Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson Layover Guide (YWG)

What are you looking for in YWG?
Tours/To do | Relax/Sleep | Internet/SIM | Transport | Storage | Money

Winnipeg Airport (YWG) is an international airport located in Winnipeg, Manitoba. It’s situated about 8 km (5 miles) from downtown Winnipeg. The airport officially opened in 1928. Winnipeg is a cultural and economic hub in central Canada, known for its rich history and diverse population. The city offers a wide range of museums, festivals, and outdoor activities, making it a dynamic place to live, work, and explore throughout the year.

Can you leave Winnipeg Airport (YWG) airport during a layover? Do you need a visa?
You can leave Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport (YWG) during a layover if your connection allows and you meet entry requirements. All travellers must hold appropriate documents: most need a Canadian visitor visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) for visa-exempt countries. Check requirements, timing, and booking details online. (more info)

Tours, Things to do, Sightseeing

Layover Guide Organized Tours

Layover Guide Things to do / Sightseeing

• The Forks National Historic Site The Forks sits at the junction of the Red and Assiniboine rivers, featuring indoor and outdoor markets, Indigenous galleries, public art installations, scenic riverwalks, vibrant eateries, and seasonal festivals celebrating local culture. (Time required: 2 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi 15 min or Winnipeg Transit Route 15 bus 30 min.)
• Canadian Museum for Human Rights Striking glass architecture frames interactive exhibitions on global human rights history, Indigenous experiences, and contemporary social justice issues, offering guided tours, multimedia installations, and thought-provoking programs aimed at inspiring empathy and understanding. (Time required: 1.5 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi 20 min or bus Route 15 + Route 16 ≈45 min.)
• Assiniboine Park Assiniboine Park’s expansive green spaces host the Leo Mol Sculpture Garden, English Garden, free zoo, wooded trails, picnic lawns, and seasonal outdoor concerts, providing relaxing urban nature experiences year-round for all ages. (Time required: 2 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi 15 min or bus Route 15 + Route 16 ≈40 min.)
• Exchange District Walking Tour Explore Winnipeg’s Exchange District on foot, admiring over 150 heritage buildings, vibrant murals, charming cafés, art galleries, and boutiques while learning about the city’s 19th-century architecture and cultural renaissance on a guided or self-guided tour. (Time required: 1.5 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi 15 min or bus Route 15 + Route 5 ≈35 min.)
• Winnipeg Art Gallery (WAG) The Winnipeg Art Gallery features Canada’s oldest public art collection and the world’s largest Inuit art collection, with rotating contemporary exhibitions, artist talks, and an outdoor sculpture garden overlooking the Red River waterfront. (Time required: 1.5 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi 15 min or bus Route 15 + Route 16 ≈40 min.)
• Royal Canadian Mint Take a guided tour through the Royal Canadian Mint to watch coins being struck, discover rare and commemorative collections, and learn about minting processes through interactive displays housed in a modern production facility. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Taxi 20 min or bus Route 15 + Route 16 ≈45 min.)
• St. Boniface Cathedral & Museum Visit the historic Saint-Boniface Cathedral ruins and nearby museum in Winnipeg’s French quarter to uncover Métis and Franco-Manitoban heritage through artifacts, guided walking tours, and picturesque riverbank views. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Taxi 20 min or bus Route 15 + Route 16 ≈45 min.)
• The Forks Market Food Hall Indulge in Winnipeg’s culinary scene at The Forks Market Food Hall, sampling local cheeses, artisanal baked goods, craft brews, Indigenous specialties, and international street food from over 25 vendors in a lively communal space overlooking the river. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Taxi 15 min or bus Route 15 + Route 16 ≈40 min.)

