A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Denver vs. Winnipeg for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Denver or Winnipeg?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Denver or Winnipeg, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Denver

Denver is a accessible, sprawling, and park-filled city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the shopping, skiing, and nightlife. See Denver travel costs.

Winnipeg

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

Denver and Winnipeg: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular with backpackers
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 Denver or Winnipeg?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Denver than Winnipeg, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Denver is better known for its skiing, hiking, and big city activities, while Winnipeg is more popular for its museums and attractions and food. Denver is well known for serving as a gateway to the Rocky Mountains and the many national parks that are in the area. Also, Denver is famous for Red Rocks Park. Winnipeg is well known for its festivals, culture, and railway connections.

How is Denver different from Winnipeg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Denver or Winnipeg Better for Skiing?

Denver
Winnipeg

Denver is a city with good options for skiing. However, Winnipeg is not a skiing destination.

For winter sports and skiing, Denver is a great destination to visit. Although there's no skiing in the immediate area, there is a huge list of world class ski resorts within an hour or two of town. Two of the closest are Echo Mountain Resort and Loveland Ski Area.

Winnipeg is not a skiing destination.


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

Denver
Winnipeg

Winnipeg is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Denver is not a good city for its museums and history.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Winnipeg can be an interesting and educational experience. 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.

While most people don't head to Denver specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. Many people use Denver as a starting or ending point for their mountain and national park trip, but those who linger can visit some of the city's museums and sights. Popular museums include the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, the History Colorado Center, and the Forney Museum of Transportation.

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

Denver
Winnipeg

Winnipeg is a nice place to visit for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Denver is not a good city for its restaurants.

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.

Denver may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. It's a pretty large city, so you'll find some nice local restaurants, but the foodie scene is still emerging in many neighborhoods. A number of restaurants offer outdoor seating, which is nice. You'll also find a growing selection of international restaurants. For something uniquely local, you should try the Bison steak and fried pickles.

Is Denver or Winnipeg Better for Nightlife?

Denver
Winnipeg

Both Denver and Winnipeg are notable when it comes to partying.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Denver. The city has come a long way with its nightlife. There's a great craft beer scene and the downtown area has really come to life. Popular bars and clubs in town include the Grizzly Rose and 54Thirty Rooftop. Many places are concentrated in the Soco Nightlife District.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Winnipeg. 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 Denver or Winnipeg Better for Hiking?

Denver
Winnipeg

Denver is a city with good options for hiking. However, Winnipeg is not a hiking destination.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Denver. The city is very close to many beautiful parks and hiking areas in the Rocky Mountains. It's not hard to make a day trip from town and enjoy some great hiking. Nice options include the Trading Post Trail in Red Rocks Mountain Park, Bergen Peak near Evergreen, and Chimney Gulch Trail near the town of Golden.

Winnipeg is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Denver or Winnipeg?

Denver
Winnipeg

Both Denver and Winnipeg are notable shopping destinations.

Denver offers some nice shopping areas. The city has many outlet malls that budget shoppers appreciate. There are also weekend farmer's markets, boutique shopping areas, and all of the major chains that you'll find in most larger cities.

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 Denver or Winnipeg Better for Families?

Denver
Winnipeg

Denver and Winnipeg are both notable destinations for the whole family.

Denver is a family-friendly place to visit. It is a family-friendly city with museums, playgrounds, and plenty of outdoor activities. There are also a few ropes courses near town that kids and adults alike will enjoy. Popular activities include the Denver Zoo, the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, and Children's Museum of Denver at Marsico Campus.

Winnipeg is a family-friendly city. 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 Denver or Winnipeg Better for Couples?

Denver
Winnipeg

Denver and Winnipeg are both notable to visit as a couple.

Denver makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are many beautiful and romantic outdoor activities in the area such as parks and botanical gardens. There are also spas, including the impressive Spa at the Brown Palace, as well as upscale restaurants and fun bars and clubs to explore.

