The Only Guide You’ll Ever Need on Your Trip from Winnipeg to Thompson
Traveling solo has always been on my bucket list. Craving for a change of scenery and a little bit of adventure, I’ve dreamt of hitting the open road and exploring Manitoba.
Then, reality hit me: I had no idea how to begin.
Instead of putting my dream on the back burner, I did a lot of research and started doing smaller trips before going on a big one. That was my first drive from Winnipeg and Thompson, which exceeded all my expectations.
Over the years, I’ve become quite familiar with this route. So, whether you’re going on a solo trip, a family getaway, or a vacation with friends, I can help you plan your next adventure.
This in-depth guide will show you the best ways to get from Winnipeg to Thompson. I’ve also listed the must-see attractions to stop at along the way and other helpful tips to make your trip a breeze.
What is the distance between Winnipeg and Thompson?
The distance between Winnipeg and Thompson is 761 km (473 mi). From Winnipeg, it will take approximately 7.5 hours to drive to Thompson in optimal driving conditions.
When is the best time to go on a road trip from Winnipeg to Thompson?
The best time to go on a road trip from Winnipeg to Thompson is from May to early October. Driving conditions are ideal between late spring and early fall because the roads won’t be icy.
If you’re planning on visiting the beach or doing other outdoor activities, we recommend going in the summer. The average summer temperature in Manitoba is +26°C (79° F), which is warm enough for swimming.
How to Get from Winnipeg to Thompson
By Plane
The fastest way to travel from Winnipeg to Thompson is to fly. It’s a great option if you’re pressed for time as it only takes 1 hour and 55 minutes, but it’s going to be more expensive than driving there.
A one-way trip with Calm Air International will cost around $400+, while roundtrip tickets cost an average of $830. It could go over $1,000 if you don’t book a roundtrip in advance.
You’ll depart from Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport and land at Thompson Municipal Airport. Situated roughly 7 km (4 mi) north of the city, the airport is a 10-minute cab ride away from downtown Thompson.
By Car
If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly alternative to flying, you can drive from Winnipeg to Thompson.
It’s a relatively easy drive with a few charming towns and must-see sights in between. You can do this 761 km (431 mi) road trip in 7.5 hours in good road conditions.
The best route from Winnipeg to Thompson is via MB-6 North, which will take you past Lake Manitoba and Lake Winnipeg. From downtown Winnipeg, hop on the MB-101 from Logan Avenue and turn right onto King Edward Street to enter Route 90.
Go on the right lane to take the Manitoba 101 Perimeter Highway Ramp, then take the ramp onto MB 101-W. Once you reach the roundabout, take the second exit and stay on MB-6 N.
Just follow the Provincial Tunk Highway 6, then take a right on 391 Provincial Road. It will take you all the way to Thompson.
By Bus
The cheapest way to get from Winnipeg to Thompson is by bus, which costs only $70 for a 9-hour trip.
We recommend the NCN Thompson Bus Line because it runs one bus per day on this route. You’ll leave from the Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport at 9:30 pm and arrive at Thompson at 6:30 am.
There are 4 stops along this route, which will be every 2 to 3 hours. You’ll have 15 minutes to stretch your legs, go to the washroom, and perhaps get more snacks for the road.
On this bus ride, you can bring 1 carry-on bag with a maximum weight of 10 kg(22 lbs) and 1 checked bag with a maximum weight of 25 kg(55.1 lbs). Your first checked-in bag will be free and additional charges will apply to your extra baggage.
The bus has power outlets so you can charge your electronic devices, but they don’t have WiFi.
By Train
If you’re traveling with the entire family, especially with little children, the most comfortable way to reach Thompson would be via rail. It’s also a scenic route, passing through rolling hills, dense forests, and beautiful lakes.
The downside to this is that it’s quite a slow trip, taking at least 23 hours and 55 minutes. You’ll leave Winnipeg at noon and arrive at Thompson at noon the next day.
You can expect slight delays at different stations, but you should arrive at Thompson before the 3 pm check-in time at your hotel.
An entire cabin for three will cost around $1,040, but the amenities are worth it for the long trip ahead. Cabins have comfortable seating that reclines into lie-flat beds, free WiFi, power outlets, and air conditioning.
For solo travelers, an economy ticket will only cost around $188. Instead of the reclining seats, you get standard seating, but at least, you still have free WiFi, power outlets, and air conditioning.
Best Places to Stop
Twin Lakes Beach
— Media credit: jaredchartrand
Location: Twin Beach Road, Oak Point
Facilities: Near a gas station and restaurants
Admission Fee: Free
Operating hours: 24/7
Lake Manitoba is one of many lakes you’ll come across on the drive from Winnipeg to Thompson. Just an hour into your drive, you can make your first stop to stretch your legs and refuel.
If you can spare a few minutes of your day, go for a quick swim or picnic on the shoreline. We recommend Twin Lakes Beach in St. Laurent because it’s the closest to Winnipeg.
The beach is always clean and uncrowded. There isn’t a lot of development in the area, but you can easily drive to nearby restaurants and shops, where you can get meals or snacks for the road.
Lundar Beach Provincial Park
— Media credit: rhonda.reed1
Location: 0 Vincent Road, Lundar
Phone: 1 800 214 6497
Facilities: Has campgrounds, washrooms, toilets, and boat launch
Admission fee: Provincial Park Pass required for your vehicle
Operating hours: 24/7
A great alternative to Twin Lakes Beach is Lundar Beach Provincial Park. This is a more developed area as it has a small campground with washrooms, toilets, and a boat launch.
It has easy, well-kept hiking trails with a lookout point close to the trailhead. What we like the most about it is that the paths are paved and large enough for strollers and wheelchairs to pass through.
