Ruth Haines
Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport (YWG) is the seventh busiest airport in Canada, serving nearly 11,800 passengers daily. The airport offers a range of services and amenities, including dining, shopping, and lounges. If you have a long layover, you can explore nearby attractions such as Assiniboine Park Zoo and The Forks, or stay connected using the airport's free Wi-Fi. For those looking to relax, there are hotels located on the airport grounds, and several more within a short drive that offer complimentary shuttle services.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Airport Code | YWG |
| Location | 2000 Wellington Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada |
| Airlines | Air Canada, WestJet, Delta, Flair Airlines, Sunwing Airlines, Calm Air, Cargojet, Perimeter Aviation |
| Terminals | 2 (Main Terminal and Richardson Terminal) |
| Gates | 25 (17 in the Main Terminal and 8 in the Richardson Terminal) |
| Dining Options | Tim Hortons, Starbucks, Prairie Bistro, Jets Bar and Lounge |
| Shopping | Hudson's Bay Company, Relay, Relay Convenience |
| Lounges | Plaza Premium Lounge, Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge |
| WiFi | Free throughout the airport |
| Charging Stations | Available for electronic devices |
| Parking | Off-airport parking, short-term, long-term, curb-side valet parking service |
| Transportation | Taxi, Ride-share (Uber, Lyft), Airport Shuttle, Bus, Car Rental |
| Nearby Attractions | Assiniboine Park Zoo, Assiniboine Forest, The Forks, Polo Park Shopping Centre, Golf Courses |
| Sleeping Options | Benches, Carpeted flooring in Baggage Claim, Hotels (Grand Winnipeg Airport Hotel, Lakeview Signature Trademark Collection) |
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What You'll Learn
Explore the unique 'Under the Northern Lights' art installation
Winnipeg Airport, also known as YWG Airport, is renowned for its unique "Under the Northern Lights" art installation. This installation enhances the experience of travellers passing through the airport. The airport itself is an impressive structure with a sleek, international-style modernist design. The "Under the Northern Lights" artwork is a brilliant tribute to Canada's Jet Age beginnings. Created by Canadian artist and architect John Graham, the mural embodies the modernist aesthetic that characterised the Jet Age, featuring sharp lines, smooth surfaces, and bright colours.
The "Under the Northern Lights" mural was a large-scale artwork, measuring 12 x 45 metres, and it adorned the north wall of the concourse at the Winnipeg International Airport for many years, from 1964 until 2011. During this period, the artwork became a familiar sight for travellers, leaving a lasting impression with its vibrant colours and distinctive style. The original airport terminal, which opened in 1964, emphasised natural light with large windows, and this interplay of light and shadow on the mural created a dynamic viewing experience throughout the day.
The materials used in the mural's construction included mosaic tile, aluminium, plexiglass, and acrylic. These elements reflected the exposed steel and emphasis on natural light that were characteristic of the original airport terminal's design. The use of plexiglass surfaces in the mural also caught and reflected light, adding depth and dimension to the artwork. Unfortunately, the original airport terminal was demolished in 2011, and with it, the "Under the Northern Lights" mural was taken down.
Today, the individual components of the mural are carefully stored and preserved. The pieces are housed at the Ingenium Centre in Ottawa, awaiting future display and interpretation. Despite the mural's physical disassembly, its impact endures, offering a glimpse into the history of Canadian aviation and the artistic expression of the Jet Age. The "Under the Northern Lights" mural stands as a testament to the intersection of art and architecture, capturing the spirit of a bygone era in Canadian aviation.
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Eat at Tim Hortons, Starbucks, or Prairie Bistro
Winnipeg Airport offers a variety of dining options for travellers. If you're looking for a quick bite to eat, Tim Hortons, Starbucks, and Relay Convenience are conveniently located in the Main Terminal. Here's what you need to know about these dining options:
Eat at Tim Hortons
Tim Hortons is a popular Canadian quick-service restaurant chain known for its coffee and donuts. Located right in the main terminal of Winnipeg Airport, it's the perfect spot to grab a quick coffee or a bite to eat before your flight. Their menu includes a range of options, such as premium coffees, flavoured cappuccinos, specialty teas, homemade soups, fresh sandwiches, and baked goods. The restaurant is open from 4:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., so it's a great option for early birds or those with late-night flights.
Starbucks
For coffee lovers, Starbucks needs no introduction. The popular coffee chain offers a wide range of coffee and tea options, as well as light snacks such as pastries and sandwiches. It is a good choice for those who want a quick caffeine fix or a familiar taste before their flight.
Prairie Bistro
If you have more time and want a sit-down dining experience, Prairie Bistro is the place to go. Located in the departures area, this restaurant offers a relaxing atmosphere and a menu featuring locally sourced ingredients. It's a great way to experience local dishes and spend a layover. The bistro is highly recommended by travellers for its good food and relaxing ambiance.
Whether you're looking for a quick coffee, a familiar bite, or a sit-down meal, Winnipeg Airport has you covered with options like Tim Hortons, Starbucks, and Prairie Bistro. These dining choices ensure that you won't go hungry during your time at the airport.
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Drink at Jets Bar and Lounge
Winnipeg Airport has lots to offer travellers, from dining and shopping to unique art installations. If you're looking for a drink, the Jets Bar and Lounge is the perfect spot.
