A Cozy Winter Getaway to Gimli

There’s something about frigid temps and a fresh snowfall that make you want to plan a winter getaway, and hunker down at a cozy cabin in the woods. So, we packed up and headed to Gimli to do just that.

Bright and airy bliss
Bowerbird Stays graciously invited us to their Bright and Playful Cabin in Arnes, Manitoba. Located on a quiet street a short walk from the shores of Lake Winnipeg, this quaint and cozy cabin stay is a fifteen-minute drive to the beachy town of Gimli. While this area really comes to life in the summer months, we were seeking a quiet, peaceful winter escape away from the city bustle—and the Bright and Playful Cabin was exactly what we were looking for.

Walking up to the cabin you’re greeted by an adorable screened-in porch, equipped with a quintessential wooden porch swing for two. We spotted a BBQ and bistro set on the deck, but the -20C forecast was to keep us inside all weekend. And in a cozy space like this one, we didn’t mind one bit.

Skylights and snow-topped trees
Stepping into the pine-paneled cabin, it instantly lives up to its name. Bright, airy, and wonderfully welcoming, the vaulted ceilings, skylights, and sun-soaked open-concept layout were made for a weekend of entertaining family and friends. My brother and sister-in-law joined us for the weekend; they retreated to the spacious sleeping loft (with a backyard-facing balcony!) while we slept in the first-floor bedroom with the coziest, cushiest king-size bed (the mattress was top-notch). The 950 sq ft cabin comfortably sleeps six, so it’s great for a getaway with friends, couples, and small groups. The kitchen is well-stocked with all the essentials, including place settings for kids (as parents of a toddler, we always appreciate this!), a coffee maker (also essential), stainless steel appliances, and a sprawling center island for communal cooking.

Wintry day trip to Gimli

While we brought a sled for our two-year-old daughter and had intentions of outdoor explorations and a backyard campfire, the frosty weather kept us indoors. Instead, we cozied up in the living room on the big velvet couch and stylish lounge chairs—apple cider mimosas in hand—and enjoyed a roaring fire in the woodstove all weekend long. The big-screen TV, well-connected WiFi, and DVD collection are all the makings of a fun family movie night. All you need to do is bring your own popcorn. Our daughter also loved exploring the stash of board games she discovered underneath the living room coffee table. There are so many memories to be made here.

In the morning we made blueberry pancakes from scratch, built a gingerbread house, and sipped hot coffee—the cabin’s expansive windows lending a picturesque view of the surrounding forest and gently falling snow. It was like being inside an idyllic snow globe! In the afternoon we headed into Gimli just a short drive away, passing by Camp Morton and scoping out the beautiful lake views. While we didn’t get our staple fish-and-chips as we would in the summertime, we did make another classic Gimli trip to H.P. Tergensen & Sons. The eclectic boutique is always a fun treasure hunt of hard-to-find books, Icelandic-inspired apparel, playful gifts, and retro candies. We stocked up on woolen socks, peppermint sticks, and some fun holiday gifts for our family back in Winnipeg.

While the Bright and Playful Cabin, Gimli, and the surrounding area are only a one-hour drive from Winnipeg, it always feels like a relaxing escape when we head north to the quaint beachside town. If you’re looking for an easy weekend getaway in Manitoba that will leave you feeling lighter, happier, and refreshed, the Bright and Playful Cabin by Bowerbird Stays is the place for you.

We hope you enjoy your stay as much as we did. Until next time!