Avis Car Hire
Manitoba

On arrival at Winnipeg airport you'll find the Avis rental counters conveniently located on the main level of the terminal, close to the baggage reclaim area. After completing your paperwork at the counter you can proceed directly to the adjacent multi-storey car park to collect your vehicle. The pick-up and drop-off areas for rental cars are well signed and a short, covered walk from the terminal. This straightforward layout ensures you can collect your luggage, get your vehicle and begin your trip through Manitoba with ease.

Arriving late at YWG is generally low-stress, as the airport is much quieter. The rental counters are a short walk from baggage reclaim, and the route to the vehicle collection area in the car park is well lit and easy to follow. With minimal late‑night traffic around the airport you'll have a calm drive when departing. The key is to confirm the rental counter's opening hours for your arrival day to ensure a smooth pick-up and a comfortable onward journey to your accommodation.

For a straightforward drive to downtown Winnipeg, exit the airport onto Wellington Avenue. Follow Wellington Avenue east until you reach Route 90 (also known as King Edward Street) and turn right to head south. Continue on Route 90 for a few kilometres until you reach Portage Avenue, one of the city's main thoroughfares. A left turn onto Portage Avenue will take you directly into the heart of the downtown area while avoiding major motorway interchanges.

The drive from Winnipeg airport to The Forks typically takes about 20 to 30 minutes, depending on traffic. The most practical parking solution on arrival is to use the plentiful on‑site options at The Forks. There are several large surface lots and a multi-storey car park designed to accommodate visitors. This allows you to park once and explore the market, riverwalk and nearby attractions on foot.

Navigating downtown Winnipeg requires attention to one‑way streets, which are common throughout the central business district. Before leaving the airport it's advisable to programme your hotel's address into your satnav for turn‑by‑turn directions. Many hotels have designated passenger loading zones, so look for those signs as you approach. Being prepared with a route in mind will help you avoid circling the block and make arrival and check‑in much smoother.

For travellers with a rental car, staying just outside the immediate downtown core can simplify parking. Neighbourhoods such as Tuxedo, River Heights and the area around Polo Park Shopping Centre offer accommodation with more accessible and often complimentary parking. The St. James area, close to the airport, is also very convenient for both parking and access to main routes. These areas provide a quieter base while still a short drive from the city's main attractions.

Route 90 is a major north–south artery in Winnipeg and experiences significant congestion during typical weekday rush hours, roughly from 07:00 to 09:00 and 15:30 to 17:30. During these times traffic moves slowly, especially around major junctions such as Portage Avenue. For a much calmer drive, plan to travel during mid‑day between 10:00 and 14:00, or later in the evening after 18:30. This will help you avoid peak traffic and enjoy a more relaxed start to your visit.

The Canadian Museum for Human Rights is located at The Forks and is therefore very accessible by car. The easiest approach is typically via Waterfront Drive or by following signs for The Forks from Main Street or Portage Avenue. The most convenient parking is in the large surface lots and car parks located right at The Forks. Parking here allows for a very short walk to the museum entrance and gives you flexibility to explore the rest of the historic site before or after your visit.

A good strategy for a 'park once' day is to use The Forks as your central base, as it offers ample all‑day parking. From there the historic Exchange District is a scenic 15‑minute walk, either along the riverwalk or across the Esplanade Riel pedestrian bridge. Osborne Village is a little further away, but it's a pleasant walk in good weather or a very short drive from The Forks. This approach minimises driving and parking hassles, letting you enjoy these vibrant neighbourhoods at a relaxed pace.

For a simple route that avoids the downtown core, exit the airport and take Route 90 south. Route 90 becomes Kenaston Boulevard as you continue south. Follow Kenaston Boulevard for several kilometres until you reach Bishop Grandin Boulevard, where you will turn left to head east. This main road leads directly towards the University of Manitoba campus, with clear signage as you approach. The path uses major arterial roads and is easy to follow with a satnav.

For a quicker getaway after a Jets game, many drivers prefer parking in a car park or surface lot a few blocks away from Canada Life Centre. While parking adjacent to the arena is convenient for arrival, it often leads to significant congestion during the post‑game exodus. By parking five to ten minutes' walk away you can access streets that are less congested, allowing for a much quicker and less stressful departure from the downtown area.

For a major event such as a Blue Bombers game at IG Field, it's advisable to arrive at least 90 minutes early to allow for heavy traffic and to find parking. The least confusing approach for a first‑time visitor is to take Pembina Highway south and follow the prominent event traffic signs directing you to the stadium. University Crescent is an alternative route but it also gets very busy. Following the official signage and traffic control personnel will get you to the designated parking areas most directly.

The Perimeter Highway is a high‑speed ring road that bypasses the city and carries speed limits typical of a major highway. Expect a significant volume of traffic, including many large trucks, so maintain a safe following distance. The interchanges, particularly at major arteries like Portage Avenue (Hwy 1) and Pembina Highway (Hwy 75), can be busy, so move into your exit lane well in advance. It's an efficient way to get around the city, but it requires attentive driving.

