Just like many other parts of the world, Winnipeg also has a thriving casino scene. Gamblers can have an exciting time in the Winnipeg casinos, where they can play slots, roulette, blackjack, and several other games. So, if you’re in Winnipeg and want to try your luck in one of its best land-based casino establishments, here are some options:

1. Club Regent Casino

The gaming area in this casino has hundreds of exciting games for the enthusiastic gamblers. They include slot machines and live table games. This casino is a part of the Club Regent Event Centre, which hosts live music each week almost every night.

You can also have a delicious meal at its dining and entertainment facilities. A visit to Club Regent Casino also gives you an easy access to Canad Inns Hotel and free parking space. This gives you the opportunity to book a stay in this hotel and spend the night at the casino.

2. McPhillips Station Casino

When the Club Regent Event Centre was opened to the public in 2014, it gave the people of Winnipeg some unique experiences. Besides Club Regent Casino, it is also home to McPhillips Station Casino. You’ll find slots, table games, and bingo in this elegant casino in addition to live entertainment and licensed lounges.

Club Regent Event Centre has an amazing construction design that creates a sense of awe in its visitors. Among the prominent features of this event center is its flexible seating system. It allows multi-function layouts, giving the event organizers a variety of choices from theater-style events to trade shows.

3. Playmaker’s Gaming Lounge

A visit to Playmaker’s Gaming Lounge gives you the chance to try our luck with its modern Video Lottery Terminals (VLTs). You can also choose to indulge in some Vegas-style casino action at this place. It offers a perfect atmosphere to unwind with your friends and savor the drinks and snacks.

You can find Playmaker’s Gaming Lounge at each of the Canad Inns destination centers. Each of them has its own special features, but you’ll certainly enjoy full service food and beverage in both the lounges. Nevertheless, they strictly adhere to the age restrictions put in place by the local laws.

4. South Beach Casino and Resort

A drive from Winnipeg via Provincial Trunk Highway towards the north will take you to Scanterbury. This town in Manitoba is home to the South Beach Casino and Resort, which is popular for having 570 slot machines. Upon joining the Ocean Club, its patrons can earn points and convert them into real cash.

The slot machines in the casino also has some of the best themed slots in the province. It also has live table games and some electronic table games for players. This casino gives away jackpots worth thousands every month as well.

The post 4 Casinos You Must Never Miss While in Winnipeg appeared first on funmountain.ca.

This is when you realize that there are so many outdoor activities in the city worth indulging in. From exploring the rocky trails to taking some steamy saunas, there’s a wide range of things you can try. So, let’s take a look at a few activities you must never miss when you’re in Winnipeg:

1. Go biking in the neighborhoods

It’s not so hard to see that the city’s locals love to take a ride on their bicycles. You’ll realize this once you’ve spent just a few minutes in Winnipeg. So, what’s stopping you? You can borrow or rent a bike for two hours and go biking around the city. There are a few good establishments in this part of the world that offer bike rentals.

You can either choose a half-day or full-day rental for reasonable rates. One of the best places to go to on bicycles is the Exchange District, which has some nice cafes and shops. Also worth exploring on your bike is Osborne Village, one of the best spots for food lovers.

2. Take a riverside stroll

There are a few serene riverside trails where the Red River and Assiniboine River meet. These trails span several kilometers and are ideal for walking, running, and biking. Once you begin your stroll, you’d want to keep going forever as you take in the mesmerizing sights.

If you don’t have much time, you can begin at The Forks and go north. This will give you the opportunity to enjoy the amazing views of the Basilica, Canadian Museum for Human Rights, and the city’s skyline. If you’re in Winnipeg during winter, these trails would turn into ice skating lanes!

3. Try some kayaking

You can choose any of the two rivers in the city to experience the thrill of kayaking. It would also give you the chance to savor the city’s majestic views. They’ll truly give you a visual delight if you’re on your kayaking tour during sunset. Book a kayaking trip with any of the reliable local tour operators. A few among them take people out of Winnipeg on 2-day or 3-day paddling tours.

