Canada Life Centre
Canada Life Centre - Travel Guide & Stadium Information
- Ice Hockey stadium in Winnipeg, Unknown with 15,321 capacity - complete travel and matchday guide
- Professional playing surface with modern facilities
- Transport: Nearest train station, tube line, and bus routes with walking times
- Parking: Official stadium parking £10 to £20, street parking options nearby
- Away fans: Dedicated section, entrance gates, and capacity allocation information
Key Facts
Canada Life Centre Essential Details
Canada Life Centre Basic Details
Stadium Capacity
15,321 spectators
Year Opened
2004
Address & Location
300 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3C 5S4
Winnipeg, England
Technical Specifications
Pitch Type
No Pitch
Stadium Type
Multi-Sport Venue
Primary Sport
Ice Hockey
Venue Classification
Arena
Location & Maps
About Canada Life Centre
About Canada Life Centre
Canada Life Centre is the home of the Winnipeg Jets (NHL) and Manitoba Moose (AHL), located at 300 Portage Avenue in the heart of downtown Winnipeg, Manitoba. The NHL's smallest arena with a capacity of 15,321 for hockey — built on the site of the former Eaton's department store and wedged right to the Portage Avenue sidewalk — it opened on November 16, 2004 as MTS Centre at a cost of C$133.5 million, operated by True North Sports & Entertainment. Through the years it has carried three names: MTS Centre (2004–2017), Bell MTS Place (2017–2021), and Canada Life Centre since July 2021 under a 10-year sponsorship agreement with Winnipeg-based Canada Life Assurance Company. The arena's greatest moment came on June 1, 2011 — not a game, but an announcement. The Atlanta Thrashers would relocate to Winnipeg, resurrecting the Jets brand after the original franchise left for Phoenix in 1996. The city's reaction was immediate and overwhelming: thousands gathered on Portage Avenue in spontaneous celebration. The Jets played their first regular-season home game at the MTS Centre on October 9, 2011, and what followed was an extraordinary multi-season sellout streak that lasted for years — the passion of Winnipeg's hockey culture made physical in sold-out arena after sold-out arena. Canada Life Centre is connected to the Downtown Winnipeg Skywalk — a climate-controlled indoor pedestrian network that links the arena to surrounding hotels, offices, and Portage Place shopping centre. Given that Winnipeg experiences the coldest winter temperatures of any major Canadian city, regularly dropping to -30°C (-22°F) or below, this connection is not a luxury but a necessity. The skywalk allows Jets fans to walk from their hotel to their seat without stepping outside. Despite being the NHL's smallest arena, Canada Life Centre is one of its loudest. The intimate 15,321-seat bowl concentrates crowd noise, and when Winnipeg fans raise the roof — particularly during the famous "True North!" shout during O Canada, a tribute to the company that brought the Jets home — the decibel levels rival any building in the league. The Manitoba Hockey Hall of Fame occupies the main level of the arena; Dale Hawerchuk's bronze statue stands in adjacent True North Square, where a large screen hosts outdoor viewing parties. The Jets claimed the Presidents' Trophy in 2025 (most regular-season points in the NHL) — a landmark achievement for the franchise and a signal of the competitive era Winnipeg fans have anticipated since 2011. Canada Life Centre, for all its size constraints, remains one of the most authentic hockey experiences in North America: a small building, a cold city, and a fanbase for whom the Jets' return is still, more than a decade later, a daily source of joy.
Getting to Canada Life Centre
Getting to the Stadium
Winnipeg Transit — Downtown Routes & Skywalk Access
Canada Life Centre is located in the heart of downtown Winnipeg on Portage Avenue — the city's main commercial artery. Winnipeg Transit bus routes serve Portage Avenue directly outside the arena, with the downtown exchange serving as the central transit hub nearby. Winnipeg does not have a light rail system; buses are the primary public transit option. The arena is connected to Winnipeg's Downtown Winnipeg Skywalk system — an indoor pedestrian network of climate-controlled walkways connecting the arena to surrounding hotels, offices, and Portage Place shopping centre. For Winnipeg winters (the coldest of any major Canadian city), the skywalk connection is essential.
Winnipeg Transit Bus — Portage Avenue Routes
Multiple Winnipeg Transit bus routes run along Portage Avenue directly outside Canada Life Centre. The main entrance is at the corner of Portage Avenue and Donald Street. The Downtown Winnipeg Transit Exchange nearby connects routes from across the city. Rideshare services (Uber, Lyft) operate in Winnipeg — the city has designated taxi and rideshare areas on eastbound Portage Avenue between Carlton and Hargrave and on Donald Street between Graham and St. Mary Avenue.
