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

Should you visit Ensenada or Winnipeg?

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

Should I visit Ensenada or Winnipeg? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Ensenada

Ensenada is a cultural, outdoorsy, and historic city. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food. See Ensenada travel costs.

Winnipeg

Winnipeg is a welcoming, cultural, and friendly city. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Winnipeg travel costs.

Ensenada and Winnipeg: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Very walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Ensenada or Winnipeg?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Ensenada than Winnipeg. While Winnipeg is larger than Ensenada, Ensenada has more sights and attractions for tourists. Ensenada is better known for its food and beaches, while Winnipeg is more popular for its museums and attractions. Ensenada is more touristy than Winnipeg and is popular for its local cuisine, golf, and outdoor sports. Also, Ensenada is famous for Avenida Lopez Mateos. Winnipeg is well known for its festivals, culture, and railway connections.

How is Ensenada different from Winnipeg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Ensenada
Winnipeg

Winnipeg is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Ensenada is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

Winnipeg offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Ensenada. There are several good museums in town such as the Museo de Historia and Caracol Museo de Ciencias.


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

Ensenada
Winnipeg

Ensenada is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Winnipeg is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Ensenada has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The town is known for its seafood, and fish tacos is one of the most popular dishes. You'll find seafood markets and street cards selling fresh and local items. Sample your way through the city and enjoy all of the local specialties.

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 Ensenada or Winnipeg Better for Nightlife?

Ensenada
Winnipeg

It's hard to distinguish whether Ensenada or Winnipeg has a better nightlife scene.

Ensenada has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There are a number of bars and nightclubs around town. Head to Avenida López Mateos for many of the best restaurants and bars.

If you're looking for night time activities Winnipeg has a few options to choose from. 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 Ensenada or Winnipeg Better for Beaches?

Ensenada
Winnipeg

Ensenada is adequate for the beach. However, Winnipeg is not a beach destination.

You can check out the beach in Ensenada. It's a working port town and the beaches in the area aren't great. You'll find the best options to the south of the city.

Winnipeg is not a beach destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Ensenada or Winnipeg?

Ensenada
Winnipeg

Shopping is a popular activity in both Winnipeg and Ensenada.

Ensenada offers some nice shopping areas. Avenida López Mateos is the main shopping street in town. You'll find many shops, but be prepared to pay more than you might elsewhere because shopkeepers are used to cruise ship riders who are willing to pay a high price tag.

Winnipeg has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find all of the standard shopping options around town, from boutiques to big box shops and even some outlets.

Is Ensenada or Winnipeg Better for Families?

Ensenada
Winnipeg

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Ensenada or Winnipeg.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Ensenada. You'll find ziplining, horseback riding, and surf lessons in the area. Kids will also enjoy seeing the Water Show or going whale watching.

Winnipeg offers lots of family activities. 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 Ensenada or Winnipeg Better for Couples?

Ensenada
Winnipeg

With fun activities for couples, both Ensenada and Winnipeg make for a notable place to visit.

Ensenada makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The city has an authentic atmosphere that will let you experience a more genuine side to Mexico.

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 Ensenada or Winnipeg Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ensenada
Winnipeg

Ensenada and Winnipeg are notable places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Ensenada. There are a few hostels and a number of cheap hotels around town.

Winnipeg is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. While it's often overlooked by backpackers, there are a couple of hostels around town.

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

Ensenada
Winnipeg

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Ensenada and Winnipeg.

Public transit is generally limited in Ensenada. Public transit in the area is limited.

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

Is Ensenada or Winnipeg a more walkable city?

Ensenada
Winnipeg

Ensenada is great for its high level of walkability. However, Winnipeg is not a good destination for its ease of walking around.

Ensenada is a very walkable city. The downtown area is walkable and easy to explore on foot.

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 Ensenada Worth Visiting? and Is Winnipeg Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Winnipeg or Ensenada?

How long in Ensenada or Winnipeg?

It's fun to spend time in either Ensenada 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 Ensenada, and 2-4 days is enough time in Winnipeg.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Ensenada 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 Ensenada.


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

One day in Ensenada or Winnipeg?

The city of Ensenada offers food and shopping. 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.

The city of Winnipeg offers food and shopping. 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.

A weekend in Ensenada or Winnipeg?

Ensenada 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. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Ensenada, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Winnipeg 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. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Winnipeg, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Ensenada or Winnipeg?

Ensenada 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 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.


A week in Ensenada or Winnipeg?

Ensenada is a great place to explore. 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.

