A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Aspen vs. Edmonton for Food, Nightlife, Couples, and Families

Should you visit Aspen or Edmonton?

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 Edmonton 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 authentic, charming, and quaint ski town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. It's also known for skiing, nightlife, and live music.

Edmonton

Edmonton is a friendly, cultural, and authentic city. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and shopping.

Aspen and Edmonton: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Aspen or Edmonton?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Aspen than Edmonton, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Aspen is better known for its skiing, food, nightlife, music, resorts, hiking, christmas markets, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Edmonton is more popular for its museums & sights. Aspen is more touristy than Edmonton and is known for its world-class skiing, many food, film, and music festivals, and its stunning mountain hikes. Also, Aspen is famous for The Maroon Bells. Edmonton is well known for its many festivals and lively personality.

How is Aspen different from Edmonton?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Aspen or Edmonton Better for Skiing?

Aspen is an unbeatable place for snow skiing. However, Edmonton is not a skiing destination.

Aspen is among the world's best ski destinations. 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.

Edmonton is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Aspen or Edmonton?

Edmonton is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Aspen does not have museums and landmarks.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Edmonton. You'll find a number of good museums around town such as the Royal Alberta Museum, Muttart Conservatory, the Alberta Aviation Museum, and the Art Gallery of Alberta.

Aspen does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Aspen is an unbeatable place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Edmonton is not a good city for its restaurants.

Aspen has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Edmonton. You'll find a mix of casual cafes, international eateries, and more upscale dining options.

Is Aspen or Edmonton Better for Nightlife?

Aspen is a well-known place for nightlife. Also, Edmonton is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife and partying.

Aspen offers plenty to do in the evening. 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Edmonton. There's a mix of nightclubs, bars, and breweries around town. Head to Jasper Avenue for the high end clubs or check out a live show at one of the active theaters around town.

Is Aspen or Edmonton Better for Music?

Aspen is a well-known place for live music. However, Edmonton is not a live music destination.

The music scene in Aspen is very popular with diverse venues. Popular music venues in town include Silver City Mountain Saloon and Belly Up Aspen.

Edmonton is not a live music destination.

Is Aspen or Edmonton Better for Resorts?

Aspen is a well-known place for its resorts. However, Edmonton is not a resort destination.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Aspen. Popular resorts in the area include The Little Nell, Hotel Jerome, and St. Regis Aspen.

Edmonton is not a resort destination.

Is Aspen or Edmonton Better for Hiking?

Aspen is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Edmonton is not a hiking destination.

Aspen is a popular spot for hiking. 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.

Edmonton is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Aspen or Edmonton?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Edmonton and Aspen.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Aspen. There are many great local shops and art galleries where you can pick interesting items or fine art.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Edmonton. The city is home to the West Edmonton Mall, which is the largest shopping mall in Canada, and among the largest in the world. The mall includes hundreds of shops, restaurants, a hotel, ice rink, movie theaters, an aquarium, and Galaxyland, which is one of the largest indoor amusement parks in the world. The mall is divided into themed sections that represent iconic places from around the world such as Europa Boulevard and Bourbon Street.

Is Aspen or Edmonton Better for Christmas?

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

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

Edmonton does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Aspen or Edmonton Better for Christmas Markets?

Aspen is a well-known place for its Christmas markets. However, Edmonton 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.

Edmonton does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Aspen or Edmonton Better for Families?

Both Aspen and Edmonton are notable to visit with kids.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Aspen. 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.

Edmonton offers lots of family activities. Many families live in town so if you're visiting for a few days you'll find plenty to do with kids. Most of the activities are concentrated in the downtown areas and along the south side of the North Saskatchewan River. The whole family will enjoy a visit to Telus World of Science. There's also the Edmonton Valley Zoo, the Alberta Aviation Museum, and Galaxyland, as well as many other activities.

Is Aspen or Edmonton Better for Couples?

Aspen is a well-known place for romance. Also, Edmonton is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its romantic activities.

Aspen is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

Edmonton makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There's a good theater scene, so you can enjoy dinner and a show. There are also quaint cafes, mellow breweries, and plenty of cultural activities like art museums.

Is Aspen or Edmonton 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 Edmonton.

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 Edmonton offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The city has both bus and light rail systems.

Is Aspen or Edmonton a more walkable city?

Aspen is a well-known place for its walkability. Also, Edmonton is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

Aspen is very walkable. 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.

Edmonton is a somewhat walkable place. There are parts of the city that are very walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Edmonton or Aspen?

How long in Aspen or Edmonton?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Aspen or Edmonton to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Aspen than Edmonton because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Aspen, and 1-2 days is enough time in Edmonton.

Families should spend more time in Aspen than Edmonton. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Aspen, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Aspen than Edmonton. 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 Aspen than Edmonton 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 Aspen.

One day in Aspen or Edmonton?

Aspen is a small town where visitors enjoy the shopping and skiing. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Edmonton, many people enjoy the nightlife and shopping that this authentic destination offers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

A weekend in Aspen or Edmonton?

Aspen is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Edmonton. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. 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 Edmonton?

Aspen is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Aspen, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Edmonton is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Edmonton. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Aspen or Edmonton?

Aspen is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This ski town offers something for everyone.

You'll find nightlife and shopping around the friendly destination of Edmonton. 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 Camping Tours in Canada, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Canada.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Aspen and Edmonton, we can see that Aspen is more expensive. And not only is Edmonton much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Edmonton would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Edmonton 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 Edmonton.

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

Which is Bigger, Aspen or Edmonton?

Edmonton has a larger population, and is about 120 times larger than the population of Aspen. When comparing the sizes of Aspen and Edmonton, 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.