A Travel Price Comparison for Canada Banff vs. Jasper National Park for Hiking, Couples, Backpackers, and Food

Should you visit Banff or Jasper National Park?

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

Should I visit Banff or Jasper National Park? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

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. Banff is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for shopping, skiing, and nightlife. See Banff travel costs.

Jasper National Park

Jasper National Park is a breathtaking, adventure-filled, and stunning national park. You'll find world class beauty in Jasper National Park as well. And you can't forget about the hiking. See Jasper National Park travel costs.

Banff and Jasper National Park: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to Icefields Parkway
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Banff or Jasper National Park?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Banff. Although Banff and Jasper National Park are popular destinations, Banff has more sights and attractions for tourists. Banff is very popular for its skiing, food, nightlife, shopping, and small town charm, while Jasper National Park attracts visitors for its museums and attractions and impressive beauty. Banff is famous for its stunning beauty, pristine nature, and nearby lakes. It is also well known for Lake Louise. Jasper National Park is famous for its wildlife and pristine natural beauty

How is Banff different from Jasper National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Banff or Jasper National Park Better for Skiing?

Banff
Jasper National Park

Banff is terrific for winter skiing. However, Jasper National Park is not a skiing destination.

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

Jasper National Park is not a skiing destination.


Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Banff or Jasper National Park?

Banff
Jasper National Park

Jasper National Park is a moderate national park for its sights and museums. However, Banff does not have museums and landmarks.

Jasper National Park offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. You can learn about the area with a visit to the Jasper Yellowhead Museum & Archive.

Banff does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Banff or Jasper National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Banff
Jasper National Park

Banff is well known for its restaurant scene. However, Jasper National Park is not particularly known for its local flavors and cuisine.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Banff makes for a great culinary experience. 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Jasper National Park. There are several decent restaurants and bistros near or in the park. Many are connected to lodges and some offer great views.

Is Banff or Jasper National Park Better for Nightlife?

Banff
Jasper National Park

Banff is well known for nightlife. However, Jasper National Park is not particularly known for nightlife and partying.

Banff is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Jasper National Park Stargazing and sitting by an open fire is the best way to spend the evening.


Is Banff or Jasper National Park Better for Hiking?

Banff
Jasper National Park

If you're looking to go hiking, Banff and Jasper National Park both have fantastic trails.

People visit Banff specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. 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 people visit Jasper National Park specifically for its hiking. Hiking is a truly world class experience in this large park. There are miles of trails, both backcountry and more accessible, that allow access to the park's stunning beauty. Whether you're looking for a shorter family-friendly hike, or planning a multi-week backcountry adventure, this park has it all.

Is the Shopping Better in Banff or Jasper National Park?

Banff
Jasper National Park

Banff is a nice place to visit for shopping. However, Jasper National Park is not particularly known for its shopping opportunities.

Banff is a great destination for shopping. There are tons of downtown shops that sell local items, art, sports gear, or clothing.

If you're looking to go shopping, Jasper National Park has some nice offerings. In town you'll find shops where you can pick up souvenirs or things you may have forgotten.

Is Banff or Jasper National Park More Beautiful?

Banff
Jasper National Park

Jasper National Park is an unbeatable place for its scenery and beauty. Also, Banff is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its scenery and beauty.

You'll find world class beauty in Jasper National Park as well. The Canadian Rockies create a stunning backdrop for this beautiful and vast national park.

With stunning beauty, Banff attracts visitors from all around. The dramatic Rocky Mountains and stunning natural beauty make this an iconic and beautiful destination.


Is Banff or Jasper National Park Better for Families?

Banff
Jasper National Park

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Banff or Jasper National Park.

Banff is a very kid-friendly town. 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.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Jasper National Park. Kids who love running, hiking, and exploring will enjoy a visit to this iconic park. The hiking trails are world class and you'll likely see some wildlife during your trip. Camping with s'mores and hot dogs will make for a memorable family vacation.

Is Banff or Jasper National Park Better for Couples?

Banff
Jasper National Park

Banff is terrific for romance. Also, Jasper National Park is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

Banff has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. 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.

Jasper National Park is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. There are lodges where couples can enjoy a romantic getaway. For the more adventurous, camping is a great way to experience the park. If you enjoy outdoor adventures together, then this is a great place to spend some time in nature.

Is Banff or Jasper National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Banff
Jasper National Park

Jasper National Park is an unbeatable place for backpackers. Also, Banff is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Jasper National Park. Camping is the best way to experience the park in full. You'll be surrounded by nature, and if you're lucky, some wildlife might pass by as well.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Banff. There are a couple of hostels around town and plenty of natural beauty that appeals to backpackers.


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

Banff
Jasper National Park

Banff is a nice place to visit for its public transit. However, Jasper National Park is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Banff, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There's a bus system, Roam, that connects the towns of Canmore, Banff, and Lake Louise.

Public transit is quite limited in Jasper National Park. If you don't have your own vehicle, a bus tour is your best option for experiencing the park.

Is Banff or Jasper National Park a more walkable city?

Banff
Jasper National Park

Banff is well known for its walkability. However, Jasper National Park is not particularly known for its high level of walkability.

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

Jasper National Park is not a very walkable town. The park is large, and a vehicle is necessary to reach most trailheads.

For even more information, also check out Is Banff Worth Visiting? and Is Jasper National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Jasper National Park or Banff?

