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

Should you visit Norfolk or Winnipeg?

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

Should I visit Norfolk 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.

Norfolk

Norfolk is a maritime, authentic, and blue collar city. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food. See Norfolk travel costs.

Winnipeg

Winnipeg is a friendly, welcoming, and cultural city. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Winnipeg travel costs.

Norfolk and Winnipeg: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples
  • 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 Norfolk or Winnipeg?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Winnipeg than Norfolk. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Norfolk is famous for its naval base and military presence. Winnipeg is famous for its festivals, culture, and railway connections. It is also well known for The Forks.

How is Norfolk different from Winnipeg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Norfolk
Winnipeg

Winnipeg is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Norfolk 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.

Norfolk offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are some interesting museums in town like the Chrysler Museum, the Hampton Roads Naval Museum, and the Norfolk Police and Fire Museum. You should also check out the Nauticus and the Battleship Wisconsin.


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

Norfolk
Winnipeg

Both Norfolk and Winnipeg offer a number of nice restaurants to choose from.

Norfolk offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. You'll find a decent collection of restaurants in the downtown area. Food options include local seafood, brunch, casual eateries, and fine dining.

Winnipeg has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. 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 Norfolk or Winnipeg Better for Nightlife?

Norfolk
Winnipeg

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

Norfolk has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. Downtown is where you'll find the most busy nightlife venues. The city has great breweries, and the live music scene has taken off. There are also lounges, dance clubs, and wine bars to choose from.

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 the Shopping Better in Norfolk or Winnipeg?

Norfolk
Winnipeg

Shopping is a popular activity in both Winnipeg and Norfolk.

Norfolk is a great destination for shopping. There's a mix of shopping malls, local boutiques, farmer's markets, and shopping centers around town.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Winnipeg. You'll find all of the standard shopping options around town, from boutiques to big box shops and even some outlets.


Is Norfolk or Winnipeg Better for Families?

Norfolk
Winnipeg

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Norfolk or Winnipeg.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Norfolk. The Norfolk Zoo is always a hit with kids. You should also visit the USS Wisconsin which offers tours, as well as the Douglas MacArthur Memorial Museum.

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 Norfolk or Winnipeg Better for Couples?

Norfolk
Winnipeg

Winnipeg is a popular place for romance. However, Norfolk is a city with minimal options for its romantic activities.

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

Most people don't think of Norfolk as a couple's destination. There are some nice hotels and several great parks and outdoor activities.

Is Norfolk or Winnipeg Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Norfolk
Winnipeg

Winnipeg is a popular place for backpackers. However, Norfolk is a city with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

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

Norfolk is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. This is an often overlooked area for backpackers.


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

Norfolk
Winnipeg

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

Public transit is generally limited in Norfolk. While there are buses, ferries, and even lightrail in the area, you really want to have a car to get around.

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

Is Norfolk or Winnipeg a more walkable city?

Norfolk
Winnipeg

Norfolk 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.

Norfolk is a somewhat walkable place. Downtown is the most walkable part of the city.

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 Norfolk Worth Visiting? and Is Winnipeg Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Winnipeg or Norfolk?

How long in Norfolk or Winnipeg?

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

Couples should spend more time in Winnipeg than Norfolk. 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 Winnipeg than Norfolk 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 Norfolk or Winnipeg? Ideal Length of Stay
    Norfolk 1-2 
    Winnipeg 2-4

One day in Norfolk or Winnipeg?

The city of Norfolk offers food and shopping. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. 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 Norfolk or Winnipeg?

Norfolk 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 Norfolk, 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 Norfolk or Winnipeg?

Norfolk 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 Norfolk or Winnipeg?

Norfolk 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.

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 Camping Tours in United States of America, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples 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 Norfolk?

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

  • Norfolk Prices
    USA Prices
    Winnipeg Prices
    Canada Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Norfolk $202
    Winnipeg $255

The average daily cost (per person) in Norfolk is $202, 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 Norfolk and Winnipeg in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Norfolk $84
    Winnipeg $92
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Norfolk $168
    Winnipeg $184
Compare Hotels in Norfolk and Winnipeg

Looking for a hotel in Norfolk 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 Norfolk


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: Norfolk Hotel Prices and Winnipeg Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Norfolk $54
    Winnipeg -

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Norfolk

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Norfolk:

  • Bamville Transportation (Private & Airport Transfers): $275

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 Norfolk or Winnipeg?

