National Car Hire
Winnipeg

On arrival at Winnipeg International Airport you will find the National Car Rental desk located in the consolidated rental car facility. That facility is on the main level of the central car park, directly opposite the terminal building. After collecting your luggage at baggage reclaim, simply exit the terminal doors and cross the public roadway. You should see clear overhead signage for "Rental Cars" directing you into the car park, where all the rental desks are grouped together for easy access.

Getting to the rental car facility after a late flight into YWG is straightforward and secure. The route from the arrivals hall to the rental counters in the car park is a short, well-lit, covered walk that protects you from the elements. The airport is designed for easy wayfinding, with prominent signage that remains visible even at night. You won’t need to wander through the terminal; the path is direct, so you can reach your vehicle quickly and without confusion.

The drive from the YWG rental car area to downtown Winnipeg is relatively short but can be affected by weekday rush-hour traffic. Generally the trip takes about 20 minutes in light traffic, but during peak times—roughly 07:30–09:00 and 15:30–17:30—you should allow anywhere from 30 to 45 minutes. The most common route uses Wellington Avenue and Portage Avenue, which are major commuter routes. Using a real-time traffic app as you leave the airport is a good way to get the most accurate travel-time estimate.

For a simple and direct drive to The Forks, head east from the airport on Wellington Avenue, which becomes Sargent Avenue as you continue into the city. Follow Sargent Avenue for several kilometres until you reach Balmoral Street, where you turn right. Take Balmoral Street south to Broadway, a major tree-lined avenue, and turn left. Continue east on Broadway and you will soon see prominent signs directing you to the entrance of The Forks, making for a stress-free arrival.

While Portage Avenue itself is a major two-way thoroughfare, many of the smaller streets that intersect it in the downtown core are one-way. This often surprises visitors. Pay close attention to street signs before turning off Portage. North–south streets frequently alternate direction, so a GPS navigation app can be very helpful. With a little attention to signage, navigating the downtown grid is quite manageable for first-time visitors.

After collecting your vehicle at YWG, there are several convenient options for groceries and supplies just a few minutes away. A short drive south on Route 90 (also known as Kenaston Boulevard) will take you to a major retail area with several large supermarkets and stores. Alternatively, heading east on Portage Avenue also provides access to numerous grocery stores and pharmacies. These locations let you stock up on essentials without a significant detour from your route into the city.

To reach Osborne Village while avoiding the most congested downtown routes, a scenic residential approach works well. From the airport drive south on Route 90 (Kenaston Boulevard) and then turn left (east) onto Corydon Avenue. This street takes you through a pleasant neighbourhood known for its restaurants and shops. Follow Corydon until you reach Osborne Street, then turn right to enter the heart of the village. This approach from the west often bypasses the traffic bottlenecks on Broadway and near the Osborne Bridge.

Driving in Winnipeg during winter requires a cautious, prepared mindset. The key adjustment is to reduce speed and increase following distance, as roads can be icy even when they look clear. Be aware of the city’s seasonal snow-route parking bans, which come into effect after significant snowfall to allow for ploughing; look for the distinctive snow-route signs. Bridges and overpasses tend to freeze first, so approach them with extra care. It’s always wise to check the weather and road conditions before heading out.

During snowy conditions it’s sensible to add a significant buffer to your travel time to the airport. A good rule of thumb is to add at least 30–45 minutes to the typical 20-minute drive from downtown to YWG. Main roads are prioritised for clearing, but traffic will move much more slowly than usual. This extra time accounts for the slower drive, the vehicle return process and getting through airport security, ensuring a calm, punctual start to your journey.

While major arteries are usually cleared quickly, visitors should be most cautious on residential side streets, which can remain snow-packed and slippery for longer. Open and exposed areas—such as bridges, overpasses and roads running through fields on the city’s outskirts—are prone to icing and drifting snow. The transition from a well-ploughed main road to a less-maintained side street can be abrupt, so adjust your speed and be prepared for changing conditions, especially when turning.

Driving in Winnipeg during the spring thaw, typically from late March through May, requires extra attention to the road surface. The freeze–thaw cycle is known for creating potholes on many city streets, so stay alert and leave space ahead to spot and avoid them. While major flooding is uncommon, some low-lying areas or underpasses may experience temporary pooling after heavy rain or rapid snowmelt. You don’t usually need to change routes, but reducing speed will help you navigate rougher patches comfortably.

The Canadian Museum for Human Rights is at The Forks, which offers ample, convenient parking. The easiest driving route from the airport is to head east towards the city centre and follow signs for Broadway, which leads directly to The Forks site. Once there you’ll find several large surface parking areas and a multi-level car park. All parking areas are just a short, pleasant walk from the museum entrance, making it a very accessible destination by car.

Getting to Assiniboine Park and the Zoo is straightforward from the airport. The most direct route is to drive south on Route 90 (Kenaston Boulevard) then turn right (west) onto Corydon Avenue, which takes you directly into the park. Families will appreciate that the park offers extensive free parking throughout its grounds. There are multiple large car parks conveniently located near major attractions, including dedicated parking by the Zoo entrance, the Nature Playground and The Leaf.

