Winnipeg's 'Birchwood Inn' returns to its roots after 50 years, renovations to begin this year

The hotel, which first opened its doors in 1976, is still owned by the family who built it, and who originally named it in tribute to Manitoba’s resilient birchwood trees. For decades, the Birchwood has been a go-to venue for family gatherings, business events, fundraising dinners and conventions, while also serving as a trusted spot for a comfortable overnight stay.

“We are so thrilled to be returning to the name many still call us, the Birchwood Inn,” says Bruce MacKay, general manager. ​“We remain locally owned by the same family who built the hotel in 1976. The Birchwood Inn was their original name for the hotel, an homage to hardy, resilient birchwood trees of Manitoba.”

Renaming aside, the hotel’s ownership and service philosophy remain unchanged.

“Whatever name we use, we remain committed to the same level of quality we’ve come to be known for over the years,” MacKay says. ​“Our team of dedicated staff may now answer your calls differently, but they are the exact team that has gone above and beyond for decades to provide the highest level of hospitality they can to ensure our guests leave here with smiles.”

The name change will coincide with new upgrades to the property, with renovations slated to begin in 2025. Upcoming changes will focus on enhancing guest comfort, particularly in the front entrance, lobby and guestrooms.

“To be honest, we don’t need much of a spruce up,” MacKay comments. ​“Our local owners have continuously reinvested in this property over its life. In the last few years, we’ve completed room renovations, revamped our beloved pool and play structure, and re-envisioned our restaurants and banquet rooms. We even added the nostalgic fish tanks back into the elevators because guests loved that original 1975 amenity and begged us to bring them back.”

Over its five-decade history, the Birchwood Inn has welcomed more than five million overnight guests and hosted thousands of community events. Its on-site restaurant has served millions of glasses of orange juice — and counting.

Guests with existing reservations do not need to rebook. All bookings for rooms and functions have been seamlessly transitioned to the BW Premier Collection system.