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

Should you visit Fairbanks or Winnipeg?

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

Should I visit Fairbanks 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.

Fairbanks

Fairbanks is a unique, outdoorsy, and remote city. Many visitors also come to Fairbanks because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and hiking. See Fairbanks travel costs.

Winnipeg

Winnipeg is a cultural, friendly, and welcoming city. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums. See Winnipeg travel costs.

Fairbanks and Winnipeg: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Fairbanks or Winnipeg?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Fairbanks. Although Fairbanks and Winnipeg are both popular with visitors, Fairbanks has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Fairbanks is more popular for its skiing, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Winnipeg is known for its museums and attractions, food, and nightlife. Fairbanks is more touristy than Winnipeg and is known for its remote wilderness setting, access to the Arctic, unique winter sports, and popularity for seeing the northern lights. It is also home to The Northern Lights. Winnipeg is popular for its festivals, culture, and railway connections.

How is Fairbanks different from Winnipeg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Fairbanks or Winnipeg Better for Skiing?

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

Fairbanks is a fun local destination for snow skiers. The closest ski areas are the ski resorts of Fort Wainwright/Birch Hill, Moose Mountain and Skiland. The area also has dog mushing, snowshoeing, sledding, tubing and sleigh riding.

Winnipeg is not a skiing destination.

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

Winnipeg is a very popular place for its museums and history. Also, Fairbanks is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

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.

Fairbanks is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The city is mostly known for its outdoor activities, but you can also visit the Morris Thompson Cultural & Visitors Center, the Aurora Ice Museum, Fountainhead Auto Museum, the Museum of the North, and Pioneer Park.

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

Winnipeg is a popular place for its restaurants. However, Fairbanks is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

Winnipeg is becoming an appealing option for foodies. 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.

Fairbanks offers some easy restaurants to choose from. Food can be expensive and of varying quality, but many restaurants use local meats and seafood. There's a surprising number of international restaurants in town as well. Also make sure you try the local specialties like reindeer sausage, Yukon gold potatoes, and Alaskan salmon.

Is Fairbanks or Winnipeg Better for Nightlife?

Winnipeg is a popular place for its evening party scene. However, Fairbanks is lacking in good options for nightlife.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe 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.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Fairbanks. You will find some bars around town, but for the most part, the city stays quiet at night.

Is Fairbanks or Winnipeg Better for Hiking?

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

Many visitors go to Fairbanks for the hiking trails. While the town serves as a gateway to the Arctic and all that it has to offer, there are also hiking trails both in town and nearby. There are trails that connect the city's historic sites as well as day hikes that start at the edge of town.

Winnipeg is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Fairbanks or Winnipeg?

Shoppers can find a variety of good stores in both Fairbanks and Winnipeg.

Fairbanks has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are interesting local shops and boutiques that sell native Alaskan handmade items. You'll find "Made in Alaska" merchandise at many boutiques and souvenir shops. There are also larger retailers available in case you forgot clothing or other items at home.

Winnipeg is a great destination for shopping. You'll find all of the standard shopping options around town, from boutiques to big box shops and even some outlets.

Is Fairbanks or Winnipeg More Beautiful?

Fairbanks is an unbeatable place for its scenery and beauty. However, Winnipeg is not a destination known for its beauty.

Many visitors also come to Fairbanks because of it's amazing beauty. The city offers access to Alaska's interior, as well as the Arctic. The scenery is spectacular and the wildlife is abundant. Fairbanks is also the best place in Alaska to see the Northern Lights. They are best seen between the months of August and April.

Winnipeg is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Fairbanks or Winnipeg Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Fairbanks or Winnipeg.

Fairbanks is a family-friendly city. Kids who enjoy searching for wildlife, playing in the snow, and exploring nature will love a visit to Fairbanks. Make sure you visit the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge as well as Pioneer Park.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Winnipeg. 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 Fairbanks or Winnipeg Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Fairbanks and Winnipeg make for a good place to visit.

Fairbanks is a good city for couples to visit. Couples who enjoy hiking and nature will love a visit here. If you're hoping to see the northern lights, Fairbanks is your best destination in Alaska. Try to visit sometime between August to April for the best chance of enjoying the lights.

