Check out Manitoba's twin cities: Winkler and Morden
'Why would you go to Morden and Winkler for the weekend?'
Travel writer Shel Zolkewich is exploring interesting destinations in Manitoba and beyond this summer. Some are annual favourites and others are a little off the beaten path. Come along for the ride!
It's a question I used to get asked a lot. But after a few stays, and even more shares on social media, the questions have become, 'Where can we stay if we go there?' and 'What should we do there?'
The twin cities of Morden and Winkler are 12 kilometres apart on Provincial Highway 3. That means visitors get two for the price of one when it comes to family fun, fabulous food and superb shopping in southwestern Manitoba. Your micro-vacation starts here with our Top 10.
1. Stay in a castle.
It rests on Morden's main thoroughfare, elegantly holding its place from another time. Built in 1902, Bella's Castle is impossible to miss with its wraparound porch, impressive stonework and, at night, a gallery of twinkling lights. Take your pick from one of five suites, including The Penthouse, which includes a fireplace and claw-foot tub.
Built in 1902, Bella's Castle in Morden is impossible to miss with its wraparound porch and impressive stonework. It's also taken a turn on the small screen. (Travel Manitoba photo)
2. Eat corn!
The farmers around Morden really do grow the most delicious corn in the land. And it's free to all at the Morden Corn and Apple Festival each August. I was mesmerized by the massive corn cooker that's powered by an antique steam engine. Incredibly, it churns out 50,000 cobs during the event.
Cooking 50,000 cobs of free corn for people at Morden's Corn and Apple Festival in August is a team effort. (Shel Zolkewich photo)
3. Make it Mexican.
My suitcase is bulging with grocery store finds on every return flight from Mexico. But I've found a much more convenient place to get all my favourites: Sunny Day Products and El Roi Mexican Imports, both in Winkler, stock sweet soda pop, Mexican oregano, achiote paste and all the other treats that make me feel like I've stepped into a Mexican market.
4. Meet Bruce.
Even if it's been a few years since you got excited about dinosaurs, the Canadian Fossil Discovery Centre in Morden is a must. It's home to Bruce and he demands attention as the world's largest publicly displayed mosasaur. I loved pretending I was Indiana Jones during the Fossil Dig Adventure Tour, where we learned real paleontological field techniques. Check it out this summer.
5. Shop. Shop. Shop.
I always stock up on Mint Medley shea hand cream (for these gardening hands) at Pure Anada, a made in Morden success story featuring cosmetics crafted from organic botanicals and mineral pigments. The downtown shop is simply a joy for browsing.
6. Spa day!
The newly opened Healthians Wellness World in Morden includes a variety of saunas, a steam room and massage therapy at the touch of a button in zero-gravity chairs. Or head over to the Avalon Day Spa in Winkler for a seaweed wrap or therapeutic massage.
7. Hit the beach!
Admittedly, I stayed in the shallows, but the Splish Splash Waterpark at Colert Beach inside the Lake Minnewasta Recreation Area in Morden truly looked like a blast. I saw youngsters get launched from a giant pillow, race down a puffy slide and fly high on a trampoline — all over the water on this inflatable playground.
Winkler's Bethel Heritage Park is a downtown treasure featuring a fountain, overflowing garden beds and a pavilion that hosts live theatre and concerts.(Travel Manitoba photo)
8. More than potatoes.
I get endless teasing when I say The Potato Store in Winkler is my favourite stop. Yes, it's the place for bulk spuds at the best prices, but the newly expanded space also stocks a huge selection of made in Manitoba wares including honey, jams and chocolates and a dreamy gift section, not to mention The Crusty Bun for pastries and excellent coffees.
The Potato Store in Winkler has plenty of made-in-Manitoba favourites. (Shel Zolkewich photo)
9. Dinner is served.
Step into historic charm at Rendezvous Eatery & Taproom in Morden, once the town's newspaper office and now the home of mouth-watering barbecue on the weekends, tacos and margaritas on Thursdays and Underwood IPA, just one of the brews offered here.
