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

Should you visit Wilmington or Winnipeg?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Wilmington or Winnipeg, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Wilmington

Wilmington is a historic, welcoming, and charming city. Visitors also love the nightlife, food, and beaches. See Wilmington travel costs.

Winnipeg

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

Wilmington and Winnipeg: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
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 Wilmington or Winnipeg?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Wilmington than Winnipeg. While Winnipeg is larger than Wilmington, Wilmington has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Wilmington is very popular for its beaches and historical sights, while Winnipeg attracts visitors for its museums and attractions. Wilmington is more touristy than Winnipeg and is known for its laid back beaches, historical waterfront area, and university setting. It is also well known for the Battleship North Carolina. Winnipeg is famous for its festivals, culture, and railway connections.

How is Wilmington different from Winnipeg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Wilmington
Winnipeg

Winnipeg is great for its historical sights. Also, Wilmington is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Winnipeg can be an interesting and educational experience. 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.

Wilmington offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are art, history, and science museums around town. The Battleship North Carolina is a popular destination. Science enthusiasts will enjoy a visit to the Cape Fear Museum of History and Science or the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher. For art, head to the Cameron Art Museum or Art in Bloom Gallery.


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

Wilmington
Winnipeg

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

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Wilmington. Head to the waterfront for local seafood restaurants that offer outdoor seating and fresh caught fish. There are also farm-to-table restaurants and local diners with casual food.

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 Wilmington or Winnipeg Better for Nightlife?

Wilmington
Winnipeg

The vibe at night is nice in both Wilmington and Winnipeg.

If you're looking for night time activities Wilmington has a few options to choose from. Live music is popular around town. There are also bars, lounges and dance clubs. When the weather is warm, many places make use of the outdoor setting, which makes for a relaxed and fun evening.

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 Wilmington or Winnipeg Better for Beaches?

Wilmington
Winnipeg

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

The beaches at Wilmington attract visitors from all over. Nearby you'll find Wrightsville Beach, Kure Beach, and Carolina Beach. They have long stretches of sand and great waves. The water is usually warm enough for swimming between the months of April and October. During these peak months parking can be challenging, but during the quieter times, you shouldn't have trouble.

Winnipeg is not a beach destination.


Is Wilmington or Winnipeg Better for its Old Town?

Wilmington
Winnipeg

Wilmington is a city with good options for its old town. However, Winnipeg does not have a historic old town.

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in Wilmington. The Historic District is along the waterfront and has 18th and 19th century architecture. There are also great restaurants and interesting shops.

Winnipeg does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Wilmington or Winnipeg?

Wilmington
Winnipeg

If you're looking to go shopping, Wilmington and Winnipeg both offer plenty of nice spots.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Wilmington. Head downtown for the most interesting local shops. You'll find boutiques and souvenir shops where you can pick up art, accessories, or antiques.

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 Wilmington or Winnipeg Better for Families?

Wilmington
Winnipeg

Wilmington 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, Wilmington is very family-friendly. Near town you'll find several beaches - Wrightsville Beach, Kure Beach, and Carolina Beach. They're all family-friendly and perfect for a day's activity. The city also has the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher, the Children's Museum of Wilmington, and the Wilmington Railroad Museum. For a rainy day there are also indoor play areas and entertainment centers.

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 Wilmington or Winnipeg Better for Couples?

Wilmington
Winnipeg

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

Wilmington is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. The beaches are great for a relaxing day of swimming and sunbathing. In the evening head into town and enjoy one of the local seafood restaurants on the waterfront. You'll also find great shopping and historical sights in the area.

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 Wilmington or Winnipeg Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Wilmington
Winnipeg

Winnipeg is a nice place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Wilmington is not a good destination for backpackers.

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

Wilmington is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. While it's usually overlooked by backpackers, the university and great beaches make this a surprisingly fun destination.

Is Wilmington or Winnipeg Better for Students?

Wilmington
Winnipeg

Wilmington 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 Wilmington. The University of North Carolina at Wilmington is a popular school that brings many students to town.

Winnipeg is not popular with students.


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

Wilmington
Winnipeg

Wilmington and Winnipeg both offer reasonable public transit to get you around.

Public transit is mostly limited in Wilmington. There are public buses around town, but for practical reasons, you'll want to have your own vehicle.

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

Is Wilmington or Winnipeg a more walkable city?

Wilmington
Winnipeg

Wilmington 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.

Wilmington is a somewhat walkable place. The Historic District is best explored on foot. You can also get around Wrightsville Beach on foot, but traveling between these places requires a car.

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 Wilmington Worth Visiting? and Is Winnipeg Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Winnipeg or Wilmington?

How long in Wilmington or Winnipeg?

It's fun to spend time in either Wilmington or Winnipeg. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Wilmington due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Wilmington, and 2-4 days is enough time in Winnipeg.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Winnipeg than Wilmington 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 Wilmington or Winnipeg? Ideal Length of Stay
    Wilmington 2-5 
    Winnipeg 2-4

One day in Wilmington or Winnipeg?

The city of Wilmington 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.

With museums and nightlife around the cultural city of Winnipeg, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.


A weekend in Wilmington or Winnipeg?

Wilmington 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. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Wilmington, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Winnipeg, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Wilmington or Winnipeg?

Wilmington is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Wilmington, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Winnipeg, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Wilmington or Winnipeg?

Wilmington 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 city offers something for everyone.

Winnipeg is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, The Best Contiki Tours to 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 Wilmington?

