Check out Manitoba’s twin cities

‘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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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