10. Ice cream for the road.
Making a decision at the take-out window is the most difficult part of a visit to Charley B's in Winkler. But you'll never go wrong with the Checker Split, my fave because it includes a sprinkle of brownies on top. The busy joint also has a Pawsh Picnic menu just for the doggos.
BONUS:
Stop by Morden Nurseries for your very own apple u-pick adventure in their orchard in late summer.
Visit Morden Nurseries & Garden Centre and take home a bag of u-pick apples.
BONUS:
Are you a fan of Hallmark movies? Then you're sure to recognize Bella's Castle in her starring role in Pumpkin Everything (2022).
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Winnipeg Free Press
a day ago
- Winnipeg Free Press
Check out Manitoba's twin cities: Winkler and Morden
'Why would you go to Morden and Winkler for the weekend?' Travel writer Shel Zolkewich is exploring interesting destinations in Manitoba and beyond this summer. Some are annual favourites and others are a little off the beaten path. Come along for the ride! It's a question I used to get asked a lot. But after a few stays, and even more shares on social media, the questions have become, 'Where can we stay if we go there?' and 'What should we do there?' The twin cities of Morden and Winkler are 12 kilometres apart on Provincial Highway 3. That means visitors get two for the price of one when it comes to family fun, fabulous food and superb shopping in southwestern Manitoba. Your micro-vacation starts here with our Top 10. 1. Stay in a castle. It rests on Morden's main thoroughfare, elegantly holding its place from another time. Built in 1902, Bella's Castle is impossible to miss with its wraparound porch, impressive stonework and, at night, a gallery of twinkling lights. Take your pick from one of five suites, including The Penthouse, which includes a fireplace and claw-foot tub. Built in 1902, Bella's Castle in Morden is impossible to miss with its wraparound porch and impressive stonework. It's also taken a turn on the small screen. (Travel Manitoba photo) 2. Eat corn! The farmers around Morden really do grow the most delicious corn in the land. And it's free to all at the Morden Corn and Apple Festival each August. I was mesmerized by the massive corn cooker that's powered by an antique steam engine. Incredibly, it churns out 50,000 cobs during the event. Cooking 50,000 cobs of free corn for people at Morden's Corn and Apple Festival in August is a team effort. (Shel Zolkewich photo) 3. Make it Mexican. My suitcase is bulging with grocery store finds on every return flight from Mexico. But I've found a much more convenient place to get all my favourites: Sunny Day Products and El Roi Mexican Imports, both in Winkler, stock sweet soda pop, Mexican oregano, achiote paste and all the other treats that make me feel like I've stepped into a Mexican market. 4. Meet Bruce. Even if it's been a few years since you got excited about dinosaurs, the Canadian Fossil Discovery Centre in Morden is a must. It's home to Bruce and he demands attention as the world's largest publicly displayed mosasaur. I loved pretending I was Indiana Jones during the Fossil Dig Adventure Tour, where we learned real paleontological field techniques. Check it out this summer. 5. Shop. Shop. Shop. I always stock up on Mint Medley shea hand cream (for these gardening hands) at Pure Anada, a made in Morden success story featuring cosmetics crafted from organic botanicals and mineral pigments. The downtown shop is simply a joy for browsing. 6. Spa day! The newly opened Healthians Wellness World in Morden includes a variety of saunas, a steam room and massage therapy at the touch of a button in zero-gravity chairs. Or head over to the Avalon Day Spa in Winkler for a seaweed wrap or therapeutic massage. 7. Hit the beach! Admittedly, I stayed in the shallows, but the Splish Splash Waterpark at Colert Beach inside the Lake Minnewasta Recreation Area in Morden truly looked like a blast. I saw youngsters get launched from a giant pillow, race down a puffy slide and fly high on a trampoline — all over the water on this inflatable playground. Winkler's Bethel Heritage Park is a downtown treasure featuring a fountain, overflowing garden beds and a pavilion that hosts live theatre and concerts.(Travel Manitoba photo) 8. More than potatoes. I get endless teasing when I say The Potato Store in Winkler is my favourite stop. Yes, it's the place for bulk spuds at the best prices, but the newly expanded space also stocks a huge selection of made in Manitoba wares including honey, jams and chocolates and a dreamy gift section, not to mention The Crusty Bun for pastries and excellent coffees. The Potato Store in Winkler has plenty of made-in-Manitoba favourites. (Shel Zolkewich photo) 9. Dinner is served. Step into historic charm at Rendezvous Eatery & Taproom in Morden, once the town's newspaper office and now the home of mouth-watering barbecue on the weekends, tacos and margaritas on Thursdays and Underwood IPA, just one of the brews offered here. 10. Ice cream for the road. Making a decision at the take-out window is the most difficult part of a visit to Charley B's in Winkler. But you'll never go wrong with the Checker Split, my fave because it includes a sprinkle of brownies on top. The busy joint also has a Pawsh Picnic menu just for the doggos. BONUS: Stop by Morden Nurseries for your very own apple u-pick adventure in their orchard in late summer. Visit Morden Nurseries & Garden Centre and take home a bag of u-pick apples. BONUS: Are you a fan of Hallmark movies? Then you're sure to recognize Bella's Castle in her starring role in Pumpkin Everything (2022).
