Winnipeg Jets
Venue and travel guide
Venue and location
Address
300 Portage Avenue
Source statement; not independently verified.
City
Winnipeg
Source statement; not independently verified.
State
Manitoba
Source statement; not independently verified.
Venue name
Canada Life Centre
Source statement; not independently verified.
Zip code
R3C 5S4
Source statement; not independently verified.
Parking
Cheapest
Surface lots a short walk from the arena can start around C$5; transit is often cheaper than driving downtown
Source statement; not independently verified.
Guide url
https://www.canadalifecentre.ca/fan-guide/parking/ (map: https://www.canadalifecentre.ca/plan-your-visit/parking/)
Source statement; not independently verified.
Prepaid
Yes — pre-purchase parking for events via the official Arrive parking widget linked from canadalifecentre.ca
Source statement; not independently verified.
Prices
Varies; True North Square parkade has offered a flat rate (about C$15) for Jets games. Surface/structured lots vary by location and event
Source statement; not independently verified.
Overview
Canada Life Centre has multiple parking options including the Portage Place Parkade (connected via indoor walkway), the CityPlace Parkade, the Millennium Library Parkade, and various surface lots. Event rates range from $10-$20 CAD. ADA parking in all parkades.
Source statement; not independently verified.
Public transport
Located at the Graham Avenue Transit Corridor; 40+ Winnipeg Transit routes converge nearby with 5 stops within a 1-minute walk
Source statement; not independently verified.
Tailgating
N/A — indoor arena (downtown urban venue; no tailgating)
Source statement; not independently verified.
Traffic
Downtown core around Portage Avenue, Donald Street, Graham Avenue and Hargrave/Carlton Streets congest pre/post-game
Source statement; not independently verified.
Types
Over 13,000 spaces in surface lots and parking structures within a 10-minute walk; includes covered/heated parkades (True North Square, Portage Place, City Place Lot 1, Millennium Library, Winnipeg Square), many connected to the downtown skywalk
Source statement; not independently verified.
Public transportation
Airport connection
Winnipeg Richardson International Airport (YWG) connects downtown via Winnipeg Transit route 15 and connections; roughly 20–30 minutes
Source statement; not independently verified.
App
Winnipeg Transit (info.winnipegtransit.com / 204-986-5700), Navigo trip planner, and third-party apps (Moovit, Transit, Google Maps)
Source statement; not independently verified.
Best option
Bus via the Graham Avenue Transit Corridor is the most convenient option given one-bus access for most of the city
Source statement; not independently verified.
Bus routes
Served by Winnipeg Transit BLUE, FX4, F5, F7, F8 and 40+ routes; 5 stops within a 1-minute walk along the Graham Avenue Transit Corridor
Source statement; not independently verified.
Fare
Winnipeg Transit single fare by cash, Peggo card, or mobile; transfers included. Check current fares with Winnipeg Transit
Source statement; not independently verified.
Ferry
N/A — no ferry/water taxi service
Source statement; not independently verified.
Nearest station
N/A — Winnipeg has no urban passenger rail/subway system serving the arena
Source statement; not independently verified.
Overview
Winnipeg Transit bus routes serve Portage Avenue and Graham Avenue with stops within a 1-2 block walk of the arena. Winnipeg Transit fare: $3.15 CAD. No light rail or subway in Winnipeg. The arena's central downtown location makes it easily accessible.
Source statement; not independently verified.
Rail lines
N/A — no light rail or commuter rail in Winnipeg
Source statement; not independently verified.
Tips
Call the Winnipeg Transit Information Line at 204-986-5700 or check Guest Services for route help on event nights
Source statement; not independently verified.
Walking distance
Under a 1-minute walk from nearest bus stops to arena entrances
Source statement; not independently verified.
Shuttles
Notes
With 40+ transit routes and one-bus access for ~90% of Winnipeggers, a dedicated arena shuttle is generally unnecessary
Source statement; not independently verified.
Overview
No dedicated shuttle service. Winnipeg Transit provides extensive bus service to the downtown area with stops near the arena. The arena is within walking distance of many downtown hotels and restaurants.
Source statement; not independently verified.
Bicycles
Overview
Bike racks available near the main entrance on the Donald Street side. Limited dedicated bike infrastructure in downtown Winnipeg.
Source statement; not independently verified.
Share cost
N/A — no bike-share system
Source statement; not independently verified.
Share distance
N/A — no bike-share system
Source statement; not independently verified.
Share provider
N/A — no established city bike-share provider
Source statement; not independently verified.
Tips
Use municipal street bike racks in the downtown core; secure your bike given the urban setting
Source statement; not independently verified.
Accessibility
Accessible parking
Accessible parking available in nearby connected parkades/lots; venue is fully accessible (Canada uses accessibility standards rather than "ADA")
Source statement; not independently verified.
Assistive listening
Assistive listening devices available; inquire at Guest Services
Source statement; not independently verified.
Contact
Guest Services during events, or via https://www.canadalifecentre.ca/plan-your-visit/accessibility-information/ and main line 204-987-7825
Source statement; not independently verified.
