A Travel Price Comparison for Canada Whistler vs. Winnipeg for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Whistler or Winnipeg?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Whistler 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.

Where Should I go: Whistler or Winnipeg?

Whistler

Located in the province of British Columbia in Canada, Whistler is most famous as the largest ski area in North America. It is also only a short distance from the city of Vancouver, and offers countless opportunities for snow boarding and other winter sports. The town has a permanent population of almost 10,000 and there is a larger seasonal population of workers that come from all over the world. Whistler is a major travel destination with more than two million people visiting the town yearly. As such, there are countless amenities available to visitors. Hotels can vary dramatically in price and quality. There are some budget options, including a couple of hostels in the area, but most people do not visit Whistler as a budget travel destination. It's usually an expensive vacation, but few would argue that it isn't worth the cost.

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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Contiki Tours to Canada, The Best G Adventures Tours to Canada, The Best 3-Day Tours from Vancouver, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Vancouver.


Which place is cheaper, Winnipeg or Whistler?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Whistler is $126, while the average daily cost in Winnipeg is $254. 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 Whistler and Winnipeg in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Whistler $66
    Winnipeg $93
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Whistler $132
    Winnipeg $186
Compare Hotels in Whistler and Winnipeg

Looking for a hotel in Whistler 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 Whistler


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: Whistler Hotel Prices and Winnipeg Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Whistler $20
    Winnipeg -

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Whistler

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Whistler:

  • Private Transfer from Whistler to Richmond BC: $630
  • Private Transfer from Whistler to Downtown Vancouver: $567
  • From Scenic Seaplane transfer to Victoria : $240
  • From Scenic Seaplane transfer to Vancouver : $182
  • Whistler to Vancouver Private Transfer: $180
  • Private Transfer from Whistler hotels to Vancouver Airport (YVR): $169
  • Private Departure Transfer from Whistler to Vancouver Airport YVR: $78

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
  • Private Transfer from Winnipeg Airport (YWG) to Winnipeg Hotels: $62
  • Private Transfer from Winnipeg Hotels to Winnipeg Airport: $62
  • Winnipeg accomodation to Winnipeg Airport (YWG) - Departure Private Transfer: $62
  • Winnipeg Airport (YWG) to Winnipeg accomodation - Arrival Private Transfer: $62
  • Winnipeg Airport (YWG) to Winnipeg accomodation - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $124
  • Arrivals Private Transfer from Richardson Airport: $141
  • Winnipeg One way Private transfer from/to the Airport: $200

Is it cheaper to fly into Whistler or Winnipeg?

Prices for flights to both Winnipeg and Whistler 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
    Whistler $30
    Winnipeg $5.45
Typical Food Prices in Whistler

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


  • Coffee at Starbucks
    $12
  • Tim Hortons Breakfast
    $12
  • Coffee at Timmy's
    $3.67

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Whistler

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

  • Finer Things: 4-Course Dinner Tour in Whistler: $130
  • Finer Things Dinner Tour in Whistler: $145

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Whistler $79
    Winnipeg $2.54
Typical Entertainment Prices in Whistler

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Whistler are as follows:


  • Driving Range
    $15

Tours and Activities in Whistler

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

  • Audain Art Museum Admission Ticket: $16
  • Call of the Wild ATV Tour: $156
  • Callaghan Cruiser Snowmobile Tour : $219
  • From Glacier Sightseeing Experience by Seaplane : $184
  • Full Day Fly Fishing Tour: $249
  • Full Day Ice Fishing Tour: $249
  • Full Day Spin Fishing Tour: $249
  • Guided Fishing Adventure in Whistler: $156
  • Half Day Fly Fishing Tour: $195
  • Half Day Spin Fishing Tour: $195
  • Medicine Trail Snowshoe Tour : $109
  • One Hour Axe Throwing Guided Experience in Whistler: $34