Driving & Parking Near Canada Life Centre
Canada Life Centre is in downtown Winnipeg, accessible from the Winnipeg Perimeter Highway (Route 101) via the downtown exits. Over 13,000 parking spaces are available in surface lots and parking structures within a 10-minute walk of the arena, with prices ranging from $14 to $29 CAD. The arena was built right to the Portage Avenue sidewalk — there is no attached parking garage, so pre-planning for nearby lots is essential. Pre-book parking online wherever possible.
Walking via Downtown Winnipeg Skywalk
Canada Life Centre is connected to the Downtown Winnipeg Skywalk system — an indoor climate-controlled pedestrian network that allows fans to reach the arena from surrounding downtown hotels, offices, and Portage Place shopping centre without going outside. This is a critical feature given Winnipeg's extreme winters. The main arena entrance is at Portage Avenue and Donald Street, with skywalk connections at multiple points. True North Square — featuring a bronze statue of Jets Hall of Famer Dale Hawerchuk — is immediately adjacent to the arena and serves as the primary fan gathering point before games.
Stadium Tours
Canada Life Centre Behind-the-Scenes Tour
Tour Description
Explore the NHL's smallest and one of its loudest arenas with a guided behind-the-scenes tour of Canada Life Centre. Visit the Winnipeg Jets locker room, walk through the players' tunnel to ice level, explore the premium suite level, and discover the Manitoba Hockey Hall of Fame housed on the main level of the arena. Learn about the arena's history from opening as MTS Centre in 2004 through the Jets' return from Atlanta in 2011, the famous "True North" chant during O Canada, and the arena's role in revitalising downtown Winnipeg. Also covers the Dale Hawerchuk bronze statue at True North Square and the Jets' 2025 Presidents' Trophy-winning season.
Pricing & Duration
Adult tickets cost £18, children's tickets are £12, and concession tickets are available for £15. The complete stadium tour experience lasts 70 minutes, providing comprehensive access to the stadium's most exclusive areas.
Tour Highlights
The Canada Life Centre Behind-the-Scenes Tour includes jets locker room, players' tunnel, ice level, premium suite level, manitoba hockey hall of fame, true north square, dale hawerchuk statue, 2025 presidents' trophy displays, giving visitors a behind-the-scenes look at one of the world's most famous stadiums. Available on select non-event days. Contact Canada Life Centre guest services or visit canadalifecentre.ca for scheduling. Book via canadalifecentre.ca or contact True North Sports & Entertainment guest services.
Hotels Near Canada Life Centre
Where to Stay
The Fairmont Winnipeg
Accommodation Type & Location
Luxury accommodation - walking distance / skywalk connected
Pricing
Rates from £200 to £420 per night
Description
Winnipeg's most prestigious hotel, directly connected to Canada Life Centre via the downtown skywalk system — fans can walk to the game entirely indoors. Elegant rooms, the Velvet Glove restaurant, and a prime location at Portage and Main make this the definitive luxury Jets game experience.
Delta Hotels by Marriott Winnipeg
Accommodation Type & Location
Mid-range accommodation - short walk / skywalk connected
Pricing
Rates from £130 to £240 per night
Description
Reliable mid-range Marriott in downtown Winnipeg, 0.4km from Canada Life Centre and skywalk connected. A popular choice for Jets game trips with consistently good value in the Winnipeg market.
Radisson Hotel Winnipeg Downtown
Accommodation Type & Location
Budget accommodation - short walk
Pricing
Rates from £95 to £170 per night
Description
Affordable Radisson property in downtown Winnipeg, 0.5km from the arena. A solid budget option with skywalk access and good proximity to both the arena and Portage Avenue dining and bars.
The Alt Hotel Winnipeg
Accommodation Type & Location
Boutique accommodation - short walk
Pricing
Rates from £130 to £260 per night
Description
Stylish boutique hotel in downtown Winnipeg's The Forks area, 0.8km from Canada Life Centre. Thoughtfully designed rooms, a great bar, and a location near The Forks Market — Winnipeg's beloved historic rail yard turned culinary and cultural destination. The best boutique option for a Jets game visit.
Dining at Canada Life Centre
Restaurants
Pubs & Bars
Canada Life Centre Accessibility
Accessibility
Wheelchair & Accessible Seating
Canada Life Centre has wheelchair and companion seating throughout the arena. Elevators serve all concourse levels. The arena is ACA (Accessibility for Canadians) compliant with step-free access from all street-level entrances. Contact Canada Life Centre guest services for specific accessible seating requests.
Winnipeg Transit & Skywalk Access
Multiple Winnipeg Transit bus routes serve Portage Avenue directly outside the arena. The downtown skywalk system provides sheltered indoor walking from several downtown hotels and the transit exchange — critical during Winnipeg winters. Designated accessible rideshare/taxi zones on eastbound Portage Avenue and Donald Street. The skywalk system is the gold standard for accessible winter arena access. Transit accessible vehicles available through Winnipeg Transit DATS service for guests requiring door-to-door accessible transit.
