Considering the size of the city it serves, Winnipeg’s Richardson International Airport punches well above its weight which makes it a delight to fly through.
Clean, bright and efficient, the airport never seems to be crowded when I travel through which is perhaps not surprising as it connects Manitoba’s capital to just a small selection of cities across Canada and the United States along with a smattering of seasonal sun destinations.
Recently updated and modernized, Richardson’s main terminal is easy to navigate and has all the amenities you would want from an international airport
Winnipeg’s Richardson International Airport boasts two lounges, the Maple Leaf Lounge for elite-status passengers flying Air Canada, Air Canada Rouge, Air Canada Express or a Star Alliance-operated airline and the Plaza Premium Lounge, an independently operated lounge for Premium Pass members.
While both lounges are comfortable and offer the free food, drink and amenities you’d expect from an airport lounge, they are both located on the domestic side of the terminal after the security gate so they are not accessible if you’re flying to the United States.
If you’re scanning the airport map and see listings for the Sapphire Lounge and Skylights Lounge, don’t get too excited. These aren’t passenger lounges but are actually bars. To add insult to injury for travelers to the U.S., both are located in the domestic portion of the airport’s terminal.
Winnipeg’s downtown is a short distance from Richardson International Airport and shouldn’t take longer than 25 minutes by car.
The only taxi company authorized to pick up passengers at the airport is Unicity and the limo provider is Hollywood Limo Service. You can find them both at the Arrivals Level 1 near Door 3 of the terminal. I’ve never had anything but positive experiences with taxi drivers in Winnipeg, but be aware that the city enforces a Maximum Fare Schedule for rides from the airport so inform yourself of what you should be paying before accepting a cab.
If you prefer the convenience of ride-sharing, the ubiquitous Uber is authorized to pick up and drop off passengers at Winnipeg’s airport, as is their lesser-known competitor, ReRyde.
Maybe you’re a business traveler on an expense account, but no one is footing my bills except me so I’m always happy when my hotel offers a free bus shuttle to and from the airport. There are multiple hotels near the airport and downtown Winnipeg which provide this service so check with yours to see if that’s an option for you.
If you’re pinching pennies and are happy to hop on a city bus, Winnipeg Transit offers two routes, the 15 and the 20, which link the airport to downtown. The bus terminal is located on the median outside the Arrivals Level 1, closest to Door 3.
If you prefer to be your own driver, there are four car rental counters on the ground level of the parkade directly across from the terminal building. The counters represent well-known North American brands like Avis, Budget, Hertz and so on. Whenever you rent a car, make sure to reserve in advance so you can get the vehicle you want and not get stuck with something you don’t, which has happened to me on more than one occasion.
Sometimes airports can be overwhelming. If you’re lost or need help figuring out how something works, you might be lucky to find a sympathetic airline worker to guide you, but they are often overwhelmed and overworked. Management at Winnipeg Richardson International Airport recognized this so they created the Goldwings volunteer program to assist passengers in need.
These smiling ambassadors in their golden jackets are easy to spot as you make your way through the airport and are happy to help you have a smooth travel experience as you pass through Winnipeg. No matter how big or small a problem you’re experiencing, they can guide you in the right direction.
No one enjoys the hassle of going through airport security, but it’s something you can’t avoid. I’ve made peace with it and just go with the flow. Fortunately, the flow is pretty quick in Winnipeg which, like all airports in Canada, screens its passengers with employees of the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA). They are normally pretty efficient and the lines move quickly.
Note that the airport has two separate pre-board screening areas. The first is located on Departures Level 2 near Door 3 and is shared by domestic and international flights. The second is located between Door 1 and Door 2 on the same level and is for flights to the United States.
One way to expedite the screening process is to become a member of CATSA’s Verified Traveller program which includes those who are NEXUS and Global Entry holders.
For passengers arriving at YWG from outside of Canada, you have to complete border formalities before you pick up your luggage and leave the airport or make a domestic connection. You will fill out an electronic customs form at a Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) primary inspection kiosk which will spit out a paper receipt that you will have to show to a customs inspector who will ask you some standard questions before allowing you in the country. Keep that paper because you will have to hand it in to a second officer after you collect your luggage at the carousel or even if you only have a carry-on bag.
If you want to save a few minutes at the electronic kiosk, you can use the CBSA’s ArriveCAN app to fill out your customs declaration form in advance. You then scan your phone at the kiosk instead of answering the questions on the screen. It almost seems pointless, but I do it out of habit.
For passengers flying out of Winnipeg, U.S. Customs and Border Protection operates a preclearance station on site. This means you will complete your American border inspection before you arrive at your destination. If there are several flights to the U.S. leaving around the same time, the line can start to back up. You can skip the queue if you are a Nexus card holder, but if you’re cheap like me and don’t want to pay the annual Nexus fee, you can use the CBP’s free Mobile Passport Control app on your phone which lets you get into a shorter line ahead of the other non-Nexus travelers.
Your food and drink choice at Winnipeg’s airport are not vast, but there is sufficient choice so unless you a very picky eater, you’ll find something to satisfy you. In my mind, the tastiest option is Prairie Bistro, a cozy little eatery inside the domestic terminal past the security checkpoint. Their menu is inspired by Manitoba’s location in Canada’s breadbasket and features delicious, uncomplicated breakfast, lunch and dinner items.
If you’re flying to the United States, their are fewer restaurants to choose from in that part of the terminal, but I like Urban Crave, an unpretentious counter serving up interesting takes on street food from around the world.
If you just need something to grab and go, there are some fast-food outlets like Pizza Pizza and True Burger whose offerings are pretty much stated in their names. If it’s just coffee and a donut you’re after, there is a Starbucks and multiple Tim Horton’s outlets to give you a shot of caffeine and a sugar rush for your early morning flight.
It’s rare to fly to YWG to catch a connecting flight, but enough people journey northwards to Churchill to see the polar bears that more than a few passengers have to wait for a connection.
For me, the number one thing to see and do on a layover is only a 15-minute walk away, but that’s because I’m an airplane fanatic. It’s the Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada, just one of just six museums in Canada with the Royal designation. This collection of more than 90 historic aircraft and countless artefacts is a must for #avgeeks.
If that’s not your speed, head into town and hang out at The Forks, a historic meeting place and green space that sits at the confluence of the Red River and the Assiniboine River. There’s a top-notch shopping and dining complex nearby that is a nice place to while away the hours.
For something a bit more cerebral, the nearby Canadian Museum for Human Rights is not only an architectural marvel on the outside, but an incredible experience on the inside. The museum is unlike any you have visited before as it is less a collection of things and more a collection of ideas surrounding human rights issues. Highly recommended.
This KAYAK-commissioned article is presented as-is, for general informational purposes only, and may not be up-to-date. The opinions contained in the article are original to the author and reflect their authentic experience, which may vary significantly from the experience of others.
IATA Code | YWG |
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Serves | Winnipeg |
Hub for | Condor, Azores Airlines, Philippine Airlines |