Here are the most useful apps for getting quick and reliable information even while on-the-go. These apps are free and downloadable whether you have an Android or IOS phone:

1. Arrival Advisor App

   This app will help ease your settlement by connecting you to information and services in your area. Discover the information and services you need to learn English, seek employment, find housing, explore education opportunities and more! Arrival Advisor is available in English, French and Arabic.

   If you’d rather have a print copy or a checklist version of what you need to do in your first days here, you can also download the Your First Days in Manitoba guide.

2. Weather app

   What it’s like outside affects our everyday life. This is especially true during the winter months from December to March. Knowing the temperature, wind chill factor, and weather alerts (the weather can change quickly too) are essential for your comfort and safety.

   WeatherCAN is Environment Canada’s latest tool. It allows you to receive weather alert notifications in your area, as well as in your saved locations wherever you are in Canada.

   If you don’t like WeatherCan, try other free apps like The Weather Network (scroll down to the footer to Weather Tools), or AccuWeather (scroll down to Apps and Downloads).

3. Google maps

   Finding your way around the city is easy with this GPS tool. It even has a feature that provides the best route options to reach your destination. For those with mobility issues, accessible transit routes can also be found on this app (tap options under the routes section).

4. New Navigo Trip Planner

   This is Winnipeg Transit’s app which you can install in all your mobile devices. The newly updated app features a trip planner and options to login to personalize your experience by saving trip settings such as favourite stops and routes. It’s also bilingual, making it easy for passengers to plan trips and look up schedule information in both French and English. Read Tips for first-time bus riders to learn more about taking the Winnipeg Transit.

5. Manitoba 511

   Get the latest information about road conditions on Manitoba highways through this app. It’s available for iPhone, iPad and Android. Another option is Waze. This app provides an overview of what is happening in the streets in real time. It can help you avoid heavy traffic and find the quickest routes to your destination.

6. Winnipeg Public Library

   This app allows you to manage your library account remotely. You can search the catalogue for books, movies and other materials; renew borrowed items; place a hold on books; and pay fines and fees. You can also browse free programs, book a computer, find your nearest library branch (and get directions), and many more.

7. Manitoba Consumer Protection

   Worried about signing a contract or closing a deal? You’ll find the answer to your questions on the Consumer Protection app. Whether it’s related to buying a home or vehicle, or something as simple as returning goods, this app will tell you all about your rights as a consumer. It may even prevent you from becoming a victim to frauds and scams.

8. Know your Zone

   This provides up-to-date snow zone information when a residential parking ban is declared (for Winnipeg residents). It will alert you of snow-related parking bans in effect, designated snow zone associated with an address, residential snow clearing schedule, and snow-clearing underway on a colour-coded map.

9. Pay by Phone

   This app allows you to pay for your parking fees remotely. It also provides an alert when it’s time to go. If you want to extend your parking time, the app will allow you to do this and pay via your phone.

10. Recycle Coach

    This easy-to-use and delightful app will increase your recycling IQ by providing a suite of educational tools online. It has a search tool (“What goes where?”), handy tips and blog posts to help you how to properly recycle.

 
Article updated November 15, 2022.