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

Should you visit Mystic 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 Mystic 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.

Mystic

Mystic is a quaint, laid back, and charming town. Visitors also love the nightlife, food, and beaches. See Mystic travel costs.

Winnipeg

Winnipeg is a friendly, welcoming, and cultural city. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums. See Winnipeg travel costs.

Mystic and Winnipeg: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
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 Mystic or Winnipeg?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Mystic. Although Mystic and Winnipeg are popular destinations, Mystic has more sights and attractions for tourists. Mystic is more touristy than Winnipeg and is known for its New England charm and local character. It is also well known for the Mystic Seaport Museum. Winnipeg is famous for its festivals, culture, and railway connections.

How is Mystic different from Winnipeg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Mystic
Winnipeg

Spend time exploring the very good sights and museums in either Mystic or Winnipeg.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Mystic. There's a decent selection of museums around town with some of the favorites being the Mystic Seaport Museum, the Mystic Museum of Art, the Denison Homestead Museum, and the Old Lighthouse Museum, The Mystic Aquarium is also a popular destination.

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 Mystic or Winnipeg? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Mystic
Winnipeg

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Mystic and Winnipeg can be difficult as they are each nice in their own way.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Mystic. As a coastal town, you'll find no shortage of seafood at many restaurants. Popular dishes include oysters, shrimp, or fish. There are also many casual restaurants that serve comfort food for classic American favorites like mac and cheese, pasta, or burgers.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Winnipeg. 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 Mystic or Winnipeg Better for Nightlife?

Mystic
Winnipeg

Both Mystic and Winnipeg have nice vibes after the sun sets.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Mystic. Head downtown for the most interesting bars and breweries. You can sip wine or enjoy a cocktail at a laid back pub with friends or family.

Winnipeg has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. 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 Mystic or Winnipeg Better for Beaches?

Mystic
Winnipeg

Mystic is great for the beach. However, Winnipeg is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Mystic attract visitors from all over. The beaches are accessible from town and offer a laid back setting that's not overly developed. Families will like Ocean Beach Park but Williams Beach Park is one of the easiest beaches to access. If you're willing to drive a bit out of town, you should check out Misquamicut State Beach.

Winnipeg is not a beach destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Mystic or Winnipeg?

Mystic
Winnipeg

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

Mystic is well-known for its shopping. Head downtown for scenic shopping streets with boutiques, artisan craft shops, and jewelry stores.

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 Mystic or Winnipeg Better for Families?

Mystic
Winnipeg

Mystic is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Winnipeg is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Mystic is very family-friendly. Animal lovers will enjoy wandering around the many trails at Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center or visiting the famous Mystic Aquarium. You can also visit the shops around Olde Mistick Village or dine at one of the many kid-friendly restaurants.

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 Mystic or Winnipeg Better for Couples?

Mystic
Winnipeg

Mystic and Winnipeg both nice destinations for a couple.

Mystic is a nice destination for couples. Check out Mystic Seaport or drive down the coastline and visit the lighthouses. You'll also find breweries around town as well as many fun or romantic restaurants.

Winnipeg makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Many couples enjoy wandering through Assiniboine Park. There are also many romantic restaurants and spas for couples.


Is Mystic or Winnipeg Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Mystic
Winnipeg

Winnipeg is a good destination for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Mystic is lacking in options for backpackers.

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

Mystic is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. It's not high on the list for most backpackers.

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

Mystic
Winnipeg

Winnipeg is a decent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Mystic is lacking in 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 Mystic. There is a bus but it has limited stops and only runs on weekdays.

Is Mystic or Winnipeg a more walkable city?

Mystic
Winnipeg

Mystic and Winnipeg are reasonable when it comes to walkability.

Mystic is generally not a very walkable town. While parts of town are very walkable, you'll need a car if you want to see the sights that are a bit further away.

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 Mystic Worth Visiting? and Is Winnipeg Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Winnipeg or Mystic?

How long in Mystic or Winnipeg?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Winnipeg than Mystic 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 Winnipeg.


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

One day in Mystic or Winnipeg?

The town of Mystic offers food and shopping. Most people come for the beaches. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Winnipeg. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Mystic or Winnipeg?

Mystic is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Mystic, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Winnipeg is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Mystic or Winnipeg?

Mystic 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Winnipeg. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.


A week in Mystic or Winnipeg?

Mystic is a great place to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This town offers something for everyone.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the cultural destination of Winnipeg. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.


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.


Which place is cheaper, Winnipeg or Mystic?

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

  • Mystic Prices
    USA Prices
    Winnipeg Prices
    Canada Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Mystic $248
    Winnipeg $255

The average daily cost (per person) in Mystic is $248, 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 Mystic and Winnipeg in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Mystic $125
    Winnipeg $92
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Mystic $250
    Winnipeg $184
Compare Hotels in Mystic and Winnipeg

Looking for a hotel in Mystic 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 Mystic


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: Mystic Hotel Prices and Winnipeg Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Mystic $56
    Winnipeg -

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Winnipeg

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

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Mystic or Winnipeg?

