Downtown Winnipeg Hotel
Discover the timeless allure of the Fort Garry Hotel, a cherished landmark in the heart of Downtown Winnipeg and a true icon among the best hotels in Winnipeg. Built in 1913 by the Grand Trunk Pacific Railway, this century-old architectural masterpiece seamlessly blends contemporary style with timeless Old World elegance, offering guests an atmosphere where grandeur and modern comforts coexist effortlessly. Over the decades, the Fort Garry Hotel has welcomed business travelers, local luminaries, and global celebrities alike, each drawn to its storied past, warm refined ambiance, and thoughtful design.The Fort Garry
Over A Century of Excellence
The hotel is widely considered the city’s finest example of the chateau style of architecture first seen in the magnificent railway hotels built across Canada before 1930.
The Fort Garry
Luxurious Guest Rooms
The luxurious guest rooms, featuring soaring 10-foot ceilings and state-of-the-art amenities, serve as tranquil retreats above the bustling city. Whether taking in the vibrancy of downtown or embracing the hotel’s quiet sophistication, every detail speaks to comfort and craftsmanship. Within these storied walls lies Ten Spa, a serene haven renowned as Winnipeg’s premier wellness destination—where moments of stillness and care restore body and mind.
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Culinary Artistry
Culinary artistry takes center stage throughout the property. From the casual elegance of the Oval Room Brasserie to the refined dining experience of Vida Cucina Italia—Winnipeg’s only fine dining Italian restaurant—every meal celebrates flavor, tradition, and innovation. Today, lovingly preserved details like handcrafted features and grand architectural flourishes stand as a testament to the Fort Garry Hotel’s century-old legacy, making it an essential destination for anyone seeking world-class hospitality and fascinating local heritage among top hotels in Winnipeg.
Over A Century of Excellence
Journey through the Fort Garry Hotel’s storied past with this highlights timeline, showcasing its evolution from a grand railway commission to an iconic Downtown Winnipeg hotel.
- 1913 – The Fort Garry Hotel opens on December 11, welcoming Grand Trunk Pacific Railway executives and Winnipeggers to the city’s “new castle of opulence.”
- 1924 – Circus magician Alfred Banyon, aka The Great Zanzig, joins the hotel as maître d’, a position he will hold for 22 years.
- 1948 – Bellman Andy Kuhn joins the hotel, collecting the first of hundreds of celebrity autographs he’ll acquire over 32 years.
- 1971 – A November fire on the hotel’s seventh floor requires 50 firefighters to extinguish and leaves the building water-damaged.
- 1988 – Quebec hotelier Raymond Malenfant buys the hotel in 1987, reopening it a year later, following extensive renovations, at a black-tie soiree for 750 guests.
- 1909 – Under new ownership, the beloved hotel is rebranded the Fort Garry Hotel, Spa and Conference Centre. A new facility is added for weddings and events.
- Present Day – As the hotel’s managing partners, Richard Bel and Ida Albo, along with the Laberge Group out of Quebec City, have resurrected and rebuilt the Fort Garry for a new generation of stylish travelers.