Winnipeg is a cultural city known for its festivals, culture, and railway connections. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation.
How much does it cost to travel to Winnipeg?
You should plan to spend around $252 (CA$351) per day on your vacation in Winnipeg. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $9.23 (CA$13) on meals
- $181 (CA$253) on hotels
A one week trip to Winnipeg for two people costs, on average, $3,527 (CA$4,914). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
Is Winnipeg expensive to visit?
Winnipeg is a smaller city that attracts a broad range of travelers, encompassing various travel styles, spending practices, and budget options. Budget-conscious travelers will find suitable hotel options, but there are also high-end hotels for those seeking luxury, plus mid-range accommodations for families or couples.
Winnipeg can certainly rack up expenses, but there are strategies to minimize costs, including eating at less expensive restaurants and looking for discounts and coupons.
On average, budget travelers spend $190 (CA$265) per day, mid-range travelers spend $252 (CA$351) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $424 (CA$591) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Winnipeg.
Within North America, which is known to be an expensive region, Winnipeg is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Cape Canaveral or Gatlinburg.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Winnipeg Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Winnipeg?
The average Winnipeg trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Winnipeg travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Winnipeg cost?
Winnipeg on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$34
(CA$48)
|
$91
(CA$126)
|
$251
(CA$350)
|
|
Food 2
|
$4
(CA$5.33)
|
$9
(CA$13)
|
$21
(CA$29)
|
|
Entertainment 1
|
$2
(CA$3.47)
|
$2
(CA$3.47)
|
$2
(CA$3.47)
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
It's important to set realistic expectations for your travel budget in Winnipeg. While many think they can cut costs for many things, the reality is that most people won't enjoy such a low-budget experience. Consider your preferences and travel style. Do you like resorts, hotels, vacation rentals, or hostels? Are activities and dining out a big part of your travel plans? Your answers will shape your budget and itinerary.
What Does It Mean to Be a Budget Traveler?
While you might think you're a budget traveler, without giving up many of your usual comforts, you'll likely need to spend more than the $190 per day that backpackers often spend.
Backpackers often work within this tight budget by staying in hostel dorms, eating fast food or street food, using public transit, and mainly visiting free attractions.
What Makes You an Average Traveler?
Couples and families enjoying a vacation will probably want to stay in a mid-range hotel, eat at popular dining spots, and explore the key museums and attractions that have entry fees. A trip to Winnipeg wouldn't be complete without visiting its major attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks. Keep in mind that most activities cost money. Thus, it's reasonable to expect your daily budget to be around $252 per person, per day.
Winnipeg offers a diverse selection of hotels and vacation rentals. If you're traveling with companions, you can share a hotel room with a partner, friend, or your kids, making it easier on your wallet. Families should look for hotels and restaurants that are family-friendly. The Grand Winnipeg Airport Hotel by Lakeview is an excellent option for kids, and Hilton Winnipeg Airport Suites is another fantastic choice. For more family and couple-friendly accommodations, check out our hotel guide for Winnipeg here.
Want to Escape the Daily Grind in Style?
If you want an all encompassing getaway with top-notch amenities and exceptional service, get ready for a daily cost around $424. Staying in upscale hotels, dining at acclaimed restaurants, indulging in lavish activities, and using taxis or private drivers to navigate the city will require a more luxurious budget. Also, higher-end tours are common with luxury travelers, such as Private City Tour in Winnipeg - offered by Viator.
Accommodation Budget in Winnipeg
In Winnipeg, the price of hotels can really surprise you. Some are much more expensive, offering higher luxury and amenities. Peak season rates soar, with off-season averages around $106 and peak summer season rising to an average of $198. Prices typically range from $79 to $256, but hostels remain cheaper, especially in dorms. To save money, book during the low season or take advantage of special promotions and advance deals.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Winnipeg for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $181 (CA$253). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $91 (CA$126) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Winnipeg? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Winnipeg include:
- The Grand Winnipeg Airport Hotel by Lakeview starting at $142
- Delta Hotels by Marriott Winnipeg starting at $152
- Courtyard by Marriott Winnipeg Airport starting at $119
- Alt Hotel Winnipeg starting at $125
- BEST WESTERN PLUS Pembina Inn & Suites starting at $109
If you travel during the low or shoulder season (and skip summer), you'll enjoy lower accommodation prices and fewer tourists.