Things to Do in Winnipeg Airport (YWG)

Relaxing and Sleeping

Airport Lounges and Relaxing
Plaza Premium Lounge at Winnipeg Airport is located airside near Gate 6 on Level 2. Open daily from 3 a.m. to 9 p.m., it offers comfortable seating, complimentary Wi-Fi, workstations, TV, international and local refreshments, charging stations and newspapers. Passes start at CAD 50 for pay-per-use access. » view all lounges or buy a lounge pass or membership online

Hotel and Sleeping
Three on-campus hotels are linked via covered access: Lakeview Signature, The Grand Winnipeg Airport Hotel and the Marriott. Each offers modern rooms, dining options and fitness facilities. For reservations or special requests, visit the information booth near Arrivals Level 1 or book directly through the hotels’ websites. view all or book an airport hotel online

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Rest Area and Sleeping in Airport
Overnight airside stays are not permitted. When security closes, all travellers must move landside. The carpeted area near the baggage claim hall is the most common improvised rest spot, though it offers only basic comfort. Bringing earplugs, a travel pillow and warm layers will make a landside nap more bearable.

WIFI/Internet and SIM Card

WIFI/Internet: Free Wi-Fi is provided by the Winnipeg Airports Authority throughout the main terminal. Connect to the “YWG_Free_WiFi” network, accept the terms and conditions, and enjoy unlimited access. Coverage extends to all public areas, lounges, food courts and boarding gates for uninterrupted browsing and streaming.

SIM/eSIM Card: Wireless DNA Rogers operates a kiosk on Level 1 (10 a.m.–8 p.m.) offering Canadian prepaid SIM cards and the latest phones. Visitors seeking eSIM can purchase and activate plans via apps like Airalo or carrier eSIM portals before arrival. Be sure your device is unlocked and eSIM-capable, then download your chosen plan in advance. » buy a global esim card for Layover Guide, that you can use for other countries as well!

Transportation to/from airport

Taxi: Unicity Taxi provides service curbside on Arrivals Level 1 near Door 3. Taxis can be hailed directly, booked by calling 204-925-3131 or via the Unicity Taxi app. Fares follow the City of Winnipeg’s maximum schedule, with metered rates subject to change. Expect pick-up wait times of around 5–10 minutes.

Train: No direct train links serve Winnipeg Airport. The nearest rail hub is Union Station downtown, serviced by Via Rail Canada. Passengers can reach downtown by Winnipeg Transit bus routes 15 and 20. For schedules, visit more info.

Bus: Winnipeg Transit operates bus routes 15 and 20 between the airport and downtown. Buses pick up and drop off on Arrivals Level 1 outside Door 1. Fares can be paid via the MyRide app or exact cash (CAD 2.75). For route details and schedules, visit more info.

Shuttle: Many nearby hotels offer complimentary shuttle services. Hotel shuttles pick up from designated zones on Arrivals Level 1; schedules vary by property. Thompson Bus Lines also provides scheduled shuttle service at Door 1. Contact your hotel or Thompson Bus Lines (www.thompsonbus.com) for pickup times and reservations.

Car rentals: Four major car rental agencies have on-site counters on Level 1 of the Parkade: Avis/Budget/Payless (09:00–00:45), Enterprise (08:00–01:00), Hertz (08:00–24:00) and National/Alamo (08:00–01:00). Reservations can be made online or by calling the agencies directly at the numbers posted at the counters. view available cars or rent a car now online

Parking: Winnipeg Airport offers three parking options: a covered four-level Parkade, an Economy Lot and Valet & Away premium service. Daily rates range from CAD 24 to 45; weekly rates up to CAD 179. Online bookings provide discounted rates. All parking areas feature block-heater plugs, 24/7 video surveillance and regular patrols.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

Luggage storage and public lockers are not available at YWG. For baggage issues or delayed luggage, contact your airline’s baggage service desk located on Arrivals Level 1 beside Carousel 1. Lost and Found holds unclaimed items for 30 days at the information booth near Door 2. » book a luggage storage or locker at online (subject to availability).

Money Exchange and Withdrawal

- Winnipeg Airport (YWG) ATMs, currency exchanges and banks