A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Boulder vs. Winnipeg for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Boulder or Winnipeg?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Boulder and Winnipeg. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Boulder

Boulder is a outdoorsy, nature-filled, and biker-friendly city. Boulder is a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the nightlife, live music, and food. See Boulder travel costs.

Winnipeg

Winnipeg is a welcoming, cultural, and friendly city. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food. See Winnipeg travel costs.

Boulder and Winnipeg: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Good for hiking
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers


Is there more to do in Boulder or Winnipeg?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Boulder than Winnipeg. While Winnipeg is larger than Boulder, Boulder has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Boulder is better known for its skiing, music, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Winnipeg is more popular for its museums and attractions. Boulder is more touristy than Winnipeg and is known for its outdoor sports, biker-friendly downtown, vibrant downtown, and many local breweries. Also, Boulder is famous for The Flatirons. Winnipeg is well known for its festivals, culture, and railway connections.

How is Boulder different from Winnipeg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Winnipeg and Boulder. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Boulder or Winnipeg Better for Skiing?

Boulder
Winnipeg

Boulder is adequate for skiing. However, Winnipeg is not a skiing destination.

Boulder is a fun local destination for snow skiers. The town offers access within an hour or two to several great ski resorts including Eldora Mountain, Vail, and Breckenridge.

Winnipeg is not a skiing destination.


Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Boulder or Winnipeg?

Boulder
Winnipeg

Winnipeg is a great city for its historical sights. However, Boulder is not known for its sights and museums.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Winnipeg. There are some unique museums around town including the Canadian Museum for Human Rights. Other popular museums are the Manitoba Museum and the Manitoba Children's Museum.

Boulder offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Most people visit Boulder for the outdoor activities more than the museums and sights. If have the time you can wander around the University of Colorado Boulder campus, visit the Museum of Boulder, or see the Leanin' Tree Museum of Western Art.

Is the Food Better in Boulder or Winnipeg? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Boulder
Winnipeg

Dining out at restaurants in both Boulder and Winnipeg can be an enjoyable experience.

Boulder has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. This is an often overlooked foodie town, with great farmer's markets and restaurants to try. There are many casual places to eat as well as vegetarian and vegan friendly options everywhere.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Winnipeg area. You'll find a wide variety of restaurants around town that serve a mix of local dishes and international cuisines. A must-see part of the city is the historic Forks Market.

Is Boulder or Winnipeg Better for Nightlife?

Boulder
Winnipeg

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find notable options in both Boulder and Winnipeg.

If you're looking for night time activities Boulder has a few options to choose from. The town has breweries, craft beer, and plenty to do in the evening. Live music is popular and many venues are smaller with a more personal atmosphere. Check out The Bitter Bar or License No. 1 for a local vibe.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Winnipeg. The city has an active nightlife, even during the winter months. You'll find dance clubs, bars, and pubs around town that are popular with locals and visitors alike.


Is Boulder or Winnipeg Better for Music?

Boulder
Winnipeg

Boulder is a city with good options for its live music scene. However, Winnipeg is not a live music destination.

You'll find some good live music in Boulder. During the summer months there are often outdoor concerts. Head to Pearl Street for open air stages or see a concert at Boulder Theater.

Winnipeg is not a live music destination.

Is Boulder or Winnipeg Better for Hiking?

Boulder
Winnipeg

Boulder is great for hiking. However, Winnipeg is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Boulder for the hiking trails. There are many accessible hikes in the area that take you through the mountains, by wildflowers, or up mountain peaks. Popular hikes that are nearby include the Bear Peak Summit Hike, the trails in Eldorado Canyon State Park, and Boulder Falls.

Winnipeg is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Boulder or Winnipeg?

Boulder
Winnipeg

If you're looking to go shopping, Boulder and Winnipeg both offer plenty of notable spots.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Boulder. The downtown area has many local retailers where you can shop for clothing, art, or home goods. You can also pick up outdoor gear, camping equipment, and any other items you may need in town. Make sure you wander down the pedestrian-friendly Pearl Street Mall.

