Car Hire
Manitoba

Finding your rental car at Winnipeg Richardson International Airport (YWG) is straightforward, even after a late flight. The rental car desks are on the main level of the multi-storey car park directly opposite the terminal building. After collecting your luggage, follow the prominent overhead signs for "Rental Cars" and "Car Park." A short covered walk will take you to the service desks where you can complete paperwork and collect your keys.

If you’re leaving Winnipeg on a weekday morning, typically between 07:00 and 09:00, expect heavier traffic on main routes. Roads such as Route 90 (Kenaston Boulevard), Pembina Highway and the Perimeter Highway can become quite congested. It’s sensible to check a live traffic app before you set off to see current conditions. To ensure a relaxed start, consider leaving about 20–30 minutes earlier than planned.

The most direct and simplest route to Riding Mountain National Park from the airport avoids most city traffic. Head for the Perimeter Highway (MB-101) to connect with the Trans-Canada Highway (MB-1) westbound. From there, travel to the Yellowhead Highway (MB-16) and take it north‑west. The route is well signed and avoids complex urban navigation, letting you settle into the drive and enjoy the prairie scenery en route to the park.

Driving to Whiteshell Provincial Park is fairly straightforward as it primarily follows the Trans-Canada Highway (MB-1) east from Winnipeg. The key is to have your specific destination, such as Falcon Lake or West Hawk Lake, set on your satnav beforehand. The main park turnoffs are well signposted, but they can come up quickly at highway speeds. Keeping navigation active gives you advance notice to change lanes safely and avoid missing your exit.

A day trip to Grand Beach is very realistic and a classic Manitoba summer outing. To avoid the worst traffic, especially on a hot weekend, aim to leave Winnipeg early and arrive before 10:00. Alternatively, setting off in the early afternoon often avoids the morning rush. The drive is simple, heading north on Highway 59, so the main variable is timing your arrival and departure to steer clear of peak congestion.

For stress‑free overnight parking in the city centre, the most convenient option is to use your hotel's parking. If that's not available, look for one of the public multi‑storey car parks, such as those at The Forks, the Millennium Library, or various Impark lots. These covered, secure facilities offer overnight rates and are far more reliable than searching for limited on‑street parking with time restrictions.

Driving in Winnipeg in winter requires a cautious and patient approach. Main roads are generally well ploughed and gritted, but junctions can become icy and side streets are often packed with snow. Drive smoothly by accelerating gently, braking early, and leaving considerably more following distance. Take your time to readjust to the feel of driving on snow and you’ll find the city's grid layout manageable.

During the spring thaw, typically from March to May, road conditions can be unpredictable. Paved highways are prone to developing potholes as the ground freezes and thaws. On rural gravel roads, surfaces can become very soft, muddy and rutted, making travel more challenging. It’s wise to reduce your speed and pay attention to the road surface, as conditions can change quickly from one stretch to the next.

The long, straight sections of the Trans-Canada Highway (MB-1) west of Portage la Prairie can be particularly monotonous for night driving, increasing the risk of fatigue. Likewise, highways heading north into the Interlake region, such as MB-6 or MB-8, are very dark with long distances between towns. To stay safe, ensure you are well rested before you set off, plan regular breaks and share driving duties if possible.

The drive between Winnipeg and Brandon along the Trans-Canada Highway (MB-1) is well served with convenient stops. The town of Portage la Prairie, about an hour west of Winnipeg, is a major hub with numerous petrol stations, fast‑food outlets and coffee shops right off the highway. Further along, smaller towns like Carberry and Austin also offer basic services, making it easy to plan a comfortable break during your journey.

The principal border crossing south of Winnipeg is at Emerson on Highway 75, which connects to I‑29 in North Dakota. Wait times can fluctuate significantly, with possible delays at weekends, on holidays and during peak travel hours. Before you leave Winnipeg, check the official Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) website for current wait times. Having your travel documents easily accessible will help ensure a smooth process at the booth.

A popular scenic loop is to drive north from Winnipeg on Highway 8 along the western shore of Lake Winnipeg to Gimli. From there continue north to Hecla/Grindstone Provincial Park. For the return, take Highway 9 south from the Gimli area. This route runs roughly parallel to Highway 8 but offers a different perspective of the Interlake region, creating an enjoyable loop with minimal backtracking.

When heading into rural Manitoba where mobile coverage can be patchy, preparation is key. Before you leave an area with good signal, download maps for your entire route for offline use in your chosen navigation app. It’s also useful to review your route in advance and take screenshots of key directions or junctions. Inform someone of your planned route and estimated arrival time as an additional precaution.

