A guide for health and wellness in Winnipeg

Everyone deserves a break now and then, and there is no shortage of places in Winnipeg that will leave you feeling relaxed.

Read on for a list of Winnipeg’s most popular places that will guarantee you’ll leave walking on air.

Fort Garry Hotel (opens in new window)

Winnipeg’s Fort Garry Hotel, Spa and Conference Centre not only provides an elegant, Old-World getaway, it is also one of Canada’s top spots for pampering. Its Ten Spa (opens in new window) is luxury at its finest. On top of a number of body treatments and common areas that permeate tranquility, this acclaimed spa has made a name for itself with the hamam experience – a traditional Turkish bathing ritual meant for rest and rejuvenation. During the experience, on top of a massage, you’ll be exfoliated with salts before having water slowly poured over your limbs. It’s like heaven in a steamy, intricately tiled room.

If you’re looking for a more invigorating experience, just up from the hotel on Fort Street, TenSkinRX (opens in new window) specializes in a more advanced approach to health and wellness. Its Contrast Therapy Suite (opens in new window) allows up to two people to do a self-guided therapy session in a private room utilizing a cold plunge and infrared sauna. This hot-cold-rest flow is sure to leave you relaxed and restored.

Within the same building you’ll find Yoga Public (opens in new window). Health benefits of yoga have long been appreciated for the mind-body connection, and Yoga Public provides yogis, both novice and master, with a spacious studio to practice mindfulness and emerge calm-yet-energized.

Spas

Winnipeg’s spas are sure to help you feel relaxed the moment you walk in the door, until the moment you leave. They are known for a restful atmosphere, and while you’re there, you’ll have the chance to sit, relax and refocus your thoughts and energy.

Located minutes from Winnipeg’s downtown and tucked away from the busy-ness of everyday life, you’ll find moments of relaxation at Thermea Spa Village Winnipeg (opens in new window). Based on the invigorating Nordic spa cycle of hot-cold-rest, spending a day at Thermea makes you feel like you’re ready to melt. Experience either steam room (scented by eucalyptus or orange), followed by a bracing cold plunge at 10° C. Then, head to any number of relaxation areas, both indoors and outdoors.

In the heart of Winnipeg, where the Red and Assiniboine Rivers meet, Riverstone Spa (opens in new window) uses the sounds of nature to calm you as soon as you enter. At Riverstone you can experience traditional spa treatments, while also having the chance to indulge in some one-of-a-kind culturally inspired ancient healing rituals, like their Chakra Balancing Massage.

Winnipeg is also home to any number of day spas, each of them with their own unique vibes and treatments. Perhaps you’d like to try the authentic Japanese Ganban-yoku stone treatment at Pocca Poca Spa (opens in new window), or maybe you believe your worries will dissolve as you float away at one of the city’s many floating spas? Let our Spa Guide (opens in new window) guide you to your next moment of calm.

Sauna

Rē Sauna (opens in new window) is Winnipeg’s OG infrared sauna experience, which increases the temperature of your body, rather than the room you’re in. This type of sauna can greatly improve a variety of health issues, as well as soothe sore muscles for your fitness recovery routine.

Located beside Winnipeg’s winery and craft brewery, Low Life Barrel House, Saunic (opens in new window) lets visitors connect with friends, strangers, or simply allows you to take a moment and chill in a traditional outdoor sauna. Watch for their new indoor space, coming soon!

Sporty Stuff

Wellness is not only about relaxing and pampering, it’s also about exercising and challenging yourself!

To state the obvious, Winnipeg is flat, so we generally move indoors for any kind of vertical adventure. If you’re of the experienced or brave sort that doesn’t suffer from vertigo, The Hive (opens in new window) was made for you. Based on the concept of “experiential education,” The Hive lets you explore a bouldering environment without the support of climbing ropes.

Vertical Adventures (opens in new window) provides beginners and experts the opportunity to climb with supports, along with unassisted bouldering courses. At Vertical Adventures, you can either simply walk-in or take a course to learn basic climbing techniques.

Whether you live for five-pin or ten-pin bowling, there’s plenty of spots in Winnipeg where you can knock some down. There are also several places where you’ll get a little more bang for your buck. At The Rec Room (opens in new window), on top of bowling, arcade games, pool and axe throwing ensure everyone has something unique to enjoy.

Winnipeg’s Uptown Alley (opens in new window) is one of the city’s largest family rec centres, with a roster that includes laser tag, ping pong tables and a massive arcade. Good for groups of friends, birthday parties or family outings, everyone is sure to leave on a high.

For some quality family time in the air or on the ground, Flying Squirrel Trampoline Park (opens in new window) is ideal for almost all ages. The park is equipped with trampolines of all shapes and sizes, foam pits to land in and plenty of space for those who don’t want to jump. It’s the perfect place for kids to burn off some energy, which will contribute to the overall wellness of their parents.

Walking & Running

Winnipeg prides itself on the canopy of trees that turn green and shade the city on its hottest days of summer. These trees provide shelter, not only in summer, but also during the city’s other seasons, providing a striking backdrop to get physical.

Assiniboine Park is home to world-class attractions, splendid gardens and an extensive trail system along the Assiniboine River for running, walking and cross-country skiing.

Located next to Assiniboine Park, Assiniboine Forest is one of Canada’s largest urban nature parks. Stroll through its lovely aspen forest on a central, paved, all-season walkway that takes you further and further away from the noise of the city.

Sagimay Trail winds its way to a network of trails, stretching six kilometres, ultimately leading to a wetland and observation area. There’s a good chance you’ll see some white-tailed deer or interesting waterfowl in action.

In Kildonan Park, you’ll find walking and biking (and cross-country skiing, in winter) trails along the Red River, that lead all the way to Chief Peguis Trail. Walking trails in Kildonan Park also wind through the formal gardens, pass by the pavilion (home to Prairie’s Edge (opens in new window) restaurant, if you need to stop for a bite), the Duck Pond and the famous Witch’s Hut from the fairy tale, Hansel and Gretel.

St. Vital Park boasts nearly four kilometres of walking trails through the park, along the river, past the duck pond and through the park’s foliage.

Winter Activities

Skiing
Winnipeg turns into an incredible winter wonderland once the snow hits, and we know how to make the most of it. Whether you prefer skating or skiing, these guides will get you to the right place.

For skiing in the city (and just outside of it), this cross-country ski guide (opens in new window) shows you the best-groomed trails to glide through. And, if you’re looking for more information, check out Winnipeg Trail Associations website for the latest trail conditions, rentals and more.

Skating
Fields, lakes and rivers – if it freezes, we’ll skate it. There is no shortage of places to get your glide on, and our guide (opens in new window) will lead to the best rinks, ponds and trails in the city.

At The Forks not only is there direct access to the Nestaweya River Trail for skating on the Red and Assiniboine rivers, but its grounds also beckon with groomed skating trails that snake through many of its most enchanting areas. At night, when illuminated by countless strings of lights, it’s a scene straight out of a Hallmark film (and indeed, Hallmark has filmed within this spectacle several times). The Forks also has rinks and skating surfaces under the canopy and by the WINNIPEG sign. If you’re looking for a little extra support, The Forks can rent and sharpen your skates onsite.