Major city · Canada
Île-des-Chênes
Skip as a base: it is a Winnipeg bedroom town 28 km (17 mi) out on Highway 59. Go only for the Snowman Festival in February or the wildlife haven.Skip as a base: it is a Winnipeg bedroom town 17 mi (28 km) out on Highway 59. Go only for the Snowman Festival in February or the wildlife haven.
Île-des-Chênes is an unincorporated Franco-Manitoban settlement of about 1,250 people in Eastern Manitoba, 28 km from downtown Winnipeg on Highway 59. It is a residential town with oak woods, one wildlife hospital and a winter festival. There is no hotel strip and no reason to sleep here unless you are in an RV in summer or visiting family.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- CAD
- Best months
- Feb (festival), Jun–Sep (RV park open)
- avoid Nov–Mar unless you are here for the Snowman Festival; deep cold and short days
- Airport
- YWG
- Nights
- 0–1
Rules in force · 6Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- Canada ↗Visa-exempt travellers flying to or through Canada usually need an eTA; check your passport on the official Government of Canada site (canada.ca) and apply only there.
- Canada ↗A Parks Canada pass is needed to stop in national parks such as Banff and Jasper; some spots (for example Moraine Lake) are reached only by shuttle or tour, so book ahead.
- Canada ↗Keep well away from bears, elk and moose; carry bear spray on Rockies trails and follow trail closures.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Emergency numbers for Île-des-Chênes911 ▾
- Police, fire, ambulance911
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Île-des-Chênes, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the Canadian dollar (CAD, $).Canada-wide
- SIM or eSIMRogers, Bell and Telus plus cheaper brands (Fido, Koodo, Public Mobile); prepaid SIMs in malls and stores.Canada-wide
- Tap waterTap water is drinkable; treat water from lakes and streams (giardia).Canada-wide
- TippingRestaurant: 15–20% of the pre-tax bill.Canada-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 120 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Canada-wide
- SafetyVery low crime; the real risks are winter cold, highway driving and deer on Highway 59 at dusk.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree in malls, Tim Hortons, stations and park visitor centres.Canada-wide
- Emergency numbers911 police, fire, ambulance
- Sundays & holidaysStatutory holidays close shops and offices, varying by province; many park facilities are seasonal (about mid-May to mid-October).Canada-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportcheckYWG Winnipeg Richardson International (Drive via Highway 59 and the Perimeter; drive time check.
- Getting aroundYou need a car.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeC$3–6 (≈ US$3–5)
- Sit-down mealAsian main courseC$16–26 (≈ US$12–19)
- BeerPub burger and a draught beerC$25–40 (≈ US$19–30)
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a weekC$20–45 (≈ US$15–35)
- Budget bedRV site at Arrowhead RV Park, a night, per roomC$45 (≈ US$35)
- Mid-range bedRV site at Arrowhead RV Park, a night, per roomC$60 (≈ US$45)
- High-end bedRV site at Arrowhead RV Park, a night, per roomC$85 (≈ US$65)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget C$70 (≈ US$55) · Mid C$130 (≈ US$95) · High C$220 (≈ US$160)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- YWG Winnipeg Richardson International (Drive via Highway 59 and the Perimeter; drive time check. No direct bus to Île-des-Chênes (check).)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
−11°C (12°F)12°F (−11°C)
Feb
Care
−8°C (18°F)18°F (−8°C)
Mar
Avoid
1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C)
Apr
not flagged
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
May
not flagged
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
Jun
Best
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
Jul
Best
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
Aug
Best
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
Sep
Best
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
Oct
not flagged
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
Nov
Avoid
0°C (32°F)32°F (0°C)
Dec
Avoid
−8°C (18°F)18°F (−8°C)
Best: Jun–Sep. Mixed: Feb. Avoid: Mar, Nov–Jan. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)), coolest Jan (−21°C (−6°F)−6°F (−21°C) low), wettest Jun (12 rain days), driest Feb (6). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Île-des-Chênes: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
−11°C (12°F)12°F (−11°C)
−21°C (−6°F)−6°F (−21°C)
8 rd
Feb
−8°C (18°F)18°F (−8°C)
−19°C (−2°F)−2°F (−19°C)
6 rd
Mar
1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C)
−11°C (12°F)12°F (−11°C)
7 rd
Apr
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
−2°C (28°F)28°F (−2°C)
7 rd
May
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
10 rd
Jun
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
12 rd
Jul
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
11 rd
Aug
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
10 rd
Sep
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
9 rd
Oct
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C)
8 rd
Nov
0°C (32°F)32°F (0°C)
−8°C (18°F)18°F (−8°C)
8 rd
Dec
−8°C (18°F)18°F (−8°C)
−17°C (1°F)1°F (−17°C)
8 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
You need a car. Highway 59 runs straight into Winnipeg; there is no local transit inside the town. Winnipeg Transit routes 14 and 60 reach the University of Manitoba area, then it is a taxi for the last stretch.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Winnipeg
goDoor to door: 30–40 min
Drive Highway 59 south, about 28 km (17 mi) to downtownDrive Highway 59 south, about 17 mi (28 km) to downtown
The Forks, the Canadian Museum for Human Rights and St. Boniface are the reasons to come to this region.
