A Beginner’s Guide to Urban Camping at Winnipeg West KOA Campground
If you grew up in North America, there’s a fair chance that your first camping experience was at a KOA Campground.
Even if you haven’t visited one, you might have heard someone say “KOA camping” like it’s a subculture—which maybe it is!
For me, Winnipeg West KOA Campgrounds was my first KOA, while I was visiting on a weekend and needed a rest stop.
I found the site not only convenient due to its proximity to the city but also for being affordable and having modern amenities.
It’s a very appealing setup for traveling campers, especially those who need to refresh and restock for a long journey.
Likewise, I can see why it’s suitable for families in town who are looking to introduce their kids to the great outdoors.
With that said, if you’re looking at Winnipeg West KOA Campground as your next stop, here’s what you can look forward to when visiting the camp and the various local attractions nearby.
About Winnipeg West KOA Campground
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Website: https://koa.com/campgrounds/winnipeg-west/
Address: St Francois Xavier, MB R4L 1A1
Contact details: 1-204-864-2917
Operation hours: Daily from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
KOA Campgrounds is an excellent full-service campsite for a night or two without being too far removed from the comforts of the city.
If you’re not familiar with KOA, their sites are usually located close to major highways and towns. This makes them highly suitable for families who are out for a quick retreat or travelers in need of respite after a long day on the road.
Simply put, KOA has an established and trusted reputation in North America that spans 50 years and over 500 campsites.
Winnipeg West KOA Campground, which is located along the TransCanada Highway #1, is a perfect example here as it’s only 10 minutes away from the CBD.
It’s a camp that undoubtedly carries KOA’s camping traditions.
Perhaps, even better in some ways as it sits on a sweet spot close to Winnipeg and some of its top local attractions.
For tourists, that means you can safely camp at KOA and make arrangements for your day trips.
Campground Amenities
KOA has three types of campgrounds across the United States and Canada.
KOA Holiday and KOA Resort tend to have more attractions and activities in store for campers. Meanwhile, KOA Journey is more of a place to stay between stops and what KOA is generally known for.
Winnipeg West KOA Campground falls into the latter category, which makes it ideal for light camping, picnics, and RVing. The site is also fitting for those who are eager to learn camping but would like to take it slow.
Some of the amenities you’ll have quick access to at KOA are:
- Convenience store
- Coffee shop
- On-site Esso gas bar
- Propane refill
- Modern washrooms and showers
- Take-out food with specialty dishes
- Swimming pool
- Campground Wi-Fi
- Clean laundromat
- On-site fire pit and picnic tables
Seeing as some of these amenities are not even available on provincial camping grounds, there’s definitely an added comfort for anyone who enjoys light camping or needs a rest stop.
Think of KOA as a classic campground with modern amenities and comforts.
Things to Do Near Winnipeg West KOA Campground
Tour the Assiniboine Park and Zoo
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Website: https://www.assiniboinepark.ca/
Address: 55 Pavilion Crescent, MB R3P 2N6
Contact details: (204) 927 6000
Admission hours: The public greenspace and some gardens are open 24 hours while other facilities follow a limited schedule.
Price range: $$
Assiniboine Park and Zoo is one of the finest wildlife conservation areas in the province.
If you’re visiting Winnipeg and staying at KOA, a trip to the park will only take 45 minutes.
You’ll find plenty of mini attractions within the 80-acre land, including the Leatherdale International Polar Bear Conservation Centre, which cares for polar bear cubs and other northern species.
Additionally, you’ll be able to explore themed gardens, biomes, farms, nature playgrounds, and even art galleries.
Assiniboine Park and Zoo is open for visitors all year round.
Royal Canadian Mint
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Website: https://www.mint.ca/en
Address: 520 Lagimodiere Blvd, MB R2J 3E7
Contact details: (204) 984 1144
Admission hours: Monday to Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Price range: $$
The Royal Canadian Mint in Winnipeg is roughly an hour away from the campground, so it’s certainly one of the places you can visit on a day trip.
The Mint offers a 45-minute guided tour that’s suited for all ages. During this, you’ll see an exhibit of Canadian circulation coins as well as other collector’s coins that were produced here.
If you choose, you’ll also get insights into the production process and The Mint’s major milestones since its inception in 1976.
Aside from the establishment’s unique exhibit and rich history, visitors also flock to the Winnipeg Mint to explore its meticulously manicured ground, observe its state-of-the-art architecture, and shop at its collector’s boutique.
The Forks
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Website: https://www.theforks.com/
Address: Forks Market Rd, MB R3C 4S8
Contact details: (204) 927 7874
Admission hours: 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Price range: $
The Forks is arguably Winnipeg’s cultural hub. This 56-acre land is home to museums, markets, parks, and other famous local landmarks and attractions.
The Forks is essentially a meeting ground where the Red and Assiniboine rivers meet in the heart of the city.
It has a rich and complex history for the region, but it’s mainly celebrated as a traditional gathering space for trade and commerce even way back to when the city’s ancestors roamed the land.
Today, this is most evident in the Exchange District, a National Historic Site that features a collection of heritage buildings, festival grounds, art houses, and more.
If you’re visiting Winnipeg, The Forks is an excellent place to include in your itinerary. I’ll even recommend a day trip here just to wander around, shop, dine, and learn the culture and history of the city as you go.
One of the best ways to explore The Forks is via its trail loop or the Nestaweya River trail. So, if you like jogging or biking, you’ll definitely enjoy the surprisingly scenic views in this suburban landscape.
Living Prairie Museum
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Website: https://legacy.winnipeg.ca/publicworks/parksOpenSpace/livingprairie/
Address: 2795 Ness Ave, MB R3J 3S4
Contact details: (204) 832 0167
Admission hours: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Price range: $
One unique wildlife space you can visit in Winnipeg is the Living Prairie Museum.
This 13-hectare site is a preserve and interpretive center for the tallgrass prairie, an endangered ecosystem, with less than 1% remaining in North America.
The wildlife center is also home to various grassland birds, prairie insects, mammals, and other plant species native to the region.
During your visit, you can explore the self-guided trails through the prairie or learn from one of the guides or interpreters.
The Living Prairie Museum is open seasonally and for special events.
Festival du Voyageur
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Website: https://heho.ca/en/
Address: 233 Provencher Blvd, MB, R2H 0G4
Contact details: (204) 237-7692
Admission hours: TBA
Price range: $
Festival du Voyageur is Canada’s largest winter festival famed for its giant snow sculptures, live music, and exceptional food market.
If you’re visiting Winnipeg in winter, this seasonal family-friendly event is a must-see. The schedule varies and so do the admission charges, but it’s generally affordable, including a multi-day pass for those staying in.
Kids can revel at the winter playground with themed voyageur adventures, hills, instruments, and an assortment of interactive games.
Meanwhile, the whole family can go snowshoeing, watch concerts, or cheer for their favorites during the always hotly anticipated mascot challenge where mascots try to one-up each other over a myriad of fun obstacles and challenges.
And in case you’re wondering, YES, you can take photos with them, too!