Located near the town of Wasagaming in Central Manitoba, Elkhorn Resort Spa & Conference Centre lies within the boreal forest of Riding Mountain Biosphere Reserve (one of 19 UNESCO-designated Biosphere Reserves in Canada), with access to huge stretches of hiking and cross-country ski trails. In addition to guestrooms — some with fireplaces — accommodation choices include a variety of private chalets, such as the three-bedroom A-Frame Chalet and an Executive Chalet available for up to 12 people, with four bedrooms, an executive boardroom, three fireplaces, three-car garage, an outdoor hot tub and its own private grounds.

Dining at the on-site Buffalo Bar is casual, with a hearty menu including classic poutine made with French Quebec cheese curds and gravy, Bison Chili, the Chef’s Weekly Charcuterie Selection, salmon and Manitoba pickerel. For breakfast, there’s pumpkin pie French toast; eggs benny poutine; and Clear Lake Benny with smoked salmon, avocado and chipotle mayonnaise.

Be sure to get outside: The resort’s outdoor winter activities include fat-tire biking, snowshoeing, skiing, skating, wildlife viewing, geocaching and plenty more ways to keep your blood pumping.

Plus, once your mittens are off, you’ll enjoy settling in by a cozy fireplace or heading directly to the spa for a long soak in the mineral pool. The spa is currently being updated and expanded, with the new Elkhorn Nordic Spa opening this summer. If you prefer to time your visit after the snow melts, new amenities will include both a dry and steam sauna, a cold plunge pool, temperate pool, two hot tubs and a relaxation pavilion.

New outdoor areas will feature a lounging area with fireplaces and a spa bistro terrace with additional seating to go along with the updated spa center’s new dining venue.