The Winnipeg Jets are getting ready to battle it out in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Colorado Avalanche and we want you to experience a proper #WPGWhiteout.
We don’t need to tell you how big this is for the city and the Jets organization, and surely you’ll feel the buzz as soon as you hit the streets of downtown and see a sea of Jets jerseys.
Here’s a guide to ensure you get the most out of your Whiteout experience –– from where to stay, where to eat, and how to get gear to support the team. Heck, even Colorado fans can bet that this guide is right on the money when it comes to having fun in The Peg.
What to wear
A plain old white T won’t cut it, so check out the True North Shop with various locations around the city including Canada Life Centre to get suited up. For some more fun unofficial NHL gear, you can also find lots of Whiteout gear from our friends at We Heart Winnipeg, North Flag and The Peg Authentic.
The Manitoba Moose have made the playoffs as well, so you can shop their Whiteout merch here.
Our friends at Travel Manitoba also have previously published 6 Winnipeg Whiteout fashion tips to help get your street party outfit on point.
How to get to Canada Life Centre
Winnipeg Jets hockey fans remain unrivalled, especially when playing on home ice in one of the loudest and most intense arenas to watch NHL hockey – Canada Life Centre at 300 Portage Avenue.
Fans come from far and wide to shout "True North" at the top of their lungs during the Canadian anthem, so regardless of how you get to Winnipeg, whether you are flying direct from LAX, or Atlanta, took a road trip from a neighbouring province or state, or are coming in for a night out from the 'burbs,' here are helpful directions to the rink.
If the Jets make it to the next round, you will also be able to grab a direct flight to Winnipeg from Chicago and Denver on United Airlines starting May 24, 2024.
To help you plan your route when you get here, here's where you can park, transit information and accessibility info.
Where to stay
Downtown Winnipeg is filled with outstanding properties, from locally owned boutique hotels to international brands everyone will recognize:
Hotels within walking distance to Canada Life Centre include:
Delta Hotels by Marriott Winnipeg (350 St Mary Ave) 0.3 km
Alt Hotel Winnipeg (310 Donald St) 0.2 km
Holiday Inn & Suites Winnipeg-Downtown, an IHG Hotel (360 Colony St) 0.5km
Radisson Hotel Winnipeg Downtown by Canad Inns (288 Portage Ave) 0.2km
Fairmont Winnipeg (2 Lombard Place) 0.6 km
Fort Garry Hotel, Spa and Conference Centre (222 Broadway) 0.7 km
Mere Hotel (333 Waterfront Drive) 1.1 km
Inn at the Forks (75 Forks Market Rd) 1.1 km
Humphry Inn & Suites (260 Main St) 0.6 km
Find a full list of Winnipeg hotels listed here, and for the latest hotel offers, check out our Packages & Deals.
What to see
Winnipeg is a quirky city brimming with world-class attractions. Visiting them will keep you busy all series long while some of our main attractions are just minutes from downtown.
Explore the largest collection of contemporary Inuit art at WAG-Qaumajuq, the city's internationally celebrated art gallery featuring snowdrift-like architecture and innovative curatorial processes that bridge the far North to the centre of Canada. Embark on a metaphorical and physical journey from darkness to light through the ever-changing interactive exhibits at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights.
Buy from some of Manitoba’s top makers at The Forks Market where your shopping experience also includes excellent food kiosks and more than 20 unique wines and craft beers on tap at The Common.
Where to party
Winnipeg Whiteout Street Parties are back! Jets home games will be broadcast on large screens at either end of Donald Street and food and beverages will be available for purchase on site from food trucks and kiosks. Here's the schedule for all Winnipeg Jets games.
Tickets are available through Ticketmaster and are on sale now. Check the map of the Party Zone to plan your route. Game day playoff ticket holders will be granted pre-game access to the Winnipeg Whiteout Street Parties with their game ticket. They will not need a separate ticket to access the event before entering Canada Life Centre for the game. If you have more questions, check out Whiteout FAQs.
Party in the Plaza (242 Hargrave St) starts early where you can pregame at the bar, tailgate in the Plaza and dine in Hargrave Street Market food hall. Tickets must be purchased from Ticketmaster and are also on sale now.
Where to eat and drink local
Let this handy little guide point you to some of the best restaurants in Winnipeg, shown through our top culinary categories. For those looking to stick close to the rink, there are some prime pre-and post-game spots to check out offering lots of game day specials.
Capital Grill Broadway (100-275 Broadway) - Grab a one of the city's best burgers, the Capital burger with a local draft beer for just $19.
Rudy's (375 Graham Ave) - Offering $6 pints and $28 pitchers of any Torque Brewing product.
The Merchant Kitchen (314 Donald St) - Located right across the street from the rink, and always packed before games with a menu featuring global street food and excellent craft cocktails. Reservations are a must on game day, while after the game you might be able to get a seat at the bar.
The Met (281 Donald St) - The Met, which features a rooftop patio that looks right at the rink, is part of this year's street parties. Your ticket will get you access to the facility which will have game day food and beverage specials. It opens two hours before game time.
Pho Hoang (235 Portage Ave) - Fantastic Vietnamese cuisine and it's licensed! (Plus, it's under the radar before the game, unlike lunch time when this place is bumping)
Tipsy Cow (285 Portage Ave) - If you're a fan of burgers, local beer and candied bacon Caesars, this place is a must.
Blaze Restaurant and Lounge (ground floor of Delta Hotel, 350 St Mary) - Hidden gem with great share plates and nice local draft selection.
East India Company (349 York Ave) - If you're craving curries, look no further. Just follow your nose when you are near the rink.
Danook (58 Albert St) - Great little shawarma shop run by a lovely Syrian family. Very little seating, so more of a grab and go spot.
King + Bannatyne - For excellent handcrafted sandwiches, made quickly before your eyes. Local beer and ciders too.
Pubs, taprooms & wine bars
Devil May Care (155-A Fort St) - Downtown's newest taproom rocks.
Yellow Dog Cavern (386 Donald St) - A friendly favourite for locals, particularly for restaurant industry types.
King’s Head (120 King St) - A mighty fine pub in The Exchange District.
Shannon’s Irish Pub (175 Carlton St) - This pub is just steps from the arena.
Thomas Hinds Sampling Room (185 Carlton St #106) - Craft cocktails and cigars anyone?
Introduce your taste buds to Winnipeg's ever-growing brewery scene when you stop for hops at Winnipeg's 20+ craft breweries.
Want to dig into Winnipeg’s food scene further? Find countless articles on chefs, food events, breweries and cocktail bars at PegCityGrub, Winnipeg’s most popular culinary website.