Many visitors go to Winnipeg to go shopping. You'll find all of the standard shopping options around town, from boutiques to big box shops and even some outlets.


Is Boulder or Winnipeg More Beautiful?

Boulder
Winnipeg

Boulder is a city with good options for its scenery and beauty. However, Winnipeg is not a destination known for its beauty.

Boulder is a beautiful place to visit, too. The city is surrounded by beautiful mountains and breathtaking landscapes. Many people move here specifically for the surrounding natural beauty.

Winnipeg is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Boulder or Winnipeg Better for Families?

Boulder
Winnipeg

Both Boulder and Winnipeg are notable family-friendly destinations.

Boulder offers lots of family activities. The city has parks, playgrounds, a planetarium, and climbing gyms that are fun for kids of all ages. There are plenty places to get outdoors with hiking, kayaking, and other outdoor recreational activities. Eldorado Canyon State Park is a great place to explore as well.

Winnipeg is a family-friendly place to visit. Kids will love a visit to the Assiniboine Park Zoo or the Manitoba Children's Museum. There are a number of parks and playgrounds around town as well as the Prairie Dog Central Railway. There are many kid-friendly restaurants in the city as well.

Is Boulder or Winnipeg Better for Couples?

Boulder
Winnipeg

Boulder and Winnipeg both notable destinations for a couple.

Boulder makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. This is a great city for couples who love outdoor adventures, hiking, rock climbing, and cycling. You can wander down Pearl Street or go for a bike ride. There are also great restaurants where you can enjoy a meal and then head to Panorama Point to take in the view.

Winnipeg is a good city for couples to visit. Many couples enjoy wandering through Assiniboine Park. There are also many romantic restaurants and spas for couples.


Is Boulder or Winnipeg Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Boulder
Winnipeg

For backpackers, both Boulder and Winnipeg are notable places to visit.

Plenty of backpackers visit Boulder. There are a number of backcountry areas in the region that are perfect for backpackers. The city also has a young population and several affordable places to stay.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Winnipeg. While it's often overlooked by backpackers, there are a couple of hostels around town.

Is Boulder or Winnipeg Better for Students?

Boulder
Winnipeg

Boulder is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Winnipeg is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in Boulder. With the University of Colorado, Boulder in town, this city is a popular spot for students. It's an outdoor enthusiast's perfect base with many outdoor recreational activities in the area.

Winnipeg is not popular with students.

Is Boulder or Winnipeg Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Boulder
Winnipeg

Boulder and Winnipeg both offer respectable public transit to get you around.

Public transit is mostly limited in Boulder. There are buses that run around town, but you really need a car to fully experience everything that the city has to offer.

Public transit is generally limited in Winnipeg. There's a bus system around town, but many visitors prefer to have a vehicle.


Is Boulder or Winnipeg a more walkable city?

Boulder
Winnipeg

Boulder is a city with good options for its high level of walkability. However, Winnipeg is not a good destination for its ease of walking around.

Boulder is a somewhat walkable place. The city has some nice walkable areas and it is very bike-friendly.

Winnipeg is generally not very walkable. While there are a few walkable neighborhoods, the city itself is not particularly walkable, particularly during the cold winter months.

For even more information, also check out Is Boulder Worth Visiting? and Is Winnipeg Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Winnipeg or Boulder?

How long in Boulder or Winnipeg?

It's fun to spend time in either Boulder or Winnipeg. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Winnipeg due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Boulder, and 2-4 days is enough time in Winnipeg.

Families should spend more time in Boulder than Winnipeg. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Boulder, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Boulder than Winnipeg. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Boulder that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Boulder than Winnipeg if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Boulder.


  • How many days in Boulder or Winnipeg? Ideal Length of Stay
    Boulder 2-3 
    Winnipeg 2-4

One day in Boulder or Winnipeg?

The city of Boulder offers live music and food. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Winnipeg, you'll find nightlife and food. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Boulder or Winnipeg?

Boulder is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Boulder, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

In Winnipeg, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Winnipeg has to offer.


