10 Best Parking Options in Winnipeg You Absolutely Need to Know
Winnipeg has an awesome transportation system, with plenty of bus routes, a cool bike-share program, and even easy access to walking paths around the city.
But sometimes, you just need to hop in a car—whether you’re bringing the whole family for a day of fun, running errands with the kids in tow, or catching a show downtown.
If you’re tired of circling the block looking for parking or stressing over meters, we’ve rounded up the best parking spots in Winnipeg. These will save you time and hassle, so you can focus on enjoying your day—you’re welcome!
Downtown Winnipeg
– Media credit: xingfutang_winnipeg
Website: https://www.winnipeg.ca/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/downtown-winnipeg/
Address: Downtown Winnipeg
Hours: Open 24 hours
Contact: 311
Downtown Winnipeg offers a mix of street parking and garages, making it easy to find a spot no matter where you’re headed. Plus, you’re close to all the action—major attractions, offices, and plenty of dining options.
For long-term parking, there are several garages available, including one conveniently located at Winnipeg City Hall. These are great if you’re planning to be downtown for a while and need a secure spot.
If street parking is more your style, just be aware that most metered spots have time limits. We recommend using the Parkmobile app to pay for your parking and extend your time without having to rush back to the meter.
Rates for parking in Downtown Winnipeg typically range from $3 to $9 per two hours.
| Pro Tip: As with any city, it’s important to be mindful of parking restrictions. Some areas have limited hours or additional restrictions during certain events, so always check the signs carefully. |
The Forks
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Website: https://www.theforks.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theforkswinnipeg/
Address: 1 Forks Market Rd
Hours: Mon – Sun: 7 AM – 10 PM
Contact: [email protected]
The Forks is one of Winnipeg’s most iconic spots, offering markets and beautiful walking trails. Whether you’re there for the amazing food, the local shops, or simply to soak in the scenery, parking is pretty easy to find.
All of the parking here is managed by the Forks North Portage (FNP) Parking team. And the funds collected from parking go right back into supporting activities and amenities.
To pay for parking, you can easily download the Honk Mobile App, find FNP Parking on the map, and quickly pay for your time. If you prefer paying the old-fashioned way, many of the meters accept cash and credit cards too.
Staying longer? No worries—you can just hop back online to add more time if needed.
| Pro Tip: The Forks can get super busy, especially on weekends, so if you’re hoping for a spot close to the action, try to arrive early to secure a prime parking space! |
Winnipeg’s Sports Venues
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Website: https://www.bluebombers.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/princessautostadium/
Address: Winnipeg
Hours: Open 24 hours
Contact: 311
When it comes to parking at Winnipeg’s major sports and event venues, you’ve got plenty of options to make your visit easy and stress-free.
At Princess Auto Stadium, also known as IG Field, parking is a breeze with over 5,000 spaces available on-site. However, if you’re planning to attend a big event, it’s a good idea to pre-purchase your parking pass to guarantee a spot.
Residents who live near IG Field can also apply for a Stadium Event Zone Permit, which allows local residents to park in restricted areas during events.
At Canada Life Centre, parking is a little more spread out, but still super convenient. With over 13,000 parking spaces in surface lots and parking structures, you’ll never be far from the venue, and it’s all within a 10-minute walk.
| Pro Tip: To avoid the last-minute rush, we recommend checking event schedules for peak times and trying to arrive early to grab the best parking spots. |
Universities and Colleges
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Website: https://www.uwinnipeg.ca/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uwinnipeg/
Address: 515 Portage Ave
Hours: Mon – Fri: 8 AM – 5 PM
Contact Details: [email protected]
Parking at Winnipeg’s universities and colleges is surprisingly manageable, whether you’re a student, staff member, or just visiting.
At the University of Winnipeg, you’ll find a mix of street parking and campus lots to choose from. Rates are $4 per hour during the day and a flat $5 in the evenings and on weekends, making it pretty affordable for those late-night study sessions.
A notable parking spot is the lot behind 520 Portage Avenue, which serves Global College and other departments. Another is the lot at 439 Young Street, conveniently located behind the iconic Wii Chii Waa Ka Nak building.
The University of Manitoba offers campus lots and garages available at the Fort Garry and Bannatyne campuses. You can find available spots through the HONK Mobile app, which lets you search for parking by location and even pay online.
| Pro Tip: If you need long-term parking, check with the university about permits. Many institutions require permits for extended stays. |
On-Street Parking
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Website: https://www.winnipeg.ca/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/winnipeg-manitoba/
Hours: Open 24 hours
Address: Winnipeg
Contact: 311
On-street parking in Winnipeg is surprisingly convenient, thanks to the Winnipeg Parking Authority’s partnership with PayByPhone. This app allows you to pay for parking right from your mobile device without needing to step out of your car.
Once you’re registered, you can manage your parking with ease—get reminders when your time is almost up and even extend it by 30 minutes when allowed.
One of the best perks is the two-hour complimentary parking available on Saturdays. From 8 AM to 5:30 PM, you can park for up to two hours free at any on-street metered location, except near the Health Sciences Centre and St. Boniface Hospital.
