Major city · Canada
RussellRussell, Manitoba
One night is enough for the town; add a second only for Asessippi skiing or the June walleye derby. Otherwise pass through on the Yellowhead.
Russell is a farm town of about 1,400 people on the Yellowhead Highway, 15 km from the Saskatchewan border and roughly 340 km northwest of Winnipeg. It is a fuel, food and bed stop for drivers, and the gateway to Asessippi Provincial Park, the Lake of the Prairies and the Inglis grain elevators. The town itself is a 90-minute walk.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- CAD
- Best months
- Jun–Sep for the lake and the derby; Dec–Mar for skiing
- avoid Nov and Apr (mud, closed ski hill, little open)
- Airports
- YWG · YQR
- Nights
- 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
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Russell911 ▾
- Police, fire, ambulance911
- RCMP Russell (non-emergency)204-773-2101
- Manitoba highway conditions511
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 Russell, 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
- SafetyA quiet farm town; the real risks are winter driving, wildlife on the highway at dusk and long gaps between services.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree in malls, Tim Hortons, stations and park visitor centres.Canada-wide
- Emergency numbers911 police, fire, ambulance · 204-773-2101 RCMP Russell (non-emergency) · 511 Manitoba highway conditions
- 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.
- AirportYWG Winnipeg Richardson International (About 340 km (211 mi) southeast by PTH 16; roughly 3 h 45 min by car.YWG Winnipeg Richardson International (About 211 mi (340 km) southeast by PTH 16; roughly 3 h 45 min by car.
- 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$2–5 (≈ US$2–4)
- Street or quick mealBreakfast or diner plateC$12–20 (≈ US$9–15)
- Beerpint in a pubC$7–9 (≈ US$6–7)
- Budget bedMotel room (Jolly Lodger), a night, per roomC$90 (≈ US$70)
- Mid-range bedMotel room (Jolly Lodger), a night, per roomC$120 (≈ US$90)
- High-end bedMotel room (Jolly Lodger), a night, per roomC$160 (≈ US$120)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget C$90 (≈ US$70) · Mid C$160 (≈ US$120) · High C$260 (≈ US$190)
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 (About 340 km (211 mi) southeast by PTH 16; roughly 3 h 45 min by car. No scheduled air service at Russell.) · YQR Regina International (Alternative from the west via the Trans-Canada and PTH 16 through Yorkton; check the routing.)YWG Winnipeg Richardson International (About 211 mi (340 km) southeast by PTH 16; roughly 3 h 45 min by car. No scheduled air service at Russell.) · YQR Regina International (Alternative from the west via the Trans-Canada and PTH 16 through Yorkton; check the routing.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Best
−12°C (10°F)10°F (−12°C)
Feb
Best
−9°C (16°F)16°F (−9°C)
Mar
Best
−1°C (30°F)30°F (−1°C)
Apr
Avoid
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
May
not flagged
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
Jun
Best
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
Jul
Best
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
Aug
Best
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
Sep
Best
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
Oct
not flagged
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
Nov
Avoid
−1°C (30°F)30°F (−1°C)
Dec
Best
−9°C (16°F)16°F (−9°C)
Best: Jun–Sep, Dec–Mar. Avoid: Apr, Nov. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)), coolest Jan (−22°C (−8°F)−8°F (−22°C) low), wettest Jun (11 rain days), driest Feb (6). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Russell: 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
−12°C (10°F)10°F (−12°C)
−22°C (−8°F)−8°F (−22°C)
7 rd
Feb
−9°C (16°F)16°F (−9°C)
−19°C (−2°F)−2°F (−19°C)
6 rd
Mar
−1°C (30°F)30°F (−1°C)
−11°C (12°F)12°F (−11°C)
6 rd
Apr
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
−2°C (28°F)28°F (−2°C)
6 rd
May
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
9 rd
Jun
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
11 rd
Jul
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
10 rd
Aug
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
9 rd
Sep
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
8 rd
Oct
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
−1°C (30°F)30°F (−1°C)
7 rd
Nov
−1°C (30°F)30°F (−1°C)
−9°C (16°F)16°F (−9°C)
7 rd
Dec
−9°C (16°F)16°F (−9°C)
−18°C (0°F)0°F (−18°C)
7 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. The town is small enough to walk end to end in about 20 minutes, but Asessippi park (23 km north) and the Inglis elevators (24 km north) have no useful public transport. Fuel up in town before heading north; the next services are in Roblin or Binscarth.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Asessippi Provincial Park and Lake of the Prairies
goDoor to door: About 25 min
Drive PTH 83 north about 23 km (14 mi)Drive PTH 83 north about 14 mi (23 km)
Camping, boating, fishing and swimming at the south end of the lake; the ski hill is here too.
Inglis Grain Elevators National Historic Site
goDoor to door: About 30 min
Drive about 24 km (15 mi) north to Inglis, Railway AveDrive about 15 mi (24 km) north to Inglis, Railway Ave
A row of five wooden elevators on the old CPR line; check opening times before you go.
Roblin
cautionDoor to door: About 45 min
Drive PTH 83 north
Services and a museum; only worth it if you are already heading north.
Yorkton, Saskatchewan
cautionDoor to door: About 1 h 15 min
Drive PTH 16 west
The nearest bigger town west; useful for fuel and groceries.
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.
PTH 16 strip (Russell Inn cluster)
The Russell Inn, Jolly Lodger Motel and Cedar House sit together near the PTH 16 and 45 junction; pool, restaurant and pub on site. Best with a car.
Main Street / Asessippi Inn
309 Main St N, a short walk from the cafés and shops; the only in-town option.
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$90–140 (≈ US$70–110) excl. bed
- Mid
- C$150–230 (≈ US$110–170) excl. bed
- High
- C$250 (≈ US$190)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Hotel double (Russell Inn)1 × 1 night × C$170 | C$170 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × C$160 | C$320 |
| Fuel, Winnipeg return (about 680 km)1 × C$90 | C$90 |
| Asessippi lift ticket, one day2 × C$70 | C$140 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × C$20 | C$40 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | C$76 |
| Trip total≈ C$418 per person per day, bed included | C$836≈ US$650 |
2026 estimate in Canadian dollars; fuel and car hire excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | C$2–5 (≈ US$2–4) |
| Breakfast or diner plate | C$12–20 (≈ US$9–15) |
| Burger and fries | C$15–22 (≈ US$11–16) |
| Beer, pint in a pub | C$7–9 (≈ US$6–7) |
| Fuel, per litre | C$1.40–1.70 (≈ US$2) |
| Camping, unserviced site in the park | C$15–30 (≈ US$11–25) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Distances are long and cell coverage thins out on the back roads north of town: carry water and tell someone your route.
- Winter driving on PTH 16 and 83: blizzards close highways; check Manitoba 511 before you leave.
- Asessippi Ski Area runs a short season, roughly December to late March: check dates before booking.
- Many Main Street shops and cafés close by late afternoon and on Sundays.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 911
- RCMP Russell (non-emergency)
- 204-773-2101
- Manitoba highway conditions
- 511
Pocket card
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RussellRussell, Manitoba
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
To this address, pleaseTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance911
- RCMP Russell (non-emergency)204-773-2101
- Manitoba highway conditions511
Embassy
No embassies in Russell. US consulate general in Calgary or Winnipeg (check); most other countries: embassies in Ottawa.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Fuel, Winnipeg → Russell, one way: about C$45 (≈ US$35)
- Asessippi lift ticket, one day: about C$70 (≈ US$55)
- Camping, unserviced site: C$15–30 (≈ US$11–25) a night
Say or show
- Thank you / Merci — Thank you
- Where is the gas station? — Where is the gas station?
- Can I pay by card? — Can I pay by card?
- Is the highway open? — Is the highway open?
Tipping is expected in Canada: 15–20% at restaurants, 10–15% for taxis.
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 Russell. 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: Jun–Sep for the lake and the derby; Dec–Mar for skiing · avoid Nov and Apr (mud, closed ski hill, little open) · month by month →
- 2 airports and 2 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 4 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 practical departure time, car-hire desks, overnight rung in Winnipeg.
- Four walking clusters with rescue anchors: Main Street arches and Arthur the Bull, the visitor centre, the PTH 16 services strip, the lake road.
- Place pages with verified cutoffs (Asessippi ski hill, Inglis elevators, visitor centre) and eat pages with last orders.
- Winter and storm fixtures so gates A–D can go green.