A Travel Price Comparison for Canada Edmonton vs. Jasper National Park for Backpackers, Attractions, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Edmonton or Jasper National Park?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Edmonton and Jasper National Park can help you decide which place is right for you.

Edmonton

Edmonton is a cultural, authentic, and friendly city. It's also known for nightlife, shopping, and museums. See Edmonton travel costs.

Jasper National Park

Jasper National Park is a stunning, breathtaking, and adventure-filled national park. You'll find world class beauty in Jasper National Park as well. It's also known for hiking. See Jasper National Park travel costs.

Edmonton and Jasper National Park: Pros and Cons

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

Tourists will generally find more to do in Jasper National Park. Although Edmonton and Jasper National Park are both popular with visitors, Jasper National Park has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Jasper National Park is more popular for its hiking and impressive beauty, while Edmonton is known for its museums and attractions, nightlife, and shopping. Jasper National Park is more touristy than Edmonton and is known for its wildlife and pristine natural beauty It is also home to Icefields Parkway. Edmonton is popular for its many festivals and lively personality.

How is Edmonton 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 Edmonton. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

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

Edmonton is well known for its museums and landmarks. However, Jasper National Park is not particularly known for its historical sights.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Edmonton can be an interesting and educational experience. You'll find a number of good museums around town such as the Royal Alberta Museum, Muttart Conservatory, the Alberta Aviation Museum, and the Art Gallery of Alberta.

While most people don't head to Jasper National Park specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. You can learn about the area with a visit to the Jasper Yellowhead Museum & Archive.

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

Dining out at restaurants in both Edmonton and Jasper National Park can be an enjoyable experience.

Edmonton offers some easy restaurants to choose from. You'll find a mix of casual cafes, international eateries, and more upscale dining options.

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 Edmonton or Jasper National Park Better for Nightlife?

Edmonton is a nice place to visit for nightlife. However, Jasper National Park is not particularly known for nightlife and partying.

Edmonton has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There's a mix of nightclubs, bars, and breweries around town. Head to Jasper Avenue for the high end clubs or check out a live show at one of the active theaters around town.

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 Edmonton or Jasper National Park Better for Hiking?

Jasper National Park is an unbeatable place for the nearby hiking options. However, Edmonton is not a hiking destination.

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.

Edmonton is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Edmonton or Jasper National Park?

Edmonton is well known for shopping. However, Jasper National Park is not particularly known for its shopping opportunities.

Edmonton is an extremely popular place for shoppers. The city is home to the West Edmonton Mall, which is the largest shopping mall in Canada, and among the largest in the world. The mall includes hundreds of shops, restaurants, a hotel, ice rink, movie theaters, an aquarium, and Galaxyland, which is one of the largest indoor amusement parks in the world. The mall is divided into themed sections that represent iconic places from around the world such as Europa Boulevard and Bourbon Street.

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 Edmonton or Jasper National Park More Beautiful?

Jasper National Park is an unbeatable place for its scenery and beauty. However, Edmonton is not a destination known for its 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.

Edmonton is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Edmonton or Jasper National Park Better for Families?

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

Jasper National Park is a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Edmonton is a family-friendly city. Many families live in town so if you're visiting for a few days you'll find plenty to do with kids. Most of the activities are concentrated in the downtown areas and along the south side of the North Saskatchewan River. The whole family will enjoy a visit to Telus World of Science. There's also the Edmonton Valley Zoo, the Alberta Aviation Museum, and Galaxyland, as well as many other activities.

Is Edmonton or Jasper National Park Better for Couples?

Jasper National Park is a well-known place for romance. Also, Edmonton is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its romantic activities.

Jasper National Park is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

Edmonton makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There's a good theater scene, so you can enjoy dinner and a show. There are also quaint cafes, mellow breweries, and plenty of cultural activities like art museums.

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

Jasper National Park is an unbeatable place for backpackers. However, Edmonton is not a good city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Jasper National Park is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

Edmonton is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Most backpackers overlook this city, but there is a hostel in town where you can stay.

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

Edmonton 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 Edmonton, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The city has both bus and light rail systems.

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 Edmonton or Jasper National Park a more walkable city?

Edmonton is a nice place to visit for its walkability. However, Jasper National Park is not particularly known for its high level of walkability.

Edmonton is somewhat walkable. There are parts of the city that are very walkable.

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

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

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

How long in Edmonton or Jasper National Park?

In either Edmonton or Jasper National Park, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Jasper National Park than Edmonton because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Edmonton, and 2-5 days is enough time in Jasper National Park.

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

One day in Edmonton or Jasper National Park?

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting the destination of Edmonton. 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 Edmonton has to offer.

The beautiful national park of Jasper National Park offers . Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Edmonton or Jasper National Park?

Edmonton 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 city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Jasper National Park is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this national park makes for a great vacation. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Jasper National Park, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Edmonton or Jasper National Park?

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

Jasper National Park is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Jasper National Park, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Edmonton or Jasper National Park?

The friendly destination of Edmonton offers nightlife 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.

Jasper National Park is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. 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. This national park offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Contiki Tours to Canada, The Best G Adventures Tours to Canada, The Best 3-Day Tours from Vancouver, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Vancouver.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Edmonton and Jasper National Park, we can see that Edmonton is more expensive. And not only is Jasper National Park much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Jasper National Park would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Jasper National Park 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 Edmonton would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Edmonton than you might in Jasper National Park.

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