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

Should you visit Toronto 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 Toronto 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.

Toronto

Toronto is a diverse, vibrant, and cultural city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food. See Toronto travel costs.

Winnipeg

Winnipeg is a friendly, welcoming, and cultural city. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums. See Winnipeg travel costs.

Toronto and Winnipeg: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
  • Big city activities
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Toronto or Winnipeg?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Toronto than Winnipeg. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Toronto is more touristy than Winnipeg and is known for its art and culture, diverse cuisine, and multi-cultural population. It is also well known for the CN Tower. Winnipeg is famous for its festivals, culture, and railway connections.

How is Toronto different from Winnipeg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Toronto
Winnipeg

Toronto is an unbeatable place for its historical sights. Also, Winnipeg is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

The museums and tourist attractions in Toronto are world-renowned. The city is filled with landmarks and museums such as the CN Tower and the Royal Ontario Museum. Ripley's Aquarium is a highlight for many visitors. It's near the CN Tower and has an underwater tunnel. The city is also filled with art galleries and cultural sights. Another must is a visit to Casa Loma and, of course, the Toronto Zoo.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around 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.


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

Toronto
Winnipeg

Toronto is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Winnipeg is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Toronto has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The food scene is as diverse as the city itself. You'll find classic Canadian favorites like peameal bacon sandwiches and beavertails, as well as almost any international cuisine you could want. Make sure you try the dim sum, roti, and street hot dogs.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Winnipeg area. 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.

Is Toronto or Winnipeg Better for Nightlife?

Toronto
Winnipeg

Toronto is an unbeatable place for nightlife and partying. Also, Winnipeg is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its evening party scene.

The nightlife in Toronto is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. It's a diverse nightlife scene, with upscale lounges, dive bars, live music, and high energy nightclubs. Popular areas for nightlife include King Street, the Ossington Strip, College Street, and Kensington Market.

There's a variety of activities in the evening 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 the Shopping Better in Toronto or Winnipeg?

Toronto
Winnipeg

Toronto is an unbeatable place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Winnipeg is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, Toronto draws large crowds to its stores. Shopping is huge here, with plenty of options available that range from large malls to vintage stores or flea markets. Eaton Center on Yonge Street is a major shopping area. Yonge Street is also home to more than 600 retail stores.

Many visitors go to Winnipeg to go shopping. You'll find all of the standard shopping options around town, from boutiques to big box shops and even some outlets.


Is Toronto or Winnipeg Better for Families?

Toronto
Winnipeg

Toronto is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Winnipeg is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Toronto is very family-friendly. Kids will enjoy the city's many family-friendly museums like the Royal Ontario Museum or the Ontario Science Center. Younger kids will have fun playing at the Centreville Theme Park while all ages will love a day at Canada's Wonderland. Black Creek Pioneer Village is a highlight for many families as well.

Winnipeg is a family-friendly place to visit. 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 Toronto or Winnipeg Better for Couples?

Toronto
Winnipeg

Toronto is great for its romantic activities. Also, Winnipeg is not as popular, but is still a nice city for couples.

Toronto is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. This city is full of energy, and couples can enjoy amazing meals, impressive shows, and romantic outings. You can picnic at a park or check out the view from CN Tower. There are also dinner cruises and live theater.

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 Toronto or Winnipeg Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Toronto
Winnipeg

Toronto is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Winnipeg is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Toronto. There are a number of hostels around town and there's often a good crowd of backpackers.

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


Is Toronto or Winnipeg Better for Students?

Toronto
Winnipeg

Toronto is an unbeatable place for its student-friendly activities. However, Winnipeg is not popular with students.

Toronto is a very popular city for students. The city has a good number of universities that attract students from around the globe. This is a very livable city with a lot of diversity and plenty of entertainment options.

Winnipeg is not popular with students.

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

Toronto
Winnipeg

Toronto is an unbeatable place for times when you don't have a car. However, Winnipeg is not a good destination for its public transit.

Visitors in Toronto can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. Union Station is the hub of the city's transportation system, which includes subways, buses and streetcars.

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

Is Toronto or Winnipeg a more walkable city?

Toronto
Winnipeg

Toronto is great for its high level of walkability. However, Winnipeg is not a good destination for its ease of walking around.

Toronto is a very walkable city. It's a pedestrian-friendly city that is great for exploring on foot. The waterfront area has a walkway and there are cycling trails around town as well.

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.


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

Should I spend more time in Winnipeg or Toronto?

How long in Toronto or Winnipeg?

It's fun to spend time in either Toronto or Winnipeg. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Toronto due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Toronto, and 2-4 days is enough time in Winnipeg.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Toronto than Winnipeg 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 Toronto.


  • How many days in Toronto or Winnipeg? Ideal Length of Stay
    Toronto 3-7 
    Winnipeg 2-4

One day in Toronto or Winnipeg?

Toronto is a big city with plenty to do. 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.

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 Toronto or Winnipeg?

Toronto is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. 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 Toronto or Winnipeg?

Toronto is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Toronto, five days is sufficent for most. 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 Toronto or Winnipeg?

