A Travel Price Comparison for Canada Banff vs. Niagara Falls for Hiking, Families, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Banff or Niagara Falls?

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

Should I visit Banff or Niagara Falls? 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 scenic, outdoorsy, and sporty town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. The beauty of Banff is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the food, hiking, and shopping. See Banff travel costs.

Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls is a breathtaking, impressive, and iconic city. The beauty of Niagara Falls is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and hiking. See Niagara Falls travel costs.

Banff and Niagara Falls: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty


Is there more to do in Banff or Niagara Falls?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Banff than Niagara Falls, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Banff is better known for its skiing, food, nightlife, hiking, and small town charm, while Niagara Falls is more popular for its museums and attractions. Niagara Falls is more touristy than Banff and is known for the large volume of water that flows over it. Banff is well known for its stunning beauty, pristine nature, and nearby lakes. Also, Banff is famous for Lake Louise.

How is Banff different from Niagara Falls?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Banff or Niagara Falls Better for Skiing?

Banff
Niagara Falls

Banff is an amazing town to visit for snow skiing. However, Niagara Falls is not a skiing destination.

If you're an avid snow skiier, Banff should be on your list. 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.

Niagara Falls is not a skiing destination.


Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Banff or Niagara Falls?

Banff
Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls is a moderate city for its sights and museums. However, Banff does not have museums and landmarks.

Niagara Falls offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. The Niagara Falls History Museum is one of the best museums in the area. There are also more touristy museums and attractions that you can visit as well. There's also a butterfly conservancy that is worth checking out.

Banff does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Banff
Niagara Falls

Banff is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Niagara Falls is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Banff. 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.

Niagara Falls is becoming an appealing option for foodies. It's an iconic Canadian destination so, of course, you should try all things Canadian while you're in town. Maple syrup, poutine, butter tart, and beavertail (fried dough) are all things that should be on your list. Also make sure you sample some of the local game meat.

Is Banff or Niagara Falls Better for Nightlife?

Banff
Niagara Falls

Banff is notable for nightlife and partying. Also, Niagara Falls is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its evening party scene.

Banff has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Niagara Falls. There's a decent concentration of clubs, pubs, and bars around town that keep things fun late into the evening.


Is Banff or Niagara Falls Better for Hiking?

Banff
Niagara Falls

Banff is an amazing town to visit for the nearby hiking options. Also, Niagara Falls is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its hiking 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 visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Niagara Falls. The nearby area is filled with hiking trails that let you escape into nature and enjoy impressive views.

Is the Shopping Better in Banff or Niagara Falls?

Banff
Niagara Falls

Both Banff and Niagara Falls are notable shopping destinations.

Banff offers some nice shopping areas. There are tons of downtown shops that sell local items, art, sports gear, or clothing.

Niagara Falls has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find touristy souvenir shops as well as outlets and malls nearby.

Is Banff or Niagara Falls More Beautiful?

Banff
Niagara Falls

Banff and Niagara Falls are somewhat similar when it comes to the high quality scenery.

The beauty of Banff is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. The dramatic Rocky Mountains and stunning natural beauty make this an iconic and beautiful destination.

With stunning beauty, Niagara Falls attracts visitors from all around. It's an impressive sight and the Canadian side offers the best views. It's definitely something you should try and see at least once.


Is Banff or Niagara Falls Better for Families?

Banff
Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls is an unbeatable place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Banff is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Niagara Falls is a very family-friendly destination. The views and setting are spectacular, and kids will love the boat tours or taking a ride on the Whirlpool Aero Car. There's also an indoor waterpark, a butterfly conservatory, and plenty of nature to explore.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Banff. 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.

Is Banff or Niagara Falls Better for Couples?

Banff
Niagara Falls

Banff is an amazing town to visit for its romantic activities. Also, Niagara Falls is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

Banff makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. 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.

Niagara Falls makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The setting has long brought to mind romance, and to this day couples still honeymoon at this iconic destination. There are boat tours, nature trails, luxury hotels, and even wineries to explore.

Is Banff or Niagara Falls Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Banff
Niagara Falls

Banff is notable for backpackers. Also, Niagara Falls is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Banff is a great town to visit for backpackers. There are a couple of hostels around town and plenty of natural beauty that appeals to backpackers.

