A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Denver vs. Ketchikan for Food, Hiking, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Denver or Ketchikan?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Denver or Ketchikan, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Denver

Denver is a sprawling, park-filled, and suburban city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for skiing, nightlife, and hiking.

Ketchikan

Ketchikan is a scenic, quaint, and local town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the food, hiking, and shopping.

Denver and Ketchikan: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Denver or Ketchikan?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Denver. Although Denver and Ketchikan are popular destinations, Denver has more sights and attractions for tourists. Denver is very popular for its skiing, nightlife, and big city activities, while Ketchikan attracts visitors for its museums, food, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Ketchikan is more touristy than Denver and is known for its salmon fishing, beautiful natural environment, and strong sense of local culture. Denver is famous for serving as a gateway to the Rocky Mountains and the many national parks that are in the area. It is also well known for Red Rocks Park.

How is Denver different from Ketchikan?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Denver or Ketchikan Better for Skiing?

Denver is very good for snow skiing. However, Ketchikan is not a skiing destination.

Denver is a great destination for skiing with plenty areas to explore. Although there's no skiing in the immediate area, there is a huge list of world class ski resorts within an hour or two of town. Two of the closest are Echo Mountain Resort and Loveland Ski Area.

Ketchikan is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Denver or Ketchikan?

Ketchikan is a nice place to visit for its sights and museums. However, Denver is not a good city for its museums and history.

Ketchikan offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are a few local museums in town such as the Tongass Historical Museum and the Totem Heritage Center.

While most people don't head to Denver specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. Many people use Denver as a starting or ending point for their mountain and national park trip, but those who linger can visit some of the city's museums and sights. Popular museums include the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, the History Colorado Center, and the Forney Museum of Transportation.

Is the Food Better in Denver or Ketchikan? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Ketchikan is renowned for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Denver is not a good city for its restaurants.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Ketchikan is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. It's known as the salmon capital of the world for good reason. You can expect some of the freshest seafood around with many local restaurants serving up fresh Dungeness Crab, Alaska King Crab, and Alaskan King Salmon. It's a huge fishing destination and the cuisine reflects that, but even if you're looking for a landlover's menu, you'll find a number of good dishes.

Denver may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. It's a pretty large city, so you'll find some nice local restaurants, but the foodie scene is still emerging in many neighborhoods. A number of restaurants offer outdoor seating, which is nice. You'll also find a growing selection of international restaurants. For something uniquely local, you should try the Bison steak and fried pickles.

Is Denver or Ketchikan Better for Nightlife?

Denver is very good for nightlife. However, Ketchikan is a mediocre town for nightlife and partying.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Denver. The city has come a long way with its nightlife. There's a great craft beer scene and the downtown area has really come to life. Popular bars and clubs in town include the Grizzly Rose and 54Thirty Rooftop. Many places are concentrated in the Soco Nightlife District.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Ketchikan. Because most visitors arrive by cruise ship, there's a more local vibe to the nightlife scene. You'll find a few local bars around town where you can enjoy a drink and good conversation.

Is Denver or Ketchikan Better for Hiking?

Ketchikan is renowned for the nearby hiking options. Also, Denver is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its hiking trails.

Known for its hiking, Ketchikan draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. You'll find many hikes that will take you through the local vegetation or to impressive viewpoints. Some hikes involve challenging climbs while others are more relaxing. Some visitors prefer to hire a guide to the lead them through the Alaskan wilderness, but the most popular and easier trails are usually well marked.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Denver. The city is very close to many beautiful parks and hiking areas in the Rocky Mountains. It's not hard to make a day trip from town and enjoy some great hiking. Nice options include the Trading Post Trail in Red Rocks Mountain Park, Bergen Peak near Evergreen, and Chimney Gulch Trail near the town of Golden.

Is the Shopping Better in Denver or Ketchikan?

Both Denver and Ketchikan are nice shopping destinations.

Denver offers some nice shopping areas. The city has many outlet malls that budget shoppers appreciate. There are also weekend farmer's markets, boutique shopping areas, and all of the major chains that you'll find in most larger cities.