Food Budget in Winnipeg
In Winnipeg, the food is tasty, but it's usually not the main hightlight for travelers. You'll uncover some hidden treasures around the city. You'll find a wide variety of restaurants around town that serve a mix of local dishes and international cuisines. A must-see part of the city is the historic Forks Market.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
While restaurant and meal prices in Winnipeg can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Winnipeg is $9.23 (CA$13) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$9.23
CA$13
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Winnipeg is around $9 (CA$13) per person, with previous travelers spending from $4 to $21. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Winnipeg are as follows:
- Breakfast: $1 to $3
- Lunch: $1 to $4
- Dinner: $3 to $6
- Coffee: $1
- Fast Food or Street Food: $1
Winnipeg loves food. There is an amazing array of restaurants catering to every taste and budget. Winnipeg’s restaurant scene has shaken off its meat-and-potatoes reputation and become a foodie destination in its own right. From thoughtfully reinvented diner fare to refined plates elevating Canadian ingredients, there's something for every taste here. Some local favorites include: Winnipeg goldeye, a smoked fish available at most grocery stores and fish markets, Winnipeg-style rye bread, best bought unsliced directly from City Bread, Winnipeg-style cream cheese, and Kubasa or kielbasa, a ready-to-eat Eastern European pork garlic sausage smoked daily.
Lots of hotels throw breakfast into the room rate, but some will charge for it. The quality and price can differ by hotel. Understanding this in advance can help you figure out if you'll need to spend extra money. It may be worth splurging on the hotel buffet, or you could find a less expensive option at a nearby bakery or cafe.
Carry a water bottle with you instead of buying drinks everywhere. It's also good for the environment.
Before booking a tour, make a point of knowing which meals are part of the package. You may be responsible for some of your food costs, which can increase your overall budget.
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Winnipeg
Travelers flock to Winnipeg because it is well-known for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, and family-friendly activities.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Winnipeg typically cost an average of $2.49 (CA$3.47) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
-
Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$2.49
CA$3.47
The Canadian Museum for Human Rights, housed in a stunning contemporary building, explores human rights issues as they relate to Canada, its culture, and the rest of the world through the medium of striking interactive displays, videos, art and more. Exhibits don’t shy away from sensitive subjects, such as the internment of Canadian-Japanese during WWII and Aboriginal children forced into residential schools as recently as the 1990s, and the Holocaust and Holodomor are given sensitive treatment.
The Manitoba Museum explores nature trips through the subarctic, history trips into 1920s Winnipeg, and cultural journeys covering the past 12,000 years – if it happened in Manitoba, it’s here. Amid the superb displays are a planetarium and an engaging science gallery. One exhibit shows what Churchill was like as a tropical jungle, a mere 450 million years ago, while a replica of the Nonsuch, the 17th-century ship that opened up the Canadian west to trade, is another highlight.
The ship-shaped Winnipeg Art Gallery plots a course for contemporary Manitoban and Canadian artists, including the world’s largest collection of Inuit work, alongside a permanent collection of European Renaissance art. Temporary exhibits include artworks by Chagall and Karel Funk, and serpentinite carvings by internationally successful Inuit carver Oviloo Tunnillie.
The Aboriginal Centre, located in the historic CP Rail Station, the Centre is a gathering place and vital central resource for Winnipeg's Aboriginal community. Visitors will enjoy seeing the Rotunda area, complete with the original doorways through which many travelers passed, restored to its former grandeur.
The Forks, a tourist attraction on the Red River, with a Market offering fresh and specialty foods plus more than 50 unique shops – housed in an eclectic and historic building that was originally a horse stable. The market has an excellent food court with various ethnic food options including favorites ‘Taste of Sri Lanka’ and ‘Bindy’s Caribbean Delights’. Head to the hayloft for handicrafts and one-of-a-kind items from clothing and artisan-inspired gifts to jewelry, toys and much more. In the winter you can rent ice skates and go skating down the Red River. In the summer, there are special events and outdoor entertainment almost daily, not to mention some fantastic patios and outdoor bars. If you’re visiting Winnipeg, it’s a must-see.
Visit Assiniboine Park, Winnipeg’s emerald jewel. There are playgrounds, gardens, a conservatory and much more, but the most popular attraction here is the zoo. White snow leopards, white Bengal tigers and polar bears are some of the over 2000 animals seen close-up at Assiniboine Park Zoo, which specializes in animals indigenous to harsher climates.
There are several tours available in Winnipeg. Take a tour to discover how bison influenced the history of Manitoba and the lives of Aboriginals, Metis, and Pioneers. Venture through the aspen forest onto the open prairie, where you will experience your first close-up encounter with 30 grunting, munching bison. Test your skills as you power a mighty Voyageur canoe around the lake, or hear the crunching of the snow under the snowshoe. Explore a Plains Cree Tipi and marvel at the design and functionality. Take a Haunted Winnipeg Bus Tour. Learn historical tales of haunted sites and peculiar activities that take place at famous haunted locations throughout Winnipeg. Experience Winnipeg's French Quarter and history at its best on a walking tour. Or choose from several other tour options available.