Prices for flights to both Winnipeg and Mystic 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
    Mystic $90
    Winnipeg $9.33

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Mystic $24
    Winnipeg $2.52

Tours and Activities in Mystic

For Mystic, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Downtown Mystic Ghost Tour: $30
  • Mystic Moonlit Graveyard Ghost Tour: $30
  • Mystic Seaport Museum Adventure : $32
  • Mystic's Ghosts GPS Self Guided Audio Walking Tour w/EMF Reader: $7.80
  • Ghosts of Christmas Past Downtown Walking Tour: $30
  • Guided Ghost Tour of Downtown Mystic at Night: $35
  • Guided Graveyard Ghost Tour by Moonlight: $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
    Mystic $31
    Winnipeg -

Sample the Local Flavors in Mystic

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Mystic:

  • Paranormal Pub Crawl: Beer Tour: $75
  • Paranormal Pub Crawl: Beer Tour: $75
  • Spirits of Cocktail Pub Crawl: $100
  • Spirits of Cocktail Pub Crawl: $100


When comparing the travel costs between Mystic 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 Mystic Expensive? and Is Winnipeg Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Mystic or Winnipeg?

Winnipeg has a larger population, and is about 130 times larger than the population of Mystic. When comparing the sizes of Mystic 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 Mystic 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 Mystic or Winnipeg in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Mystic is around the same temperature as Winnipeg. Typically, the summer temperatures in Mystic in July average around 73°F (23°C), and Winnipeg averages at about 21°C (71°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Winnipeg this time of the year. In Mystic, it's very sunny this time of the year. Mystic usually receives less sunshine than Winnipeg during summer. Mystic gets 293 hours of sunny skies, while Winnipeg receives 328 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Mystic usually receives around the same amount of rain as Winnipeg. Mystic gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Winnipeg receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Mystic 73°F (23°C) 
    Winnipeg 21°C (71°F)

Should I visit Mystic or Winnipeg in the Autumn?

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

In October, Mystic is generally much warmer than Winnipeg. Daily temperatures in Mystic average around 53°F (12°C), and Winnipeg fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Mystic this time of the year. In the autumn, Mystic often gets more sunshine than Winnipeg. Mystic gets 211 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Winnipeg receives 147 hours of full sun.

Mystic usually gets more rain in October than Winnipeg. Mystic gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Winnipeg receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Mystic 53°F (12°C) 
    Winnipeg 7°C (45°F)

Should I visit Mystic or Winnipeg in the Winter?

Both Winnipeg and Mystic 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 Mystic 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. It's quite cold in Mystic in the winter. Mystic is much warmer than Winnipeg in the winter. The daily temperature in Mystic averages around 28°F (-2°C) in January, and Winnipeg fluctuates around -17°C (2°F).

Mystic usually receives more sunshine than Winnipeg during winter. Mystic gets 170 hours of sunny skies, while Winnipeg receives 115 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Mystic usually receives more rain than Winnipeg. Mystic gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Winnipeg receives 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Mystic 28°F (-2°C) 
    Winnipeg -17°C (2°F)

Should I visit Mystic or Winnipeg in the Spring?

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

In the spring, Mystic is much warmer than Winnipeg. Typically, the spring temperatures in Mystic in April average around 48°F (9°C), and Winnipeg averages at about 5°C (42°F).

In Winnipeg, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Mystic. In the spring, Mystic often gets less sunshine than Winnipeg. Mystic gets 225 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Winnipeg receives 248 hours of full sun.

Mystic usually gets more rain in April than Winnipeg. Mystic gets 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain, while Winnipeg receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Mystic 48°F (9°C) 
    Winnipeg 5°C (42°F)

Typical Weather for Winnipeg and Mystic

Mystic Winnipeg
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 28°F (-2°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) -17°C (2°F) 19 mm (0.7 in)
Feb 30°F (-1°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm) -14°C (8°F) 15 mm (0.6 in)
Mar 38°F (3°C) 4 inches (101 mm) -6°C (22°F) 23 mm (0.9 in)
Apr 48°F (9°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm) 5°C (42°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
May 58°F (15°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 13°C (56°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 67°F (20°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm) 19°C (65°F) 84 mm (3.3 in)
Jul 73°F (23°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 21°C (71°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Aug 72°F (22°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 20°C (68°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Sep 64°F (18°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 14°C (57°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Oct 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 7°C (45°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Nov 44°F (7°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm) -3°C (26°F) 21 mm (0.8 in)
Dec 33°F (0°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm) -13°C (9°F) 19 mm (0.7 in)