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: $5.09
  • Winnipeg in the Limelight: a Smartphone Audio Walking Tour: $5.09
  • Manitoba Legislative Grounds Audio Walking Tour: $5.09
  • The Forks Self-Guided Smartphone Tour with Audio: $5.09
  • Self-Guided Smartphone Audio Ghost Tour: $5.09
  • Wealthy Beginnings Audio Walking Tour: $5.09
  • Manitoba Legislative Grounds: a Smartphone Audio Tour & Trivia Challenge: $5.94
  • The Forks Historic Site: a Smartphone Audio Tour: $5.94
  • Winnipeg in the Limelight: a Smartphone Audio Walking Tour: $5.94
  • Winnipeg's Most Haunted: a Smartphone Audio Ghost Tour: $5.94
  • Discover Assiniboine Park with a Smartphone Audio Tour: $5.94
  • Winnipeg's Wealthy Beginnings: a Smartphone Audio Walking Tour: $5.94

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Whistler $8.81
    Winnipeg -

Sample the Local Flavors in Whistler

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Whistler:

  • Whistler Distillery Tour & Tasting Experience: $66


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Whistler and Winnipeg, we can see that Winnipeg is more expensive. And not only is Whistler much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Whistler would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Whistler 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 Whistler.

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


Which is Bigger, Whistler or Winnipeg?

Winnipeg has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Whistler. When comparing the sizes of Whistler 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 Whistler or Winnipeg?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Whistler or Winnipeg in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Whistler as well as Winnipeg.

In the summer, Whistler is cooler than Winnipeg. Typically, the summer temperatures in Whistler in July average around 18°C (64°F), and Winnipeg averages at about 21°C (71°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Winnipeg. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Whistler this time of the year. In the summer, Whistler often gets less sunshine than Winnipeg. Whistler gets 296 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Winnipeg receives 328 hours of full sun.

Whistler usually gets less rain in July than Winnipeg. Whistler gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Winnipeg receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Whistler 18°C (64°F) 
    Winnipeg 21°C (71°F)

Should I visit Whistler or Winnipeg in the Autumn?

Both Winnipeg and Whistler are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities.

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

Whistler usually receives less sunshine than Winnipeg during autumn. Whistler gets 124 hours of sunny skies, while Winnipeg receives 147 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Whistler. In October, Whistler usually receives more rain than Winnipeg. Whistler gets 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Winnipeg receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


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

Should I visit Whistler or Winnipeg in the Winter?

Both Winnipeg and Whistler during the winter are popular places to visit.

Winnipeg can be very cold during winter. Whistler can get quite cold in the winter. Whistler is much warmer than Winnipeg in the winter. The daily temperature in Whistler averages around 4°C (40°F) in January, and Winnipeg fluctuates around -17°C (2°F).

In the winter, Whistler often gets less sunshine than Winnipeg. Whistler gets 55 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Winnipeg receives 115 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Whistler. Whistler usually gets more rain in January than Winnipeg. Whistler gets 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain, while Winnipeg receives 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Whistler 4°C (40°F) 
    Winnipeg -17°C (2°F)

Should I visit Whistler or Winnipeg in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Whistler and Winnipeg.

In the spring, Whistler is much warmer than Winnipeg. Typically, the spring temperatures in Whistler in April average around 9°C (49°F), and Winnipeg averages at about 5°C (42°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Winnipeg this time of the year. Whistler usually receives less sunshine than Winnipeg during spring. Whistler gets 172 hours of sunny skies, while Winnipeg receives 248 hours of full sun in the spring.

Whistler gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Whistler usually receives more rain than Winnipeg. Whistler gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Winnipeg receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Whistler 9°C (49°F) 
    Winnipeg 5°C (42°F)

Typical Weather for Winnipeg and Whistler

Whistler Winnipeg
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 4°C (40°F) 167 mm (6.6 in) -17°C (2°F) 19 mm (0.7 in)
Feb 6°C (42°F) 179 mm (7.1 in) -14°C (8°F) 15 mm (0.6 in)
Mar 7°C (45°F) 142 mm (5.6 in) -6°C (22°F) 23 mm (0.9 in)
Apr 9°C (49°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 5°C (42°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
May 13°C (55°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 13°C (56°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 16°C (60°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 19°C (65°F) 84 mm (3.3 in)
Jul 18°C (64°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 21°C (71°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Aug 18°C (64°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 20°C (68°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Sep 15°C (59°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 14°C (57°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Oct 11°C (51°F) 164 mm (6.5 in) 7°C (45°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Nov 7°C (44°F) 234 mm (9.2 in) -3°C (26°F) 21 mm (0.8 in)
Dec 4°C (40°F) 198 mm (7.8 in) -13°C (9°F) 19 mm (0.7 in)