A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Bangor vs. Denali National Park for Backpackers, Couples, Attractions, and Food

Should you visit Bangor or Denali National Park?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Bangor and Denali National Park 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.

Bangor

Bangor is a welcoming, friendly, and laid back town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and food.

Denali National Park

Denali National Park is a vast, rugged, and spectacular park. You'll find world class beauty here as well. Other popular activities here include hiking.

Bangor and Denali National Park: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Family-friendly
  • Very walkable
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Nice resorts
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to Denali (Mount McKinley)
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Bangor or Denali National Park?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Denali National Park. Although Bangor and Denali National Park are both popular with visitors, Denali National Park has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Denali National Park is more popular for its resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Bangor is known for its museums, food, nightlife, shopping, and small town charm. Denali National Park is more touristy than Bangor and is popular for its vast wilderness and iconic Alaskan wildlife. It is also home to Denali (Mount McKinley). Bangor is popular for its history as a lumber town.

How is Bangor different from Denali National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Bangor or Denali National Park?

Bangor
Denali National Park

Bangor is very good for its historical sights. However, Denali National Park is not known for its sights and museums.

Bangor offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are a couple of museums around town that focus on culture and daily life in Maine.

Denali National Park offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Denali's Museum Collection includes more than 25,000 different items that reflect the region's history, culture, and geology.


Is the Food Better in Bangor or Denali National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Bangor
Denali National Park

Bangor is very good for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Denali National Park is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Bangor has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. For a small town, there are a range of dining options in the area such as seafood, international cuisine, and quick eats.

Denali National Park may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. During the summer months there are restaurants open along Highway 3 as well as the Morino Grill near the Denali Visitor Center.

Is Bangor or Denali National Park Better for Nightlife?

Bangor
Denali National Park

Bangor is adequate for nightlife and partying. However, Denali National Park is not known for its evening party scene.

Bangor doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. There are breweries and bars with laid back vibes and a casual atmosphere.

People don't go to Denali National Park for the nightlife. Visitors come to the park to see the nature, not for the nightlife.

Is Bangor or Denali National Park Better for Resorts?

Bangor
Denali National Park

Denali National Park is a park with good options for its resorts. However, Bangor is not a resort destination.

Denali National Park has a few great resort options. Most visitors stay nearby the Denali Park Entrance. It has the most affordable hotels and lodges, some of which have a lot of personality. Alternatively, you could stay in the more remote area of Kantishna. These lodges are more expensive and all-inclusive, but they are also far away from most conveniences.

Bangor is not a resort destination.


Is Bangor or Denali National Park Better for Hiking?

Bangor
Denali National Park

Denali National Park is a park with good options for the nearby hiking options. However, Bangor is not a hiking destination.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Denali National Park. If you're looking for a marked trail, there are limited options within the park. Those that do exist are located near the park entrance and are usually just a couple of miles long. Off-trail hiking is what makes for the most memorable experience. Make sure you stop off at the visitor center for information and knowledge before you venture into the wilderness without a trail. For obvious reasons, you should fully understand what this entails before beginning your adventure.

Bangor is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Bangor or Denali National Park?

Bangor
Denali National Park

Bangor is very good for its shopping opportunities. However, Denali National Park is not known for its shopping areas.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Bangor. Head downtown for the widest selection of locally own shops and boutiques.

Denali National Park has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. There are several park stores and shops in and near the park where you can pick up gifts, books, and souvenirs.

Is Bangor or Denali National Park Better for Families?

Bangor
Denali National Park

Both Bangor and Denali National Park are good to visit with kids.

Bangor is a family-friendly place to visit. You'll find a number of parks and walking trails nearby. There's also fruit picking and playgrounds to explore.

Denali National Park is a family-friendly town. Most people visit the park as part of a tour, so it's important to book a tour that is designed with families in mind. This will help ensure the kids stay entertained even during long bus rides.


Is Bangor or Denali National Park Better for Couples?

