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

Should you visit Aspen or Saskatoon?

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 Saskatoon 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.

Saskatoon

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

Aspen and Saskatoon: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Aspen or Saskatoon?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Aspen. Although Aspen and Saskatoon are both popular with visitors, Aspen has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Aspen is more popular for its skiing, food, nightlife, music, resorts, hiking, shopping, christmas markets, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Saskatoon is known for its museums & sights. Aspen is more touristy than Saskatoon and is known for its world-class skiing, many food, film, and music festivals, and its stunning mountain hikes. It is also home to The Maroon Bells. Saskatoon is popular for its agriculture and outdoor spaces.

How is Aspen different from Saskatoon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Aspen or Saskatoon Better for Skiing?

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

Aspen is a top destination for snow skiing, and it attracts visitors from around 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.

Saskatoon is not a skiing destination.

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

Saskatoon 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 Saskatoon. There are some museums and historical sites to check out such as Fort Battleford National Historic Site, Batoche National Historic Site, and the Saskatchewan Indigenous Cultural Centre.

Aspen does not have museums and landmarks.

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

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

Eat your way through Aspen, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. 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.

Saskatoon is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There's a great food scene around town with diverse restaurants and cuisines to choose from. You can sample dim sum, Mexican, Middle Eastern, Indian, and many more.

Is Aspen or Saskatoon Better for Nightlife?

Aspen is a well-known place for nightlife and partying. Also, Saskatoon is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its evening party scene.

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 Saskatoon. There are enough clubs and bars around town to keep things entertaining. Most cater to a younger crowd, but the vibe is fun and full of energy.

Is Aspen or Saskatoon Better for Music?

Aspen is a well-known place for its live music scene. However, Saskatoon 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.

Saskatoon is not a live music destination.

Is Aspen or Saskatoon Better for Resorts?

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

There are plenty of resorts in Aspen to choose from. Popular resorts in the area include The Little Nell, Hotel Jerome, and St. Regis Aspen.

Saskatoon is not a resort destination.

Is Aspen or Saskatoon Better for Hiking?

Aspen is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Saskatoon 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.

Saskatoon is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Aspen or Saskatoon?

Aspen is a well-known place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Saskatoon is not as famous, but is still a good city 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.

Saskatoon has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. A number of brands have opened stores in the downtown area in recent years, so the shopping scene continues to grow and diversify.

Is Aspen or Saskatoon Better for Christmas?

Aspen is an unbeatable place for its Christmas activities. However, Saskatoon 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.

Saskatoon does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Aspen or Saskatoon Better for Christmas Markets?

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

Saskatoon does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Aspen or Saskatoon Better for Families?

Both Aspen and Saskatoon are good 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.

Saskatoon offers lots of family activities. It's filled with indoor and outdoor play areas. Make sure you check out the Nutrien Wonderhub as well as the countless playgrounds around town.

Is Aspen or Saskatoon Better for Couples?

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

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.

Saskatoon is a good ski town for couples to visit. There are plenty of evening activities like dining out at a nice restaurant or taking in a show at the Persephone Theatre.

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

Aspen is a good destination for its public transit. However, Saskatoon is not a good city for times when you don't have a car.

Aspen has a few public transit options. There are several shuttle buses around the town.

Public transit is mostly limited in Saskatoon. There is a bus system around town.

Is Aspen or Saskatoon a more walkable city?

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

Aspen is a very walkable ski town. 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.

Saskatoon is a somewhat walkable ski town. The downtown is walkable and easy to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Saskatoon or Aspen?

How long in Aspen or Saskatoon?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Aspen and Saskatoon. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Aspen than in Saskatoon. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Aspen, and 1-3 days is enough time in Saskatoon.

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

Even though Aspen is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

In Saskatoon, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this friendly 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 Saskatoon?

Aspen is a small town where visitors enjoy the nightlife and live music. Hikers are also drawn to this area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This ski town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

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

Aspen is a small town with plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this ski town makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this ski town has to offer.

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

A week in Aspen or Saskatoon?

Aspen is a popular choice for travelers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

You'll find food and shopping around the cultural destination of Saskatoon. 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 2-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best 3-Week 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 Saskatoon, we can see that Aspen is more expensive. And not only is Saskatoon much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Saskatoon would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Saskatoon 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 Saskatoon.

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

Which is Bigger, Aspen or Saskatoon?

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