To ensure a smoother exit after a Jets game, consider parking a few blocks away from the immediate vicinity of Canada Life Centre. Instead of using the lots right next to the arena, look for car parks or surface lots west of Memorial Boulevard or south of St Mary Avenue. This strategy involves a slightly longer walk (typically 5–10 minutes) but places you outside the main traffic bottleneck when the game ends, allowing you to get on your way more quickly.

Finding on-street parking in the popular Exchange District on a weekend evening requires some patience but is achievable. Main streets like Bannatyne and McDermot fill up fast, so a good strategy is to explore side streets or the district perimeter. Areas north of Portage Avenue East or closer to Waterfront Drive are often overlooked and can have more availability. For a guaranteed spot the area also has numerous paid surface lots and car parks that provide a reliable alternative.

Visitors to Winnipeg should be particularly mindful of speed limits in two specific types of areas: school zones and construction zones. In school zones the speed limit is significantly reduced at specific times and is strictly enforced. Similarly, construction zones have lower speed limits to protect workers. It’s crucial to pay attention to posted signs, as limits can change along a single road. Staying aware of these zones is the best way to avoid surprises.

Some of the more complex driving areas can be found around the Polo Park shopping centre, where multiple major roads converge with unusual lane configurations. Downtown, many streets feature lanes that unexpectedly become turn-only, so read overhead signs well in advance of intersections. The famous Portage and Main junction has long-standing restrictions on turns and pedestrian crossings that may be unfamiliar. Using a GPS and allowing extra time to get into the correct lane is the best approach.

Planning day trips from Winnipeg is easy with a rental car. A drive to the lakeside town of Gimli or to the popular Grand Beach Provincial Park will each take approximately 1 hour 15 minutes, making them perfect full-day excursions. Birds Hill Provincial Park is much closer, located just north-east of the city, with a drive time of about 30 minutes. These estimates assume clear conditions and can be slightly longer during peak weekend travel in summer.

A day trip to Lower Fort Garry National Historic Site is an easy and enjoyable drive. The route is straightforward: take Main Street (Route 52) north from Winnipeg for about 30–40 minutes. The road is a well-maintained, paved highway throughout. On arrival you’ll find a large, dedicated visitor car park that is free of charge. The ease of access and simple navigation make it an excellent, stress-free historical outing from the city.

When driving to Whiteshell Provincial Park, it’s best to be prepared for a more remote experience. The main route, the Trans‑Canada Highway, is in excellent condition, but once you enter the park cell service can become unreliable or non-existent in many areas. It is highly recommended to fill your tank in Winnipeg or in a town on the way, such as Beausejour, as fuel stations are very limited within the park. Planning ahead for fuel and downloading offline maps will ensure a smooth trip.

The most direct route to the primary US border crossing at Emerson, Manitoba, is to drive straight south from Winnipeg on Highway 75. It’s a major, divided highway for much of the journey, making for a simple and efficient trip. Before you leave it is crucial to double-check that all travellers have valid passports or other required travel documents. It’s also sensible to have those documents easily accessible rather than packed away in the boot when approaching the border.

To minimise wait times at the Emerson/Pembina border crossing, timing is key. Avoid peak travel periods, which typically include Friday afternoons, Sunday afternoons and the mornings of Canadian or US long weekends. Departing from Winnipeg on a weekday morning, especially mid-week, usually results in the shortest delays. You can also check official government sites for current border wait times before you leave to help plan accordingly.

Winnipeg drivers are generally courteous and follow standard Canadian driving practices. The "zipper merge" is encouraged in construction zones, where drivers use both lanes up to the merge point and then take turns. Pedestrians have the right of way in marked crossings, and drivers are expected to stop. Be especially mindful in pedestrian-heavy areas such as The Forks, Osborne Village and the Exchange District, where you should drive with extra awareness and at a reduced speed.

As with any major city, it’s always wise not to leave valuables visible inside your parked vehicle, regardless of the neighbourhood. This habit is the most effective way to prevent theft. When parking overnight, choose a well-lit area or a secure hotel car park where possible. By locking doors and keeping items such as luggage, electronics and shopping bags out of sight in the boot, you can enjoy your visit with greater peace of mind.

If your hotel charges for parking, you’ll find many reliable public alternatives in the city centre and the Exchange District. The City of Winnipeg operates several covered car parks, and there are numerous private surface lots throughout the area. These facilities offer hourly, daily and sometimes overnight rates and are often a short walk from major hotels. Using one of these public options can provide flexibility and may be a convenient choice for your stay.

In Winnipeg’s busiest commercial areas, such as downtown and Osborne Village, on‑street parking is typically managed by pay stations or a mobile app. You’ll need to enter your licence-plate number and select your desired time. The most common issue for visitors is overlooking posted time limits, which are usually one or two hours and strictly enforced. Also be aware of rush-hour parking bans on main streets, as parking is prohibited during these times to improve traffic flow.

