A Guide to Canada Life Centre
As the vibrant heart of downtown Winnipeg, Canada Life Centre serves as the high-energy home ice for the NHL’s Winnipeg Jets and the AHL’s Manitoba Moose. This premier sports and entertainment destination is widely celebrated for its electric atmosphere and deep community roots, anchoring the city’s urban core as a year-round hub for major concerts and world-class events.
Getting to the Arena
Canada Life Centre sits at 300 Portage Avenue in downtown Winnipeg, at the intersection of Portage Avenue and Donald Street.
- Driving & ParkingFrom the Trans-Canada Highway Highway 1, take the downtown exits toward Portage Avenue. From Pembina Highway, head north into downtown. Parking ramps and surface lots are in the vicinity. The Millennium Library Parkade and the Portage Place Parkade are among the closest. Street parking is available but limited.
- Public TransitWinnipeg Transit bus routes converge downtown, with numerous routes passing within a block or two of the arena along Portage Avenue and Graham Avenue. The Rapid Transit Blue Line connects the University of Manitoba and southwest Winnipeg to downtown.
- RidesharePickup/drop-off zones on Graham Avenue and Carlton Street. Rideshare options are more limited than in larger Canadian cities. Taxis remain a reliable alternative in Winnipeg.
Pregame Festivities
Downtown Winnipeg and the surrounding neighborhoods offer an unpretentious mix of sports bars, restaurants, and local institutions.
Pregame Bars & Restaurants
- A sports bar located in the same building as the arena, making it the most convenient pregame option. Multiple screens, a game-day atmosphere, and pub fare. Expect crowds on game nights, and arrive early if you want a table.
- A restaurant and bar in the Delta Hotels by Marriott, attached to the arena complex. The proximity and comfortable setting make it a popular pre- and post-game destination. Solid pub fare and a good beer selection.
- A neighborhood pub on Portage Avenue offering craft beer, comfort food, and a laid-back atmosphere. About a 10-minute walk from the arena, it draws a loyal local crowd on game nights.
- A casual dining restaurant on Portage Avenue near the arena offering a broad menu, cocktails, and a social atmosphere. The accessible menu and convenient location make it a reliable pregame stop.
- A Winnipeg institution on Main Street known for their burgers, chicken fingers, and fat boys a Winnipeg term for burgers. It's a classic drive-in experience and a local favorite — not fancy, but authentically Winnipeg.
Neighborhood Attractions
- A historic meeting place at the junction of the Red and Assiniboine Rivers, about a 15-minute walk from the arena. For over 6,000 years, Indigenous peoples gathered here for trade and celebration. Today, The Forks features a market building with food vendors, shops, a riverside walkway, a skating trail in winter, and the stunning Canadian Museum for Human Rights. It's Winnipeg's most-visited attraction and an essential stop.
- Located at The Forks National Historic Site, this architecturally striking museum is the first museum in the world dedicated solely to human rights. The building itself, designed by Antoine Predock is a landmark, and the exhibits are moving and thought-provoking.
- A comprehensive museum on Main Street in the Exchange District covering Manitoba's natural and human history. The Nonsuch gallery features a full-scale replica of a 17th-century ketch, and the planetarium offers immersive shows. About a 10-minute walk from the arena.
- Home to the world's largest collection of contemporary Inuit art, the gallery is located on Memorial Boulevard, about a 5-minute walk from the arena. The Qaumajuq Inuit art centre, opened in 2021, is architecturally stunning and culturally significant.
- A National Historic Site northeast of the arena, featuring turn-of-the-century warehouse architecture, art galleries, boutiques, restaurants, and a thriving arts community. The architecture is remarkably preserved and the district hosts Old Market Square events throughout the year.
Monuments & Unique Features
Canada Life Centre and the surrounding downtown celebrate Winnipeg's hockey history and the city's cultural depth.
- Dale Hawerchuk StatueUnveiled in October 2022, this bronze statue is the primary landmark outside the arena. It is located at True North Square, specifically at the corner of Graham Avenue (Honorary Dale Hawerchuk Way) and Hargrave Street.
- Eaton’s Red Brick FacadeThe arena was built on the site of the historic T. Eaton Co. department store. To commemorate this, the exterior facade incorporates original red bricks and architectural elements from the 1905 store, preserving a significant piece of Winnipeg’s downtown history.
- Manitoba Hockey Hall of Fame and MuseumLocated on the main floor of the arena, this facility houses a significant collection of memorabilia. It features the "Players Wall" just inside the main entrance, the "Builders Wall," and the "Wall of Champions."
- Timothy Eaton StatueA historic bronze statue relocated from the original department store. Fans often rub the statue's left shoe for good luck.
- War MemorialsTwo large bronze plaques WWI and WWII originally placed by Eaton’s employees to honor coworkers who served.
Seating & Special Sections
- Play Now LoungeThis area was reimagined to feature 88 luxury theatre-style seats. It provides in-seat service and inclusive food and non-alcoholic beverages.
- Ticketmaster LoungeIt includes an expanded private bar and enhanced food and beverage options. It is located on the north end of the arena.
- Loge LevelPart of the 200-level tier. For 2026, these are highly sought-after for their loge boxes seating 4–6 people and 39 Terrace Tables, which offer a semi-private experience with concierge service and parking access.
Concessions
- Signature ItemsWinnipeg's food culture shines through the concourses — perogies are a staple reflecting the city's Ukrainian heritage. Smoked meat sandwiches, poutine, and fat boys (Winnipeg's name for their beloved smash burgers) round out the local offerings.
- YWG BurgerThe Fat Boys mentioned are primarily found at the YWG Burger stands (Sections 112, 125, and 301).
- Jumbo Jet DogsThese are the most iconic item and are now found at specialized Jumbo Jet Dog stands. Sections 105, 119, 125, 306, 312, 326, and the Atrium
- Carvery SandwichesStands in sections 111 and 310, featuring slow-roasted beef brisket and herb-marinated beef.
- Pizza PizzaSections 113, 121, and 319.
- Aviators' GrillLargest selection of stadium favorites poutine, burgers.
Arena Information
Suggested Places
Recommended places to visit near this arena