Ketchikan has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. As tourism has grown, the shopping in downtown Ketchikan has shifted from locally-oriented venders to jewelry and souvenir stores. Many shops are only open during the summer months, and you'll find the more local shops outside of town.

Is Denver or Ketchikan Better for Families?

Ketchikan is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Denver is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Ketchikan is a very kid-friendly town. There are a number of kid-friendly activities and tours, but do note that many tours book up fully with cruise ship passengers. Any tours you wish to do should be arranged well in advance. Popular kid-friendly activities include the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show, Misty Fjords, and a visit to Totem Bight State Historical Park. Everyone will enjoy learning about the area's history and nature at the Southeast Alaska Discovery Center. And anyone who enjoys the show "The Most Dangerous Catch" will appreciate the Bering Sea Crab Fishermen's Tour.

Denver is a family-friendly city. It is a family-friendly city with museums, playgrounds, and plenty of outdoor activities. There are also a few ropes courses near town that kids and adults alike will enjoy. Popular activities include the Denver Zoo, the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, and Children's Museum of Denver at Marsico Campus.

Is Denver or Ketchikan Better for Couples?

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

Ketchikan is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples who enjoy natural beauty, hiking, and wildlife will appreciate their time here. There are many opportunities for fishing and a plethora of seafood restaurants in the area that take advantage of this past time.

Denver is a good city for couples to visit. There are many beautiful and romantic outdoor activities in the area such as parks and botanical gardens. There are also spas, including the impressive Spa at the Brown Palace, as well as upscale restaurants and fun bars and clubs to explore.

Is Denver or Ketchikan Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ketchikan is a nice place to visit for backpackers. However, Denver is not a good city for backpackers and budget travelers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Ketchikan. While most visitors arrive by cruise ship, for those travel independently will appreciate the hostel in town.

Denver is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Some backpackers fly into Denver to begin their national park tour. There is a hostel or two around town, and if you leave town quickly you'll find campgrounds not far away.

Is Denver or Ketchikan Better for Students?

Denver is very good for students. However, Ketchikan is not popular with students.

Denver is a good city to visit for students. There are a few students in the city, but there isn't a college town vibe that you'd get at other nearby university areas.

Ketchikan is not popular with students.

Is Denver or Ketchikan Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Denver is very good for its public transit. However, Ketchikan is a mediocre town for times when you don't have a car.

Denver has a few public transit options. If you're not planning to leave town, the light rail and bus systems offer good access to much of Denver.

Public transit is mostly limited in Ketchikan. There are buses that travel through town.

Is Denver or Ketchikan a more walkable city?

Ketchikan is a well-known place for its high level of walkability. However, Denver is not a good city for its ease of walking around.

Ketchikan is a very walkable town. The downtown is relatively compact and walkable.

Denver is not a very walkable city. While the downtown area is generally walkable, this is still a sprawling city where you'll really want to have a car to access areas outside of town.

For even more information, also check out Is Denver Worth Visiting? and Is Ketchikan Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Ketchikan or Denver?

How long in Denver or Ketchikan?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Denver and Ketchikan. In our opinion, Ketchikan has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Ketchikan than Denver. In general, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Denver, and 1-3 days is enough time in Ketchikan.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Ketchikan than Denver 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 Ketchikan.

One day in Denver or Ketchikan?

You'll find nightlife and shopping around the city of Denver. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Ketchikan. Hikers are also drawn to this area. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Denver or Ketchikan?

You'll find shopping and skiing around the accessible destination of Denver. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Ketchikan 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 Denver or Ketchikan?

Travelers enjoy the skiing and nightlife when visiting the sprawling city of Denver. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Ketchikan. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Denver or Ketchikan?

Denver is a popular choice for travelers. 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.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the quaint destination of Ketchikan. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

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

When comparing the travel costs between Denver and Ketchikan, we can see that Ketchikan 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 Denver Expensive? and Is Ketchikan Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Denver or Ketchikan?

Denver has a larger population, and is about 80 times larger than the population of Ketchikan. When comparing the sizes of Denver and Ketchikan, 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.