Prices for flights to both Winnipeg and Norfolk 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
    Norfolk $85
    Winnipeg $9.33

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Norfolk

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

  • City Cruises Lunch, Brunch, or Dinner Buffet Cruise: $57
  • City Cruises Buffet Dinner Cruise : $103
  • 4th of July Buffet Dinner Cruise with Fireworks: $210

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Norfolk $14
    Winnipeg $2.52

Tours and Activities in Norfolk

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

  • City Cruises Signature Lunch Cruise: $84
  • Experience the season with a scavenger hunt in Norfolk with Holly Jolly Hunt: $20
  • Half-Day Self-Guided Tour E-Bike Rental in Norfolk: $75
  • Norfolk's Combo Tickets - Virginia Zoo & Battleship Wisconsin: $40
  • Virginia Zoo & Battleship Wisconsin Combo Ticket: $42

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
    Norfolk $10
    Winnipeg -

Sample the Local Flavors in Norfolk

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Norfolk:

  • Norfolk Bar Crawl: $15


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Norfolk and Winnipeg, we can see that Winnipeg is more expensive. And not only is Norfolk much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Norfolk would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Norfolk 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 Norfolk.

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


Which is Bigger, Norfolk or Winnipeg?

Winnipeg has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Norfolk. When comparing the sizes of Norfolk 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 Norfolk or Winnipeg?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Norfolk or Winnipeg in the Summer?

Both Winnipeg and Norfolk during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Norfolk in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Winnipeg for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Norfolk is a little warmer than Winnipeg. Typically, the summer temperatures in Norfolk in July average around 79°F (26°C), and Winnipeg averages at about 21°C (71°F).

In Winnipeg, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Norfolk. In the summer, Norfolk often gets less sunshine than Winnipeg. Norfolk gets 279 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Winnipeg receives 328 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Norfolk. Norfolk usually gets more rain in July than Winnipeg. Norfolk gets 5.7 inches (145 mm) of rain, while Winnipeg receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Norfolk 79°F (26°C) 
    Winnipeg 21°C (71°F)

Should I visit Norfolk or Winnipeg in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Norfolk and Winnipeg. Most visitors come to Norfolk for the shopping scene during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Winnipeg because of the shopping scene.

In October, Norfolk is generally much warmer than Winnipeg. Daily temperatures in Norfolk average around 62°F (16°C), and Winnipeg fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

In Norfolk, it's very sunny this time of the year. Norfolk usually receives more sunshine than Winnipeg during autumn. Norfolk gets 211 hours of sunny skies, while Winnipeg receives 147 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Norfolk usually receives more rain than Winnipeg. Norfolk gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Winnipeg receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Norfolk 62°F (16°C) 
    Winnipeg 7°C (45°F)

Should I visit Norfolk or Winnipeg in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Norfolk as well as Winnipeg. The winter months attract visitors to Norfolk because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, 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 Norfolk can be very cold. Norfolk is much warmer than Winnipeg in the winter. The daily temperature in Norfolk averages around 39°F (4°C) in January, and Winnipeg fluctuates around -17°C (2°F).

In the winter, Norfolk often gets more sunshine than Winnipeg. Norfolk gets 168 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Winnipeg receives 115 hours of full sun.

Norfolk usually gets more rain in January than Winnipeg. Norfolk gets 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain, while Winnipeg receives 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Norfolk 39°F (4°C) 
    Winnipeg -17°C (2°F)

Should I visit Norfolk or Winnipeg in the Spring?

Both Winnipeg and Norfolk are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities.

In the spring, Norfolk is much warmer than Winnipeg. Typically, the spring temperatures in Norfolk in April average around 58°F (14°C), and Winnipeg averages at about 5°C (42°F).

It's quite sunny in Winnipeg. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Norfolk. Norfolk usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Winnipeg during spring. Norfolk gets 253 hours of sunny skies, while Winnipeg receives 248 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Norfolk usually receives more rain than Winnipeg. Norfolk gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Winnipeg receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Norfolk 58°F (14°C) 
    Winnipeg 5°C (42°F)

Typical Weather for Winnipeg and Norfolk

Norfolk Winnipeg
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 39°F (4°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm) -17°C (2°F) 19 mm (0.7 in)
Feb 41°F (5°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm) -14°C (8°F) 15 mm (0.6 in)
Mar 49°F (10°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) -6°C (22°F) 23 mm (0.9 in)
Apr 58°F (14°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 5°C (42°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
May 67°F (19°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm) 13°C (56°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 74°F (24°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm) 19°C (65°F) 84 mm (3.3 in)
Jul 79°F (26°C) 5.7 inches (145 mm) 21°C (71°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Aug 78°F (25°C) 5.9 inches (150 mm) 20°C (68°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Sep 72°F (22°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm) 14°C (57°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Oct 62°F (16°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm) 7°C (45°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Nov 53°F (12°C) 3 inches (75 mm) -3°C (26°F) 21 mm (0.8 in)
Dec 44°F (7°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm) -13°C (9°F) 19 mm (0.7 in)