Winnipeg is a nice destination for couples. Many couples enjoy wandering through Assiniboine Park. There are also many romantic restaurants and spas for couples.

Is Fairbanks or Winnipeg Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Fairbanks is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Winnipeg is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Fairbanks. There are many outdoor recreation areas where backpackers can explore. Alaska, and Fairbanks in particular, can have very harsh conditions, so unless you know what you're doing, it's best to take a guide.

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

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

Winnipeg is a decent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Fairbanks is lacking in good options for its public transit.

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

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Fairbanks. There is a public bus system that connects the downtown area with the shopping areas and the university. However, you really can't rely on it to explore the region and you should have your own vehicle.

Is Fairbanks or Winnipeg a more walkable city?

Winnipeg is a decent place to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Fairbanks is lacking in good options for its walkability.

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

Fairbanks is not a walkable city. The city was built for cars and there are very few walkable areas around town.

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

Should I spend more time in Winnipeg or Fairbanks?

How long in Fairbanks or Winnipeg?

It's fun to spend time in either Fairbanks or Winnipeg. In our opinion, Winnipeg has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Winnipeg than Fairbanks. However, 2-4 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

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

One day in Fairbanks or Winnipeg?

The beautiful city of Fairbanks offers museums and shopping. 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.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Winnipeg. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Fairbanks or Winnipeg?

Fairbanks 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 Fairbanks, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the cultural destination of Winnipeg. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Fairbanks or Winnipeg?

Fairbanks 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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the friendly city of Winnipeg. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Fairbanks or Winnipeg?

Fairbanks 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.

Winnipeg is a popular choice for travelers. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Canada, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Canada.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Fairbanks and Winnipeg, we can see that Fairbanks is more expensive. And not only is Winnipeg much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Winnipeg would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Winnipeg 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 Fairbanks would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Fairbanks than you might in Winnipeg.

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

Which is Bigger, Fairbanks or Winnipeg?

Winnipeg has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Fairbanks. When comparing the sizes of Fairbanks 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.

When is the best time to visit Fairbanks or Winnipeg?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Fairbanks or Winnipeg in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Fairbanks and Winnipeg. Many visitors come to Fairbanks in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Winnipeg for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Fairbanks is generally cooler than Winnipeg. Daily temperatures in Fairbanks average around 64°F (18°C), and Winnipeg fluctuates around 21°C (71°F).

In July, Fairbanks usually receives less rain than Winnipeg. Fairbanks gets 2 inches (51 mm) of rain, while Winnipeg receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Fairbanks or Winnipeg in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Fairbanks as well as Winnipeg. Most visitors come to Fairbanks for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Winnipeg because of the shopping scene.

Fairbanks can be very cold during autumn. Fairbanks is much colder than Winnipeg in the autumn. The daily temperature in Fairbanks averages around 27°F (-3°C) in October, and Winnipeg fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

Fairbanks usually gets less rain in October than Winnipeg. Fairbanks gets 0.9 inches (22 mm) of rain, while Winnipeg receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Fairbanks or Winnipeg in the Winter?

Both Winnipeg and Fairbanks are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Fairbanks because of the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Winnipeg this time of year.

It's quite cold in Winnipeg in the winter. The weather in Fairbanks can be very cold. In the winter, Fairbanks is cooler than Winnipeg. Typically, the winter temperatures in Fairbanks in January average around -9°F (-23°C), and Winnipeg averages at about -17°C (2°F).

In January, Fairbanks usually receives less rain than Winnipeg. Fairbanks gets 0.5 inches (13 mm) of rain, while Winnipeg receives 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Fairbanks or Winnipeg in the Spring?

Both Winnipeg and Fairbanks during the spring are popular places to visit. The natural beauty are the main draw to Fairbanks this time of year.

It's quite cold in Fairbanks in the spring. In April, Fairbanks is generally much colder than Winnipeg. Daily temperatures in Fairbanks average around 32°F (0°C), and Winnipeg fluctuates around 5°C (42°F).

Fairbanks usually gets less rain in April than Winnipeg. Fairbanks gets 0.4 inches (9 mm) of rain, while Winnipeg receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Winnipeg and Fairbanks