During Manitoba’s mosquito season, typically late spring and summer, be strategic when outside your vehicle. Keep an insect repellent spray in the car’s cabin for easy access before stepping out. When loading or unloading luggage, be efficient to minimise the time doors are open. If you stop in a grassy or wooded area, a quick application of repellent will make the experience much more pleasant.

Visitors new to Winnipeg should be mindful of the many one‑way streets in the city centre, which can confuse you if you miss a turn. The main Portage and Main interchange has specific turning restrictions that can catch drivers out. Also, some major roads change names—Route 90 becomes Kenaston Boulevard—so trusting your satnav is recommended. Staying in the correct lane well in advance of a turn will help you navigate busier junctions smoothly.

To avoid the worst of the traffic immediately after an event at Canada Life Centre, consider parking a few blocks away and taking a short walk. Car parks near the Millennium Library or surface lots in the Exchange District are good options. This approach makes it easier to exit the city centre by avoiding streets closest to the arena. Some parking apps also let you reserve a space in advance, which reduces stress further.

During the morning rush, typically from 07:00 to 09:00, allow at least 45 minutes for the drive from downtown to the airport. That gives a comfortable buffer for potential delays on major routes like Portage Avenue or Route 90. Also factor in time to refuel the vehicle at a nearby petrol station before heading to the rental return area, which is clearly signed as you approach the airport.

Railway crossings are a feature of many Manitoba towns, and encountering a long freight train is common. These trains can lead to delays of 10–15 minutes or sometimes longer, which can affect a tight schedule. The best approach is to build flexibility into your travel time. Rather than feeling rushed, accept these stops as a normal part of travelling across the prairies.

Absolutely. Since there are no roads to Churchill, travel there is by train or plane, making a rental car impractical for that leg. However, having a rental car for your time in Winnipeg and southern Manitoba is ideal. It gives you the freedom to explore city attractions like The Forks and Assiniboine Park, or take day trips into the surrounding countryside at your own pace before or after your northern adventure.

If you suddenly find yourself on an unexpected one‑way street, stay calm and avoid any sudden or illegal manoeuvres. Continue driving safely in the correct direction until you reach the next junction. From there you can make a legal turn and allow your satnav to recalculate a new route. It’s always safer to circle the block than to attempt a risky correction.

Visiting those three key attractions in one day by car is very manageable. Each location has visitor parking. The Forks has a large central car park, Assiniboine Park offers several spacious and free parking areas, and the Exchange District has a mix of on‑street metres and paid surface lots. With a satnav to guide you between them, it’s an efficient way to see some of the city's best sights.

If you’re carrying bulky luggage like hockey bags, an SUV, MPV or hatchback is a good choice. The large rear hatch provides much easier access for loading and unloading heavy gear compared with a conventional saloon boot. This is particularly helpful in winter, allowing you to manage items quickly without prolonged exposure to the cold. The generous cargo space also ensures everything fits comfortably.

Driving on Manitoba’s open highways can be new if you’re not used to strong prairie winds. You may feel the wind pushing the vehicle, requiring small, steady steering corrections to stay centred in your lane. Keep a firm two‑handed grip on the wheel, especially when passing large trucks or in wide open areas. It soon becomes second nature, but it’s worth being mindful of at first.

On Manitoba’s gravel roads, it’s essential to reduce your speed to maintain traction and control. Gravel can be loose and make the vehicle slide more easily, particularly on bends. Driving slower also helps prevent stones being kicked up and chipping your windscreen. Increase the distance to the vehicle ahead to avoid dust clouds and flying debris.

For a beautiful and easy‑to‑navigate autumn colour tour, Whiteshell Provincial Park is an excellent choice. The drive east from Winnipeg on the Trans‑Canada Highway is direct, and the park’s scenic roads offer stunning views. Another good option is the Pembina Valley region to the south‑west of the city. Routes through towns such as Morden and Winkler are well paved and provide access to picturesque landscapes without complex directions.

When heading on a long drive into northern Manitoba, proactive fuel planning is crucial. Before you leave, check your map and identify towns along your route that have petrol stations. A reliable strategy is the "half‑tank rule": whenever your gauge approaches half and you see a station, stop and fill up. This prevents stressful situations where services are further apart than expected.

The drive from Winnipeg to Kenora is straightforward, following the Trans‑Canada Highway (MB‑1) east, which becomes Ontario Highway 17 at the provincial border. The route is well signed so navigation is not a concern. Bear in mind you will cross into the Eastern Time Zone shortly before reaching Kenora, so set your clock forward one hour. It’s a simple adjustment for a lovely drive into lake country.