There aren’t any shops nearby. You can go to the small town of Lundar, just 15 minutes away, to get food and other supplies.
Little Limestone Lake
— Media credit: steph.explores
Location: Little Limestone Lake Provincial Park, Manitoba R0B 0Y0
Facilities: No restaurants or accommodations near the lake
Admission fee: Free
Operating hours: 24/7; camping requires a permit
If we had to pick one lake to visit on this road trip, especially in the summer, it would be Little Limestone Lake. Its beautiful turquoise waters and stunning rock formations are worth seeing at least once.
The entrance to the lake is right along Highway 6, which you’ll pass on your way to Thompson. It’s a secluded and underdeveloped area, so the road to the lake can be quite rough, and when you get there, there won’t be any amenities nearby.
You can picnic and go for a swim at the lake. If you want to enjoy other activities on the water, the closest rental services are in Grand Rapids, so rent your equipment before heading to the lake.
Pisew Falls Provincial Park
— Media credit: trailsmanitoba
Location: Pisew Falls Road
Phone: +1 204-677-6648
Facilities: Has a parking lot, viewing decks, and outhouses
Admission fee: Provincial Park Pass required for your vehicle
Operating hours: 24/7
Another must-see attraction you’ll find on the road to Thompson is Pisew Falls Provincial Park, home to Manitoba’s highest waterfalls—Kwasitchewan Falls. It is a challenging 22km round-trip hike from the suspension bridge, best left to the pros.
If you’re a non-professional hiker, like me, go and see the Pisew Falls instead. The best way to see it is from the observation deck, which is a short, kid-friendly hike from the parking lot.
You should at least hike all the way down to the suspension bridge, where you can see the river up close and take photos!
Paint Lake Provincial Park
— Media credit: michi_g.r
Location: 59 Elizabeth Drive, Thompson
Phone: +1 888 482 2267
Facilities: Has a restaurant, marina, campsites, and outhouses
Admission fee: Provincial Park Pass required for your vehicle
Operating hours: 24/7
Paint Lake Provincial Park is a popular attraction all year round, where people come to hike, swim, fish, and picnic. With the perfect blend of nature and comfort, it’s also a great spot to camp.
Here, you can pitch a tent in one of their many campgrounds and wake up to stunning views of the lake. If you can stay for at least two nights, we recommend booking a yurt, which will cost around $56.
The park is only 25 minutes away from Thompson, so you can spend a bit more time here to relax and have fun. Or, you might as well stay at the campgrounds instead of a hotel at the city center to save hundreds of bucks.
Where to Stay in Thompson
Best Western Thompson Hotel & Suites
— Media credit: bestwestern
Website: https://www.bestwestern.com/
Location: 205 Mystery Lake Road
Phone: +1 204 778 8887
Check-in time: 3:00 PM
Check-out time: 11:00 AM
At Best Western Thompson Hotel & Suites, the rooms are small but cozy and well-kept, perfect for some much-needed rest after a long drive. They even offer free parking so you won’t have to shell out more money.
To save more, you can book a room in advance. If you aren’t sure about the trip’s schedule yet, you can get the flexible rate instead of the non-refundable option so you can cancel the reservation when needed.
Unfortunately, they don’t have a pet-friendly policy. You’ll have to find other accommodations if you’re traveling with pets.
Quality Inn & Suites Thompson
— Media credit: qualityinnandsuitesthompson
Website: https://www.choicehotels.com/manitoba/thompson/quality-inn-hotels
Location: 45 Moak Crescent
Phone: +1 204 677 5600
Check-in time: 3:00 PM
Check-out time: 11:00 AM
Quality Inn & Suites is a great family-friendly hotel where kids of all ages can stay for free. Even your furry travel buddies (maximum of two) can join the fun thanks to their pet-friendly policy, but you’ll have to pay $25 for their stay.
What sets this place apart from other hotels in town is that all their guest rooms have full kitchens, allowing you to cook, meal prep, and store food. If you’re staying in Thompson for several days, this is a good spot to settle.
It’s also an excellent choice for motorists because they have outdoor parking nearby, which can accommodate buses and trucks.
Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Thompson
— Media credit: daysinn
Website: https://www.wyndhamhotels.com/
Location: 21 Thompson Drive
Phone: +1 204 778 6000
Check-in time: 3:00 PM
Check-out time: 11:00 AM
Situated near Mystery Mountain Winter Park, Days Inn & Suites is the perfect crash pad for your outdoor adventures in Thompson. The rooms look a bit out-of-date, but they are comfy and clean, which is what matters most.
If you want to maximize your rest while staying here, get a Jacuzzi suite. Don’t skip breakfast at their buffet because they have a pretty good selection of meals every morning.
We like that their parking space can accommodate trailers, buses, and even trucks. They also offer extended parking, making it ideal for guests who are staying for longer periods of time.
Best Road Trip Apps
Manitoba 511: Whether you use the app or the mobile-friendly website, Manitoba 511 is a must-have app for your road trip as it gives you real-time updates on road and weather conditions.
Not just that but it also gives you real-time information on traffic speeds and incidents, so you can plan your routes safely and efficiently during your trip.
Flush: With a few taps of a finger, you can now find the closest public restrooms along your route using the Flush app. It’s a free mobile app available on iOS and Android.
Plus, it has no in-app purchases! Since they aren’t hiding services behind a paywall, you have full access to their comprehensive database of public toilets.
Gasbuddy: You can find the cheapest gas stations on your way to Thompson using the Gasbuddy app. It’s available for free on iOS and Android.
From the app, you’ll be able to search for specific locations, brands, and prices. Other than that, you can look up ATMs, car washes, and restaurants along your route.