Bangor
Denali National Park

Denali National Park is a well-known place for couples. However, Bangor is not a good town for romance.

Denali National Park is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples who enjoy outdoor adventures and stunning scenery will find the ultimate romance in this impressive park.

Bangor is not the best destination for a couple to visit. There are local restaurants and several museums in town that couples will enjoy.

Is Bangor or Denali National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bangor
Denali National Park

Denali National Park is an amazing park to visit for backpackers. However, Bangor is not a good town for backpackers and budget travelers.

Denali National Park is a very popular park to visit for backpackers. There are millions of acres in the park as well as campgrounds, hostels, and vast backcountry (which requires a permit).

Bangor is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Budget accommodation is available, but most backpackers don't think the visit here.

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

Bangor
Denali National Park

Both Bangor and Denali National Park offer decent public transit options.

Public transit is generally limited in Bangor. There's a bus system, but visitors usually use their own car to get around.

Public transit is mostly limited in Denali National Park. There are free shuttle buses that leave from the entrance area, but many visitors organize a tour to get around.


Is Bangor or Denali National Park a more walkable city?

Bangor
Denali National Park

Bangor is very good for its high level of walkability. However, Denali National Park is not known for its ease of walking around.

Bangor is a somewhat walkable place. The downtown is compact and easy to explore on foot.

Denali National Park is not a walkable town. The park is vast and you need some form of transportation to get around, whether it's a private vehicle or a pre-arranged tour.

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

Should I spend more time in Denali National Park or Bangor?

How long in Bangor or Denali National Park?

It's fun to spend time in either Bangor or Denali National Park. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Denali National Park due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Bangor, and 2-4 days is enough time in Denali National Park.

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

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


  • How many days in Bangor or Denali National Park? Ideal Length of Stay
    Bangor 1-2 
    Denali National Park 2-4

One day in Bangor or Denali National Park?

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Bangor. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Bangor has to offer.

Many travelers enjoy the when visiting the destination of Denali National Park. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Bangor or Denali National Park?

Bangor is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. 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.

Denali National Park is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.


Five days in Bangor or Denali National Park?

Many people visit Bangor for five days. You'll find museums and food around the town of Bangor. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Denali National Park. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Bangor or Denali National Park?

The welcoming destination of Bangor offers food and shopping. 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.

Travelers enjoy the when visiting the spectacular destination of Denali National Park. This park offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America, and The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Denali National Park or Bangor?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Bangor is $197, while the average daily cost in Denali National Park is $218. 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 Bangor and Denali National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Bangor $114
    Denali National Park $116
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Bangor $228
    Denali National Park $232
Compare Hotels in Bangor and Denali National Park

Looking for a hotel in Bangor or Denali 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 Bangor


Hotels in Denali 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: Bangor Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Bangor $36
    Denali National Park $76

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bangor

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bangor:

  • Private Transfer from Bangor Airport(BGR) to Rockland Cruise Port: $69
  • Private Transfer from Bangor city hotels to Rockland Cruise Port: $69

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Denali National Park

Also for Denali National Park, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Shuttle Transfer: Anchorage ↔ Denali National Park: $150

Is it cheaper to fly into Bangor or Denali National Park?

Prices for flights to both Denali National Park and Bangor 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
    Bangor $54
    Denali National Park $57

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Bangor $45
    Denali National Park $30
Typical Entertainment Prices in Bangor

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


  • Children's Museum (for 4)
    $32

Tours and Activities in Denali National Park

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Denali National Park.