Dropoff
Accessible drop-off available at main entrances near Portage Avenue/Donald Street
Source statement; not independently verified.
Elevators
Public elevators located throughout the venue providing access to all levels
Source statement; not independently verified.
Fun fact
The arena was designed so washrooms, water fountains, telephones, ATMs, ticket windows and concessions are fully accessible to all guests
Source statement; not independently verified.
Overview
Canada Life Centre is fully ADA-compliant. Accessible seating on all levels. All entrances are wheelchair accessible. Elevators serve every level. Assistive listening devices and sensory kits at Guest Services.
Source statement; not independently verified.
Restrooms
Family/accessible washrooms on each level; washrooms, fountains, ATMs, ticket windows and concessions are fully accessible
Source statement; not independently verified.
Wheelchair seating
Wheelchair-accessible and companion seating available on all levels
Source statement; not independently verified.
Food and vendors
Fun fact
KFC Canada became an official Jets partner (announced December 2024), adding to the arena's food lineup
Source statement; not independently verified.
Local
Aviators' Grill, YWG Burger ("The Social Burger"), Jumbo Jet Dog, Burrito 204, Carvery Sandwiches, Market Kitchen, Chef's Corner, The Sweet Spot, plus Pizza Pizza and Tim Hortons
Source statement; not independently verified.
Notable stands
Aviators' Grill, Fan Fuel, YWG Burger, Market Kitchen, Chef's Corner
Source statement; not independently verified.
Parking Apps Accepted
Arrive parking widget for event pre-purchase; ParkWhiz/ParkChirp third-party options for nearby lots
Source statement; not independently verified.
Overview
Canada Life Centre features a Manitoba-focused food program with local favorites, craft beer from Manitoba breweries, and classic arena fare. The Jets Gear Team Store is located on the main concourse and at the arena entrance.
Source statement; not independently verified.
Signature food
The Jumbo Jet Dog — an eight-inch hot dog topped with options such as bacon bits, chili and pierogies
Source statement; not independently verified.
Venue history
Architect
Sink Combs Dethlefs with Number TEN Architectural Group and Smith Carter
Source statement; not independently verified.
Construction cost
C$133.5 million
Source statement; not independently verified.
Famous moments
Return of NHL hockey to Winnipeg (Jets, 2011); record 17,000 at a 2018 Metallica concert; Selanne (#13) and Numminen (#27) banners raised Nov. 17, 2022; first PWHL game in Winnipeg March 22, 2026 (15,225 fans); UFC events including UFC 161 (2013) and UFC Fight Night April 18, 2026
Source statement; not independently verified.
Fun fact
Red bricks and an original store window were incorporated into the design to honor the historic Eaton's store that stood on the site; the Timothy Eaton statue is displayed on the concourse
Source statement; not independently verified.
Original capacity
~15,015 for hockey at opening (now 15,225 for hockey)
Source statement; not independently verified.
Original name
MTS Centre (planned/built as "True North Centre")
Source statement; not independently verified.
Overview
Opened November 16, 2004 as the MTS Centre. The Jets returned to Winnipeg in 2011, bringing the NHL back after the original Jets relocated to Phoenix in 1996. The arena revitalized downtown Winnipeg's Portage Avenue and is recognized as one of the loudest buildings in the NHL.
Source statement; not independently verified.
Records
Record attendance 17,000 (2018 Metallica concert)
Source statement; not independently verified.
Renovations
NHL-readiness upgrades for the Jets' 2011 arrival (press boxes, flexible glass, new ice plant, lighting); 278 premium upper-level seats added 2015; new HD scoreboard; $13M food & beverage and concourse renovations
Source statement; not independently verified.
Retired numbers
Teemu Selanne (#13) and Teppo Numminen (#27) banners raised at Canada Life Centre (2022). The original Jets' retired numbers (Bobby Hull #9, Thomas Steen #25) were retired at the old Winnipeg Arena. Winnipeg Jets Hall of Fame (est. 2016) banners also hang in the arena
Source statement; not independently verified.
Venue details
Climate
Fully enclosed, climate-controlled indoor arena; 440,000 sq ft building connected to the downtown skywalk system
Source statement; not independently verified.
Elevation
Winnipeg city elevation approximately 760 ft (232 m) above sea level
Source statement; not independently verified.
Levels
Two main seating bowls (lower and upper) plus suite/club level
Source statement; not independently verified.
Premium
Premium suites, club seating, and 278 premium upper-level seats added in 2015
Source statement; not independently verified.
Overview
Hockey seating capacity: 15,321 (smallest NHL arena). Ice surface: 200 ft × 85 ft. The intimate size creates an incredibly loud and energetic atmosphere — 'The Whiteout.'
Source statement; not independently verified.
Scoreboard
Center-hung HD video scoreboard (upgraded from original)
Source statement; not independently verified.
Shared tenants
Manitoba Moose (AHL) and Winnipeg Sea Bears (CEBL); has also hosted Winnipeg Ice (WHL) and PWHL games
Source statement; not independently verified.
Surface
NHL regulation ice sheet (200 ft x 85 ft)
Source statement; not independently verified.