Downtown Accessible Parking
Designated accessible parking in multiple lots and structures within a 10-minute walk of Canada Life Centre. Over 13,000 spaces are available in the downtown area ranging from $14–$29 CAD. Pre-book online where possible. Pre-book online for Jets games — accessible spaces are in high demand on sellout nights.
Assistive Listening Devices
Assistive listening devices available for Winnipeg Jets games and events. Captioning available on arena video boards. Contact guest services in advance for specific hearing accessibility arrangements. Request assistive listening devices at guest services desks at the main arena entrance.
Accessible Restrooms
Accessible restrooms on all concourse levels throughout the arena. Companion care restrooms available. Accessible restrooms on every level. Note: concourses at Canada Life Centre are notably narrow compared to newer NHL arenas — allow extra time to navigate on busy nights.
Climate-Controlled Indoor Pedestrian Access
Canada Life Centre is connected to the Downtown Winnipeg Skywalk — an indoor network of heated walkways connecting the arena to downtown hotels, offices, and Portage Place. Essential for Winnipeg's extreme winters when outdoor temperatures can drop to -30°C (-22°F) or below. Map the skywalk route before your visit. The Fairmont and Delta Hotels are among properties with direct skywalk access to the arena. Download the Downtown Winnipeg BIZ skywalk map.
Canada Life Centre Ticket Information
Ticket Prices
General Admission Tickets
Seating Area & Price Range
Upper Bowl (200 Level) tickets range from $62 CAD to $180 CAD for the season tickets in very high demand — multi-season sellout streaks post-2011. contact jets ticket office for current availability..
Description
Upper bowl seating for Winnipeg Jets home games. The Jets won the Presidents' Trophy in 2025 (most points in the NHL), making tickets highly sought after. The arena has hosted multi-season sellout streaks post-2011. Gates open 1 hour before game time. Entry via Evolv AI screening — no need to empty pockets unless flagged.
What's Included
These upper bowl seating in the nhl's smallest arena. the intimate 15,321-seat capacity means even upper bowl seats have excellent sightlines and an immersive atmosphere. when the jets are playing well, canada life centre is one of the loudest and most electric arenas in the league. tickets include assigned seat, general concourse access, standard concessions on all levels, making them an excellent choice for visitors seeking luxury hospitality experience.
Club Seating Tickets
Seating Area & Price Range
Loge, Centre Ice & Premium Level tickets range from $130 CAD to $400 CAD for the premium season packages available. contact true north sports & entertainment..
Description
Premium seating at Canada Life Centre includes loge boxes, centre-ice designated seats, and on-the-glass positions. Ticketmaster Lounges on the premium concourse provide full bar and food service. Access to premium concourse areas.
What's Included
These premium seating options on the club/loge level including loge boxes, centre-ice seats, and on-the-glass experiences. ticketmaster lounges on the premium level offer a club atmosphere with enhanced f&b. tickets include assigned premium or loge seat, premium concourse access, ticketmaster lounge access, enhanced f&b, making them an excellent choice for visitors seeking luxury hospitality experience.
Suite / Hospitality Tickets
Seating Area & Price Range
50 Luxury Suites on Private Concourse tickets range from $3500 CAD to $9000 CAD for the season suite leases and individual game rentals available..
Description
Private suite rental for Winnipeg Jets games. 50 suites on a private concourse with dedicated catering, VIP entry, and exclusive suite lounge access. The arena's smaller footprint means suite sightlines are excellent. In-suite catering via True North's food service team.
What's Included
These canada life centre has 50 luxury suites on a private suite concourse with exclusive lounge access. the intimate arena size means suites feel close to the ice — a distinctive advantage over larger nhl arenas. tickets include private suite (up to 20 guests), catering, vip entry, private concourse access, dedicated attendant, making them an excellent choice for visitors seeking luxury hospitality experience.
Canada Life Centre FAQs
Filter by Category
Why do Jets fans shout "True North" during O Canada?Featured
During the national anthem at Canada Life Centre, Winnipeg Jets fans shout "True North!" at the line "True patriot love in all of us command" — a tribute to True North Sports & Entertainment, the company owned by Mark Chipman that brought the NHL back to Winnipeg in 2011 after the original Jets left for Phoenix in 1996. The chant has become one of the most distinctive and emotional traditions in the NHL, reflecting the deep gratitude of Winnipeg fans for the Jets' return.
How do I get to Canada Life Centre in winter?Featured
The recommended approach is via the Downtown Winnipeg Skywalk — an indoor climate-controlled pedestrian network connecting the arena to surrounding hotels and Portage Place. The main arena entrance is at Portage Avenue and Donald Street. Winnipeg Transit buses run along Portage Avenue directly outside. Rideshare (Uber/Lyft) designated zones are on eastbound Portage Avenue and Donald Street. With temperatures regularly dropping to -30°C (-22°F) or below, the skywalk is essential.
