Our Ultimate Guide to Winnipeg Airport for Stress-Free Travel
Have you ever rushed to the airport, thinking you’ve got everything under control, only to realize you left something important behind?
I once showed up at Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport feeling like a travel pro—boarding pass ready, security line moving fast—until I got a text from my friend: “Did you forget something?”
I patted my pockets. Wallet? Check. Passport? Check. Dignity? Debatable. Then it hit me—my small suitcase was still sitting in the trunk of my car… parked in long-term parking.
If you’ve ever had to do the world’s fastest Olympic sprint back to your car before a flight, you know the struggle. So, to save you from a chaotic airport experience, I’ve put together the ultimate guide to Winnipeg Airport.
Whether you’re here for a quick layover or prepping for a stress-free departure, let’s make sure your only concern is what in-flight movie to watch—not how fast you can run through a parking lot.
About Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport
– Media credit: ywgairport
Location: 2000 Wellington Ave
Website: https://www.waa.ca/
Phone number: +1 204 987 9402
Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport (YWG) might surprise people who think of our city as just another mid-sized town. In 2023 alone, over 4 million travelers passed through, making it Canada’s 7th busiest airport.
But when you consider how spread out Manitoba is, it starts to make sense—YWG isn’t just for Winnipeg; it’s also the main airport for a huge area, including parts of Northwestern Ontario and even Nuvanut.
It’s a key hub for regional airlines like Calm Air, Perimeter Airlines, and Cargojet, plus it plays a big role for Westjet and Flair Airlines as a focus city and an operating base.
And if you’re heading to the U.S., you’ll be happy to know YWG has border pre-clearance, meaning you can clear customs before you even board—way easier than dealing with it after landing.
Beyond commercial flights, the airport also shares space with the Canadian Forces Base, so it’s not unusual to see military aircraft alongside passenger planes.
Covering 1,370 hectares (3,400 acres), it has plenty of room to handle all kinds of air traffic. The Winnipeg Airports Authority runs the whole place as a part of Canada’s National Airports System, keeping everything running smoothly.
Where is Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport?
Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport (YWG) sits in the western part of Winnipeg, near major highways and about 8 kilometers from downtown.
How to Get to Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport
By private car: Take Portage Avenue west, then turn onto King Edward Street (Route 90). Follow Route 90 north until you see the signs for the airport. The main entrance is on Wellington Avenue, with short-term and long-term parking available.
By taxi: If you’re downtown, a cab ride to the airport usually takes around 15-20 minutes. You can hail one on the street, call a local company like Unicity or Duffy’s, or use a taxi app.
By ridesharing app: Uber and Lyft are available in Winnipeg. Open the app, enter “Winnipeg Airport” as your destination, and confirm your ride.
From downtown, expect a 15-minute drive. Your driver will drop you off at the Departures level outside the terminal.
By public transit: Winnipeg Transit provides bus service to the airport, with two routes offering direct connections.
Route 15 (Sargent/Mountain) runs from downtown via Portage Avenue and Sargent Avenue, stopping at the south end of the terminal, while Route 20 (Academy/Watt) travels along Graham Avenue before heading west to the airport.
A one-way fare is $3.15, payable with exact cash or a Peggo card. Travel time from downtown is about 30 minutes.
By shuttle: Some hotels in Winnipeg offer complimentary airport shuttles. If you’re staying downtown, check if your inn provides this service and book in advance. The shuttle will drop you off at the Departures level.
Main Lounges at Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport
1. Plaza Premium Lounge
– Media credit: plazapremiumlounge
Location: Departure Level, Opposite Gate 5
Website: https://www.plazapremiumlounge.com/
Phone number: +1 204 691 7929
Hours of operation: Monday to Sunday: 5 am – 8 pm
Plaza Premium Lounge is a nice little escape from the usual airport chaos, especially if you have time to kill before your flight.
With its cozy seating, a quiet atmosphere, and plenty of charging spots if your phone’s running low (which, let’s be real, always seems to happen at the worst time), this place makes waiting feel less like a chore and more like a mini retreat.
Getting in is pretty simple. A day pass starts at around $50, but if you have an American Express Platinum Card or certain other premium credit cards, you might be able to walk right in for free.
DragonPass members are also in luck since the lounge includes their perks.
Once inside, you’ll have access to WiFi, computer workstations, and plenty of snacks and drinks—including vegetarian options. If you just want to kick back, there are TVs, newspapers, and magazines to keep you entertained.
2. Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge
– Media credit: yycflip
Location: Level 2 of the terminal
Website: https://www.aircanada.com/
Phone number: +1 888 247 2262
Hours of operation: Monday to Sunday: 4 am – 6:30 pm
The Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge is tucked away from the busy terminal, providing a quiet space to relax or do some last-minute work.
Getting in depends on a few things. If you’re a Maple Leaf Club member, you’re all set—membership starts at around CA$ 375 per year.
Flying Business Class with Air Canada or a Star Alliance partner? That gets you through the door, too.
Frequent flyers with Aeroplan 35K status (or higher) and Star Alliance Gold members also have access, and if you have certain Aeroplan credit cards, you might have one-time passes to use.
Even if you don’t fall into any of these categories, you can still snag a day pass when booking Latitude, Comfort, or Flex fares.
Once inside, it’s a solid spot to recharge. The seating is comfy, workstations are available if you need to catch up on emails, and the WiFi is free.
If you’re feeling hungry, you’ll find a selection of snacks and drinks, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic. There’s also a good mix of newspapers, magazines, and TVs to keep you going while you wait for your flight.