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 Denver or Winnipeg Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Denver
Winnipeg

Winnipeg is a nice place to visit for backpackers. However, Denver is not a good city for backpackers and budget travelers.

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

Denver is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Some backpackers fly into Denver to begin their national park tour. There is a hostel or two around town, and if you leave town quickly you'll find campgrounds not far away.

Is Denver or Winnipeg Better for Students?

Denver
Winnipeg

Denver is a city with good options for its student-friendly activities. However, Winnipeg is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Denver. There are a few students in the city, but there isn't a college town vibe that you'd get at other nearby university areas.

Winnipeg is not popular with students.


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

Denver
Winnipeg

Denver 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 Denver offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. If you're not planning to leave town, the light rail and bus systems offer good access to much of Denver.

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

Is Denver or Winnipeg a more walkable city?

Denver
Winnipeg

Winnipeg is a moderate city for its high level of walkability. However, Denver is not a good city for its ease of walking around.

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

Denver is not a very walkable city. While the downtown area is generally walkable, this is still a sprawling city where you'll really want to have a car to access areas outside of town.

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

Should I spend more time in Winnipeg or Denver?

How long in Denver or Winnipeg?

It's fun to spend time in either Denver or Winnipeg. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Winnipeg due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Denver, and 2-4 days is enough time in Winnipeg.

Families should spend more time in Winnipeg than Denver. 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.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Winnipeg than Denver 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 Denver or Winnipeg? Ideal Length of Stay
    Denver 2-3 
    Winnipeg 2-4

One day in Denver or Winnipeg?

The city of Denver offers skiing and nightlife. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Winnipeg. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.


A weekend in Denver or Winnipeg?

Denver 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 Denver, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Winnipeg is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Denver or Winnipeg?

Denver 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Winnipeg. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Denver or Winnipeg?

Denver 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.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the friendly destination of Winnipeg. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, The Best Walking Tours in United States of America, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Canada, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Canada.


Which place is cheaper, Winnipeg or Denver?

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

  • Denver Prices
    USA Prices
    Winnipeg Prices
    Canada Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Denver $248
    Winnipeg $255

The average daily cost (per person) in Denver is $248, while the average daily cost in Winnipeg is $255. 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 Denver and Winnipeg in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Denver $87
    Winnipeg $92
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Denver $174
    Winnipeg $184
Compare Hotels in Denver and Winnipeg

Looking for a hotel in Denver 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 Denver


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: Denver Hotel Prices and Winnipeg Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Denver $101
    Winnipeg -

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Denver

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Denver:

  • Arrival Private Transfer Denver Airport DEN to Denver City by SUV: $290
  • Denver Airport (DEN) to Avon/Vail Valley - Round-Trip Private Transfer : $287
  • Denver Airport (DEN) to Keystone resort - Round-Trip Private Transfer : $287
  • Denver Airport (DEN) to Aspen hotel or address - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $287
  • Denver Airport (DEN): Private Transfer to Denver hotels: $280
  • Denver Airport BJC to Winter Park Ski Resort Arrival Transfer: $273
  • Private Transfer from Denver Airport to Downtown Denver: $200
  • Private One-way Transfer from Denver Airport to Denver: $190
  • Arrival Transfer Denver Airport DEN to Denver City by Luxury Car: $170
  • Arrival Private Transfer: Denver Airport DEN to Denver in Luxury Van: $149
  • Departure Private Transfer: Denver to Denver Airport DEN in Luxury Van: $149
  • Private Transfer from Denver to Denver Airport DEN in Luxury Van: $149

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Winnipeg

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

  • Private Transfer from Winnipeg Airport to Winnipeg Accommodation : $37
  • Winnipeg accomodation to Winnipeg Airport (YWG) - Departure Private Transfer: $83
  • Winnipeg Airport (YWG) to Winnipeg accomodation - Arrival Private Transfer: $83
  • Private Transfer from Winnipeg Airport (YWG) to Winnipeg Hotels: $97
  • Private Transfer from Winnipeg Hotels to Winnipeg Airport (YWG): $97
  • Winnipeg Airport (YWG) to Winnipeg accomodation - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $165
  • Winnipeg One way Private transfer from/to the Airport: $200

Is it cheaper to fly into Denver or Winnipeg?

