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

Should you visit Portland or Winnipeg?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Portland and Winnipeg can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Portland

Portland is a tree-lined, nature-filled, and scenic city. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Portland is a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the shopping, nightlife, and live music. See Portland travel costs.

Winnipeg

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

Portland and Winnipeg: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Portland or Winnipeg?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Portland. Although Portland and Winnipeg are popular destinations, Portland has more sights and attractions for tourists. Portland is very popular for its music, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Winnipeg attracts visitors for its museums and attractions and food. Portland is more touristy than Winnipeg and is known for its independent and vintage shops, thriving art scene, lush parks and gardens, progressive and quirky personality, and easy access to amazing natural beauty. It is also well known for Washington Park. Winnipeg is famous for its festivals, culture, and railway connections.

How is Portland different from Winnipeg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Winnipeg is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Portland is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Winnipeg. 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.

Portland offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Visitors usually come for the city's outdoor recreation and eclectic personality more than the landmarks and museums. There are a few places to visit on a rainy day though including Pittock Mansion, the Portland Art Museum, and the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry.

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

Winnipeg is a city with good options for its restaurants. However, Portland is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Portland. The town is more famous for it's craft beer than it's food, but there are still a number of local restaurants that offer unique Oregon dishes. You'll find no shortage of vegetarian and vegan options on most menus. There is also a big farm-to-table scene with many farmers markets around town as well.

Is Portland or Winnipeg Better for Nightlife?

The nice nightlife scene is relatively similar in Portland and Winnipeg.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Portland. Famously, this town's nightlife is all about the craft beer and local breweries. Make sure you check out Bailey's Taproom, The Big Legrowlski, and The Commons Brewery.

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 Portland or Winnipeg Better for Music?

Portland is a city with good options for its live music scene. However, Winnipeg is not a live music destination.

You'll find some good live music in Portland. The town has a thriving live music and international folk dancing scene.

Winnipeg is not a live music destination.

Is Portland or Winnipeg Better for Hiking?

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

Many visitors go to Portland for the hiking trails. Just outside of town you'll find amazing hikes and stunning natural beauty. In town there are many urban hikes through parks and gardens, but in just a short drive you also have access to Mount Hood and many of the region's most beautiful hikes around the Columbia River Gorge.

Winnipeg is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Portland or Winnipeg?

Shoppers can find a variety of nice stores in both Portland and Winnipeg.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Portland. To fully experience shopping in town, head to the local vendors and thrift shops. There are many vintage clothing shops, book stores, and independent sellers around town. The city is also full of farmers markets. For some of the most interesting shopping, check out the Pearl District, Pioneer Place, Union Way, and Downtown neighborhoods.

Winnipeg offers some nice shopping areas. You'll find all of the standard shopping options around town, from boutiques to big box shops and even some outlets.

Is Portland or Winnipeg More Beautiful?

Portland is a city with good options for its scenery and beauty. However, Winnipeg is not a destination known for its beauty.

Portland is a beautiful place to visit, too. Surrounded by mountains and filled with parks and greenspace, many people find this town to be quite beautiful.

Winnipeg is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Portland or Winnipeg Better for Families?

Both Portland and Winnipeg are nice to visit with kids.

Portland is a family-friendly city. This is an outdoor city by nature, so families will appreciate the many parks and outdoor recreational activities around town. It's easy to fill a couple of days exploring and having fun with the kids. Kid-friendly activities include the zoo, the aerial tram, and several great museums.

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 Portland or Winnipeg Better for Couples?

Both Portland and Winnipeg are nice destinations for a couple's getaway.

Portland is a nice destination for couples. The laid-back, alternative vibe is fun to explore as a couple. There are independent bookstores, nice parks, and plenty of outdoor activities to choose from. Couples who enjoy an eclectic city, breweries, and nature, will find a lot to do in town.

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 Portland or Winnipeg Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Many backpackers visit Portland. The town has drawn young explorers for years, and backpackers who like to step away from the mainstream will feel right at home here.

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

Is Portland or Winnipeg Better for Students?

Portland is a city with good options for its student-friendly activities. However, Winnipeg is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Portland. It's a young and relaxed city that attracts independent thinkers. There are many bookstores and breweries around town. The cost of living can be a bit high though.

Winnipeg is not popular with students.

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

Portland is a city with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, Winnipeg is not a good destination for its public transit.

While Portland offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The town has a bus and light rail system as well the Aerial tram.

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

Is Portland or Winnipeg a more walkable city?

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

Portland is a very walkable city. It is quite walkable, particularly in the tourist areas such as Downtown, Pearl, and Old Town Chinatown.

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 Portland Worth Visiting? and Is Winnipeg Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Winnipeg or Portland?

How long in Portland or Winnipeg?

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

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

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

One day in Portland or Winnipeg?

The city of Portland offers nightlife and live music. 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.

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 Portland or Winnipeg?

Portland 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 Portland, 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 Portland or Winnipeg?

Portland 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 Portland or Winnipeg?

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

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

Which is Bigger, Portland or Winnipeg?

Winnipeg has a larger population, and is about 17% larger than the population of Portland. When comparing the sizes of Portland 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 Portland 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 Portland or Winnipeg in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Portland and Winnipeg. The summer months attract visitors to Portland because of the hiking, the small town charm, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Winnipeg this time of year.

In the summer, Portland is around the same temperature as Winnipeg. Typically, the summer temperatures in Portland in July average around 68°F (20°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 Portland, it's very sunny this time of the year. Portland usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Winnipeg during summer. Portland gets 338 hours of sunny skies, while Winnipeg receives 328 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Portland usually receives less rain than Winnipeg. Portland gets 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain, while Winnipeg receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Portland or Winnipeg in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Portland as well as Winnipeg. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, the music scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Portland this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Winnipeg for the shopping scene.

In October, Portland is generally much warmer than Winnipeg. Daily temperatures in Portland average around 55°F (13°C), and Winnipeg fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

In the autumn, Portland often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Winnipeg. Portland gets 155 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Winnipeg receives 147 hours of full sun.

Portland usually gets more rain in October than Winnipeg. Portland gets 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain, while Winnipeg receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Portland or Winnipeg in the Winter?

Both Winnipeg and Portland are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Portland for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Winnipeg in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Winnipeg can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Portland. Portland is much warmer than Winnipeg in the winter. The daily temperature in Portland averages around 40°F (4°C) in January, and Winnipeg fluctuates around -17°C (2°F).

Portland usually receives less sunshine than Winnipeg during winter. Portland gets 86 hours of sunny skies, while Winnipeg receives 115 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Portland. In January, Portland usually receives more rain than Winnipeg. Portland gets 5.2 inches (132 mm) of rain, while Winnipeg receives 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Portland or Winnipeg in the Spring?

Both Winnipeg and Portland during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Portland in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Portland is much warmer than Winnipeg. Typically, the spring temperatures in Portland in April average around 51°F (11°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 Portland. In the spring, Portland often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Winnipeg. Portland gets 231 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Winnipeg receives 248 hours of full sun.

Portland usually gets more rain in April than Winnipeg. Portland gets 2.4 inches (61 mm) of rain, while Winnipeg receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Winnipeg and Portland