Winnipeg Travel Forum

I'm coming to Winnipeg 6th-8th April during a 3 week train trip across Canada.

Been checking the weather and see that it's been -12 at night, which being from England where we don't get proper winters, I'm not used to! How cold is this?! Will I be alright in normal clothing, i.e jeans, shirt, warm jacket, hat & gloves?!

Also, any recommendations for a hotel fairly near to the train station, and ice hockey arena (off to watch Manotoba Moose 2&1/2 hours after arrival). One that's decent but not too expensive.

Thanks

Be afraid...be very afraid.......Winnipeg's nickname in Canada is WINTERPEG.
Brrrrr.....cold......Bring some layers and you will be ok....It is colder than
the UK but I have been in London when it is rainy and windy and that is none too pleasant either.....There is a hotel called Hampton Inn and Suites that is right downtown not too far from MTS center (Moose central),,train station is also downtown and taxis are cheap when you convert from Pounds so you could
check on internet whether they have availability. Arent you also coming to Montreal? When will you be in town? Last question ...why Mashy???
rgds Glenna

I hope things will not be too bad weather-wise. Usually by April, we are beyond below-zero days, mind you we still have a metre of snow in our yards at the moment. Spring is slow in coming.

Another downtown hotel you might try is Ramada Marlborough Hotel. It is two short blocks from the MTS Centre but about eight blocks from the train station. Another nice thing about the Marlborough is that it is one of the cheaper downtown hotels in Winnipeg ($89 to 120 per night ) as it is one of the older hotels around.

Good luck. I hope you enjoy Winnipeg. Depending on what else you are planning to do besides the hockey game, it might be wise to rent a car for a day to get out to a park or museum or the Mint, etc.

Good luck, Redlats

Is that why I am called Mashy or why go to Winnipeg?! I presume the former. Mash is my surname and in the imaginative English tradition of creating a nichname by adding a 'y' to the surname (e.g. Smithy, Jonesy, Platty), I often get called Mashy!
The whole route, starting next Monday, is Halifax-Montreal-Ottawa-Toronto (incl Hamilton & Niagara Falls)-Winnipeg-Jasper-Vancouver(incl Victoria). 1st trip to Canada and figured the rail pass is the best way, excellent value.
Any tips for good nightlife along the way?!

Don't let the weather worry you. -12 in the prairies is not like -12 in the UK. It is not the cold damp that goes through to your bones. Being born and raised in Victoria, B.C. (where the weather is very smiliar to england...) I thought I would die when I moved east and it would get to -40. Its cold, but it doesn't go through you, like the damp weather. When I go back and it is +10, I almost freeze. So, while -12 is a little cool, its really not too bad at all. Its the wind that will get you cold... Make sure you have a wind proof jacket on the outside of the layers.

Thanks for reply...You answered the Mashy question correctly.How long are you staying in each city? You will have a great time and will have no probs with nightlife.I live in Montreal but the rest of my family live in the "PEG"...My Winnipeg brother just shoveled out a little path in his backyard to make room for his lawnchair ...it is his spring tradition to take some sun while sitting out in the snow.In Montreal there are tons of bars and restaurants to go to..what do you like to do (besides hockey).In Winnipeg there is a place called
the Forks...bars and restaurants...I think you can go skating there too...since you will have your warm clothes.Are you coming solo? G

Just me and a mate going, as opposed to the 4 or 5 who originally expressed an interest. Really looking forward to it. No good at skating, just have an interest in ice hockey as a second sport, after football (soccer, not the one that uses hands all the time!). In Montreal for just the one day/night, 31st March. Next Thursday in fact! Can't believe how quick this trip has come round. As I keep reminding everyone in the office!

Where will you stay in Montreal? It sounds like a great trip.I myself have never
travelled by train in Canada but I am sure it will be a blast..You will sample a bit of a few cities and then you can come back and stay longer in the cities you liked...Are you planning to meet up with any VTers? G

Mashy,

By the way, have you bought your tickets to the Moose already? They might be sold out. It is getting near the end of the season, and they have sold out most of their recent games. Of course, it might not be a good idea to pre-buy the tickets as Via-Rail is often late, and you only have the 2 1/2 hours after the train is supposed to arrive.

Redlats

Not sure where we're staying yet, will probably either turn up and find somewhere or phone up from the train after picking somewhere from the Rough Guide to Canada.

Not made any definite plans but there is someone from Mexico trying to arrange a meet for VTers when we're there (see Montreal forum), so I'll keep an eye on that. Would be fun, the more the merrier!

As for the Moose, I bought tickets from Ticketmaster in December, just hope the train's on time! Was planning on going to watch the Leafs in Montreal then Toronto 31st March / 2nd April, but then they cancelled the season! Still, got plenty left to do in those 3 weeks, and still have 2 ice hockey matches at Hamilton and Winnipeg.

Hey Mashy! I used to live in Winnipeg.. currently in Toronto.. I'm sure you'll like Winnipeg - plenty to see and do.. Hopefully you'll get good weather while there... April is a strange month, sometimes cold sometimes quite warm.. My mom rents out a large room with it's own washroom, cable TV and fridge.. If you're interested feel free to email me at amym_brown@hotmail.com I can send you some pics. She recently had a 2 month border from Tiwan who had never been to Canada or Winnipeg. She found the house perfect - great location, comfortable and clean... have a great time in Winnipeg!

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