Toronto is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Toronto has to offer. 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 Northern Lights Tours in Canada, The Best Luxury Tours to Canada, The Best Tours for Seniors to Canada, and The Best Contiki Tours to Canada.


Which place is cheaper, Winnipeg or Toronto?

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 Toronto is $242, while the average daily cost in Winnipeg is $247. 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 Toronto and Winnipeg in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Toronto $83
    Winnipeg $89
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Toronto $166
    Winnipeg $178
Compare Hotels in Toronto and Winnipeg

Looking for a hotel in Toronto 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 Toronto


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: Toronto Hotel Prices and Winnipeg Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Toronto $31
    Winnipeg -
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Toronto

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Toronto are as follows:


  • Airport Shuttle
    $25
  • Train: 2 Day Passes
    $15

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Toronto

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

  • Toronto Pearson Airport (YYZ) Transfer to Downtown Montreal: $1,618
  • Toronto Pearson Airport (YYZ) Transfer to Kingston: $856
  • Private Transfer to Kingston City or Queen's Unive…: $820
  • Niagara Falls: Private Transfer to/from Toronto Airport: $704
  • Pearson Airport to Blue Mountain Resort Transfer: $670
  • Low cost Transfer: Toronto Downtown to Niagara Falls (Lake): $660
  • Pvt. Transfer St. Catharines Airport to Pearson Int Airport: $476
  • Toronto Pearson Airport (YYZ) Transfer to Niagara Falls: $442
  • Toronto Pearson Airport (YYZ) Transfer to Port Hope: $439
  • Toronto Pearson Airport (YYZ) Transfer to Hamilton: $281
  • Niagara Falls private transfers : $277
  • Private Transfer to Niagara Falls: $270

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Winnipeg

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

  • Winnipeg accomodation to Winnipeg Airport (YWG) - Departure Private Transfer: $80
  • Winnipeg One way Private transfer from/to the Airport: $200
  • Winnipeg Airport (YWG) to Winnipeg accomodation - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $160
  • Winnipeg Airport (YWG) to Winnipeg accomodation - Arrival Private Transfer: $80
  • Vienna: Vienna VIE Airport to City Centre Private Transfer: $27
  • Private Transfer from Winnipeg Hotels to Winnipeg Airport (YWG): $94
  • Private Transfer from Winnipeg Airport to Winnipeg Accommodation : $37
  • Private Transfer from Winnipeg Airport (YWG) to Winnipeg Hotels: $94

Is it cheaper to fly into Toronto or Winnipeg?

Prices for flights to both Winnipeg and Toronto 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
    Toronto $109
    Winnipeg $9.04
Typical Food Prices in Toronto

For Toronto, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Lunch at St. Lawrence Market for Two
    $22
  • Dinner at Mill Street Brewery (for 2)
    $54

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Toronto

For Toronto, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Premium Harbor Cruise with Lunch, Brunch, or Dinner: $49
  • Father's Day Premier Cruise with Brunch or Dinner: $56
  • Toronto Premier Dinner Cruise on Odyssey in Toronto Harbour: $61
  • Mother's Day Premier Cruise with Brunch or Dinner: $70
  • Toronto Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $71
  • Kensington Market 'Taste the World' Food Tour: $73
  • Must-Do Toronto Food Tour by Toronto's First Food Tour Company: $73
  • Toronto's First Food Tour: Taste the World in Kensington Market: $73
  • Niagara Falls Evening Tour with Boat, Dinner & Illumination Tower: $73
  • 3–Hour Secret Food Tour: $76
  • Kensington Market International Food Tour: $93
  • Taste of the Continents: International Food Tour : $95

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Toronto $30
    Winnipeg $2.44
Typical Entertainment Prices in Toronto

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Toronto's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Art Gallery of Ontario for Two
    $15
  • CN Tower at night for Two
    $35
  • Harbour Dinner Cruise
    $25
  • Bata Shoe Museum (2)
    $7.03

Tours and Activities in Toronto

For Toronto, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • 1-Hour Private Guided Photography Tour in Toronto: $295
  • 1-Hour Toronto Harbour Tour with Live Narration: $24
  • 14-Minute Helicopter Tour Over Toronto: $224
  • 60-Minute Toronto Sightseeing Harbour Tour: $27
  • 7-Minute Helicopter Tour over Toronto: $124
  • 90-Minute Toronto Luxury Yacht Sightseeing Prosecco Cruise: $141
  • A Christmas Walking Tour to Toronto’s Holiday Magic : $274
  • Adventures in Abstract Paint Pouring : $30
  • Algonquin Park Hiking: Adventure Tour from Toronto: $137
  • Bata Shoe Museum Admission Ticket: $11
  • Best of Niagara Falls Experience: $58
  • Best of Toronto Small Group Tour with CN Tower and Harbour Cruise: $139