Winnipeg Free Press
a day ago
- Winnipeg Free Press
Twice the fun
'Why would you go to Morden and Winkler for the weekend?' It's a question I used to get asked a lot. But after a few stays, and even more shares on social media, the questions have become, 'Where can we stay if we go there?' and 'What should we do there?' The twin cities of Morden and Winkler are 12 kilometres apart on Provincial Highway 3. That means visitors get two for the price of one when it comes to family fun, fabulous food and superb shopping in southwestern Manitoba. Your micro-vacation starts here with our Top 10. Travel Manitoba photo Winkler's Bethel Heritage Park is a downtown treasure featuring a fountain, overflowing garden beds and a pavilion that hosts live theatre and concerts. 1. Stay in a castle. It rests on Morden's main thoroughfare, elegantly holding its place from another time. Built in 1902, Bella's Castle is impossible to miss with its wraparound porch, impressive stonework and, at night, a gallery of twinkling lights. Take your pick from one of five suites, including The Penthouse, which includes a fireplace and claw-foot tub. 2. Eat corn! The farmers around Morden really do grow the most delicious corn in the land. And it's free to all at the Morden Corn and Apple Festival each August. I was mesmerized by the massive corn cooker that's powered by an antique steam engine. Incredibly, it churns out 50,000 cobs during the event. 3. Make it Mexican. My suitcase is bulging with grocery store finds on every return flight from Mexico. But I've found a much more convenient place to get all my favourites: Sunny Day Products and El Roi Mexican Imports, both in Winkler, stock sweet soda pop, Mexican oregano, achiote paste and all the other treats that make me feel like I've stepped into a Mexican market. Travel Manitoba photo Built in 1902, Bella's Castle in Morden is impossible to miss with its wraparound porch and impressive stonework. It's also taken a turn on the small screen. 4. Meet Bruce. Even if it's been a few years since you got excited about dinosaurs, the Canadian Fossil Discovery Centre in Morden is a must. It's home to Bruce and he demands attention as the world's largest publicly displayed mosasaur. I loved pretending I was Indiana Jones during the Fossil Dig Adventure Tour, where we learned real paleontological field techniques. Check it out this summer. 5. Shop. Shop. Shop. I always stock up on Mint Medley shea hand cream (for these gardening hands) at Pure Anada, a made in Morden success story featuring cosmetics crafted from organic botanicals and mineral pigments. The downtown shop is simply a joy for browsing. 6. Spa day! Shel Zolkewich photo Cooking 50,000 cobs of free corn for people at Morden's Corn and Apple Festival in August is a team effort. The newly opened Healthians Wellness World in Morden includes a variety of saunas, a steam room and massage therapy at the touch of a button in zero-gravity chairs. Or head over to the Avalon Day Spa in Winkler for a seaweed wrap or therapeutic massage. 7. Hit the beach! Admittedly, I stayed in the shallows, but the Splish Splash Waterpark at Colert Beach inside the Lake Minnewasta Recreation Area in Morden truly looked like a blast. I saw youngsters get launched from a giant pillow, race down a puffy slide and fly high on a trampoline — all over the water on this inflatable playground. 8. More than potatoes. I get endless teasing when I say The Potato Store in Winkler is my favourite stop. Yes, it's the place for bulk spuds at the best prices, but the newly expanded space also stocks a huge selection of made in Manitoba wares including honey, jams and chocolates and a dreamy gift section, not to mention The Crusty Bun for pastries and excellent coffees. 