St. Boniface, Winnipeg’s French Quarter, is very car-friendly and easy to explore. The main street, Provencher Boulevard, offers plenty of on-street parking, much of which is free for short periods, making it ideal for quick stops at bakeries or shops. For longer visits to attractions such as St. Boniface Cathedral there are dedicated car parks. You’ll also find ample free parking on surrounding residential streets, usually just a block or two away from main points of interest.

During major summer festivals traffic congestion is often concentrated in specific areas. The Exchange District and the city centre become particularly busy during the Winnipeg Fringe Theatre Festival. For Folklorama traffic increases around the various pavilion locations scattered throughout the city, so check your specific destinations. The area around Birds Hill Provincial Park sees very heavy traffic during the Winnipeg Folk Festival weekend, so plan extra travel time for these events.

For large public events such as the Manitoba Marathon or major parades, expect significant road closures, especially in the city centre. Key routes such as Portage Avenue, Broadway and Memorial Boulevard are often part of the event footprint and will be closed to traffic for several hours. Canada Day celebrations at The Forks also lead to closures and heavy congestion in the immediate area. It’s best to check local news or the city’s website for a map of closures and plan your route accordingly.

Driving in Winnipeg after dark during winter is generally safe and manageable. The city’s main arteries, including Route 90 (Kenaston), Portage Avenue and the Perimeter Highway, are consistently well-lit, making them the easiest and most comfortable routes to follow. On residential streets or rural roads outside the city lighting can be less consistent. Drive at a moderate speed, use your headlights and be extra vigilant for icy patches, which can be harder to spot in the dark.

To ensure a stress-free start, the best approach is to fit car seats away from the immediate pickup lane. After you’ve completed your rental agreement at the counter, drive your vehicle to a nearby empty parking bay within the car park. This gives you plenty of time and space to install the car seat correctly and get the children settled without feeling rushed by other customers. Rental staff can easily direct you to a convenient spot.

Winnipeg offers several easily accessible destinations for a winter weekend. For cross-country skiing and snowshoeing Birds Hill Provincial Park is a top choice, just a 30-minute drive from the city on well-maintained highways. For downhill skiing and snowboarding Springhill Winter Sports Park lies just outside the city’s north‑east perimeter and is also straightforward to reach. Both locations are popular with locals and simple to navigate to, making them ideal for first-time visitors.

The most efficient route from the airport to the University of Manitoba is to take Route 90 (Kenaston Boulevard) south to Bishop Grandin Boulevard. Turn left (east) on Bishop Grandin, which will take you directly to the campus area. This route helps you avoid some of the heaviest congestion, which typically occurs on Pembina Highway, the main road running north–south beside the university. Pembina Highway gets particularly busy during morning and late-afternoon commute times.

Winnipeg’s road-construction season is most active from late spring to early autumn, generally peaking in July and August. During this time you may encounter lane closures or diversions on major roads, bridges and overpasses. The best way to avoid unexpected delays is to use a real-time navigation app such as Google Maps or Waze. These apps provide up-to-the-minute information on works and will automatically suggest the most efficient alternative routes, saving you time and frustration.

For the most part Winnipeg’s infrastructure easily accommodates larger SUVs and trucks. However, drivers should be mindful in a few specific areas. Some older car parks in the city centre may have lower clearance heights, so it’s important to check posted height restrictions before entering. The streets in the historic Exchange District can also be narrower with tighter corners. Otherwise major roads, bridges and modern parking facilities are built to handle all standard vehicle sizes without issue.

Winnipeg has a thriving food and craft-beer scene that’s best enjoyed responsibly. If your group plans to indulge, arranging a designated driver is a common and respected practice. Alternatively, the city is well served by taxis and ride‑sharing companies, which offer a reliable and safe way to get back to your accommodation. Planning your transport ahead of time ensures everyone can enjoy the evening safely and without worry.

To visit these three key attractions efficiently, plan your route geographically. A logical flow is to start the day at Assiniboine Park in the west. From there drive east towards the city centre to visit The Forks. As the Exchange District sits adjacent to The Forks you can often park once and explore both on foot. This west‑to‑east progression minimises driving time and avoids unnecessary backtracking.

When returning your car to YWG from south Winnipeg during peak traffic the most reliable route is often the Perimeter Highway (Hwy 100/101). Take the Perimeter west then exit north onto Route 90 (Kenaston Boulevard), which leads directly to the airport. While this may be a slightly longer distance than cutting through the city, the Perimeter typically has a more consistent traffic flow and helps you avoid congestion and numerous traffic lights on city streets.

During the coldest winter months Winnipeggers often carry a basic emergency kit in their vehicle for peace of mind. Essential items include a good snow brush and ice scraper, a small shovel and jump leads. It’s also common to keep a warm blanket, extra gloves and a hat in the car. Keeping your fuel tank at least half full is another important habit, as it can be crucial if you encounter a long delay in freezing temperatures.

When driving on highways outside Winnipeg, especially at dawn, dusk and during the night, be highly alert for wildlife. Deer are particularly common and can cross the road unexpectedly. Reduce speed in areas with wildlife warning signs and scan the road ahead as well as the roadside ditches. Using your high beams on unlit highways when there is no oncoming traffic will help you spot animals from a greater distance and give you more time to react safely.