Tours and Activities in Winnipeg

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

  • Discover Assiniboine Park with a Smartphone Audio Tour: $6.63
  • Explore The Challenge of Moderninity with Walking Tours in Winnipeg, MB: $6.63
  • Louis Riel & Red River Metis Trails Tour: $96
  • Manitoba Legislative Grounds: a Smartphone Audio Tour & Trivia Challenge: $6.63
  • Private City Tour in Winnipeg: $96
  • The Forks Historic Site: a Smartphone Audio Tour: $6.63
  • The Indigenous Residential School Museum Private Tour: $111
  • The Sights of South a Smartphone Audio Tour: $6.63
  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Winnipeg by Operation City Quest: $10
  • Walk Downtown 4 Unique Smartphone Audio Walking Tours: $19
  • Winnipeg Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $41
  • Winnipeg in the Limelight: a Smartphone Audio Walking Tour: $6.63

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Toronto $22
    Winnipeg -

Sample the Local Flavors in Toronto

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Toronto:

  • Toronto Distillery District: Finest Whisky Quest Experience: $9.25
  • Distillery District Historic Walking Tour: $20
  • Toronto Distillery District Walking Tour: $21
  • Distillery & Old Town Private Walking Tour: $27
  • Corktown and Distillery District Tour: $29
  • Short Distillery District Segway Tour: $35
  • 30-Minute Distillery District Segway Tour in Toronto: $36
  • Toronto Distillery & Old Town Walking Tour With A Guide: $41
  • Toronto Distillery District Self-Guided Walking Tour: $42
  • Pub Crawl Toronto: $43
  • Pub Crawl Toronto: $43
  • Distillery District Breakfast Walking Tour: $53


When comparing the travel costs between Toronto 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 Toronto Expensive? and Is Winnipeg Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Toronto or Winnipeg?

Toronto has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Winnipeg. When comparing the sizes of Toronto 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.


When is the best time to visit Toronto or Winnipeg?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Toronto or Winnipeg in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Toronto and Winnipeg. The summer months attract visitors to Toronto because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Winnipeg this time of year.

In the summer, Toronto is around the same temperature as Winnipeg. Typically, the summer temperatures in Toronto in July average around 21°C (70°F), and Winnipeg averages at about 21°C (71°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Winnipeg this time of the year. In Toronto, it's very sunny this time of the year. Toronto usually receives less sunshine than Winnipeg during summer. Toronto gets 281 hours of sunny skies, while Winnipeg receives 328 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Toronto usually receives around the same amount of rain as Winnipeg. Toronto gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Winnipeg receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Toronto 21°C (70°F) 
    Winnipeg 21°C (71°F)

Should I visit Toronto or Winnipeg in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Toronto as well as Winnipeg. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Toronto this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Winnipeg for the shopping scene.

In October, Toronto is generally a little warmer than Winnipeg. Daily temperatures in Toronto average around 11°C (51°F), and Winnipeg fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

In the autumn, Toronto often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Winnipeg. Toronto gets 153 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Winnipeg receives 147 hours of full sun.

Toronto usually gets more rain in October than Winnipeg. Toronto gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Winnipeg receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Toronto 11°C (51°F) 
    Winnipeg 7°C (45°F)

Should I visit Toronto or Winnipeg in the Winter?

Both Winnipeg and Toronto are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Toronto for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Winnipeg in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Winnipeg can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Toronto. Toronto is much warmer than Winnipeg in the winter. The daily temperature in Toronto averages around -4°C (25°F) in January, and Winnipeg fluctuates around -17°C (2°F).

Toronto usually receives less sunshine than Winnipeg during winter. Toronto gets 87 hours of sunny skies, while Winnipeg receives 115 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Toronto usually receives more rain than Winnipeg. Toronto gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Winnipeg receives 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Toronto -4°C (25°F) 
    Winnipeg -17°C (2°F)

Should I visit Toronto or Winnipeg in the Spring?

Both Winnipeg and Toronto during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Toronto in the spring for the activities around the city.

In the spring, Toronto is a little warmer than Winnipeg. Typically, the spring temperatures in Toronto in April average around 7°C (44°F), and Winnipeg averages at about 5°C (42°F).

In Winnipeg, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Toronto often gets less sunshine than Winnipeg. Toronto gets 179 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Winnipeg receives 248 hours of full sun.

Toronto usually gets more rain in April than Winnipeg. Toronto gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Winnipeg receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Toronto 7°C (44°F) 
    Winnipeg 5°C (42°F)

Typical Weather for Winnipeg and Toronto

Toronto Winnipeg
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -4°C (25°F) 52 mm (2 in) -17°C (2°F) 19 mm (0.7 in)
Feb -4°C (26°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) -14°C (8°F) 15 mm (0.6 in)
Mar 1°C (34°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) -6°C (22°F) 23 mm (0.9 in)
Apr 7°C (44°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 5°C (42°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
May 12°C (54°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 13°C (56°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 18°C (64°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 19°C (65°F) 84 mm (3.3 in)
Jul 21°C (70°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 21°C (71°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Aug 21°C (69°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 20°C (68°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Sep 17°C (62°F) 75 mm (3 in) 14°C (57°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Oct 11°C (51°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 7°C (45°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Nov 5°C (41°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) -3°C (26°F) 21 mm (0.8 in)
Dec -1°C (30°F) 75 mm (2.9 in) -13°C (9°F) 19 mm (0.7 in)