4. Enjoy bird watching at FortWhyte Alive

If you want to move away from the city crowds, head to FortWhyte Alive. Located on the south-western part of the city, this nature preserve is home to the resident bison and several species of birds. FortWhyte Alive is a perfect place for bird-watchers and wildlife enthusiasts.

There are several kilometers of gravel trails in this preserve. You can also choose to explore the waterways by renting a canoe. Another exciting option would be to rent a bike and go around the many trails in this area.

5. Embark on a walking tour of the city

Getting around on foot can also be a memorable experience for those holidaying in the city. Having a local guide accompany you on such walking tours would help you know more about Winnipeg. A walking tour is also one of the inexpensive ways to learn about the city’s history.

You’ll be surprised to hear some fun facts and quirks about this part of the world from your guide. You can also plan your walking tour without a guide by getting some basic information about the routes.

6. Visit The Forks Market

Many tourists and residents love to spend some time at The Forks Market. This is among the crafty places to visit in Winnipeg. It is situated at the convergence of the Red River and Assiniboine River. When you’re at the food hall, you can unwind with a beer on its magnificent outdoor patio. You can get a wide range of options in beer and wine at The Common bar.

The best part is that there’s no way of knowing what you’ll get. The types of alcoholic beverages they offer change periodically. You’ll also find many amazing food stalls at The Forks Market. If you like something more casual, get a pizza from Red Ember Common.

7. Explore the wildlife at Oak Hammock Marsh Interpretive Centre

Animal lovers can immerse themselves in the enchanting ecosystem of this interpretive center. It is home to many local animal species of Manitoba. Oak Hammock Marsh Interpretive Centre has more than 30 kilometers of trails. It also gives you several paddling options in the marshy areas.

8. Witness Winnipeg’s major attractions with a morning run

This city has a 5-kilometer loop for runners, which allows them to see the museums and other main attractions. You can use this running loop to get some exercise and see Winnipeg’s major attractions. Some of the main sights you’ll come across while running are the Manitoba Museum and Capitol building. Run at your own pace and take a halt at the attractions that interest you.

You can also book a guided run of 5 kilometers. It allows you to see the main landmarks with a local guide. The guided running tours are available every Tuesday and Wednesday morning during summers. They must be booked at least 12 hours in advance.

9. Be at one of the fabulous festivals held in the city

There are several popular festivals held in the city that would give tourists an exciting time. Among them is the annual Winnipeg Folk Festival, which is fondly referred to as ‘Folk Fest’ by the locals. A mix of international and local artists come up with their best performances during four days of musical treats.

Besides music, the Folk Fest features many local artisans and food vendors. You can taste some delectable dishes and buy attractive crafts from them. Festival du Voyageur is held in the coldest months of the year. So, no matter when you’re visiting this city, you’ll always find something interesting happening here.

10. Plan a day trip to a park or beach nearby

You can savor some blissful moments at the rocky beaches and an Icelandic village during a day trip to Hecla. This is one of the most beautiful spots near Winnipeg worth exploring. Consider booking a stay at the Lakeview Hecla Resort, if you have some more time.

Your day trip to Hecla will also give you the chance to go paddling through Steep Rock and relax on the sand dunes. While there are many tour operators that offer day trips, you must choose the most reliable ones.

The post 10 Outdoor Activities You Must Try in Winnipeg appeared first on funmountain.ca.

If you want to book cheaper accommodations, travel during fall. During this season, the room rates are relatively low and you can visit most places as well. Temperatures are down in the minus during winters. If you’re not used to the conditions here in winter, you’ll surely have a tough time.

Winnipeg weather

The weather in Winnipeg remains cold for nearly half of the year with a low chance of precipitation. The warmest months in the city are June, July, and August. The highs in July are regularly around 27.7-degree Celsius. Temperatures rarely drop below 16.3-degree Celsius at night.

