A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Aspen vs. Banff for Skiing, Food, Hiking, and Couples

Should you visit Aspen or Banff?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Aspen and Banff can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Aspen

Aspen is a artsy, outdoorsy, and authentic ski town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. This destination also has one of those special and quaint feelings. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and skiing.

Banff

Banff is a sporty, adventurous, and scenic town. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include skiing, nightlife, and food.

Aspen and Banff: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Aspen or Banff?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Aspen. Although Aspen and Banff are both popular with visitors, Aspen has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Aspen is more popular for its food, music, resorts, shopping, christmas markets, and quaint atmosphere, while Banff is known for its hiking. Aspen is popular for its world-class skiing, many food, film, and music festivals, and its stunning mountain hikes. It is also home to The Maroon Bells. Banff is popular for its stunning beauty, pristine nature, and nearby lakes.

How is Aspen different from Banff?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Aspen or Banff Better for Skiing?

Aspen and Banff are terrific places to visit for winter sports such as skiing.

Visitors will find world class skiing in Aspen. Near the town, there are 4 separate ski resorts. In town you'll find Aspen Mountain, which is known for it's black-diamond runs. Aspen Highlands, a couple miles away, has a mix of slopes and is less crowded. Buttermilk attracts many freestyle skiers and Aspen Snowmass is considered one of the best family-friendly ski areas.

Banff is a top destination for snow skiing, and it attracts visitors from around the world. The town makes a great base for experiencing the three nearby ski resorts: Banff Sunshine, The Lake Louise Ski Resort, and Mt Norquay. You can purchase a SkiBig3 Lift Ticket and experience the area's best skiing. There's a long ski season and a stunning setting within the Canadian Rockies.

Is the Food Better in Aspen or Banff? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Aspen is an unbeatable place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Banff is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

For foodies, Aspen is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The town hosts many food festivals and there is a growing selection of diverse restaurants. In town you'll find cafes and restaurants that cater to both the local crowd and the travelers who flock to the area during peak seasons.

Banff has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The downtown has bistros, taverns, and many casual eateries. For a more fine dining experience, you can go to one of the luxury hotels, which have nice dining areas. Throughout town you'll find classic Canadian food like poutine, as well as pizza and bar food.

Is Aspen or Banff Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Aspen or Banff has a better nightlife scene.

The people in Aspen know how to have a good time. The people in Aspen know how to have a good time. The nightlife scene includes craft beer, live music, and dancing. There's a local vibe, particularly during the off-season times when the tourist crowds are less.

The nightlife in Banff has something for everybody. It's a great town for partying and it's compact and easy to barhop if you want. For the town's size, you'll find a huge number of bars and breweries to choose from, and there's always something going on.

Is Aspen or Banff Better for Music?

Aspen is notable for its live music scene. However, Banff is not a live music destination.

If you love music, you'll find something to enjoy in Aspen. Popular music venues in town include Silver City Mountain Saloon and Belly Up Aspen.

Banff is not a live music destination.

Is Aspen or Banff Better for Resorts?

Aspen is notable for its resorts. However, Banff is not a resort destination.

Aspen is known as a popular and fun resort destination. Popular resorts in the area include The Little Nell, Hotel Jerome, and St. Regis Aspen.

Banff is not a resort destination.

Is Aspen or Banff Better for Hiking?

Banff is renowned for its hiking experiences. Also, Aspen is still popular, but not quite as popular for hiking.

Around Banff visitors will find world-class hiking trails. The town is set within Banff National Park, and is surrounded by world class hiking. There are more than 1,000 miles of trails that wander alongside rivers, lead to waterfalls, or climb mountain peaks. You may also see local wildlife.

Many visitors go to Aspen for the hiking trails. During the summer and fall seasons, hiking is a great way to explore Aspen's nearby beauty. Popular trails include the Ute Trail, the Lost Man Trail, and the famous Maroon Bells Scenic Trail.

Is the Shopping Better in Aspen or Banff?