Is Canada Life Centre really the smallest arena in the NHL?Featured
Yes — Canada Life Centre has a capacity of 15,321 for hockey games, making it the smallest permanent arena in the NHL. Despite its size, the arena is known for being extremely loud when full — the intimate bowl concentrates crowd noise and the Jets' passionate fanbase creates a wall of sound that belies the building's capacity. The Jets maintained multi-season sellout streaks after returning in 2011.
Is there parking near Canada Life Centre?
Over 13,000 parking spaces are available in surface lots and parking structures within a 10-minute walk of the arena, with prices ranging from $14–$29 CAD. There is no attached parking garage — the arena was built right to the Portage Avenue sidewalk. Pre-book parking online wherever possible for Jets home games.
What is the Manitoba Hockey Hall of Fame?
The Manitoba Hockey Hall of Fame is housed on the main level of Canada Life Centre, celebrating the history of hockey in Manitoba from the grassroots to the NHL. It is accessible to arena visitors and provides historical context for Winnipeg's deep hockey culture. Dale Hawerchuk, a Jets legend honoured with a bronze statue in True North Square outside the arena, is among its most celebrated inductees.
What is the Evolv AI security system at Canada Life Centre?
Canada Life Centre uses Evolv AI screening technology at all entry gates — a system that scans guests as they walk through without requiring them to empty their pockets or remove items, unless something is flagged. This significantly speeds up the entry process compared to traditional security lanes. Flagged guests proceed to a secondary check where all items must be removed.
What food and drink is available at Canada Life Centre?
Canada Life Centre concessions include: YWG Burger (named after Winnipeg's airport code), Aviators' Grill, Pizza Pizza, Tim Hortons, Jumbo Jet Dog, Burrito 204, Carvery Sandwiches, Market Kitchen, The Sweet Spot, and multiple bars including Crown Royal Whisky Hangar (celebrating Manitoba-made Crown Royal), The Budweiser Red Light Bar, Centre Ice Bar, Michelob Ultra Fan Deck, and Craft Beer Corner.
Are accessible facilities available at Canada Life Centre?
Yes. Canada Life Centre is ACA compliant with wheelchair and companion seating, elevators, and accessible restrooms on all levels. The Downtown Winnipeg Skywalk provides indoor step-free access from hotels. Winnipeg Transit DATS provides accessible door-to-door transit. Designated accessible rideshare/taxi zones on Portage Avenue and Donald Street.
What other teams play at Canada Life Centre?
Canada Life Centre is home to the Winnipeg Jets (NHL) and Manitoba Moose (AHL — the Jets' affiliate team). The Jets and Moose are among the few NHL/AHL pairings sharing the same arena, making Canada Life Centre one of the busiest in the league for professional hockey volume. The AHL Moose play in the lower bowl only (capacity 8,812).
Where can I buy Winnipeg Jets tickets?
Tickets are available through Ticketmaster Canada (official marketplace) and the Winnipeg Jets official site at nhl.com/jets. The Box Office is at 300 Portage Avenue. Demand is very high — the Jets have maintained strong attendance figures since returning in 2011. Gates open 1 hour before puck drop.
Latest News
Winnipeg Jets Win 2025 Presidents' Trophy with Best Record in NHL
Published
18 April 2025
Article Summary
The Winnipeg Jets claimed the Presidents' Trophy in 2025, awarded to the team with the most regular-season points in the NHL — the franchise's first such honour since the relocation era. The achievement generated enormous excitement at Canada Life Centre, with the arena buzzing with the kind of playoff-level anticipation that Jets fans had hoped for since the team's return in 2011.
Canada Life Centre Celebrates 20th Anniversary with Special Jets Game
FeaturedPublished
19 November 2024
Article Summary
Canada Life Centre marked its 20th anniversary since opening as MTS Centre on November 16, 2004, with commemorative events in November 2024 including a throwback video series, a commemorative book detailing the arena's history, and a special Winnipeg Jets home game against the Florida Panthers on November 19, 2024 featuring anniversary celebrations. The milestone highlighted the arena's extraordinary impact on downtown Winnipeg since its opening.
Canada Life Centre Installs Evolv AI Security Screening System
Published
1 October 2024
Article Summary
Canada Life Centre announced the adoption of Evolv AI screening technology to accelerate fan entry for all Jets and Moose home games. The system allows guests to walk through security without emptying pockets, dramatically reducing queue times at the arena's entry gates. Fans flagged by the system are directed to a secondary check. The upgrade reflects the arena's commitment to improving the game-day experience.
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