Who says winter can't be hot?

Winter in Winnipeg can be the most romantic time of the year. Just because it’s cold outside, doesn’t mean you need to let the home fires burn low. Whether you’re dating or married, 18 or 80, there is always something romantic to do with the love of your life; you just need to look. Here are our top five sizzling recommendations for you and your sweetheart this winter. The fire is so delightful How about a winter getaway to the beach? That’s right, in Manitoba. Imagine waking up to a winter wonderland, the forest decorated with hoarfrost glittering off of every branch and blade of grass, snow gently falling as you walk through the woods listening to the birds chirp and squirrels chat overhead. Fabulous four season resorts, located throughout the province, can offer all the comforts of home and then some. Go for a night, or better yet a weekend to enjoy some quiet seclusion and just focus on each other. Many offer romance packages, late checkouts and winter activity rentals. The only thing you need to decide is where you want to escape to and what amenities are most important. If it’s luxury you’re after perhaps an idyllic, three-bedroom, luxury cottage, situated on a half-acre lot will give you what you need. Bear Country Cottages, located near Grand Beach, offer privacy and all of the perks, including flat screen TV’s with satellite, leather couches, a BBQ, steam showers and hot tubs. Luxury and privacy, you can feel like you’re in the middle of the wilderness. Inverness Falls Resort, on Brereton Lake in Manitoba’s beautiful and rocky Whiteshell area, is ideal for the couple who is looking for a winter playground. Many suites, cottages and chalets are equipped with luxuries like fireplaces and spa tubs. Ask for one with an outdoor hot tub for a real treat. Here you can explore the wilderness together with the numerous activities available including cross-country and downhill skiing, snowshoeing, ice-fishing and hiking. Snowmobilers may want to take their sleds to explore some of the 200 kilometres of groomed trails before heading back for some snuggling in front of the fire. The resort rents outdoor activity equipment.   Can’t help falling in love Fall in love all over again with an F-Scape staycation at the Fairmont. Check in early, so you can start off with a morning of ice skating on the Forks River Trail – one of the longest in the world. Afterwards, unwind together in the steamy thermal pools at Thermëa spa, an easy 20 minute drive from the hotel complete with valet parking. The Fairmont’s certified tea sommelier will be waiting for you upon your return for an exclusive tea tasting. Learn how to blend winter favourites like spiced apple cider and receive two boxes of your favourite Fairmont tea to savour at home. The F-scape can be booked until April 30, 2016. If this isn’t your cup of tea try one of their other romance packages. Many of our hotels offer special couple packages throughout the year, perfect for a extravagant night together. One of the Clarion’s romance packages offers an evening in an executive suite with a bottle of wine, cheese and cracker platter, two mineral pool passes, gift certificates to the Urban Oasis Spa and a neighbouring restaurant of your choice along with a late morning check-out. Be a kid again Re-live your childhood and remember why growing up with Winnipeg winters was so much fun. Feel the rush as you shoot down the toboggan slide, the wind biting at your cheeks and bringing out that rosy glow. After a quick warm up why not head over to Fort Whyte for some cross-country skiing. They have oodles of trails to explore and when you’ve had enough come in from the cold for a freshly ground coffee at Buffalo Stone Cafe. Relax and chat while you look out over the lake and enjoy something from their daily menu selection. All items are cooked from scratch and taste amazing. If you haven’t had enough of the great outdoors make a snowman or have a friendly snowball fight when you get home before heading in for a cosy night. A romantic ride for two Probably one of the most romantic things you can do in the winter is go for a private sleigh ride for two. While there are a ton of places to go for sleigh rides in and around the city, finding one that will take couples on a private ride is a little harder. Fortunately, you can enjoy an old-fashioned sleigh ride for two at Miracle Ranch, near Bird’s Hill Park. Just remember to book ahead. A private driver will take you on a long winding ride through wintery woods as you huddle together, faces close, your breath swirling and rising on the crisp air. A warm blanket to snuggle under coupled with the sound of bells jingling as the horses pull the sleigh through the snow really is a heavenly experience. Who knows, this might even be the perfect way to propose?

: