A Travel Price Comparison for Canada Calgary vs. Quebec City for Attractions, Food, Couples, and Nightlife

Should you visit Calgary or Quebec City?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Calgary and Quebec City 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.

Calgary

Calgary is a western, local, and authentic city. It's also known for nightlife, shopping, and museums. See Calgary travel costs.

Quebec City

Quebec City is a cultural, charming, and historical city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. The beauty of Quebec City is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Quebec City travel costs.

Calgary and Quebec City: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Calgary or Quebec City?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Quebec City than Calgary. While Calgary is larger than Quebec City, Quebec City has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Calgary is famous for its farming and oil industries as well as the Calgary Stampede. Quebec City is famous for its charming streets and classic Old Town. It is also well known for Château Frontenac.

How is Calgary different from Quebec City?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Calgary or Quebec City?

Quebec City is an unbeatable place for its museums and landmarks. Also, Calgary is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Quebec City are among the most recognizable in the world. Historic sites include La Citadelle de Québec and Quebec National Historic Site. There are many iconic buildings in town as well like the Parliament Building and Château Frontenac. Also make sure you visit the Musée de la Civilisation and the stunning Basilica of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Calgary. It's worth visiting the Calgary Zoo, Fort Calgary, the Hangar Flight Museum, and Heritage Park, among others.

Is the Food Better in Calgary or Quebec City? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Quebec City is an unbeatable place for its restaurant scene. However, Calgary is not particularly known for its local flavors and cuisine.

Many restaurants in Quebec City have been singled out for their culinary prowess. The city offers a mix of Canadian favorites and French dishes with a local twist. Favorite dishes that you must try include tourtières, pâté chinois, pea soup, and fèves au lard. There are also many local desserts to sample. You'll find some of the best French Canadian cuisine in the Old Town.

Calgary may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. The food scene is constantly evolving and you'll find plenty of casual restaurants. The city is known for its beef, so you should definitely sample a local steak.

Is Calgary or Quebec City Better for Nightlife?

Quebec City is well known for nightlife and partying. Also, Calgary is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

Quebec City is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The nightlife scene consists mainly of bars and pubs that you'll find along Rue Saint-Jean and in the Saint-Jean-Baptiste neighborhood. You'll also find clubs in Saint-Roch along Rue du Parvis and Avenue Saint-Joseph.

If you're looking for night time activities Calgary has a few options to choose from. Visitors often head to Stephen Avenue Walk for its bars and pubs. There's also a decent theater scene around town.

Is Calgary or Quebec City Better for its Old Town?

Quebec City is an unbeatable place for its old town. However, Calgary does not have a historic old town.

With a famous historical old-town, Quebec City offers plenty to see. The walled Old Town has fortifications that date back to the 17th century. It has a European charm with cobblestone streets, charming restaurants, beautiful squares, and historic architecture. Many visitors feel like they've stepped into old world Europe.

Calgary does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Calgary or Quebec City?

Quebec City is an unbeatable place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Calgary is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Quebec City make it a world-class shopping destination. The Old Town has many local boutiques and artisan shops that are fun for browsing. There are many shopping streets in town like Petit-Champlain Street, Rue Saint-Joseph, and Avenue Cartier.

Calgary has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are plenty of independent shops around town as well as some great shopping neighborhoods. Make sure you check out Fourth Street and 17th Avenue. There are also large shopping malls.

Is Calgary or Quebec City More Beautiful?

Quebec City is well known for its scenery and beauty. However, Calgary is not a destination known for its beauty.

The beauty of Quebec City is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. The European atmosphere gives the city a unique beauty with architecture and cobblestone streets that create a fairytale setting.

Calgary is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Calgary or Quebec City Better for Families?

Quebec City is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Calgary is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Quebec City is a very kid-friendly city. There are tons of kid-friendly activities like visiting the Aquarium du Québec, having an adventure at Terrasse Dufferin, or exploring Chute de Montmorency.

Calgary offers lots of family activities. There are a surprising number of things around town to do with kids such as petting zoos, museums, and even amusement parks. The Calgary Zoo is worth a visit, but also make sure you check out Calaway Park Amusement Park and the Telus Spark science center.

Is Calgary or Quebec City Better for Couples?

Quebec City is an unbeatable place for its romantic activities. Also, Calgary is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Quebec City is a great city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. It's one of the most European city's in North America, and it's filled with romance. Couples can enjoy exploring the Old Town by carriage or taking a boat ride on the Saint Lawrence River. For a truly romantic evening, enjoy a French meal at the famous Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, but for many couples, simply exploring and soaking up the city's charm offers the simple romance that they're looking for.

Calgary is a good city for couples to visit. You'll find outdoor sports, boat tours, and plenty of great restaurants around town. If you're looking for a low key destination with a great vibe, then this is a great city for a weekend trip.

Is Calgary or Quebec City Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Quebec City is well known for backpackers. Also, Calgary is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Quebec City is a great city to visit for backpackers. There are a decent number of hostels around town and backpackers consider this a favorite destination in the area.

Plenty of backpackers visit Calgary. A surprising number of backpackers end up passing through town, so you'll find a handful of hostels to choose from.

Is Calgary or Quebec City Better for Students?

Quebec City is a city with good options for students. However, Calgary is not popular with students.

Quebec City is popular with students. It's a beautiful and charming city that is fun for international students.

Calgary is not popular with students.

Is Calgary or Quebec City Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Calgary and Quebec City.

You'll find some public transit in Calgary, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The public transportation system is relatively efficient with both light rail and buses.

While Quebec City offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are buses and ferries around town.

Is Calgary or Quebec City a more walkable city?

Quebec City is an unbeatable place for its high level of walkability. However, Calgary is not particularly known for its ease of walking around.

Getting around Quebec City on foot is easy. The Old Town is compact and easy to explore on foot.

Calgary is generally not a very walkable city. While there are a couple of walkable neighborhood's around town, it's definitely not the most walkable city.

For even more information, also check out Is Calgary Worth Visiting? and Is Quebec City Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Quebec City or Calgary?

How long in Calgary or Quebec City?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Quebec City than Calgary 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 Quebec City.

One day in Calgary or Quebec City?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting the local city of Calgary. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

In Quebec City, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Calgary or Quebec City?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the local destination of Calgary. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

In Quebec City, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Quebec City has to offer.

Five days in Calgary or Quebec City?

The authentic city of Calgary offers museums and nightlife. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Quebec City is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Calgary or Quebec City?

Many people enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting Calgary. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Quebec City. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Quebec City. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Canada, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Canada, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Canada, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Canada.

When comparing the travel costs between Calgary and Quebec City, we can see that Calgary 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 Calgary Expensive? and Is Quebec City Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Calgary or Quebec City?

Calgary has a larger population, and is about 93% larger than the population of Quebec City. When comparing the sizes of Calgary and Quebec City, 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.