The problem with Winnipeg is that there are no backpacker hostels, so you've got to look at alternatives for affordable accommodation. I actually stayed here twice, on either side of a Via Rail train journey to Churchill. There were a few homeless, prostitutes and probably their pimps hanging around the carpark on the outdoor tables of the bottle shop next door, but I felt the area pretty safe. There's heaps of US franchise fast food outlets, I guess North Americans call them strip malls, you've got Walmart, a massive Canadian supermarket and a bunch of smaller supermarkets. Along with a shopping center or too, all within 5 -10 minutes walk, even a cinema complex. You can walk to Union Staton and downtown Winnipeg in just over an hour, granted initially it's through some industrial areas, next to a railway track and stuff. But there isn't much to see in the CBD, I actually was glad I was in this location when I returned the second time. By the way bus 47 goes from out front of Union Station (Main St where it meets Broadway) and drops you off pretty much in front of Cavalier. Cost $3.25. Much cheaper than a taxi.
The place itself. Yeah it is in need of paint. Towels, bedding is stained (but it is clean). However showers in both rooms were hot and good pressure. Aircon worked.You could lock the door. Restaurant was never open except when had an Indian wedding in there which was noisy into the night. Didn't like the $100 damage deposit as makes checkout process lengthy.