The experience of weather isn’t just about temperatures, as higher temperatures can affect you much more if the humidity is higher. With high winds, colder temperatures can feel piercing. The chill of the winds and humidity determine how hot or cold a day would feel to you.

Precipitation

If you’re in favor of dry weather, the months of November, January, and February have the lowest chance of precipitation. About one inch of precipitation or more can be considered a significant precipitation in Winnipeg. Around late January and the early part of February, there’s lowest chance of rain or snow.

In the last week of January, there are usually no days of precipitation. It is most likely to snow or rain in early June with two days of significant precipitation.

Wind and humidity levels

Some months in Winnipeg during the year can be slightly muggy, while the other months are moderately humid. April is the least humid month with 43.9 percent relative humidity. The most humid month during the year is December with a relative humidity of 69.3 percent. This city usually experiences calm winds. You’ll experience significant winds if you’re in the city during the month of May.

January and April are also considerably windy. In May, the average speed of the wind is around 5.3 miles per hour (MPH) which can be considered as a light breeze. Winds reach their highest speeds in Winnipeg during mid-May, but they’re still considered a gentle breeze.

Seasons

From March through May, the city experiences its spring, which is moderately cold. The later months have warmer temperatures. It is also the busiest tourist season, as it has the right conditions for enjoying outdoor activities. Summer arrives here in the month of June and lasts until August. It has a comfortable weather and is the second busiest season for tourism.

From September through November, fall makes its presence felt in the city with a chilly atmosphere. Tourism is slowest during this season, but you can get hotel accommodations at affordable rates. Winter from December through February is also a fairly slow tourist season. Weather is extremely cold during this season in Winnipeg and is therefore not recommended for warm-weather tourists.

The post A Guide to the Climate and Seasons of Winnipeg appeared first on funmountain.ca.

It is quite multicultural in nature and hosts some exciting annual festivals such as the Jazz Winnipeg Festival and Folklorama. While exploring this majestic city, you’ll come across some of its popular tourist attractions. Here, we’ve listed the most fascinating ones among them:

1. The Manitoba Museum

One of the major highlights of this museum is a Pliosaur fossil, which is 95 million years old. This museum is devoted mainly to the human and natural history of the Manitoba province. It features nine permanent galleries showcasing the best of what Manitoba has to offer.

On the domed screen of the interactive Science Gallery and Planetarium, you can witness the vastness of the night sky. Among the popular exhibits is Nonsuch, which is a replica ketch sailing ship used in the 17th century. Upon hopping on board, you’ll get to see all areas of the ship.

2. Fort Whyte Alive

This is an interpretive center that houses an aquarium and some nature exhibits such as the burrowing owls. Fort Whyte Alive is spread over a vast area of 259 hectares. It is famous for its five lakes, bog boardwalks, and grassy parkland. As you begin exploring its surroundings, you’ll get to see the bison herd and bird-feeding stations.

While you’re at the prairie dog town, you can watch the prairie dogs in action. You’ll also have a memorable experience on the walking and cycling trails that span seven kilometers. If you’re visiting this place during summer, you can take the sailing and paddling courses taught on the small lakes.

3. St. Boniface Cathedral

The oldest cathedral in western Canada, St. Boniface Cathedral was founded in the early 19th century. It is one of the finest examples of French Romanesque architecture. Owing to some instances of fire over the years, it was rebuilt several times.

The cathedral also has a cemetery, which is the oldest Catholic burial ground in Western Canada. You’ll find many old gravestones of the first settlers here. Some of them are of prominent people who lived here in those days. You can also visit the St. Boniface Museum near the cathedral.

4. Corydon Avenue

You’ll be delighted to visit this tree-lined street, which has small, trendy shops and restaurants. This is a place where many locals arrive to unwind and enjoy some pleasant moments. The main area stretches from Daly Street to Harrow Street. As this is a busy area, parking can be a bit challenging at times. Many of the restaurants here offer a wide range of cuisines.

You’ll also get to witness some street art, such as eight large metal figures. They represent the countries of Greece, Italy, Scotland, France, Spain, Argentina, Japan, and Ukraine. On most Friday and Saturday nights, concerts are held at this place featuring many talented musicians.

