and creamy gravy are so good, along with the Eggs Copenhagen – particularly if your body doesn’t dig gluten because the smoked salmon and poached eggs are served on top a crispy rösti potato).
Plus, the SMITH patio will be open soon, while The Forks has tons of new things for visitors this summer which you can find out about here.
So what are waiting for? Book your next stay in Winnipeg at Inn at the Forks today!