Have some fun at the Fun Mountain Water Slide Park, where you can enjoy water slides, tropical theme mini golf, and bumper boat rentals. Or go for a ride at Grand Prix Amusements, with go-kart racing on three challenging tracks with over 75 go-karts for ages four to adult, 18-hole pirate theme mini golf, bumper boats, bumper cars, batting cages, and arcades are also available here. Another fun park, Thunder Rapids Fun Park, offers five different types of go-karts, bumper boats, batting cages, video games, jungle gym, picnic/bbq areas, and 18-hole mini golf. And the Tinkertown Family Fun Park is an outdoor amusement park with over 20 rides and attractions for kids.
Winnipeg has other entertainment options including theaters, orchestra's, and opera's, so there's sure to be something for every interest.
Museums and Attractions:
Winnipeg boasts some of the world's most well-known museums and landmarks. There are some unique museums around town including the Canadian Museum for Human Rights. Other popular museums are the Manitoba Museum and the Manitoba Children's Museum.
Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore Winnipeg. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- The Forks Historic Site: a Smartphone Audio Tour for $6 details
- Private City Tour in Winnipeg for $47 details
- Louis Riel & Red River Metis Trails Tour for $72 details
Traveling in Winnipeg
Winnipeg is the capital of the Canadian province of Manitoba. Its heart is The Forks, a historic site at the intersection of the Red and Assiniboine rivers, with warehouses converted to shops and restaurants, plus ample green space dedicated to festivals, concerts and exhibits. Nearby, the Exchange District is known for its well-preserved, early 20th-century architecture and numerous art galleries. Rising above the prairie, Winnipeg is a metropolis where you least expect it. Cultured, confident and captivating, it’s more than just a pit stop on the Trans-Canada haul, but a destination in its own right, with a couple of world-class museums and a wonderfully diverse dining scene.
Neighborhoods & Around
Corydon Avenue (Little Italy)
One of the city's hot spots for shopping, dining or an afternoon of people watching at one of the many sidewalk cafes and restaurants dotting the avenue. Corydon Avenue comes alive during warm summer evenings as crowds of people gather to meet, greet, and to have some of the best food, gelati, and sushi in the city.
Downtown
Downtown Winnipeg is centered around Portage Avenue and Main Street. Portage Avenue is the city’s busiest thoroughfare. Winnipeg Square, the MTS Centre, Portage Place, and the flagship store of The Bay are all located on the downtown section of this street. On Main Street are Winnipeg’s City Hall, Union Station, The Manitoba Museum, the Planetarium, the Centennial Concert Hall and the Winnipeg Railway Museum.
Exchange District
The Exchange District is a National Historic Site in the downtown area. The Exchange District today thrives as one of Winnipeg’s commercial and cultural centers. Winnipeg’s theatre district is also located in the Exchange District, home to the Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre and Centennial Concert Hall. Old Market Square is also in the Exchange which hosts the Jazz Winnipeg Festival and the Winnipeg Fringe Theatre Festival.
The Forks
A historic site and meeting place in Downtown Winnipeg located at the confluence of the Red River and Assiniboine River. Attractions include the Manitoba Theatre for Young People, the Winnipeg International Children’s Festival, one of the largest skateparks in Canada, the Esplanade Riel, the world’s longest skating trail (winter only), and the Canadian Museum for Human Rights.
Osborne
Filled with character, Osborne is Winnipeg’s most densely populated neighborhood. Popular annual events include the Canada Day Festival. Osborne Village is home to one of Winnipeg’s most vibrant collection of stores and restaurants.
River Heights
A mostly residential area that includes Grant Park Shopping Centre and Academy Bowling Lanes. Academy Road offers the finest shops and services, with designer-original fashions, toy and gift shops, bakeries, a chocolatier, a gourmet food and wine store and much more.
St. James (Polo Park)
Polo Park is Winnipeg’s largest retail and entertainment district. The mall of Polo Park has over 200 stores and the Cineplex Entertainment movie theatres.
St. Boniface (French Quarter)
Covering the southeast part of the city, it is home to the Franco-Manitoban community. It features such landmarks as the Cathedrale de Saint Boniface, Boulevard Provencher, the Provencher Bridge, Esplanade Riel, St. Boniface Hospital, the College universitaire de Saint-Boniface, and the Royal Canadian Mint. Every February Le Festival du Voyageur takes place outdoors at Parc Whittier Park and Fort Gibraltar.
We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.