The post 4 Tourist Attractions Worth Exploring in Winnipeg appeared first on funmountain.ca.

1. Explore the Exchange District

A free event is held in the Exchange District on the first Friday evening every month. So, if you’re exploring this area of Winnipeg on the first Friday of the month, you’ll have some fabulous experiences. You can chat with artists or choose to browse the shops in the Exchange District.

It is a 20-block area, which is centered at 133 Albert Street. Visit the art galleries, bars, and boutiques in the area between 5:00 and 9:00 in the evening. It will give you the chance to enjoy special deals and events at these places.

2. Treat yourself to some live music

You’ll come across a few excellent restaurants and bars when you’re at 171 McDermot Ave. An ideal place to visit would be a restaurant or bar that hosts live music. However, make sure that the space is big enough with appropriate lighting. You can also go for a restaurant or bar with a rooftop patio. It allows you to savor your favorite food and drinks amid the amazing views and some fresh air.

Another good place to visit a bar with live music is 222 Broadway. You can pick one that has the right atmosphere and enough space for a memorable evening with nightly live music. It would soothe your senses after a busy day of sightseeing.

Although many bars are closed on Sundays, you can still find some good ones that open on Sunday evenings. You can check the calendar of events to find a perfect place that hosts live music in the evenings.

3. Visit the brewpubs

The recent changes to the liquor laws of the province has resulted in a booming craft beer scene in Winnipeg. You can find a couple of brewpubs in the city with a fabulous taproom. When you’re in one of these brewpubs, you can have a high-quality ale amid a majestic ambiance. Before you plan your visit, keep in mind that most breweries in Winnipeg are closed on Sundays and Mondays.

4. Have fun at The Forks Market

The Forks Market is located on 1 Forks Market Road. There are spaces with long tables at the food hall, where you can sip on the Canadian craft beers. If you hate sitting at one place, you can simply take your drinks and browse the food stalls and kiosks. They are located on the ground floor of the market.

5. Watch a game of ice hockey at Canada Life Centre

Located on 300 Portage Avenue is the Canada Life Centre. It is believed to be one of the loudest arenas for ice hockey. This place would be ideal if you’re traveling with your entire family. You’ll get to cheer for one of the teams in the National Hockey League. The best time to witness these games is between October and April.

The post 5 Ideas for an Exciting Nightlife in Winnipeg appeared first on funmountain.ca.

Both indoor and outdoor waterparks have to face some challenges to keep their guests happy. In case of outdoor waterparks, there are certain circumstances such as bad weather that seriously affects their business. Indoor waterparks may not be affected by weather, but they’re also not without challenges.

They need to maintain a warm, summer climate indoors for the entire year. Despite such challenges, the waterparks try their best to make sure that the visitors live their best moments. There are three important aspects that an excellent waterpark must have:

1. Availability of diverse options

Guests arriving at the waterpark can only enjoy a certain type of activity for a limited amount of time. To make them stay longer at the waterpark, they must be provided with several other options. The availability of different fun areas or rides will go a long way in keeping the guests entertained. It is also important that such areas and rides are at strategic locations.

It must be easy for the folks to take a break and enjoy a snack or a quick meal. So, if the cafeteria and food stalls are too far from the rides or play areas, they might not visit the waterpark again. So, it is also important that the facilities are strategically placed at the appropriate locations.

2. Hospitality

When it comes to a waterpark, the needs of guests must always be considered first. Such people visit waterparks to relax and have fun. This is why hospitality needs to be the primary focus of the staff. It is quite understandable that creating personalized experiences for each guest can be difficult. One also considers the volume of people that arrive at such places.

So, the staff take maximum efforts to make sure that each and every guest is helped and served well. The number of guests coming back and the waterpark’s reputation would depend on the standard of hospitality that the staff maintains.

