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

Should you visit Monterey 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 Monterey 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.

Monterey

Monterey is a relaxing, nature-oriented, and laid back city. Visitors also love the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches. See Monterey 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.

Monterey and Winnipeg: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Monterey or Winnipeg?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Monterey. Although Monterey and Winnipeg are both popular with visitors, Monterey has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Monterey is more touristy than Winnipeg and is known for its rugged coastline, diverse marine life, and excellent seafood. It is also home to the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Winnipeg is popular for its festivals, culture, and railway connections.

How is Monterey different from Winnipeg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

You'll find a number of very good museums and attractions in both Winnipeg and Monterey.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Monterey. The Monterey Bay Aquarium is a not-to-be-missed destination in town. You can also visit the Monterey State Historic Park or the Monterey Museum of Art.

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.

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

Monterey 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.

Monterey has a huge number of terrific restaurants. Seafood and local produce are what make the food special. There are many great restaurants to you can choose from that will let you enjoy the classic seafood dishes like clam chowder or oysters, as well as fresh artichokes and local wine.

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 Monterey or Winnipeg Better for Nightlife?

Monterey is great for nightlife and partying. Also, Winnipeg is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its evening party scene.

Many people head to Monterey for the nightlife scene. There's a buzzing atmosphere at night with bars, breweries, and casual eateries all coming to life. Some of the best venues are found at the Old Fisherman's Wharf and along Alvarado Street.

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 Monterey or Winnipeg Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Monterey is a city with good options for its diving and snorkeling. However, Winnipeg is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life in Monterey. Scuba diving offers an unforgettable experience. The Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary gives you the unique experience of seeing sea lions, otters, kelp forests, crabs, and more.

Winnipeg is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Monterey or Winnipeg Better for Beaches?

Monterey is a city with good options for the beach. However, Winnipeg is not a beach destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Monterey. The beaches highlight the laid by California vibe with sunbathers and beachgoers soaking up the atmosphere. There are both inlets and sandy beaches where you can see sea lions or explore the tidal pools.

Winnipeg is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Monterey or Winnipeg?

Monterey is great for its shopping opportunities. Also, Winnipeg is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its shopping areas.

Monterey is well-known for its shopping. You'll find both local vendors and tourist shops around town. Cannery Row is a popular destination, as is Old Fisherman's Wharf and the Old Farmer's Market.

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 Monterey or Winnipeg Better for Families?

Monterey is an unbeatable place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Winnipeg is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

Monterey is an extremely popular city to visit for families. Monterey Bay Aquarium is a highlight for kids and adults alike. There's also the Monterey Zoo as well as lighthearted activities like a mirror maze. MY Museum is an interactive museum that's perfect for younger kids. There are also whale watching trips and nearby beaches.

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 Monterey or Winnipeg Better for Couples?

Monterey is great for its romantic activities. Also, Winnipeg is not as popular, but is still a nice city for couples.

Monterey is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. There are many romantic inns in town as well as quaint restaurants and fun activities. There are also spas, wine bars, and plenty of shopping for couples to enjoy as well.

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 Monterey or Winnipeg Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Monterey and Winnipeg are both good destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Monterey. There's a hostel in town as well as fun activities that will appeal to backpackers.

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

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

Visitors will find decent public transit in both Monterey and Winnipeg.

Public transit is mostly limited in Monterey. There is a bus system through the area.

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

Is Monterey or Winnipeg a more walkable city?

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

Monterey is a very walkable city. If you stay near the town center, it's very walkable and easy to get around 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 Monterey Worth Visiting? and Is Winnipeg Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Winnipeg or Monterey?

How long in Monterey or Winnipeg?

It's fun to spend time in either Monterey or Winnipeg. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Winnipeg due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Monterey, and 2-4 days is enough time in Winnipeg.

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

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

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

One day in Monterey or Winnipeg?

The city of Monterey offers museums and nightlife. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. 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 Monterey or Winnipeg?

Monterey 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 Monterey, 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 Monterey or Winnipeg?

Monterey 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 Monterey or Winnipeg?

Monterey 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 2-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, 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 Monterey and Winnipeg, we can see that Winnipeg is more expensive. And not only is Monterey much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Monterey would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Monterey 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 Monterey.

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

Which is Bigger, Monterey or Winnipeg?

Winnipeg has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Monterey. When comparing the sizes of Monterey 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 Monterey 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 Monterey or Winnipeg in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Monterey and Winnipeg. Most visitors come to Monterey for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Winnipeg because of the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Monterey is generally cooler than Winnipeg. Daily temperatures in Monterey average around 63°F (17°C), and Winnipeg fluctuates around 21°C (71°F).

In July, Monterey usually receives less rain than Winnipeg. Monterey gets 0 inches (1 mm) of rain, while Winnipeg receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Monterey or Winnipeg in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Monterey as well as Winnipeg. The autumn months attract visitors to Monterey because of the shopping scene. Also, the shopping scene are the main draw to Winnipeg this time of year.

Monterey is much warmer than Winnipeg in the autumn. The daily temperature in Monterey averages around 62°F (17°C) in October, and Winnipeg fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

Monterey usually gets less rain in October than Winnipeg. Monterey gets 0.6 inches (14 mm) of rain, while Winnipeg receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Monterey or Winnipeg in the Winter?

Both Winnipeg and Monterey are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Monterey this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Winnipeg for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Winnipeg. In the winter, Monterey is much warmer than Winnipeg. Typically, the winter temperatures in Monterey in January average around 51°F (11°C), and Winnipeg averages at about -17°C (2°F).

In January, Monterey usually receives more rain than Winnipeg. Monterey gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Winnipeg receives 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Monterey or Winnipeg in the Spring?

Both Winnipeg and Monterey during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Monterey for the beaches.

In April, Monterey is generally much warmer than Winnipeg. Daily temperatures in Monterey average around 56°F (13°C), and Winnipeg fluctuates around 5°C (42°F).

Monterey usually gets less rain in April than Winnipeg. Monterey gets 1.1 inches (29 mm) of rain, while Winnipeg receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Winnipeg and Monterey