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

Should you visit Aspen or Halifax?

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 Halifax 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 vibrant, artsy, and outdoorsy ski town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. Aspen is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. Other reasons to visit include food, hiking, and shopping. See Aspen travel costs.

Halifax

Halifax is a friendly, cultural, and historical city. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Halifax travel costs.

Aspen and Halifax: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Aspen or Halifax?

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

How is Aspen different from Halifax?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Aspen or Halifax Better for Skiing?

Aspen is renowned for skiing and snowboarding. However, Halifax is not a skiing destination.

The snow ski experience you'll have in Aspen is among the best in the world. 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.

Halifax is not a skiing destination.

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

Halifax is a city with good options for its museums and landmarks. However, Aspen does not have museums and landmarks.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Halifax. You should head to Pier 21, where you'll find the Canadian Museum of Immigration. The Discovery Center is a great spot for kids, as is the Natural History Museum. Finally, check out the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic and the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site.

Aspen does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Aspen is renowned for its restaurants. Also, Halifax is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Aspen is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. 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.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Halifax. You'll find lobster rolls and other seafood around town, but also make sure you try the Halifax donair, which is a shaved beef sandwich wrap that can be found a many pizza restaurants.

Is Aspen or Halifax Better for Nightlife?

Aspen is a very popular place for nightlife. Also, Halifax is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Aspen has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

Halifax has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There's a laid back atmosphere to the nightlife scene. There are casual bars and pubs where you can meet the locals and a few nightclubs where there's a relaxed but fun atmosphere.

Is Aspen or Halifax Better for Music?

Aspen is a very popular place for live music. However, Halifax is not a live music destination.

It's worth checking out the music scene in Aspen while you're in town. Popular music venues in town include Silver City Mountain Saloon and Belly Up Aspen.

Halifax is not a live music destination.

Is Aspen or Halifax Better for Resorts?

Aspen is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Halifax is not a resort destination.

Aspen is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. Popular resorts in the area include The Little Nell, Hotel Jerome, and St. Regis Aspen.

Halifax is not a resort destination.

Is Aspen or Halifax Better for Hiking?

Aspen is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Halifax is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Aspen. 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.

Halifax is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Aspen or Halifax?

Aspen is a very popular place for shopping. Also, Halifax is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Aspen. There are many great local shops and art galleries where you can pick interesting items or fine art.

Halifax offers some nice shopping areas. You'll find a mix of boutiques, artisan shops, large malls, and shopping centers.

Is Aspen or Halifax More Beautiful?

Aspen is a very popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Halifax is not a destination known for its beauty.

Aspen is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Surrounded by the mountains and set amongst a beautiful natural setting, this town will take your breath away.

Halifax is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Aspen or Halifax Better for Families?

Both Aspen and Halifax 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.

Halifax offers lots of family activities. There are a handful of kid-friendly museums like the Museum of Natural History. Kids will also appreciate a visit to the Discovery Center or stretching their legs at Point Pleasant Park. History lovers should go see the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site.

Is Aspen or Halifax Better for Couples?

Aspen is a very popular place for romance. Also, Halifax is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Aspen makes for a fun place to visit for 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.

Halifax makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples can wander down the waterfront or take a stroll through Point Pleasant Park. The city also has number of romantic restaurants and hotels.

Is Aspen or Halifax Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Halifax is a city with good options for backpackers. However, Aspen is a ski town with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Halifax is a good city to visit for backpackers. There's actually a decent number of hostels around town for backpackers and budget travelers.

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 Halifax 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 Halifax.

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 Halifax offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are buses around town as well as a ferry to Dartmouth.

Is Aspen or Halifax a more walkable city?

Aspen is a very popular place for its walkability. Also, Halifax is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Halifax is a somewhat walkable place. It's a compact town that's relatively easy to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Halifax or Aspen?

How long in Aspen or Halifax?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Aspen and Halifax. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Aspen than in Halifax. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Aspen, and 2-3 days is enough time in Halifax.

Families should spend more time in Aspen than Halifax. 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 Halifax. 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 Halifax 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 Halifax?

Aspen is a small town with plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This ski town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

In Halifax, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this friendly destination offers. This city 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 Halifax?

Aspen might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Halifax. 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 Halifax?

Aspen is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Aspen has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

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

A week in Aspen or Halifax?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Aspen. Since Aspen is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. It's also a relaxing resort destination. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

You'll find food and shopping around the historical destination of Halifax. 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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best G Adventures Tours to Canada, and The Best 3-Day Tours from Vancouver.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Aspen or Halifax?

Halifax has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Aspen. When comparing the sizes of Aspen and Halifax, 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.