Jets Bar and Lounge
The Jets Bar and Lounge is a popular spot for travellers to grab a drink and relax before their flight. It is located in the departures area of the airport, making it convenient for those waiting for their flight or during a layover. The bar offers a variety of beverages, including beer, wine, and liquor. You can also catch a game on the TV while you enjoy your drink. If you're feeling hungry, they also offer a selection of snacks and light bites to choose from.
The bar is open from 9 am to 9 pm, giving you plenty of time to enjoy a beverage or two before your flight. It's a great place to unwind, socialise, or even catch up on some work if you're looking for a more relaxed atmosphere. The comfortable seating and friendly staff make it a welcoming environment for all travellers.
For those looking for a more premium experience, the Plaza Premium Lounge is also located in the departures area. This lounge offers comfortable seating, business facilities, snacks, and beverages. It's the perfect place to relax, refresh, and enjoy the amenities before your flight.
If you're looking to explore outside the airport, Winnipeg has a lot to offer. The city is easily accessible by taxi, and you can visit nearby attractions such as Assiniboine Park Zoo, Assiniboine Forest, or The Forks, a historic community area with a market, eateries, and festivals. There are also several golf courses near the airport if you're looking to get in a round of golf during your layover.
Winnipeg Airport truly offers something for everyone, whether you're looking to relax, explore, or grab a drink at the Jets Bar and Lounge during your time there. With its unique art installations, dining options, and convenient services, it's a great place to start your Canadian journey.
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Shop at Hudson's Bay Company
If you're looking for a place to shop at Winnipeg Airport, look no further than the Hudson's Bay Company store. Known for its unique "Under the Northern Lights" art installation, the airport enhances the travel experience for its visitors. The Hudson's Bay Company store is a great place to pick up Canadian souvenirs and gifts. The store offers a wide range of products, including meat, fruit, groceries, hardware, china, electrical goods, and sporting goods. You can also find a staff cafeteria within the store.
The Hudson's Bay Company building is a six-storey stone and reinforced concrete structure located at the southeast corner of Memorial Boulevard and Portage Avenue in downtown Winnipeg. It was designed by Montreal architect Ernest Isbell Barott and constructed between 1925 and 1926 by the firm of Carter-Halls-Aldinger. The building officially opened on November 18, 1926, and featured 15 acres (7.2 hectares) of retail space. The basement housed a meat, fruit, and grocery department, along with hardware, china, electrical, and sporting goods, while the upper six levels were dedicated to other product categories.
Over the years, the Hudson's Bay Company has gone through various changes and expansions. At one point, it served as the flagship store for the company in western Canada. However, in recent years, the company has faced some challenges. In 2025, Hudson's Bay filed for creditor protection and closed 80 stores, including the outlet at Winnipeg Airport, along with 16 stores under the Saks banner. The large vacant space left by the closure of the Hudson's Bay store at the airport has sparked discussions among shoppers and experts on how best to revitalise the area.
Despite the closure of the Hudson's Bay store at Winnipeg Airport, travellers can still find a variety of shopping options within the airport premises. The airport offers a range of restaurants, cafes, shops, and duty-free stores in both the Main Terminal and the Richardson Terminal. So, while you may not be able to shop at Hudson's Bay Company specifically, you'll have plenty of other options to browse and purchase any last-minute travel essentials, souvenirs, or gifts.
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Sleep in the airport or at a nearby hotel
Winnipeg Airport is open 24 hours, so you won't be kicked out during the night if you choose to sleep there. The benches are reportedly comfortable, and there is some carpeted flooring. However, it can get very cold at night, so be sure to bring a blanket or even a sleeping bag. It also gets noisy, so bring earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones.
If sleeping in the airport isn't for you, there are several hotels located very near the airport. The Grand Winnipeg Airport Hotel and Lakeview Signature Trademark Collection are located on airport grounds, across from the terminal, and at least one offers day rooms. A few other hotels are within a 3-minute drive and offer complimentary shuttle services. If you're looking for a pod hotel, you won't find any at Winnipeg Airport, but there are some at Gatwick Airport.
If you're looking for a more affordable option, consider asking hotels about their day rates. Some hotels offer reduced rates for rooms rented for 8-12 hours, though these are typically available only in the afternoon. You can also try paying a fee to use one of the airport lounges.
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Frequently asked questions
Winnipeg Airport offers a variety of dining options, including Tim Hortons, Starbucks, and Prairie Bistro, which offers a menu featuring locally sourced ingredients. For drinks, there's the Jets Bar and Lounge, and for a quieter experience, there's the Plaza Premium Lounge.
Yes, there are several shops at Winnipeg Airport, including Hudson's Bay Company, which offers Canadian souvenirs and gifts, and Relay and Relay Convenience, which sell travel essentials such as snacks, magazines, and toiletries.
If you have a long layover, you can explore the unique "Under the Northern Lights" art installation at the airport or take advantage of the free Wi-Fi to stay connected. If you have at least 4-5 hours, you can leave the airport and visit nearby attractions such as Assiniboine Park Zoo, Assiniboine Forest, or The Forks, a historic community area with a market, eateries, and historic buildings.
Yes, there are several hotels located near Winnipeg Airport, including the Grand Winnipeg Airport Hotel and Lakeview Signature Trademark Collection, which are located on airport grounds. There are also a few hotels within a 3-minute drive that offer complimentary shuttle services.
Winnipeg Airport offers various transportation options, including taxi services, ride-sharing services such as Uber and Lyft, and airport shuttles. Winnipeg Transit operates two bus routes that service the airport, and there are also parking options available, including short- and long-term parkades and a curb-side valet service.
