While our Thanksgiving may have looked a bit different here in Winnipeg this year with smaller gatherings and virtual dinner parties, we’re still enjoying the gorgeous fall colours and delightful sweater weather. With the changing of the seasons, our team took a moment to reflect on the past six months. As tough as this time has been, we’re optimistic for the new year and have plenty to be thankful for. We would love to share with you our thoughts, as we near the end of 2020.
Natalie Thiesen, Director of Tourism
It’s no doubt been a difficult time for our industry, but I am grateful for our collaborative, passionate and resilient team of Winnipeg tourism and hospitality professionals, whom I have the opportunity to work with every day.
Favourite fall-time find: I enjoy running on our urban trails, it’s an ideal time to take in the changing colours from all of the vantage points along the Assiniboine River. After a great run, enjoy great fall picnics with amazing local food from St. Leons Jardins/Gardens. I’m grateful to have this amazing market in the heart of my neighbourhood of Norwood Flats, as I’m a bit of a foodie and really delight in treating myself to the freshest baguettes and local cheeses.
“One foot in front of the other, let's just keep moving forward together!”
Grace Hicks, Business Development Manager
I’m thankful for all the partners in Winnipeg and across Canada for their resilience, patience and dedication to continue serving our clients and industry. A quote from one of my favourite authors Sheryl Sandberg really resonated with me and my industry colleagues, “Resilience leads to greater happiness, more success and better health.”
Favourite fall-time find: My husband and my two little girls, Sophia (9) and Gabriella (4) truly cherish our walks around our neighborhood on weekends, where we hunt for “kindness rocks.” It’s a great way to bring a bit of joy to our lives and our neighbours. One of our favourite places to take a stroll is at Grant’s Old Mill along the Sturgeon Creek Greenway where we can take in the quirky and cute wooden reindeer artwork installed by local artist Paul Leullier.
"Our industry will come back on top and be better than ever!"
Annie Henry, Business Development Manager
This year will certainly leave a mark on our industry and the way we do business for many years to come. When we all chose to reduce our social circles and physically distance in order to flatten the curve, I am very grateful I have found the support of a group of close friends that I can rely on and spend time with.
Favourite fall-time find: Before heading out for a fun evening out with friends, I often fuel up with a stop at my local coffee shop in the Exchange District. Colosimo Coffee Roasters Café is the newest addition to the growing number of coffee shops in Winnipeg. My friends and I absolutely adore spending an evening at FortWhyte Alive, taking in one of its sunset goose flights. It’s awe inspiring to see hundreds of Canadian geese begin their south migration by landing on the lake, during a beautiful prairie sunset. The evening is highlighted by a three-course menu, prepared by top-notch chefs from SMITH restaurant.
“Great growth can come from unprecedented situations. We have to think outside the box and experience new ways of doing business. You never know – it might actually be an opportunity in disguise!”