A Travel Price Comparison for Canada Calgary vs. Winnipeg for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Calgary or Winnipeg?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Calgary and Winnipeg can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Calgary

Calgary is a local, authentic, and western city. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Calgary travel costs.

Winnipeg

Winnipeg is a welcoming, cultural, and friendly city. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Winnipeg travel costs.

Calgary and Winnipeg: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers


Is there more to do in Calgary or Winnipeg?

Both Winnipeg and Calgary have plenty of things to do for travelers. Both provide a wide variety of sights and activities for tourists. Calgary is more touristy than Winnipeg and is popular for its farming and oil industries as well as the Calgary Stampede. Winnipeg is well known for its festivals, culture, and railway connections.

How is Calgary different from Winnipeg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Winnipeg and Calgary. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Calgary or Winnipeg?

Calgary
Winnipeg

Winnipeg is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Calgary is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Winnipeg. 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Calgary. It's worth visiting the Calgary Zoo, Fort Calgary, the Hangar Flight Museum, and Heritage Park, among others.


Is the Food Better in Calgary or Winnipeg? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Calgary
Winnipeg

Winnipeg is a city with good options for its restaurant scene. However, Calgary is not particularly known for its local flavors and cuisine.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Winnipeg. 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.

Calgary may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. The food scene is constantly evolving and you'll find plenty of casual restaurants. The city is known for its beef, so you should definitely sample a local steak.

Is Calgary or Winnipeg Better for Nightlife?

Calgary
Winnipeg

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Calgary and Winnipeg.

Calgary has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. Visitors often head to Stephen Avenue Walk for its bars and pubs. There's also a decent theater scene around town.

If you're looking for night time activities Winnipeg has a few options to choose from. The city has an active nightlife, even during the winter months. You'll find dance clubs, bars, and pubs around town that are popular with locals and visitors alike.

Is the Shopping Better in Calgary or Winnipeg?

Calgary
Winnipeg

Shopping is a popular activity in both Winnipeg and Calgary.

Calgary offers some nice shopping areas. There are plenty of independent shops around town as well as some great shopping neighborhoods. Make sure you check out Fourth Street and 17th Avenue. There are also large shopping malls.

Winnipeg has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find all of the standard shopping options around town, from boutiques to big box shops and even some outlets.


Is Calgary or Winnipeg Better for Families?

Calgary
Winnipeg

Both Calgary and Winnipeg are notable to visit with kids.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Calgary. There are a surprising number of things around town to do with kids such as petting zoos, museums, and even amusement parks. The Calgary Zoo is worth a visit, but also make sure you check out Calaway Park Amusement Park and the Telus Spark science center.

Winnipeg offers lots of family activities. Kids will love a visit to the Assiniboine Park Zoo or the Manitoba Children's Museum. There are a number of parks and playgrounds around town as well as the Prairie Dog Central Railway. There are many kid-friendly restaurants in the city as well.

Is Calgary or Winnipeg Better for Couples?

Calgary
Winnipeg

Both Calgary and Winnipeg are notable destinations for a couple's getaway.

Calgary makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. You'll find outdoor sports, boat tours, and plenty of great restaurants around town. If you're looking for a low key destination with a great vibe, then this is a great city for a weekend trip.

Winnipeg is a good city for couples to visit. Many couples enjoy wandering through Assiniboine Park. There are also many romantic restaurants and spas for couples.

Is Calgary or Winnipeg Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Calgary
Winnipeg

Calgary and Winnipeg are notable places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Calgary is a good city to visit for backpackers. A surprising number of backpackers end up passing through town, so you'll find a handful of hostels to choose from.

Plenty of backpackers visit Winnipeg. While it's often overlooked by backpackers, there are a couple of hostels around town.


Is Calgary or Winnipeg Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Calgary
Winnipeg

Calgary is a city with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, Winnipeg is not a good destination for its public transit.

While Calgary offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The public transportation system is relatively efficient with both light rail and buses.

Public transit is generally limited in Winnipeg. There's a bus system around town, but many visitors prefer to have a vehicle.

Is Calgary or Winnipeg a more walkable city?

Calgary
Winnipeg

Calgary and Winnipeg both are respectable when exploring on foot.

Calgary is generally not very walkable. While there are a couple of walkable neighborhood's around town, it's definitely not the most walkable city.

Winnipeg is generally not a very walkable city. While there are a few walkable neighborhoods, the city itself is not particularly walkable, particularly during the cold winter months.

For even more information, also check out Is Calgary Worth Visiting? and Is Winnipeg Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Winnipeg or Calgary?

How long in Calgary or Winnipeg?

It's fun to spend time in either Calgary or Winnipeg. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Winnipeg due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Calgary, and 2-4 days is enough time in Winnipeg.

Families should spend more time in Winnipeg than Calgary. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Winnipeg, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Winnipeg than Calgary. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Winnipeg that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Winnipeg than Calgary if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Winnipeg.


  • How many days in Calgary or Winnipeg? Ideal Length of Stay
    Calgary 1-2 
    Winnipeg 2-4

One day in Calgary or Winnipeg?

The city of Calgary offers nightlife and shopping. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Winnipeg, you'll find nightlife and food. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.


A weekend in Calgary or Winnipeg?

Calgary is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Calgary, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

In Winnipeg, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Winnipeg has to offer.

Five days in Calgary or Winnipeg?

Calgary is a popular choice for travelers. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Winnipeg is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Calgary or Winnipeg?