3. Management

The waterparks may have the best people as their staff, but the facilities need to be managed and maintained well. Having the right management team is certainly important, but a waterpark’s management needs conscious efforts.

All the departments need to work in a proper way to ensure the long-term success of the waterpark. Finance, marketing, maintenance, and other functions play an important role in this regard.

Waterparks must be planned, constructed, and maintained in a meticulous way before they begin their operations. It must have all the attractions that people of all ages can admire and enjoy. Every additional element such as a gift shop, restaurant, and arcade must be easily accessible to the guests.

The management must take the right efforts to ensure that such places are not only visible but inviting as well. Every service that the waterpark provides must contribute towards making the environment as relaxed and fun as possible.

The post 3 Major Aspects of an Excellent Waterpark appeared first on funmountain.ca.

Many water parks have a certain theme to create an atmosphere of fun and excitement. Others are simple with the basic features, such as slides and a swimming pool. Here are certain things one must do for having a wonderful time at water parks without any inconvenience:

1. Obey the water park’s rules

Those visiting water parks must read and obey all the rules that have been laid down by the management. One often comes across signs in these parks that are put up at the appropriate spots to guide the visitors. If they have any queries or face any issues, they must speak to the staff or lifeguards. Some of them can be seen on the pool decks.

2. Wear appropriate clothing

Many water parks don’t allow their guests or patrons to wear clothes with buttons, rivets, or zippers.  Kids may be required to wear swim diapers instead of their regular diapers. Those riding the slides must wear the appropriate swimwear. Bulky clothing and full pants are not allowed at such places. This is because wearing such clothes can slow down the ride and cause collisions.

3. Don’t carry items that are not permitted

Some items are not permitted in water parks or on their premises. These items include glass containers, gum, BBQs, water balloons, pets, and outside food or beverages. The management doesn’t allow such things to make sure that the guests are safe and have a good time.

4. Observe the rules while on slides

The water parks have certain rules when it comes to riding the water slides. Guests must not stop, stand, or kneel in the slides or slide on their stomachs. Going head first can be dangerous and is not permitted. They’re also not allowed to get in or out between the top and bottom of the slides.

Those wanting to ride the slides must ensure that they are on the appropriate ones. Water parks have separate slides for adults and small children.

5. Rules for mini-golf

Some water parks have mini-golf areas for their guests. The ones who are interested in playing a round or two must follow the rules associated with such places. They might not be allowed to enter with their bare feet. It is, therefore, necessary that they wear their shoes or sandals. No guest is allowed to climb on fence or enter the water areas.

6. Respond to emergency announcements

In case of emergencies, such as lightning or sudden change in weather, the staff present at the park make the necessary announcements. During such announcements, instructions might be given to exit the slide areas and pools and get to places that are safe and sheltered. It is the responsibility of guests to respond in an appropriate manner to such announcements as they’re made for everyone.

The post 6 Things to Do for Safety at Water Parks appeared first on funmountain.ca.

You’ll find several community events happening in this part of the world every year. It creates an atmosphere of wholesomeness and warmth, which is one of the reasons why plenty of tourists visit Winnipeg annually. If you’re traveling with a group, there are two places where you can enjoy a memorable and affordable stay:

UWinnipeg Downtown Hostel

This hostel is operated by the University of Winnipeg. It is located within the McFeetors Hall student residence. While staying in this excellent hostel, you can enjoy the exciting nightlife of the city and visit its elegant restaurants and shops.

The UWinnipeg Downtown Hostel is ideal for anyone looking forward to having a comfortable stay in the downtown area. However, it offers only VIP suites from September to April. These suites are for those who want to enjoy a more hotel-like experience.

Guests staying in VIP suites have access to the local telephone service and unlimited Wi-Fi connectivity. The living room in these suites is equipped with a furnished kitchenette and cable television. The rooms in this hostel are fully furnished and have private bedrooms. If you wish to have a fully private suite, you can choose the single room with a full bathroom.

For group bookings, you’ll need to fill out a request form on the website of UWinnipeg Downtown Hostel. Usually, the team responds within two to three business days. You’ll then be required to sign any of the two types of agreements and submit your deposit to book the stay with your group.