How long in Banff or Jasper National Park?

In either Banff or Jasper National Park, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. In our opinion, Banff has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Banff than Jasper National Park. However, 2-5 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Banff than Jasper National Park 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.


  • How many days in Banff or Jasper National Park? Ideal Length of Stay
    Banff 2-5 
    Jasper National Park 2-5

One day in Banff or Jasper National Park?

Banff is a small town where visitors enjoy the nightlife and food. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

In Jasper National Park, many people enjoy the that this adventure-filled destination offers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Lots of people come for the hiking. This national park 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 Banff or Jasper National Park?

Banff is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Jasper National Park. 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 Banff or Jasper National Park?

Many people visit Banff for five days. Banff might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer.

Jasper National Park is a fun place to experience. In Jasper National Park, many people enjoy the that this destination offers. Lots of people come for the hiking. 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 Banff or Jasper National Park?

Because Banff is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. Hikers are also drawn to this area. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

You'll find around the breathtaking destination of Jasper National Park. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the hiking. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Canada, The Best Tours for Seniors to Canada, The Best Contiki Tours to Canada, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Canada.


Which place is cheaper, Jasper National Park or Banff?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Banff Prices
    Canada Prices
    Jasper National Park Prices
    Canada Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Banff $84
    Jasper National Park $82

The average daily cost (per person) in Banff is $84, while the average daily cost in Jasper National Park is $82. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Banff and Jasper National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Banff $38
    Jasper National Park $44
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Banff $76
    Jasper National Park $88
Compare Hotels in Banff and Jasper National Park

Looking for a hotel in Banff or Jasper National Park? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Banff


Hotels in Jasper National Park


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Banff Hotel Prices and Jasper National Park Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Banff $5.17
    Jasper National Park $19

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Banff

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Banff:

  • Banff to Calgary Airport (YYC) | Private Transfer: $277
  • Banff to Calgary YYC Airport (Private Transfer with Tesla): $230
  • Banff to Lake Louise/Moraine Lake sightseeing transfer: $81
  • Private Banff National Park Tour with Hotel Transfers: $863
  • Calgary Airport to Banff - Private Transfer: $841
  • Canmore/Banff to Calgary Airport (YYC) Private Transfer: $244
  • Sunshine Village to Calgary Airport (YYC): Departure Transfer: $61

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Jasper National Park

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Jasper National Park are as follows:


  • Park Pass
    $14

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Jasper National Park

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Jasper National Park:

  • Jasper Thermal Resorts to Calgary Airport YYC Departure Transfer: $171

Is it cheaper to fly into Banff or Jasper National Park?

Prices for flights to both Jasper National Park and Banff change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Banff $28
    Jasper National Park $23
Typical Food Prices in Banff

Some typical examples of dining costs in Banff are as follows:


  • Tea House Lunch for Two
    $33
  • Hostel Breakfast
    $27
  • McDonalds
    $4.62

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Banff

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Banff.

  • A Taste of Banff ~ 'Around the World' Rockies Food Tour: $106
  • Banff Food Tour: Eat the Castle: $152

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Jasper National Park

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Jasper National Park.

  • Half-Day Jasper Culture Food Tour: $105
  • 4-Hours E-Bike Food Tour : $199

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Banff $12
    Jasper National Park $7.73
Typical Entertainment Prices in Banff

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Banff are as follows:


  • Hot Springs
    $5.30

Tours and Activities in Banff

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Banff are as follows:

  • Tunnel Mountain Trail: Nature Tour with Audio Guide: $5.75
  • Banff Townsite: Self-Guided Scenic Highlights Driving Tour: $5.99
  • The Sights of a Smartphone Audio Walking Tour: $6.11
  • Calgary & Lake Louise: Smartphone Audio Driving Tour: $6.11
  • The Sights of Canmore: a Smartphone Audio Walking Tour: $6.61
  • The Sights of a Smartphone Audio Walking Tour: $6.64
  • Smartphone Audio Driving Tour between Banff and Calgary: $7.38
  • Listen to a Tour Guide as You Drive & Walk with our Discover the Rockies Package: $15
  • Banff National Park Self-Guided Driving Tour: $15
  • Paranormal History Walking Ghost Tour: $26
  • Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary Walk Ticket in Canada: $27
  • Canadian Rockies & Complete Self-Guided Driving Tour: $40

Tours and Activities in Jasper National Park

Here are a few actual costs in Jasper National Park for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Jasper National Park: $17
  • Icefields Parkway Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $17
  • Live Theater Show Ticket 'From Jasper with love': $24
  • Planetarium and Telescope Combo Tour : $53
  • From Jasper: Jasper National Park Wildlife Discovery Tour: $58
  • Maligne Canyon Hiking Tour: $59
  • Morning Jasper National Park Wildlife Tour: $63
  • Jasper Evening Wildlife Tour: $63
  • Jasper National Park Tour: Maligne Valley, Medicine Lake and Spirit Island: $64
  • Winter Wildlife Discovery Tour: $64
  • Jasper Wildlife and Waterfalls Tour with Maligne Lake Hike: $79
  • 1-Hour Guided Group Fat Bike Tour: $81

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Banff $9.31
    Jasper National Park $11

Sample the Local Flavors in Banff

Also in Banff, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Park Distillery Tour with Craft Spirits Tasting: $11


When comparing the travel costs between Banff and Jasper National Park, we can see that Banff is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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