Calgary is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Winnipeg. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Winnipeg. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Canada, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Canada, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Canada, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Canada.


Which place is cheaper, Winnipeg or Calgary?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Calgary is $168, while the average daily cost in Winnipeg is $242. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Calgary and Winnipeg in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Calgary $69
    Winnipeg $87
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Calgary $138
    Winnipeg $174
Compare Hotels in Calgary and Winnipeg

Looking for a hotel in Calgary or Winnipeg? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Calgary


Hotels in Winnipeg


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Calgary Hotel Prices and Winnipeg Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Calgary $12
    Winnipeg -

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Calgary

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Calgary:

  • Calgary Airport: Private Transfer to Vancouver: $2,098
  • Banff, Lake Louise, or Jasper Shuttle Transfer: $1,224
  • Calgary Airport: Private Transfer to Fernie, BC: $504
  • Calgary Airport: Private Transfer to Golden BC: $490
  • Calgary Airport: Private Transfer to Edmonton: $490
  • Calgary Airport: Private Transfer to Lake Louis: $350
  • Banff To Calgary Airport - Private Transfer: $349
  • Calgary to Lake Louise private group transfer: $282
  • Calgary Airport: Private Transfer to Red Deer: $245
  • Calgary Airport: Private Transfer to Kananaskis: $217
  • Calgary Airport (YYC) to Calgary hotel or address - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $215
  • Calgary Airport: Private Transfer to Drumheller: $210

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Winnipeg

Also for Winnipeg, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer from Winnipeg Airport (YWG) to Winnipeg Hotels: $123
  • Private Transfer from Winnipeg Airport to Winnipeg Accommodation : $36
  • Private Transfer from Winnipeg Hotels to Winnipeg Airport (YWG): $123
  • Winnipeg Airport (YWG) to Winnipeg accomodation - Arrival Private Transfer: $86
  • Winnipeg Airport (YWG) to Winnipeg accomodation - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $172
  • Winnipeg One way Private transfer from/to the Airport: $200
  • Winnipeg accomodation to Winnipeg Airport (YWG) - Departure Private Transfer: $86
  • Arrivals Private Transfer from Richardson Airport: $141

Is it cheaper to fly into Calgary or Winnipeg?

Prices for flights to both Winnipeg and Calgary change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Calgary $51
    Winnipeg $8.85
Typical Food Prices in Calgary

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Calgary:


  • Bread, Chips, Cheese
    $7.67

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Calgary

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Calgary.

  • Light Brunch & Food Tour at Calgary Farmers' Market WEST: $78
  • Iconic Eats of Calgary Food Tour: $123

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Calgary $15
    Winnipeg $2.39
Typical Entertainment Prices in Calgary

Here are a few typical costs in Calgary for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Stampede Admission (for 2)
    $21

Tours and Activities in Calgary

Here are a few actual costs in Calgary for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 11 Hour Banff Winter Wonderland Tour in Alberta: $97
  • 2 Day Tour Explore Banff National Park and Rocky mountains: $206
  • 6-Hour Private City Tour Drive to Calgary Tower: $664
  • Banff Area & Johnston Canyon 1-Day Tour from Calgary or Banff: $114
  • Banff Explorer™ Private Tour with Moraine Lake & Lake Louise: $699
  • Banff Lakes and Canyon Adventure: $79
  • Banff National Park: Full-Day Adventure: $154
  • Banff Wildlife Explore and Johnston Canyon Icewalk Tour: $75
  • Banff, Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, Marble Canyon awarded tour: $75
  • Banff, Moraine Lake & Lake Louise Tour : $286
  • Best of Private Walking Tour with a Local: $51
  • Calgary City Highlights Scooter Tour | 2-Hour: $78

Tours and Activities in Winnipeg

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Winnipeg.

  • Assiniboine Park Self-Guided Smartphone Audio Tour: $4.89
  • Wealthy Beginnings Audio Walking Tour: $4.89
  • Winnipeg in the Limelight: a Smartphone Audio Walking Tour: $4.89
  • Manitoba Legislative Grounds Audio Walking Tour: $4.89
  • The Forks Self-Guided Smartphone Tour with Audio: $4.89
  • Self-Guided Smartphone Audio Ghost Tour: $4.89
  • Winnipeg's Most Haunted: a Smartphone Audio Ghost Tour: $5.71
  • Winnipeg's Wealthy Beginnings: a Smartphone Audio Walking Tour: $5.71
  • Manitoba Legislative Grounds: a Smartphone Audio Tour & Trivia Challenge: $5.71
  • Winnipeg in the Limelight: a Smartphone Audio Walking Tour: $5.71
  • Discover Assiniboine Park with a Smartphone Audio Tour: $5.71
  • The Forks Historic Site: a Smartphone Audio Tour: $5.71

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Calgary $10
    Winnipeg -

Sample the Local Flavors in Calgary

Also in Calgary, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Calgary Bar Crawl: Cruisin' Calgary: $12
  • Calgary Brewery and Wine Tours at Award Winning Venues: $80


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Calgary and Winnipeg, we can see that Winnipeg is more expensive. And not only is Calgary much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Calgary would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Calgary and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Winnipeg would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Winnipeg than you might in Calgary.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Calgary Expensive? and Is Winnipeg Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Calgary or Winnipeg?

Calgary has a larger population, and is about 61% larger than the population of Winnipeg. When comparing the sizes of Calgary and Winnipeg, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.