  • 2.5-Hour Denali Wilderness ATV Adventure Tour: $79
  • Midnight Sun ATV Adventure 2.5 Hour Tour: $79
  • Denali ATV Trailblazer 3.5 Hour Tour : $114
  • 3 Hour Naturalist Walking Tour in Denali National Park: $119
  • Denali National Park Walking Tour: $125
  • Wilds of Alaska Classic ATV Adventure: $140
  • Classic ATV Adventure with Back Country Dining: $150
  • Alaskan Back Country Side by Side ATV Adventure with Meal: $150
  • Denali Park Zipline Adventure: $165
  • 5-Hour Mountain Hiking Tour in Denali: $169
  • Half-Day Sled Dog Experience: $175
  • 4 Hour Off-Trail Hiking Tour in Denali: $199

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Bangor $23
    Denali National Park $12


When comparing the travel costs between Bangor and Denali National Park, we can see that Denali National Park 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 Bangor Expensive? and Is Denali National Park Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Bangor or Denali National Park?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Bangor or Denali National Park in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Bangor as well as Denali National Park. Many visitors come to Bangor in the summer for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, most visitors come to Denali National Park for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Bangor is generally a little warmer than Denali National Park. Daily temperatures in Bangor average around 69°F (21°C), and Denali National Park fluctuates around 60°F (15°C).

Bangor usually gets less rain in July than Denali National Park. Bangor gets 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain, while Denali National Park receives 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Bangor 69°F (21°C) 
    Denali National Park 60°F (15°C)

Should I visit Bangor or Denali National Park in the Autumn?

Both Denali National Park and Bangor are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Bangor for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Denali National Park because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

The weather in Denali National Park can be very cold. Bangor is much warmer than Denali National Park in the autumn. The daily temperature in Bangor averages around 48°F (9°C) in October, and Denali National Park fluctuates around 32°F (0°C).

In October, Bangor usually receives more rain than Denali National Park. Bangor gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Denali National Park receives 3.1 inches (79 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Bangor 48°F (9°C) 
    Denali National Park 32°F (0°C)

Should I visit Bangor or Denali National Park in the Winter?

Both Denali National Park and Bangor during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Bangor because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Denali National Park this time of year.

It's quite cold in Denali National Park in the winter. The weather in Bangor can be very cold. In the winter, Bangor is much warmer than Denali National Park. Typically, the winter temperatures in Bangor in January average around 18°F (-8°C), and Denali National Park averages at about 11°F (-12°C).

Bangor usually gets more rain in January than Denali National Park. Bangor gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while Denali National Park receives 1.3 inches (33 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Bangor 18°F (-8°C) 
    Denali National Park 11°F (-12°C)

Should I visit Bangor or Denali National Park in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Bangor and Denali National Park. The small town charm are the main draw to Bangor this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Denali National Park for the natural beauty.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Denali National Park. In April, Bangor is generally much warmer than Denali National Park. Daily temperatures in Bangor average around 43°F (6°C), and Denali National Park fluctuates around 34°F (1°C).

In April, Bangor usually receives more rain than Denali National Park. Bangor gets 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain, while Denali National Park receives 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Bangor 43°F (6°C) 
    Denali National Park 34°F (1°C)

Typical Weather for Denali National Park and Bangor

Bangor Denali National Park
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 18°F (-8°C) 3 inches (77 mm) 11°F (-12°C) 1.3 inches (33 mm)
Feb 20°F (-6°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 16°F (-9°C) 1.4 inches (37 mm)
Mar 31°F (-1°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm) 23°F (-5°C) 1.5 inches (37 mm)
Apr 43°F (6°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm) 34°F (1°C) 1.6 inches (41 mm)
May 54°F (12°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm) 46°F (8°C) 1.7 inches (42 mm)
Jun 64°F (18°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm) 56°F (13°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm)
Jul 69°F (21°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm) 60°F (15°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Aug 67°F (20°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm) 56°F (14°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm)
Sep 59°F (15°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 47°F (9°C) 4.2 inches (108 mm)
Oct 48°F (9°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 32°F (0°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm)
Nov 37°F (3°C) 4.6 inches (116 mm) 18°F (-8°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm)
Dec 24°F (-5°C) 4 inches (100 mm) 13°F (-11°C) 1.9 inches (49 mm)