Five days in Boulder or Winnipeg?

Boulder is a popular choice for travelers. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Winnipeg is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Boulder or Winnipeg?

Boulder is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Winnipeg. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Winnipeg. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Photography Tours in United States of America, The Best Camping Tours in United States of America, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Canada, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Canada.


Which place is cheaper, Winnipeg or Boulder?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Boulder Prices
    USA Prices
    Winnipeg Prices
    Canada Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Boulder $231
    Winnipeg $255

The average daily cost (per person) in Boulder is $231, while the average daily cost in Winnipeg is $255. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Boulder and Winnipeg in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Boulder $102
    Winnipeg $92
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Boulder $204
    Winnipeg $184
Compare Hotels in Boulder and Winnipeg

Looking for a hotel in Boulder or Winnipeg? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Boulder


Hotels in Winnipeg


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Boulder Hotel Prices and Winnipeg Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Boulder $51
    Winnipeg -

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Winnipeg

Also for Winnipeg, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Winnipeg One way Private transfer from/to the Airport: $200
  • Winnipeg Airport (YWG) to Winnipeg accomodation - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $165
  • Private Transfer from Winnipeg Airport (YWG) to Winnipeg Hotels: $97
  • Private Transfer from Winnipeg Hotels to Winnipeg Airport (YWG): $97
  • Winnipeg accomodation to Winnipeg Airport (YWG) - Departure Private Transfer: $83
  • Winnipeg Airport (YWG) to Winnipeg accomodation - Arrival Private Transfer: $83
  • Private Transfer from Winnipeg Airport to Winnipeg Accommodation : $37

Is it cheaper to fly into Boulder or Winnipeg?

Prices for flights to both Winnipeg and Boulder change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Boulder $94
    Winnipeg $9.33
Typical Food Prices in Boulder

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Boulder:


  • 2 Coffees
    $8.75
  • Nice Dinner for Two
    $71

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Boulder $33
    Winnipeg $2.52

Tours and Activities in Boulder

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Boulder.

  • E-Bike Guided Tour in Boulder, Colorado: $100
  • "Boulder Peaks & Wilderness Tours: Mallory Cave Trail": $300
  • Best Family Small-Group E-Bike Guided Tour in Boulder, Colorado: $105
  • Best of Boulder E-Bike Tour: $104
  • Bones, Burials, & Ballads: Boulder Ghost Tours: $24
  • Boulder Art and Nature E-Bike Tour: $95
  • Boulder Backroads: E-Bike Dirt Road Tour: $250
  • Boulder City: Hemenway Park Guided Tour: $150
  • Boulder Flatirons Private Photo Adventure: $85
  • Boulder Ghost Tour: $35
  • Boulder Joyride Guided eBike Tour: $95
  • Boulder Puzzling Adventure: $35

Tours and Activities in Winnipeg

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Winnipeg.

  • Discover Assiniboine Park with a Smartphone Audio Tour: $6.61
  • Explore The Challenge of Moderninity with Walking Tours in Winnipeg, MB: $6.61
  • Manitoba Legislative Grounds: Smartphone Audio Tour: $6.61
  • Murder Mystery Detective Experience in Winnipeg MB: $11
  • Private City Tour in Winnipeg: $96
  • The Forks Historic Site: a Smartphone Audio Tour: $6.61
  • The Sights of South a Smartphone Audio Tour: $6.61
  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Winnipeg by Operation City Quest: $10
  • Walk 4 Smartphone Audio Walking Tours: $19
  • Winnipeg Private Walking Tour with a Local: $40
  • Winnipeg in the Limelight: a Smartphone Audio Walking Tour: $6.61
  • Winnipeg's Most Haunted: a Smartphone Audio Ghost Tour: $6.61

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Boulder $27
    Winnipeg -


When comparing the travel costs between Boulder and Winnipeg, we can see that Winnipeg is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Boulder Expensive? and Is Winnipeg Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Boulder or Winnipeg?

Winnipeg has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Boulder. When comparing the sizes of Boulder and Winnipeg, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.