Niagara Falls is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There's a hostel or two where you can stay for cheap and meet other travelers.


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

Banff
Niagara Falls

Both Banff and Niagara Falls offer notable public transit options.

Banff has a few public transit options. There's a bus system, Roam, that connects the towns of Canmore, Banff, and Lake Louise.

Niagara Falls has some public transit options. There is a bus system through town.

Is Banff or Niagara Falls a more walkable city?

Banff
Niagara Falls

Banff is notable for its high level of walkability. Also, Niagara Falls is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its ease of walking around.

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

Niagara Falls is a somewhat walkable town. Most of the attractions and close together by the falls, so it's relatively walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Niagara Falls or Banff?

How long in Banff or Niagara Falls?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Banff than Niagara Falls. 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 Niagara Falls 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 Niagara Falls? Ideal Length of Stay
    Banff 2-5 
    Niagara Falls 2-3

One day in Banff or Niagara Falls?

Even though Banff is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

In Niagara Falls, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this breathtaking destination offers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Banff or Niagara Falls?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Banff. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

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

Banff is a small town with plenty to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. Five days is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Niagara Falls is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Niagara Falls. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Banff or Niagara Falls?

Banff is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. 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. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

You'll find nightlife and food around the impressive destination of Niagara Falls. 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 Sightseeing Tours in Canada, The Best Camping Tours in Canada, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Canada, and The Best Northern Lights Tours in Canada.


Which place is cheaper, Niagara Falls 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
    Niagara Falls Prices
    Canada Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Banff $100
    Niagara Falls $139

The average daily cost (per person) in Banff is $100, while the average daily cost in Niagara Falls is $139. 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 Niagara Falls in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Banff $36
    Niagara Falls $70
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Banff $72
    Niagara Falls $140
Compare Hotels in Banff and Niagara Falls

Looking for a hotel in Banff or Niagara Falls? 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 Niagara Falls


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 Niagara Falls Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Banff $4.91
    Niagara Falls $15

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Banff

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Banff:

  • Larch Valley/Moraine Lake Shuttle Transfer from Banff and Canmore: $114
  • Banff to Calgary or YYC Airport | Private Transfer: $180
  • Canmore/Banff to Calgary Airport (YYC) Private Transfer: $211
  • Banff Canmore to Calgary YYC Airport Transfer: $213
  • Banff to Calgary YYC Airport (Private Transfer with Tesla): $281
  • Private Banff National Park Tour with Hotel Transfers: $782
  • Calgary Airport to Banff - Private Transfer: $824

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Niagara Falls

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Niagara Falls:

  • Private Transfer Buffalo Airport BUF to Buffalo or Niagara Falls: $42
  • Private Arrival Transfer: Buffalo Niagara Airport to Niagara Falls, Ontario: $95
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Buffalo Airport (BUF): $96
  • Niagara Buffalo Airport Arrival: Private Transfer to Niagara Falls Ontario: $98
  • Transfer Buffalo Niagara International Airport BUF to Niagara Falls,Canada: $98
  • Shared Airport Transfer: Buffalo Niagara International Airport to Niagara Falls NY: $99
  • Niagara Buffalo Airport Departure: Private Transfer to Buffalo Niagara Airport: $99
  • Transfer Buffalo Niagara International Airport BUF to Niagara-on-the-Lake,Canada: $103
  • Transfer Niagara-on-the-Lake,Canada to Buffalo Niagara Int Airport (BUF): $104
  • Private Departure Transfer to Buffalo Airport (BUF): $104
  • Private Arrival Transfer: Buffalo Niagara International Airport to Buffalo, NY: $105
  • Private Departure Transfer: Buffalo, NY to Buffalo Niagara International Airport: $105

Is it cheaper to fly into Banff or Niagara Falls?

