Flights from Christchurch to Winnipeg

Know Before You Go

If you're hungry and want to fuel up on coffee and food on the cheap, make a pit stop at Tim Hortons. The restaurant chain is a staple among Canadians, and you won't have to look far to find one near you.

Like other cities in Canada, Winnipeg has a bunch of festivals that take place each year. Plan your travels around some of the biggest such as the Winnipeg Fringe Festival or Folklorama - the longest running multi cultural festival in the world.

One of Winnipeg's most impressive sights is The Canadian Museum for Human Rights. Travel + Leisure named it one of the world's coolest attractions, and it's the only museum in the world dedicated solely to raising awareness of human rights.

If you are travelling to the Canada in the winter and plan to drive, be careful on the roads. The weather conditions can make it extremely hazardous to drive, and it's advised to make sure you have a charged cell phone and an emergency kit before you leave the house.

For travellers on a budget, hit up sites like Groupon and Livingsocial. You'll find some great deals for top attractions and be able to make your money stretch further.

Instead of a usual walking tour, try one of Winnipeg's themed strolls around the city. You'll find out about its dark history and how it earned the moniker the "Wickedest City in the Dominion".

Getting Around Winnipeg

The easiest way to get around the city is to rent your own car. Parking is affordable and easy to find, with prices starting from CAD 1 per hour. Rates for car hire starts around CAD 20 per day but it will depend on your vehicle of choice.

If you are on a budget, the best way to get around the city is with the bus service. The routes run throughout Winnipeg with single trip fares only CAD 2.70. But if you are going to be using the system a lot, save money by buying the weekly pass for CAD 23.

Taxis are a more expensive way to get around the city. Rates start at CAD 3.50 and go up by CAD 0.10 for each additional kilometre. There is also a USD 0.10 fee for each 13 seconds of time, and most drivers will expect a tip.

Although you can hire a bicycle in Winnipeg, it's not the most cycle-friendly city in the world. You will need to be cautious around drivers and make sure you lock the bike up as theft is common in the city.

When is The Best Time to Visit Winnipeg?

The best time to travel to Winnipeg is during its two shoulder seasons. During the city's spring and fall months, hotel rates are low, temperatures are pleasant, and most of the city's attractions are still open. You'll also be able to escape the summer crowds and have the city to yourself.

Winnipeg's tourist season starts in June and peaks until the end of August. It is also school holidays during this time, which means the increase of travellers makes hotel rates skyrocket. If you want to save money, book your accommodation a few months in advance to lock in more reasonable prices. But if you don't mind the influx of crowds, you'll be in town for some of Winnipeg's best summer festivals.

The city's low season is its winter months. With temperatures dropping to the minus, most travellers stay away. If you're used to cold weather, you'll find good deals on accommodation, and you'll get to experience an authentic Canadian winter.

Airports in Winnipeg

Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport

Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson is the seventh busiest airport in the country. It's the only commercial international airport in the Manitoba province and operates nonstop flights to destinations across the country and abroad. The airport is also a hub for Calm Air, Flair Airlines and is a focus city for WestJet.

Getting To and From Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport

The cheapest way to get from the airport into the city is with public transport. Take bus #15 or #20 which run every 10 to 15 minutes seven days a week. The buses start at 6:00 a.m. with the last bus leaving at 1:00 a.m. Fares are CAD 2.45, and it will take you about 30 minutes to reach downtown Winnipeg.

If you want to take a taxi, head to Exit 3 at the Terminal Building. A fleet of cabs will be waiting to take you into the city, and a ride will cost you around CAD 20 plus a 15-20% tip.

Other options include booking a private transfer shuttle or limo. Rates start at a CAD 30 and go up depending on your final destination. It can also work out cheaper than taking a taxi depending how many people are with you and where you are headed.

Or if you're going to need a car, there are four rental counters located on the main floor of the Parkade opposite the terminal.