9. Dinner is served. photos by Shel Zolkewich The Potato Store in Winkler has plenty of made-in-Manitoba favourites. Step into historic charm at Rendezvous Eatery & Taproom in Morden, once the town's newspaper office and now the home of mouth-watering barbecue on the weekends, tacos and margaritas on Thursdays and Underwood IPA, just one of the brews offered here. 10. Ice cream for the road. Making a decision at the take-out window is the most difficult part of a visit to Charley B's in Winkler. But you'll never go wrong with the Checker Split, my fave because it includes a sprinkle of brownies on top. The busy joint also has a Pawsh Picnic menu just for the doggos. BONUS: Stop by Morden Nurseries for your very own apple u-pick adventure in their orchard in late summer. Visit Morden Nurseries & Garden Centre and take home a bag of u-pick apples. BONUS: Are you a fan of Hallmark movies? Then you're sure to recognize Bella's Castle in her starring role in Pumpkin Everything (2022).
Cision Canada
10-06-2025
- Cision Canada
Sunwing Vacations customers can now book their winter escape to Riu Ventura, an all-new Cancun resort set to open on December 6, 2025
The beachfront resort will offer 700+ rooms, family-friendly amenities and vibrant experiences in Cancun's Hotel Zone TORONTO, June 10, 2025 /CNW/ - Just in time for the winter sun season, Riu Ventura is officially set to open its doors on December 6, 2025, and Sunwing Vacations customers can now be among the first to book their stay at this all-new all-inclusive resort located on the famed Delfines Beach in Cancun's Hotel Zone. Marking RIU Hotels & Resorts' sixth property in Cancun and 23rd in Mexico, Hotel Riu Ventura will offer guests a vibrant, family-friendly escape with the signature 24-hour all-inclusive experience Riu is known for, all with a modern twist. This latest addition further strengthens RIU's longstanding connection to the Mexican Caribbean and its appeal among Canadian travellers seeking sun, style, and convenience. Resort highlights include: Over 700 modern rooms, including swim-out and family suites with two-bedroom options Six outdoor pools, including one with slides and another on the sixth floor with sea views Access to RIULand kids' club and family-focused entertainment programs Dining options ranging from Asian, Mexican and Italian restaurants to a steakhouse and international buffet Six bars, offering refreshing cocktails day and night RIU Party access at nearby Riu Caribe for guests looking to enjoy themed nightlife events Access to RIUFit fitness programs, and a Renova Spa for wellness and relaxation (at extra cost) Hotel Riu Ventura delivers a well-rounded, exciting experience with great value—perfect for families, couples, and groups of friends seeking sun-soaked adventures or a relaxing beachfront retreat. As a preferred partner in Canada, Sunwing Vacations offers direct flights to Cancun from major cities across the country this winter. Customers can book Riu Ventura packages online via or with their trusted travel advisor today. About Sunwing Vacations As the leading vacation provider in Canada, Sunwing Vacations offers more vacation packages to the south than any other vacation provider with convenient direct service from cities across Canada to popular sun destinations across the Caribbean, Mexico and Central America. This scale enables Sunwing Vacations to offer customers exclusive deals at top-rated resorts in the most popular vacation destinations. Sunwing Vacations customers benefit from the assistance of our trusted partner in destination, NexusTours, whose representatives greet customers upon arrival and support them throughout their vacation journey. For more information, please visit SOURCE Sunwing Vacations Inc.
