Quick answer
Start with your school division's transportation policy, then choose a school bus for short local trips or a coach for longer ones. Confirm the operator's Safety Fitness Certificate and insurance, and get the pickup and return times, headcount and accessibility needs in writing. Book 2–4 weeks ahead in the school year, and longer for June when year-end trips peak.
Key facts
- Check your division's policy first; many require approved operators or specific paperwork.
- School buses are the cheapest per seat for short local trips.
- Coaches suit trips over about two hours or out of province.
- June is peak season for year-end trips; book early.
- Confirm the operator's Safety Fitness Certificate and insurance in writing.
Before you book
- [ ] Read your division's field trip and transportation policy: some require approved carriers, specific insurance or administrator sign-off.
- [ ] Get the headcount: students, teachers, EAs and volunteers.
- [ ] Note accessibility needs: wheelchair users need a lift-equipped vehicle.
- [ ] Decide the budget source: school funds, parent fees or fundraising.
Choosing the vehicle
| Trip | Best fit |
|---|---|
| Within Winnipeg or under an hour | School bus |
| 1–2 hours each way | School bus or mini coach |
| Over 2 hours, or out of province | Motorcoach with washroom |
| Small group (under 14) | Sprinter van |
Checking the operator
- [ ] Current Safety Fitness Certificate (required in Manitoba for buses seating 11 or more, including the driver).
- [ ] Liability insurance certificate naming the dates.
- [ ] The vehicle and seat count in writing.
- [ ] Pickup, departure and return times in writing.
On the day
- [ ] Seating plan and head counts at every stop.
- [ ] Emergency contact list and medical information with the lead teacher.
- [ ] Driver's cell number and the operator's dispatch number.
- [ ] A rule on food and garbage on board.
Popular field trip destinations from Winnipeg
The Manitoba Museum, the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, FortWhyte Alive, Assiniboine Park Zoo and Oak Hammock Marsh are short trips. Mennonite Heritage Village in Steinbach and Lower Fort Garry near Selkirk make good half-day outings. See our day-trip guide for more ideas.
| Vehicle | Seats | Rate | 4 hours | 6 hours | 8 hours | 10 hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sprinter van | 8–14 | $120/hr3 h min | $400–$600 | $600–$850 | $800–$1,150 | $1,000–$1,450 |
| Mini coach | 15–30 | $145/hr4 h min | $500–$700 | $750–$1,050 | $1,000–$1,400 | $1,250–$1,750 |
| School bus | 24–72 | $110/hr3 h min | $350–$550 | $550–$800 | $750–$1,050 | $950–$1,300 |
| Motorcoach | 40–56 | $165/hr5 h min | $700–$1,000 | $850–$1,200 | $1,100–$1,600 | $1,400–$2,000 |
| Party bus | 14–30 | $175/hr4 h min | $600–$850 | $900–$1,250 | $1,200–$1,700 | $1,500–$2,100 |
Frequently asked questions
Do field trip buses need seatbelts in Manitoba?
How much does a school field trip bus cost?
Sources
Regulations and event dates change. We review this guide regularly; if you spot something out of date, tell us.
