Canadians are known for being kind and polite. Our please and thank yous echo from coast to coast, no matter how big the city or how small the hamlet. Brandon, Manitoba is no exception.
The province’s second-largest city exudes Canadian charm and hospitality. Whip out a map and you’ll notice that Brandon is one of the most central cities in all of Canada, with near equal distances from Vancouver and Toronto. It also straddles the Trans-Canada Highway, providing a welcoming pit stop for cross-country road trippers or for those popping by to take in one the city’s major sporting events.
Its hospitality makes Brandon an ideal spot for a family vacation, whether you’re visiting for sporting events, festivals, relatives or just plain fun.
Curling and hockey are quintessentially Canadian – winter sports run in our blood and are a big part of Brandon’s history and identity. Throughout the years, Brandon has played a integral role in hosting some of Canada’s most prestigious curling championships, including The Scott Tournament of Hearts and The Brier. It’s also home to the Western Hockey League’s Brandon Wheat Kings. From September through March, roughly 5,000 hockey fans cheer on their home team at the Keystone Centre while also welcoming visiting hockey teams from across Western Canada.
If you’d rather bypass the curling rocks and hockey pucks, the city is also known for its cultural arts and music festivals. One of the Brandon’s most anticipated events is the Royal Manitoba Winter Fair, which also takes place at the Keystone Centre every year at the end of March. It’s one of only two fairs in Canada with royal patronage, which it received in 1970 by Queen Elizabeth II. Other events which draw large local and visiting crowds include the Brandon Festival of the Arts, the Brandon Jazz Festival and the Brandon Folk Music Festival.
Whether you’re in Brandon for a brief stint or an extended stay, finding a hotel that is comfortable, clean and provides a warmth reminiscent of home is important – especially with kids in tow. That’s why these 5 properties, with added amenities such as indoor pools, fitness centres and dining options, are key ingredients to making family travel fuss-free and memorable.