During major Winnipeg festivals such as Festival du Voyageur or Folklorama, expect road closures and diversions in the neighbourhoods hosting events. Check the festival’s official website or the City of Winnipeg traffic advisories before you travel. Planning an alternate route in advance or allowing extra travel time will help you navigate around congestion and enjoy the festivities without transport‑related stress.

A large quiet car park is ideal for familiarising yourself with a rental car. Suburban shopping centre car parks like Polo Park or St. Vital Centre during off‑peak hours provide ample space. There you can adjust mirrors and seat, test the brakes and get a feel for the vehicle’s size and turning circle in a low‑pressure environment before joining city traffic or hitting the highway.

For a photography trip, plan your route around designated provincial parks, day‑use areas and official scenic lookouts. These locations are designed with safe car parks and pull‑offs well away from moving traffic. For spontaneous roadside shots, only stop if there is a very wide, stable verge where your entire vehicle can be completely off the roadway. Never stop in a live traffic lane, however quiet the road may seem.

If you enter Manitoba from North Dakota at the Emerson crossing, the most direct route to Winnipeg is Highway 75 north. This four‑lane road leads straight into the city. From the Minnesota side, a common entry is at Sprague, where you take Highway 12 north‑west towards Steinbach and then connect to major routes into Winnipeg. Both are well maintained and clearly signposted, making for an easy drive.

To be most efficient, drive from Winnipeg directly to Riding Mountain National Park first. Enjoy the park, then travel south on Highway 10, a direct and scenic route that leads into Brandon. This sequence creates a logical path without backtracking. Driving to Brandon first would require you to head north to the park later and then south again past Brandon.

If caught in a sudden thunderstorm with heavy rain, your immediate priority is safety. Reduce your speed significantly, switch on your headlights to increase visibility, and increase following distance. If the downpour reduces visibility to the point you cannot clearly see road edges or other vehicles, the safest action is to find a secure place such as a car park or rest area to pull completely off the road and wait for the worst of the storm to pass.

When travelling on Manitoba highways you’ll see a consistent pattern for speed limits in small towns. As you approach a town the limit typically drops from 100 km/h to 80 km/h, and then down to 50 km/h through the main part of the community. Be attentive to signage and adjust your speed accordingly, as these lower limits are for community safety and are often strictly enforced.

Manitoba Parks makes it easy for visitors exploring multiple parks. You can purchase a vehicle park permit, either for a day or a longer period, at the first park you enter or online in advance. This single permit is valid for all provincial parks—ensure it is clearly displayed on your dashboard. On arrival at each park, follow signs to the main car parks for trailheads or beaches, which are usually well signposted.

Dawn and dusk are peak times for wildlife activity, especially deer, on Manitoba’s rural roads. Be extra vigilant during these hours by actively scanning the road ahead as well as the verges and fields on either side. Reduce your speed, particularly where there are wildlife warning signs, which gives you more time to react if an animal suddenly crosses. Using your full beam when no other cars are present can also help you spot animals sooner.

When booking a hotel with limited parking, call them directly beforehand. Ask if parking can be reserved, whether it’s on‑site or in a nearby lot, and what the procedure is if the lot is full on arrival. Also enquire about any vehicle height restrictions if you’re hiring a larger SUV or van. Getting this information ahead of time helps you plan a backup and avoids the stress of searching for parking after a long day of travel.

To run errands efficiently in Winnipeg, group your stops by neighbourhood to minimise driving time. Major commercial areas like the Polo Park shopping district or the Kenaston Common area are excellent choices because they have a high concentration of shops, grocery outlets and restaurants. These hubs are on main arteries like Route 90, which makes for a simple and direct return to most hotels in the city.

A great low‑stress spot near the airport is the designated cell phone lot, which allows you to wait for free until your friends call to say they are ready at the arrivals curb. For somewhere more comfortable where you can get a coffee, choose one of the fast‑food restaurants or coffee shops along Wellington Avenue, just a minute’s drive from the terminal. That way everyone can regroup comfortably before getting on the road together.

During the spring melt or periods of heavy rain some low‑lying roads near Winnipeg’s rivers and the Red River Floodway may be temporarily closed. The city and province are proactive in managing this, so always obey any road closure signs. Never attempt to drive through a road covered in water, as you can’t tell the depth or the condition of the roadbed underneath. Checking local news or municipal websites for traffic alerts is also good practice at such times.