Prices for flights to both Niagara Falls 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 $47
    Niagara Falls $51
Typical Food Prices in Banff

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


  • Tea House Lunch for Two
    $31
  • Hostel Breakfast
    $25
  • McDonalds
    $4.39

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Banff

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

  • Morning Glory ~ Banff's 'Breakfast Bits' Food Tour: $72
  • Banff Food Tour: Eat the Castle: $149
  • Winter Tour with Dinner & Nightrise at Banff Gondola: $156

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Niagara Falls

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

  • Walking Food Tour in Niagara Falls: $105
  • Walking Food Tour in St. Catharines: $105
  • The Wing Ride: The Hidden History of Chicken Wings Food Tour: $105
  • Niagara Falls Hotels: Tour with Boat, Dinner and Lights Show: $133
  • Guided Night Tour w/ Dinner & Hotel Transfer: $137
  • Niagara-on-the-Lake: Sunset Wine Tour with Dinner: $159
  • Dinner on Top of the Skylon Tower with a legendary view.: $187
  • Niagara Wine Tasting and three courses Dinner: $187
  • Night Tour w/ 3 Course Dinner & Light Show: $190
  • Night on Niagara Walking Tour with Fireworks Cruise + Dinner: $193
  • Niagara Falls Canada: Small Group Night Tour w/Boat & Dinner: $211
  • Niagara Falls USA Night, Lights & Dinner : $229

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Banff $12
    Niagara Falls $18
Typical Entertainment Prices in Banff

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


  • Hot Springs
    $5.03

Tours and Activities in Banff

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

  • Calgary & Lake Louise: Smartphone Audio Driving Tour: $5.99
  • Smartphone Audio Driving Tour between Banff and Calgary: $7.21
  • The Sights of a Smartphone Audio Walking Tour: $7.75
  • Tunnel Mountain Trail: Nature Tour with Audio Guide: $7.75
  • The Sights of Canmore: a Smartphone Audio Walking Tour: $7.93
  • Tunnel Mountain Trail: a Smartphone Audio Nature Tour : $7.93
  • The Sights of a Smartphone Audio Walking Tour: $7.93
  • Banff Cave & Hot Springs Self-Guided Walking Tour (Not a Ticket): $8.99
  • Listen to a Tour Guide as You Drive & Walk with our Discover the Rockies Package: $14
  • Explore Banff National Park: Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $15
  • Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary Walk Ticket in Canada: $28
  • Paranormal History Walking Ghost Tour: $29

Typical Entertainment Prices in Niagara Falls

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


  • Maid of the Mist
    $35

Tours and Activities in Niagara Falls

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

  • Niagara Peninsula Smartphone Audio Driving Tour: $5.99
  • Niagara Falls Canada: Niagara Adventure Theater with Popcorn: $11
  • Niagara Falls, Canada: Skylon Tower Observation Deck Ticket: $11
  • Niagara Falls, Canada: Niagara SkyWheel Ticket: $12
  • Herschell Carrousel Factory Museum Admission Ticket: $12
  • Niagara SkyWheel Admission Ticket: $12
  • Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site Admission and Guided Tour: $13
  • Niagara Falls, Canada: Journey Behind the Falls Entry Ticket: $15
  • Niagara Falls, Canada: Canadiana Musical Show Ticket: $16
  • Niagara Falls Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour from Toronto: $17
  • Niagara Falls, Canada: Bird Kingdom Entry Ticket: $17
  • Niagara Falls, Canada: Evolution Magic Show Ticket: $18

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Banff $8.84
    Niagara Falls $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

Sample the Local Flavors in Niagara Falls

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

  • Public Niagara Wine Tour with Transportation: $56
  • Niagara Wine Tour and Tastings with Included Transportation : $58
  • Niagara Falls Tour with Skip the Line Cruise & Wine Tasting: $70
  • Small Group Niagara-on-the-Lake Wine Tasting Tour: $93
  • Small-Group Hiking Tour in Niagara with Wine Tasting and Lunch: $100
  • Half Day Wine & Cheese Tour - Niagara On The Lake Wine Tour: $115
  • Luxury Winery, Distillery & Craft Beer Tour in Niagara Region : $119
  • Niagara Craft Brewery Tour Niagara Falls: $120
  • Wine Tour in Niagara-on-the-Lake: $126
  • Relaxing three courses Lunch & Wine Tour through Niagara's Wine Country: $144
  • Full-Day Group Wine Tour (with cheese and charcuterie) in Niagara-on-the-Lake: $148
  • Luxury Buffalo Brewery Tour: $149


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Banff and Niagara Falls, we can see that Niagara Falls 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 Niagara Falls would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Niagara Falls 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 Banff Expensive? and Is Niagara Falls Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Banff or Niagara Falls?

Niagara Falls has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Banff. When comparing the sizes of Banff and Niagara Falls, 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.