You can use the free time by itself or combine it with up to two hours of paid parking, giving you a total of four hours to shop, explore, or grab a bite to eat without worrying.
| Pro Tip: Keep an eye out for rush hour restrictions (Monday through Friday), as some streets don’t allow parking during peak times. Pay stations are programmed not to accept payment in these areas, so if the coin slot won’t open, you’ll need to find another spot! |
Metered Parking
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Website: https://www.winnipeg.ca/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/winnipeg-manitoba/
Hours: Open 24 hours
Address: Winnipeg
Contact: 311
Navigating metered parking (a type of on-street parking) in Winnipeg is easier than you might think. The Winnipeg Parking Authority (WPA) has pay stations throughout the city that accept cash, Mastercard, Visa, and American Express.
Prefer to go digital? The PayByPhone App lets you pay with your smartphone using Mastercard, Visa, American Express, or even prepaid cards.
The current on-street rates are pretty reasonable, ranging from $1.75 to $2.75 per hour, Monday through Saturday. The good news is that parking is free from 5:30 PM to 8 AM during the week and on Sundays and statutory holidays!
Scratch N’ Park Meter Passes are also a fantastic option. These prepaid passes are sold in booklets of 10 and cover one hour of parking—all you have to do is scratch off the correct date and time before displaying it in your car.
| Pro Tip: If you’re parking during busy hours, keep an extra Scratch N’ Park Pass handy to save time when you need to extend your stay! |
Residential Parking Zones
– Media credit: thecityofwinnipeg
Website: https://www.winnipeg.ca/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/winnipeg-manitoba/
Hours: Open 24 hours
Address: 495 Portage Avenue
Contact: 311
Residential parking zones in Winnipeg are designed to help manage high-demand areas by setting time limits for street parking. For residents living in these areas, residential parking permits let you park beyond time limits in your zone.
If you live on a time-restricted street, you can purchase up to three residential parking permits per household, each tied to a specific vehicle’s license plate. The first permit is $50, the second is $75, and the third goes up to $200.
While these permits exempt your car from the posted time limits in your zone, it’s important to know they don’t override other traffic bylaws. These include snow route bans, residential parking bans, or temporary restrictions for street cleaning.
To apply for a residential parking permit, you’ll need a valid MPI vehicle registration, proof of residence, and identification.
| Pro Tip: Vehicles displaying a valid parking permit from Manitoba Possible are allowed to park for up to four hours in time-restricted areas. |
Accessible Parking
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Website: https://theparkingstore.winnipeg.ca/disabilities.stm
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/manitoba.possible/
Address: 1857 Notre Dame Avenue
Contact: [email protected]
We love that Winnipeg is committed to making parking accessible for everyone, including those with specific accessibility needs.
If you hold an accessible parking permit, you can use designated parking spaces marked with the international access symbol or any available metered stall. These allow eligible community members to get where they need to go.
Accessible parking in Winnipeg operates on a “pay as you go” basis. However, those with accessible permits can park for up to four hours at any metered space when they purchase the maximum time allowed.
If you need to extend your parking beyond four hours, the system has you covered. An additional 30 minutes can be purchased after the initial four hours.
| Pro Tip: Parking in a designated accessible stall without a valid Provincial Permit is a serious offense with hefty fines. Always check for accessible parking signage, and make sure you’re following the rules. |
Waterfront Drive Winnipeg
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Website: https://www.mapquest.com/ca/manitoba/winnipeg/r3b-3p1/200-waterfront-dr
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/waterfront-drive/
Address: Waterfront Drive
Hours: Open 24 hours
Contact: 311
Waterfront Drive in Winnipeg is one of the city’s most scenic spots, offering beautiful views of the Red River and plenty of charming sights. Parking here is pretty straightforward, with plenty of metered spaces available for short-term stays.
Rates are budget-friendly, ranging from $4 to $6 for two hours, making it easy to spend a couple of hours enjoying the area without breaking the bank. Just remember to check the time limits and keep an eye on your meter if you’re planning to stay longer.
The location also makes it convenient if you’re planning to explore nearby attractions. You’re just a short walk away from some of Winnipeg’s top spots, including The Exchange District, The Forks, and a variety of restaurants and shops.
For added convenience, consider using the PayByPhone app to manage your parking.
| Pro Tip: Waterfront Drive can get busier during weekends and events, so plan to arrive early to snag a good spot and enjoy your day without the hassle of searching for parking! |
Free Parking
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Website: https://www.winnipeg.ca/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/winnipeg-manitoba/
Hours: Open 24 hours
Address: Winnipeg
Contact: 311
Free parking in Winnipeg is a great perk if you know where to look! Taking advantage of free parking options can save you money and stress, especially if you plan your visit during times when parking is complimentary.
Downtown Winnipeg offers free on-street parking on Sundays and statutory holidays—perfect for exploring The Exchange District, grabbing a coffee, or enjoying a stroll.
On Saturdays, you can also enjoy two free hours of on-street parking from 8 AM to 5:30 AM, making it easy to shop or dine without worrying about feeding the meter.
Many Winnipeg parks also offer free parking—Assiniboine Park provides free lots near attractions like the Zoo and the Pavilion. Kildonan Park is another favorite, with plenty of free parking spaces near its walking paths, picnic areas, and the iconic Rainbow Stage.
| Pro Tip: While free parking is a fantastic option, always check for posted signs or restrictions. Some areas have time limits or seasonal rules, so double-check before leaving your car to avoid any surprises! |