The drive to Birds Hill Provincial Park is easy and pleasant, taking about 30 minutes from Winnipeg by heading north on Highway 59. The route is a divided highway for most of the way, making for a smooth journey. Inside the park the road system is well signed with directions to the main attractions. West Beach and East Beach have very large, dedicated parking lots, and you'll find smaller convenient lots at trailheads for popular hiking and cycling routes.

A trip to Lower Fort Garry is a straightforward drive north from Winnipeg, primarily along Main Street which becomes Highway 9. The journey takes about 30–40 minutes. A convenient place to stop for fuel, snacks or a quick meal is the town of Selkirk, which you pass through shortly before reaching the fort. Selkirk has numerous petrol stations, grocery stores and fast‑food outlets along the main route, making it a logical place to stock up before your visit.

The drive to Gimli is very manageable for a day trip, taking just over an hour from Winnipeg via Highway 8 or 9. The route is straightforward and passes through scenic prairie landscapes. During the busy summer months, especially at weekends, parking close to the main beach and waterfront can be competitive. It's a good idea to arrive earlier in the day to find a spot, or be prepared for a short walk from parking spaces located a few blocks inland.

The most direct route to Grand Beach is to take Highway 59 north from Winnipeg, a drive that typically takes about an hour and 15 minutes. The route is well signed, making it easy for first‑time visitors. On sunny summer weekends the main parking lots near the beach can fill up surprisingly early, often by 10:30 or 11:00. To ensure a convenient parking spot and a prime location on the sand, plan to arrive before 10:00.

A realistic plan for driving to Riding Mountain National Park, which is about a three‑hour trip, is to depart Winnipeg no later than early afternoon. This allows for a comfortable drive on the Yellowhead Highway (Hwy 16) and time for a brief stop in a town such as Neepawa if needed. Arriving in the park by late afternoon ensures you have daylight to find your accommodation in Wasagaming, check in and settle before sunset, avoiding a stressful nighttime arrival in an unfamiliar area.

The drive from Winnipeg to Kenora is a scenic journey east on the Trans‑Canada Highway (Highway 1). The trip takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours and transitions from prairie landscape to the rugged terrain of the Canadian Shield. While the highway is well maintained, it becomes predominantly a two‑lane road further east of the city, so be prepared for fewer passing opportunities. It's a beautiful drive, but be mindful of wildlife, particularly at dawn and dusk.

A key difference in Winnipeg is the system of declared snow‑route parking bans, which restrict on‑street parking to allow efficient ploughing after a storm. It's crucial to look for signs and check the city's website to avoid a ticket. Local drivers are used to snow‑covered roads and tend to leave much larger following distances than drivers in milder climates. They also anticipate longer braking distances, so it's wise to adopt this cautious and patient driving style for a safe winter experience.

One of the biggest challenges is deep frozen ruts that form on less‑traveled residential streets, which can make steering difficult. On highways outside the city blowing snow can suddenly reduce visibility to near zero, creating whiteout conditions. Another major hazard is black ice, which is nearly invisible and often forms on bridges, overpasses and at junctions, even when the rest of the road appears clear. Always reduce your speed significantly in these conditions and drive with extra caution.

Prairie thunderstorms can develop rapidly in summer, often bringing intense rain, strong winds and sometimes hail. If visibility becomes severely limited while driving the safest course is to pull over where you can do so safely. Look for a car park, service station or a designated rest area rather than stopping on the hard shoulder. It's best to wait for the worst of the storm to pass before continuing your journey.

Winnipeg is a major rail hub, and as a result there are numerous at‑grade level crossings across the city. These can cause unpredictable and sometimes lengthy traffic delays, especially in industrial areas and along major routes such as Plessis Road or Marion Street. When you have a time‑sensitive appointment, such as catching a flight or attending an event, it's a good idea to build an extra 15–20 minutes into your travel time to allow for a potential train delay.

Some visitors find the convergence of multiple main roads, such as at the intersection of Portage Avenue and Main Street, a little complex, though signage is good. Also, some streets may change name unexpectedly where they cross major avenues. The best way to reduce confusion and avoid wrong turns is to use a GPS navigation app. If you do miss a turn, the safest response is to continue to the next junction and plan a new route by going around the block rather than attempting a sudden or unsafe manoeuvre.

A very convenient area to stop is the large retail district along St. James Street, just a five‑minute drive from the airport. This area features numerous family‑friendly restaurants, coffee shops, grocery stores and large department stores. You can easily grab snacks, drinks or any forgotten travel items while giving everyone a chance to stretch their legs. It's an ideal spot to regroup and get organised before continuing to your hotel or final destination in Winnipeg.