The first agreement type is the ‘Master Account Group Agreement’, which allows you to set the number of rooms to reserve. You’ll need to pay for the entire cost of this agreement, which includes a non-refundable deposit applied towards the balance.

The second agreement type is the ‘Individual Accounts Group Agreement’. With agreement type, you can set the number of rooms to reserve, but everyone in the group pays individually. The deposit amount still has to be paid, which is refunded if all terms of the agreement are met.

La Cabane Guesthouse

Yet another affordable option for group stays, this guesthouse is owned by Dominique Noel. The French-speaking hostess chose to convert an old house into a hostel and call it ‘La Cabane’. This iconic hostel in Winnipeg has three bedrooms. Two of them are private bedrooms, while the third is a shared room that has four single beds. One of the private bedrooms has a double bed and the other houses two twin beds. 

You, along with everyone in the group can enjoy a cozy and comfortable stay in this Canadian cottage-style home. An accommodation in La Cabane will give you the chance to stay in the heart of the city as well. Speaking about this guesthouse, Dominique says that she has tried to create the best possible dormitory in La Cabane. She has placed a greater focus on quality and comfort.

The purpose was to make the guests feel at home and delighted for having a comfortable place to stay in the city. Even if you’re a solo traveler, you’ll get to connect with other people. Everyone can hang out either at the kitchen table or in the living room. Guests can also access the full kitchen and avail the laundry for a fee.

The post Affordable Stays for Groups Touring Winnipeg appeared first on funmountain.ca.

Lazy rivers, kids’ play areas, and splash pads are some of them. However, do you know water parks can have many positive effects on you? Well, let’s take a look at some of them here:

1. They rid you of your inhibitions

When you’re at a water park, you find it hard to stop yourself from going down those exciting water slides. Even if you’re an introvert, you’ll be easily tempted to leave your inhibitions behind and have loads of fun. Water parks are places where you can just be yourself and have a great time like everyone else.

2. They keep you in a happy state

Often, you get so serious in life that you even forget how to smile! When you’re at a water park, you forget all about work and your boring routines. The moment you enter the water park, you find yourself in an exhilarating and fun atmosphere, which makes you extremely happy. Your inner child comes to the fore and all you would want to do next is grab a rubber ring and head to the pool.

3. They bring out your inner child

When you’re extremely happy and excited, you’d like to laugh out loud or scream your head off. There’s probably no place better than a water park to do this. Here, it’s quite normal for adults to scream, laugh, and behave like a child. No one at the water park would think that you’re crazy or weird.

4. They don’t require you to dress up formally

Water parks are one of those few places where you can be a lot more comfortable. You don’t need to be in a formal attire or follow a certain dress code. The least that the authorities would expect from you is to wear a proper bathing suit that’s not too revealing. Its fabric must be suitable for the slides and getting it wet must not cause any inconvenience.

5. You wake up refreshed the next day

When you’re at a water park, you’ll be having plenty of fun almost the entire day. When you get home, you’ll mostly be tired and may also feel a lot more hungry. All you’d want to do next is have a good meal and crash on your bed. This gives you an ample amount of rest. You wake up the next day feeling totally refreshed and ready for your routine tasks.

6. Getting wet doesn’t scare you

It might be a scary idea for you to get wet on any given day. It is so scary that you always carry an umbrella when there’s a probability of rains. Well, things are a lot different when you’re at a water park. This is a place where getting wet won’t scare you at all. In fact, it would excite you in such a way that you’d look forward to getting soaked.

7. You feel more connected with your family

When you’re at a water park, you don’t need to worry about your work and other commitments. This is a place of pure bliss and lots of fun and thrills. Here, you’ll be with your family for the entire day. You’ll have a wonderful time splashing around with your spouse and kids. No one would steal away those precious moments from you.

The post 7 Positive Effects That Water Parks Can Have On You appeared first on funmountain.ca.