Where to Eat at Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport
1. Tim Hortons
– Media credit: TimHortons
Location: Level 1 of the terminal
Website: https://locations.timhortons.ca/2000-wellington-ave-103681/
Contact number: +1 204 770 9148
Hours of Operation: Open 24 hours
If you’ve spent any time in Canada, you already know Tim Hortons is basically a national treasure. And lucky for travelers, there’s one right at Winnipeg’s airport, making it the perfect stop for a caffeine boost or a quick bite before your flight.
Maybe you’re craving a classic double-double or a steeped tea, or perhaps an iced coffee is more of your style. Either way, this coffee shop has you covered.
If you need something to eat, you can’t go wrong with a breakfast sandwich (made with freshly cracked Canadian eggs), a bowl of soup, or a classic donut.
Oh, and don’t forget the Timbits—because let’s be honest, it’s not a Tim’s run without them!
2. Starbucks
– Media credit: starbucks
Location: Level 2 of the terminal
Website: https://www.starbucks.ca/store-locator/store/68573
Contact number: +1 204 774 7701
Hours of Operation:
- Monday and Friday: 4 am – 10:30 pm
- Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday: 4 am – 9 pm
- Wednesday and Sunday: 4 am – 9:30 pm
Starbucks at Winnipeg Airport is another great spot you can go to for a caffeine fix before a flight. They have two locations—one on Level 1 and the other on Level 2, which is open from 4 am to 9 pm.
You’ll find all the familiar favorites here, from lattes and cappuccinos to iced drinks and their signature brewed coffee. And if you’re a bit peckish, their selection of pastries, sandwiches, and salads makes for an easy grab-and-go meal.
3. Stella’s
– Media credit: mystellas
Location: Level 2 of the terminal
Website: http://stellas.ca/
Contact number: +1 204 255 0449
Hours of Operation: Monday to Sunday: 4 am – 9 pm
If there’s one place Winnipeg travelers swear by, it’s Stella’s. Their homemade baked goods—muffins, pastries, and fresh bread—are always a hit, especially if you need a quick bite.
But if you can linger, breakfast is where they shine. While their classic eggs and bacon never disappoint, the breakfast burrito is the real winner.
Not in the mood for an early dish? No problem. Their roast chicken sandwich and mac and cheese bring a serious comfort vibe that actually makes an airport meal enjoyable.
And if you need a caffeine fix, their coffee is worth waking up at 4 am for—trust me, I’ve done it!
Where to Stay Near Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport
1. The Grand Winnipeg Airport Hotel
– Media credit: lakeviewhotels
Location: 1979 Wellington Ave
Website: http://lakeviewgrand.com/
Contact number: +1 204 505 0145
Hours of Operation:
- Check-in time: 3 pm
- Check-out time: 12 pm
The Grand Winnipeg Airport Hotel by Lakeview is literally just steps from the terminal—about 50 meters—so you can practically roll out of bed and onto your flight.
The rooms here are well-equipped with mounted cable TVs, mini-fridges, and Keurig coffee machines, plus free WiFi to keep you connected.
Their bathrooms? Stocked with everything you need—bathrobes, a hairdryer, and complimentary toiletries.
For food, The Blue Marble Restaurant & Lounge is a great choice, serving up meals made with locally sourced ingredients.
And if you need to squeeze in a workout or get some work done, there’s a fitness center and a business center on-site. They even offer valet parking if you’re driving in.
2. Lakeview Signature, Trademark Collection by Wyndham
– Media credit: prakash_chaudhary_canada
Location: 1999 Wellington Ave
Website: http://lakeviewtrademark.com/
Contact number: +1 204 977 8463
Hours of Operation:
- Check-in time: 3 pm
- Check-out time: 12 pm
Lakeview Signature, Trademark Collection by Wyndham is across the street from the terminal, so you won’t have to worry about long shuttle rides—though they do offer a free 24-hour one if you’d rather not walk.
The rooms are clean, comfortable, and packed with everything you need—flat-screen HDTVs, mini-fridges, microwaves, coffee makers, and free WiFi. It’s all non-smoking, too.
Hungry? You’ve got Gateway Restaurant and Lounge right inside the hotel, plus a sports bar if you want to grab a drink and catch a game. And if you’re too tired after your flight, room service is available 24/7.
They also have a fitness center, business center, and conference facilities, so whether you’re here for work or just passing through, you’ll be covered.
And if you’re traveling with a pet, good news—the hotel is pet-friendly, so you’re furry friend is welcome as well!
3. Courtyard Winnipeg Airport
– Media credit: marriottbonvoy
Location: 780 Powerhouse Rd
Website: https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/ywgap-courtyard-winnipeg-airport/
Contact number: +1 204 505 8600
Hours of operation:
- Check-in time: 3 pm
- Check-out time: 12 pm
Courtyard Winnipeg Airport also offers the highest level of convenience. It’s right by the terminal, so you won’t have to worry about a long trek after a late-night flight or an early morning departure.
The rooms are modern and comfy, with free WiFi, flat-screen TVs, and those plush beds that make you want to hit snooze a few extra times. Some even come with a mini-fridge and a coffee maker—ideal if you need a caffeine fix before heading out!
Food-wise, The Bistro is your best bet, serving up breakfast in the morning and dinner in the evening, as well as cocktails if you feel like unwinding.
If you need to squeeze in a workout, their 24-hour fitness center has everything from cardio machines to weights. Plus, they offer a complimentary airport shuttle, which is a lifesaver when you don’t want to deal with airport parking or Winnipeg’s winter chill.