Prices for flights to both Winnipeg and Denver 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
    Denver $73
    Winnipeg $9.33
Typical Food Prices in Denver

Some typical examples of dining costs in Denver are as follows:


  • Sushi Dinner (for 2)
    $61

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Denver

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

  • Epic Pad Thai Cooking Class in Denver: $55
  • 16th Street Mall Food Tour with Local Guide: $69
  • Denver RiNo Arts District Food Tour: $85
  • Downtown Denver Food Tour: $85
  • Arts District Walking Food Tour: $85
  • Denver Food Tour: 6+ Tastings in Historic Downtown: $99
  • RiNo Evening Food Tour with a Local Guide: $99
  • walking Secret Food Tour: $113
  • Taste of the City Food Tour by Bike or E-Bike: $125

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Denver $52
    Winnipeg $2.52

Tours and Activities in Denver

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Denver are as follows:

  • $5 Capitol Hill History & Ghost Walking Tour: $5.00
  • 2 Hour LoDo Historic Walking Tour in Denver: $30
  • All-Inclusive Twilight Ghost Tour with a Boozy Twist: $55
  • Best of Denver Bus Tour: Highlights, Views & Local Favorites: $39
  • Best of Denver Walking Tour: $27
  • Best of Denver Walking Tour: $27
  • Breckenridge Ultimate Full Day Mountain Tour from Denver: $139
  • Capitol Hill Haunts: A Ghostly Walking Tour: $348
  • Dark Side of Denver – RiNo’s True Crime and Murals Tour: $25
  • Deep Dive into Small-Group Walking Tour: $39
  • Denver After Dark Adults Only Walking Ghost Tour: $35
  • Denver Art Museum General Admission Ticket: $27

Tours and Activities in Winnipeg

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

  • The Forks Historic Site: a Smartphone Audio Tour: $6.67
  • Manitoba Legislative Grounds: Smartphone Audio Tour: $6.67
  • Winnipeg's Most Haunted: a Smartphone Audio Ghost Tour: $6.67
  • Winnipeg's Wealthy Beginnings: a Smartphone Audio Walking Tour: $6.67
  • Discover Assiniboine Park with a Smartphone Audio Tour: $6.67
  • Explore The Challenge of Moderninity with Walking Tours in Winnipeg, MB: $6.67
  • Winnipeg in the Limelight: a Smartphone Audio Walking Tour: $6.67
  • The Sights of South a Smartphone Audio Tour: $6.67
  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Winnipeg by Operation City Quest: $10
  • Murder Mystery Detective Experience in Winnipeg MB: $11
  • Wonderful 3 Smartphone Audio Guided Walking Tours: $14
  • Winnipeg's Outdoor Secret Agent Audio Experience: $15

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Denver $5.31
    Winnipeg -

Sample the Local Flavors in Denver

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

  • Spirits & Spirits Haunted Pub Crawl: $30
  • Private Vintner's Wine Tasting Experience in Colorado: $40
  • Downtown Denver Pub Crawl - Food & Drinks Included!: $40
  • Neighborhood Bar Crawl in RiNo Arts District (Denver): $40
  • Vintner's Personalized Wine Tasting Experience: $60
  • Wild West Pub Crawl: $61
  • Buds & Brews Cannabis Grow Tour and Brewery Visit: $67
  • E-Bike & Brews: Denver's Platte River & Brewery E-Bike Tour: $125
  • Denver Pedicab Brewery Tour: $130


When comparing the travel costs between Denver and Winnipeg, we can see that Winnipeg is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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


Which is Bigger, Denver or Winnipeg?

Winnipeg has a larger population, and is about 14% larger than the population of Denver. When comparing the sizes of Denver 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.