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

  • Wilmington Prices
    USA Prices
    Winnipeg Prices
    Canada Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Wilmington $245
    Winnipeg $255

The average daily cost (per person) in Wilmington is $245, 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 Wilmington and Winnipeg in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Wilmington $120
    Winnipeg $92
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Wilmington $240
    Winnipeg $184
Compare Hotels in Wilmington and Winnipeg

Looking for a hotel in Wilmington 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 Wilmington


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: Wilmington Hotel Prices and Winnipeg Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Wilmington $47
    Winnipeg -

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Winnipeg

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

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Wilmington or Winnipeg?

Prices for flights to both Winnipeg and Wilmington 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
    Wilmington $97
    Winnipeg $9.33

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Wilmington $17
    Winnipeg $2.52

Tours and Activities in Wilmington

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Wilmington.

  • 2 Hour Sunset Sailing Tour in Wrightsville Beach: $95
  • 2-Hr, 45 Min Tour de Wilmington E-Bike Tour/Sightseeing/History: $70
  • 3.25-Hour Wilmington E-Bike Airlie Gardens Self-Guided Tour: $70
  • 5-Hour Wilmington River to Sea E-Bike Self-Guided Adventure Tour: $85
  • Black Water Adventure Cruise: $33
  • Cycle-logical Tours Guided eBike History Tour of Oak Island: $90
  • Downtown Wilmington Historian-Guided Walking Tour: $20
  • Eagles Island 50 minute Narrated Boat Cruise: $24
  • Experience the Exciting Fun of Surf Fishing: $165
  • History and Architecture Walking Tour : $25
  • Holiday Lights Cruise: $30
  • Island Hopper Cruise in Wrightsville Beach: $50

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
    Wilmington $39
    Winnipeg -


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


Which is Bigger, Wilmington or Winnipeg?

Winnipeg has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Wilmington. When comparing the sizes of Wilmington 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 Wilmington 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 Wilmington or Winnipeg in the Summer?

Both Winnipeg and Wilmington are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Wilmington this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Winnipeg for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Wilmington is a little warmer than Winnipeg. Typically, the summer temperatures in Wilmington in July average around 81°F (27°C), and Winnipeg averages at about 21°C (71°F).

It's quite sunny in Winnipeg. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Wilmington. Wilmington usually receives less sunshine than Winnipeg during summer. Wilmington gets 283 hours of sunny skies, while Winnipeg receives 328 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Wilmington. In July, Wilmington usually receives more rain than Winnipeg. Wilmington gets 8.1 inches (207 mm) of rain, while Winnipeg receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Wilmington 81°F (27°C) 
    Winnipeg 21°C (71°F)

Should I visit Wilmington or Winnipeg in the Autumn?

Both Winnipeg and Wilmington during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Wilmington for the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Winnipeg in the autumn for the shopping scene.

In October, Wilmington is generally much warmer than Winnipeg. Daily temperatures in Wilmington average around 65°F (18°C), and Winnipeg fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

It's quite sunny in Wilmington. In the autumn, Wilmington often gets more sunshine than Winnipeg. Wilmington gets 227 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Winnipeg receives 147 hours of full sun.

Wilmington usually gets more rain in October than Winnipeg. Wilmington gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Winnipeg receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Wilmington 65°F (18°C) 
    Winnipeg 7°C (45°F)

Should I visit Wilmington or Winnipeg in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Wilmington and Winnipeg. Many visitors come to Wilmington in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Winnipeg for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Winnipeg can be very cold during winter. Wilmington is much warmer than Winnipeg in the winter. The daily temperature in Wilmington averages around 45°F (7°C) in January, and Winnipeg fluctuates around -17°C (2°F).

Wilmington usually receives more sunshine than Winnipeg during winter. Wilmington gets 180 hours of sunny skies, while Winnipeg receives 115 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Wilmington usually receives more rain than Winnipeg. Wilmington gets 3.9 inches (98 mm) of rain, while Winnipeg receives 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Wilmington 45°F (7°C) 
    Winnipeg -17°C (2°F)

Should I visit Wilmington or Winnipeg in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Wilmington as well as Winnipeg. Most visitors come to Wilmington for the beaches during these months.

In the spring, Wilmington is much warmer than Winnipeg. Typically, the spring temperatures in Wilmington in April average around 63°F (17°C), and Winnipeg averages at about 5°C (42°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Winnipeg. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Wilmington this time of the year. In the spring, Wilmington often gets more sunshine than Winnipeg. Wilmington gets 278 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Winnipeg receives 248 hours of full sun.

Wilmington usually gets more rain in April than Winnipeg. Wilmington gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Winnipeg receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Wilmington 63°F (17°C) 
    Winnipeg 5°C (42°F)

Typical Weather for Winnipeg and Wilmington

Wilmington Winnipeg
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 45°F (7°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm) -17°C (2°F) 19 mm (0.7 in)
Feb 47°F (9°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm) -14°C (8°F) 15 mm (0.6 in)
Mar 55°F (13°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) -6°C (22°F) 23 mm (0.9 in)
Apr 63°F (17°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 5°C (42°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
May 70°F (21°C) 4.4 inches (113 mm) 13°C (56°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 77°F (25°C) 6 inches (152 mm) 19°C (65°F) 84 mm (3.3 in)
Jul 81°F (27°C) 8.1 inches (207 mm) 21°C (71°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Aug 80°F (27°C) 6.9 inches (176 mm) 20°C (68°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Sep 75°F (24°C) 5 inches (128 mm) 14°C (57°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Oct 65°F (18°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 7°C (45°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Nov 56°F (14°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm) -3°C (26°F) 21 mm (0.8 in)
Dec 49°F (9°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm) -13°C (9°F) 19 mm (0.7 in)