To minimise exposure to the elements a practical strategy is for one adult to go to the car park to collect the rental car first. They can then drive the vehicle to the passenger pick‑up curb on the arrivals level of the terminal. This allows the rest of the family to wait inside with the luggage until the car arrives. You can then load your gear and fit child seats in a more sheltered location, making the process much more comfortable in cold or windy weather.

Assiniboine Park and Zoo are exceptionally car‑friendly, offering multiple large, free parking lots located throughout the park, close to the main attractions. The Forks is another excellent choice, with ample paid parking on site that provides easy access to the Children's Museum and other family activities. Additionally, FortWhyte Alive offers a large, convenient car park right at its entrance, making it a stress‑free destination for a family outing with your rental car.

A good plan is to choose a destination neighbourhood rather than a specific restaurant with limited parking. Drive to an area such as Osborne Village, the Exchange District or Corydon Avenue and park in a central car park or a larger surface lot. From there you can enjoy a short walk and choose from numerous restaurants in the area. This 'park once' approach removes the stress of searching for on‑street parking directly outside your chosen venue.

Winnipeg implements several winter parking bans to facilitate snow removal, and visitors should be aware of them. An annual Snow Route Parking Ban prohibits parking on designated main routes overnight, typically from 02:00 to 07:00, all winter long. After a significant snowfall the city may declare a Residential Parking Ban, which restricts parking in specific zones for a set period. Always read street signs carefully and check the city's website for active bans to avoid a ticket.

When driving on Manitoba's highways, especially during summer construction season, it's sensible to maintain a generous following distance from other vehicles, particularly large trucks. This helps minimise the risk of flying stones or gravel chipping your windscreen. If your travels take you onto a gravel road, reducing your speed is key to maintaining control and preventing stones from being kicked up. Being mindful in these conditions will help ensure a smooth rental experience.

When venturing into rural Manitoba it's good practice to start with a full tank. Before you leave Winnipeg or another major town consult a map app to see where the next service stations are located along your route. A useful rule of thumb is not to let your fuel gauge drop below a quarter of a tank before looking for a place to fill up. This proactive approach prevents anxiety about running out of fuel in areas where services are sparse.

To view the northern lights you need to drive away from city light pollution, but safety is paramount. Avoid stopping on the shoulder of a dark highway, as this can be hazardous. Instead look for safer alternatives such as the car park of a provincial park (for example Birds Hill Park), a designated roadside viewpoint, or a quiet side road with very little traffic. Always tell someone your plans and be prepared for cool night‑time temperatures even in summer.

To have a comfortable winter day trip, plan your main activity for the middle of the day to make the most of the limited daylight hours. Check the sunset time before you leave and schedule your return to start at least an hour before dusk. This ensures you are driving back towards Winnipeg on major highways while there is still natural light, which makes it easier to see road conditions. Always check weather and road reports before departing for any winter excursion.

Wildlife, particularly deer, can be a significant hazard on Manitoba roads, especially outside Winnipeg. These animals are most active at dawn and dusk, so be extra vigilant when driving at those times. Pay attention to wildlife warning signs, which are placed in areas with higher animal activity. Scan the sides of the road and the ditches ahead as you drive, as this can give you more time to react if an animal appears.

During major city‑wide events expect increased traffic congestion and high demand for parking in popular areas such as The Forks, Osborne Village and the Exchange District. The key to a low‑stress experience is to plan ahead. Arrive early to secure a spot in a car park or lot, or consider parking further away from the main event hub and enjoying a short walk. Checking the event's official website for specific parking advice and road closure information is also recommended.

For an early morning flight in winter the most dependable routes to the airport are the city's major arteries, as they are top priority for snow clearing crews. Roads such as Portage Avenue, Pembina Highway and Route 90 are your most reliable options. Even if a secondary road looks like a shortcut on the map, sticking to these main routes after an overnight snowfall will provide the safest and most predictable journey to YWG. Always allow extra travel time in winter conditions.

To ensure a predictable return during rush hour allow for at least 20–30 minutes of extra travel time. The most direct route from downtown is typically to take Portage Avenue west to Route 90 north, then follow the prominent airport signs. Using a satnav app with live traffic updates can help you anticipate any unusual delays or incidents along the way. Follow the signs for 'Rental Car Return' as you approach the airport to be guided directly to the designated drop‑off area in the car park.

Large shopping centres make excellent meeting points as they are easily accessible from main roads and offer vast free car parks. Polo Park Shopping Centre is very close to the airport and a popular choice. Other good options around the city include St. Vital Centre in the south or Kildonan Place in the east, both located near the Perimeter Highway. These spots allow you to meet up without navigating the complexities of downtown traffic.

To start your road trip efficiently plan your first activity based on your overall direction of travel. If you're heading east towards the Whiteshell or Lake of the Woods consider a first stop at The Forks or the Canadian Museum for Human Rights. If you are travelling west towards Brandon or Riding Mountain National Park a visit to Assiniboine Park and the Zoo is a logical first destination. This approach gets you on the right side of the city from the outset, minimising urban driving and preventing unnecessary backtracking.