Steinbach
goDoor to door: About 30 min (check)
Drive Highway 59 south toward Steinbach
Mennonite heritage sites and a bigger restaurant choice than Île-des-Chênes.
Beausejour
cautionDoor to door: About 50 min (check)
Drive Highway 59 north then Highway 44 east
Only worth it for the pioneer village and the Agassiz ski hill in season.
Pinawa
cautionDoor to door: About 1 h 30 min (check)
Drive Highway 59 north, then Highway 44 and Highway 211 east
Long for a half-day; better as part of a Whiteshell loop.
Falcon Lake
overnightDoor to door: About 2 h (check)
Drive Highway 59 north, then Highway 1 east into Whiteshell Provincial Park
Too far for a comfortable return day; sleep in the park.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Arrowhead RV Park
The only lodging in town: RV sites, open 15 April–31 October, French spoken (check rates and hookups).
Winnipeg (St. Boniface or downtown)
Better base for a Manitoba trip: hotels, restaurants and transit, 30–40 min away by car.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- C$70–110 (≈ US$55–80) excl. bed
- Mid
- C$120–190 (≈ US$90–140) excl. bed
- High
- C$200 (≈ US$150)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Winnipeg hotel double room (drive in)1 × 1 night × C$180 | C$180 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × C$130 | C$260 |
| Car, one day (compact, with fuel)1 × C$90 · 2026 estimate (check) | C$90 |
| Meal out, one person2 × C$30 · 2026 estimate (check) | C$60 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × C$25 · 2026 estimate (check) | C$50 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | C$64 |
| Trip total≈ C$352 per person per day, bed included | C$704≈ US$550 |
2026 estimate (check)
2026 estimate in Canadian dollars; car and flights excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | C$3–6 (≈ US$3–5) |
| Asian main course | C$16–26 (≈ US$12–19) |
| Pub burger and a draught beer | C$25–40 (≈ US$19–30) |
| RV site, one nightcheck | C$45–85 (≈ US$35–65) |
| Winnipeg Transit fare | C$3–4 (≈ US$3) |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | C$20–45 (≈ US$15–35) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- No hotel and almost no lodging: book in Winnipeg and drive out.
- Winter wind chill can close in fast; check the forecast before any walk.
- Wildlife Haven is a hospital, not a zoo: hours are limited and animals may not be viewable (check before driving out).
- Highway 59 is a fast two-lane road with trucks; watch for deer at dusk.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 911
Pocket card
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Île-des-ChênesÎle-des-Chênes
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
À cette adresse, s'il vous plaîtTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance911
Embassy
No consulate here; embassies are in Ottawa and consulates in Winnipeg or Toronto (check).
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Winnipeg Transit, one fare: C$3–4 (≈ US$3) (check)
- Taxi, Winnipeg to Île-des-Chênes: C$55–75 (≈ US$40–55) (check)
- RV site, one night: C$45–85 (≈ US$35–65) (check)
Say or show
- Bonjour — Hello (bon-ZHOOR)
- Merci — Thank you (mair-SEE)
- Combien ça coûte ? — How much is it? (kom-BYEN sa KOOT)
- Où sont les toilettes ? — Where is the toilet? (oo son lay twa-LET)
- Puis-je payer par carte ? — Can I pay by card? (pweezh pay-YAY par KART)
- Au secours — Help (oh suh-KOOR)
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Île-des-Chênes. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Feb (festival), Jun–Sep (RV park open) · avoid Nov–Mar unless you are here for the Snowman Festival; deep cold and short days · month by month →
- 1 airport and 2 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 5 day-trips, door to door
- 4 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for YWG: last Winnipeg Transit connections and taxi fallback, overnight rung.
- Two walking clusters with rescue anchors: the TransCanada Centre and the Highway 59 commercial strip.
- Place pages with verified hours (Manitoba Wildlife Haven, Perk Coffee Bar, Crown Bar) and eat pages with last orders.
- Snowman Festival fixture so the February gate can go green.
Sources
- officialTravel Manitoba — Eastern Manitoba
- officialManitoba Wildlife Haven
- officialWinnipeg Transit
- secondaryWikivoyage: Île-des-Chênes, revision 5322747 (CC BY-SA 4.0)