A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Alexandria vs. Calgary for Attractions, Food, Couples, and Nightlife

Should you visit Alexandria or Calgary?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Alexandria and Calgary. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Alexandria

Alexandria is a historic, charming, and quaint city. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. The beauty of Alexandria is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Alexandria travel costs.

Calgary

Calgary is a authentic, western, and local city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and shopping. See Calgary travel costs.

Alexandria and Calgary: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Alexandria or Calgary?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Alexandria than Calgary. While Calgary is larger than Alexandria, Alexandria has more sights and attractions for tourists. Alexandria is popular for its long-running history, beautiful architecture, and small town atmosphere. It is also home to Mount Vernon. Calgary is popular for its farming and oil industries as well as the Calgary Stampede.

How is Alexandria different from Calgary?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Calgary and Alexandria. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Alexandria or Calgary?

Alexandria is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Calgary is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Alexandria. George Washington's Mount Vernon home is an iconic destination in Alexandria. There are also many other museums in town that focus on the region's history. The Alexandria History Museum at the Lyceum and the Gadsby's Tavern Museum are both interesting. There's Gunston Hall and the Carlyle House, as well as an archeology museum and many historic landmarks around town.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Calgary. It's worth visiting the Calgary Zoo, Fort Calgary, the Hangar Flight Museum, and Heritage Park, among others.

Is the Food Better in Alexandria or Calgary? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Alexandria is well known for its restaurant scene. However, Calgary is not particularly known for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Alexandria. The food, like the city itself, reflects the area's history. There are many southern classic dishes as well as a lot of seafood. You'll find lots of local restaurants that serve high quality dishes and a quaint atmosphere.

Calgary may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. The food scene is constantly evolving and you'll find plenty of casual restaurants. The city is known for its beef, so you should definitely sample a local steak.

Is Alexandria or Calgary Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is good in both Alexandria and Calgary.

If you're looking for night time activities Alexandria has a few options to choose from. There's a great bar scene, as well as tons of restaurants that make for a relaxing night out.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Calgary. Visitors often head to Stephen Avenue Walk for its bars and pubs. There's also a decent theater scene around town.

Is Alexandria or Calgary Better for its Old Town?

Alexandria is an unbeatable place for its old town. However, Calgary does not have a historic old town.

With a famous historical old-town, Alexandria offers plenty to see. At the heart of the city is the historic old town. Its lined with townhomes that date back to the 18th century. There are many historic sights that have stories from the early days of the country. There are also cobblestone streets and a great waterfront.

Calgary does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Alexandria or Calgary?

Alexandria is well known for its shopping opportunities. Also, Calgary is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

Alexandria is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. King Street is the main shopping street in town and it offers the largest concentration of independently owned boutiques in the Washington D.C. area. It's the perfectly place to spend an afternoon shopping.

Calgary has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are plenty of independent shops around town as well as some great shopping neighborhoods. Make sure you check out Fourth Street and 17th Avenue. There are also large shopping malls.

Is Alexandria or Calgary More Beautiful?

Alexandria is well known for its scenery and beauty. However, Calgary is not a destination known for its beauty.

The beauty of Alexandria is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. The historic architecture and beautiful waterfront make this an iconic destination.

Calgary is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Alexandria or Calgary Better for Families?

Calgary is a good destination for its kid-friendly activities. However, Alexandria is not a good destination for its family-friendly activities.

Calgary offers lots of family activities. There are a surprising number of things around town to do with kids such as petting zoos, museums, and even amusement parks. The Calgary Zoo is worth a visit, but also make sure you check out Calaway Park Amusement Park and the Telus Spark science center.

Alexandria is not the most family-friendly destination. The waterfront area is nice to walk around. You can break up the history with an ice cream shop and kids will also enjoy taking a boat tour.

Is Alexandria or Calgary Better for Couples?

Alexandria is well known for its romantic activities. Also, Calgary is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Couples visit Alexandria frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The charm of the old town makes this a quaint and romantic destination. There's a waterfront area and many historic buildings. There are also romantic restaurants and plenty of places to grab brunch.

Calgary is a good city for couples to visit. You'll find outdoor sports, boat tours, and plenty of great restaurants around town. If you're looking for a low key destination with a great vibe, then this is a great city for a weekend trip.

Is Alexandria or Calgary Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Alexandria and Calgary are good places to visit.

Plenty of backpackers visit Alexandria. There aren't any true hostels in town, but you will find some cheap motels.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Calgary. A surprising number of backpackers end up passing through town, so you'll find a handful of hostels to choose from.

Is Alexandria or Calgary Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Alexandria is an unbeatable place for its public transit. Also, Calgary is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Visitors in Alexandria can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. DASH is the local bus system, but the city is also connected into the Washington DC metro system.

While Calgary offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The public transportation system is relatively efficient with both light rail and buses.

Is Alexandria or Calgary a more walkable city?

Alexandria is an unbeatable place for its high level of walkability. However, Calgary is not particularly known for its ease of walking around.

Getting around Alexandria on foot is easy. It's a very easy city to walk around, particularly in the historic heart where most tourists spend their time.

Calgary is generally not a very walkable city. While there are a couple of walkable neighborhood's around town, it's definitely not the most walkable city.

For even more information, also check out Is Alexandria Worth Visiting? and Is Calgary Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Calgary or Alexandria?

How long in Alexandria or Calgary?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Alexandria or Calgary to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Alexandria than Calgary because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Alexandria, and 1-2 days is enough time in Calgary.

Couples should spend more time in Alexandria than Calgary. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Alexandria that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Alexandria than Calgary if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Alexandria.

One day in Alexandria or Calgary?

In Alexandria, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

With museums and nightlife around the local city of Calgary, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Calgary, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Alexandria or Calgary?

In Alexandria, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Alexandria has to offer.

With nightlife and shopping around the destination of Calgary, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Alexandria or Calgary?

Alexandria is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Calgary, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Alexandria or Calgary?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Alexandria. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Alexandria. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Calgary is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Photography Tours in United States of America, The Best Camping Tours in United States of America, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Canada, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Canada.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Alexandria and Calgary, we can see that Calgary is more expensive. And not only is Alexandria much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Alexandria would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Alexandria and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Calgary would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Calgary than you might in Alexandria.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Alexandria Expensive? and Is Calgary Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Alexandria or Calgary?

Calgary has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Alexandria. When comparing the sizes of Alexandria and Calgary, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.