The Fort Garry Hotel, Spa and Conference Centre

The story of the Fort Garry Hotel began in 1910, when Grand Trunk Pacific Railway president Charles M. Hays announced a series of grand railway hotels intended to serve Canada's transcontinental travelers. The company hired the Montreal firm Ross and MacFarlane, who then drew designs for an impressive edifice in the Châteauesque style. Construction began in 1911 on land near Union Station and was completed in 1913. The grand opening became a gala event, held on 10 December 1913, and guests were officially welcomed the following day.

In the decades that followed, the hotel became part of Winnipeg's social fabric. It hosted notable visitors such as writer Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, jazz icon Louis Armstrong, and British Royals King George VI and Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother. The Canadian National Railway also began broadcasting radio station CNRW from the hotel in 1924. For its heritage architecture and contribution to the city, the Fort Garry Hotel was designated a National Historic Site of Canada in 1981. Presently, the hotel is operated by partners Ida Albo and Richard Bel, and the Laberge Group, who acquired the establishment in 1994.

The Fort Garry Hotel strikes a bold and impressive figure on the streets of Upper Fort Garry in Winnipeg, standing out because of its distinct silhouette. The hotel's structure was designed by Montreal architects George A. Ross and David H. MacFarlane, commissioned by the Grand Trunk Pacific Railway. The building follows the Châteauesque architectural style, commonly associated with early-20th-century Canadian railway hotels and inspired by the opulence of French Renaissance châteaux. Other notable examples of this style include Fairmont Château Laurier in Ottawa and Fairmont Hotel Vancouver.

Architecturally and structurally, the hotel combines château-style features with the massing of an early-20th-century high-rise. The 13-story structure was built with Indiana limestone walls and supported by a granite base. The exterior was then crowned by steeply pitched roofs punctuated by dormer windows, gables, and decorative finials. Its interior spaces were designed to be just as impressive, with elaborate areas like the two-story lobby with marble floors, stone walls, and a mezzanine. Its function venues, particularly the ballrooms and reception halls, were intentionally placed on the upper floors to impress guests with commanding views of Winnipeg.

Oval Room Brasserie

Guests should not miss out on the exquisite yet casually accessible French-inspired brasserie dining experience at the Oval Room. The restaurant focuses on classic bistro dishes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, available as shared plates or full meals. Diners are encouraged to pair their meals with beverages from the extensive selection of wines and cocktails. The result is a vibrant dining experience that combines French cuisine with the historic lounge atmosphere that is altogether relaxing and fulfilling.

Opening hours:
Breakfast: Monday to Friday: 7:30 pm – 10:30 pm
Lunch: Monday to Friday: 11:30 am – 4 pm
Dinner:
Monday to Saturday: 4 pm – 10:30 pm
Sunday: 3:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Brunch: Saturday & Sunday: 7:30 am – 3 pm

Vida Cucina Italia

Savor Italian fine-dining at Vida Cucina Italia, Fort Garry Hotel's signature Italian restaurant providing contemporary interpretations of traditional Italian Mediterranean cuisine. The menu features handmade pastas, antipasti, and classic Italian main courses, all prepared using locally sourced quality ingredients. As with any classic Italian tradition, each dish is best paired with vintages from the restaurant's extensive wine list.

Opening Hours
Tuesday to Saturday: 5 pm - 10 pm
Sunday & Monday: Closed except for private dining bookings

The Club Room

The Club Room offers a fun and lively evening featuring delightful meals and wonderful performances. Catch local artists, stage acts, and comedy shows while you hang out with friends or family. Food and beverages are crafted by the hotel’s kitchen teams and are available both before and during live events, providing an informal dinner focused on shared dishes. Opening hours are dependent on planned events, so keep an eye out for announcements via the hotel's website or on-site.

Sunset Terrace

Although the Sunset Terrace is only available seasonally, it provides an incredible outdoor dining and drinking space. Enjoy the casual, sunlit setting while savoring light meals like pizzas and pastas, and drinks from the extensive bar menu. The alfresco space is often complemented by entertainment programs showcasing Winnipeg artists and performers, providing a lovely time you can spend together with friends and family.

Although Canada doesn't have fortified castles like in Europe that are perfect for fairytale weddings, many of the country's railway hotels adopted magnificent chateauesque designs. The Fort Garry Hotel is among these properties, promising majestic venues and vibrant celebrations. The hotel’s services include multiple indoor event spaces, as well as experienced planners who will coordinate with the hotel’s teams. The packages provide a baseline that you can further customize, such as changing the layout, catering, and event flow.

Here are some examples of the hotel's venues:

Grand Ballroom - A massive historic ballroom with Old World architecture and floor-to-ceiling windows.
Capacity: 550 guests

Crystal Ballroom - Lavish reception venue suited for large gatherings and formal dinners.
Capacity: 280 guests

Gateway and Tache Rooms - A pair of moderately sized halls on the mezzanine floor that can be combined.
Capacity: 100 guests if combined

Cultural and Outdoor Experiences

Before you head out and explore Winnipeg, you should also check out the regular live entertainment options hosted by The Fort Garry Hotel. The Winnipeg Comedy Club hosts stand‑up performances featuring Canadian and touring comedians, letting guests enjoy rip-roaring laughs over dinner and drinks. The Club Room also regularly features live jazz performances with local and visiting musicians, many of whom represent Winnipeg's longstanding jazz scene. Speaking of which, the city hosts the yearly TD Winnipeg International Jazz Festival every June, drawing performers and audiences from all over to celebrate incredible jazz music and jazz-related genres.

When you're ready to explore, feel free to visit historic areas like The Exchange District, which is filled with early 20th‑century architecture and hosts galleries, cafés, and various monthly events. Winnipeg’s riverside meeting place, now called The Forks, has been a gathering spot for more than 6,000 years. Filled with markets, riverwalks, and year‑round attractions and activities, the area connects visitors with local history and Indigenous heritage. Outdoor major attractions include Assiniboine Park and Zoo, which offer expansive green space, themed gardens, and wildlife exhibits. As for yearly festivals to check out, there's the multicultural Winnipeg Folk Festival held in July, which showcases Canada's diverse cultural traditions, music, and arts.

If you need beautiful event spaces for your private or corporate functions, The Fort Garry Hotel will be happy to host your events. You'll have plenty of options on where to hold your conferences, meetings, receptions, and even private banquets. Along the way, you'll be supported by the hotel’s dedicated teams, who will coordinate room setup and equipment, as well as the food and beverage service. Venues range from large ballrooms designed for major conferences or receptions to smaller meeting rooms and salons for board meetings or private dining gatherings.

Here are some of the venues available:

Grand Ballroom – An expansive historic ballroom that can accommodate a particularly large gathering.
Capacity: 1,000 guests

Provencher Ballroom – A classy ballroom with tall ceilings, suited for fancy banquets and galas.
Capacity: 180 guests

La Verendrye Room – Sleek modern venue with views of the neighborhood.
Capacity: 180 guests