Aspen is notable for its shopping opportunities. Also, Banff is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its shopping areas.

Aspen is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. There are many great local shops and art galleries where you can pick interesting items or fine art.

Banff has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are tons of downtown shops that sell local items, art, sports gear, or clothing.

Is Aspen or Banff Better for Christmas?

Aspen is an unbeatable place for its Christmas activities. However, Banff does not offer Christmas activities.

Aspen is a fantastic destination at Christmas. There are a number of beautiful activities that will bring the holiday season to life in the town.

Banff does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Aspen or Banff Better for Christmas Markets?

Aspen is notable for its Christmas markets. However, Banff does not offer Christmas markets.

Aspen has a large number of Christmas markets. The town has a charming Christmas market that is fun to explore and has around 40 vendors.

Banff does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Aspen or Banff Better for Families?

Banff is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Aspen is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Banff is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will enjoy the low key hikes like Tunnel Mountain hike. There's also the Banff Gondola and several playgrounds in downtown Banff. For adventure activities, check out the Golden Skybridge or Lake Louise.

Aspen offers lots of family activities. Families that enjoy skiing together, hiking, rock climbing, and having adventures will enjoy a visit to this town. Aspen Mountain is not a great option for beginning skiers, but further away, Aspen Snowmass offers good beginner slopes.

Is Aspen or Banff Better for Couples?

Banff is renowned for couples. Also, Aspen is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Banff is a great town for couples, as it has plenty to offer. It's a beautiful destination for a honeymoon or anniversary trip. There are countless hikes and stunning natural beauty. There are also spas, horseback riding, and many great restaurants.

Aspen is a great ski town if you're traveling as a couple. Aspen is both a popular ski destination as well as an established town. There are many great restaurants and activities that couples can enjoy and the setting is cute and very scenic, making it a beautiful and romantic destination.

Is Aspen or Banff Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Banff is a great destination for backpackers. However, Aspen is a ski town with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Banff is a very popular town for backpackers and budget travelers. There are a couple of hostels around town and plenty of natural beauty that appeals to backpackers.

Aspen is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Because it is both a town and a ski resort, there are a couple of more affordable accommodation options. Even so, this is an expensive destination that isn't always ideal for budget travelers.

Is Aspen or Banff Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Aspen and Banff.

You'll find some public transit in Aspen, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are several shuttle buses around the town.

While Banff offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's a bus system, Roam, that connects the towns of Canmore, Banff, and Lake Louise.

Is Aspen or Banff a more walkable city?

Aspen and Banff both are excellent when exploring on foot.

Aspen is a very walkable destination. The town is compact enough that it can be explored on foot. If you're planning to head into the mountains to hike, you'll likely need a car.

Banff is very walkable. The downtown is very walkable and there are trailheads nearby as well.

For even more information, also check out Is Aspen Worth Visiting? and Is Banff Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Banff or Aspen?

How long in Aspen or Banff?

In either Aspen or Banff, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. In our opinion, Aspen has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Aspen than Banff. In general, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Aspen, and 2-5 days is enough time in Banff.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Banff than Aspen 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 Banff.

One day in Aspen or Banff?

Even though Aspen is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This ski town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

In Banff, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this sporty small town offers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Aspen or Banff?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Aspen. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Banff. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Aspen or Banff?

Aspen is a fun place to experience. Aspen is a small town with plenty to do. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Banff is a fun place to experience. In Banff, many people enjoy the skiing and nightlife that this small town destination offers. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Aspen or Banff?

Aspen is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

You'll find nightlife and food around the scenic small town of Banff. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, The Best Historical Tours in United States of America, The Best 3-Day Tours from Vancouver, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Vancouver.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Aspen and Banff, we can see that Aspen is more expensive. And not only is Banff much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Banff would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Banff 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 Aspen would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Aspen than you might in Banff.

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

Which is Bigger, Aspen or Banff?

Banff has a larger population, and is about 30% larger than the population of Aspen. When comparing the sizes of Aspen and Banff, 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.