Winnipeg is a great place to explore. 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.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Mexico, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Mexico, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Canada, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Canada.


Which place is cheaper, Winnipeg or Ensenada?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Ensenada is $115, 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 Ensenada and Winnipeg in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Ensenada $42
    Winnipeg $92
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Ensenada $84
    Winnipeg $184
Compare Hotels in Ensenada and Winnipeg

Looking for a hotel in Ensenada 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 Ensenada


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: Ensenada Hotel Prices and Winnipeg Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Ensenada $19
    Winnipeg -

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ensenada

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Ensenada:

  • Border and Tijuana Airport Transfers to Ensenada or Valle de Guadalupe: $125

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Winnipeg

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

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Ensenada or Winnipeg?

Prices for flights to both Winnipeg and Ensenada 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
    Ensenada $61
    Winnipeg $9.33

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Ensenada

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Ensenada.

  • Mexican Cooking Class at Hacienda Eco-Domes | Valle de Guadalupe: $84
  • Tacos and Margaritas Food Tour in Ensenada Mexico: $85
  • Cooking Class and Margarita Madness at Valle de Guadalupe : $89
  • Surprises, Delights and Joys Ensenada Wine, Mezcal, and Food Tour: $100

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Ensenada $9.79
    Winnipeg $2.52

Tours and Activities in Ensenada

Here are a few actual costs in Ensenada for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Explore Ensenada with Private Car and Walking Tour: $65
  • 10 Hour Private Tour in ensenada, bufadora or valle de guadalupe: $290
  • ATV Mountain Tour: $70
  • ATV Off Road Adventure Shore Excursion Optional Taco Stop: $119
  • ATV Off-Road Adventure through Valle de Guadalupe + Winery Visit: $77
  • ATV'S on the Mountain with Ocean View Private Tour: $110
  • Adventure in Ensenada with Zipline, Marine Geyser and Shops: $99
  • Canopy Ziplines Tour in Las Cañadas Private Tour: $89
  • Couple Tour: $116
  • Ensenada City Tour on Ford T Replica and Beach Horse Back Riding : $120
  • Ensenada Pvt City Tour w Tacos, Culture, Sites +Massage add ons : $119
  • Ensenada Shore Excursion: Blowhole and La Bufadora Tour with Horseback Riding: $168

Tours and Activities in Winnipeg

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

  • The Forks Historic Site: a Smartphone Audio Tour: $6.61
  • Manitoba Legislative Grounds: Smartphone Audio Tour: $6.61
  • Winnipeg's Most Haunted: a Smartphone Audio Ghost Tour: $6.61
  • Winnipeg's Wealthy Beginnings: a Smartphone Audio Walking Tour: $6.61
  • The Sights of South a Smartphone Audio Tour: $6.61
  • Discover Assiniboine Park with a Smartphone Audio Tour: $6.61
  • Winnipeg in the Limelight: a Smartphone Audio Walking Tour: $6.61
  • Explore The Challenge of Moderninity with Walking Tours in Winnipeg, MB: $6.61
  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Winnipeg by Operation City Quest: $10
  • Murder Mystery Detective Experience in Winnipeg MB: $11
  • Wonderful 3 Smartphone Audio Guided Walking Tours: $14
  • Winnipeg's Outdoor Secret Agent Audio Experience: $15

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Ensenada $9.98
    Winnipeg -

Sample the Local Flavors in Ensenada

Also in Ensenada, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Private Wine Tasting Experience in Maglén: $27
  • Tractor Pull Around Vineyards and Wine Tasting Tour: $56
  • Private Ensenada Tacos and Wine Tour : $109
  • Valle de Guadalupe Wine Experience: Wine Tastings Included: $112
  • Valle de Guadalupe COUPLES wine tasting for 2: $135
  • wine tours and driver service through valle de guadalupe, Ensenada B.C. Mexico: $145
  • Pvt Wine Tastings + Cheese Store + Massage Shore Excursion: $149
  • Wine Tasting Tour ONLY for Cruise Ship Visitors. ALL INCLUSIVE!: $221
  • Private and custom group Wine tour Valle de Guadalupe : $238


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Ensenada and Winnipeg, we can see that Winnipeg is more expensive. And not only is Ensenada much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Ensenada would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Ensenada and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Winnipeg would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Winnipeg than you might in Ensenada.

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


Which is Bigger, Ensenada or Winnipeg?

Winnipeg has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Ensenada. When comparing the sizes of Ensenada 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.