A Travel Price Comparison for Canada Edmonton vs. Vancouver for Attractions, Couples, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Edmonton or Vancouver?

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 Vancouver can help you decide which place is right for you.

Edmonton

Edmonton is a cultural, authentic, and friendly city. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, shopping, and museums. See Edmonton travel costs.

Vancouver

Vancouver is a friendly, outdoorsy, and scenic city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. Vancouver is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Vancouver travel costs.

Edmonton and Vancouver: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Edmonton or Vancouver?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Vancouver than Edmonton, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Vancouver is more touristy than Edmonton and is popular for its beautiful setting, sweeping views, and welcoming atmosphere. It is also home to Stanley Park. Edmonton is popular for its many festivals and lively personality.

How is Edmonton different from Vancouver?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Vancouver 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 Vancouver?

Vancouver is an unbeatable place for its sights and museums. Also, Edmonton is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Vancouver that are not to be missed. There are tons of museums and sights around town such as the Vancouver Aquarium, the Museum of Anthropology, the Museum of Vancouver, and Science World. Also make sure you take a walk over the Capilano Suspension Bridge.

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.

Is the Food Better in Edmonton or Vancouver? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Vancouver is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Edmonton is not a good city for its restaurants.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Vancouver makes for a great culinary experience. You'll find diverse restaurants and fresh ingredients. Local seafood is a staple in many restaurants so make sure you try the prawns, salmon, and even sea urchin. Asian food is also excellent around town. Sushi, Japanese hot dogs, and dim sum are all worth sampling.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Edmonton. You'll find a mix of casual cafes, international eateries, and more upscale dining options.

Is Edmonton or Vancouver Better for Nightlife?

Vancouver is a well-known place for nightlife. Also, Edmonton is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife and partying.

Vancouver offers plenty to do in the evening. The city has a vibrant nightlife scene. Most of the activity is centered around The Granville Entertainment District in the downtown area. It runs along Granville Street between Robson Street and Davie Street. In the area you'll find a high concentration of bars and nightclubs.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Edmonton. 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.

Is Edmonton or Vancouver Better for Hiking?

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

Many people visit Vancouver specifically for its hiking. The city is surrounded by water and mountains, making it one of the best hiking cities in the world. You don't have to go far to enjoy spectacular vistas, serene rainforests, and rugged coastline. The trails range from casual strolls to more strenuous day long hikes.

Edmonton is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Edmonton or Vancouver?

Vancouver is an unbeatable place for shopping. Also, Edmonton is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Vancouver is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. The shopping is as diverse as the city itself. You can enjoy strolling through Chinatown, hitting up a public market, or wandering around a large shopping mall.

Edmonton is well-known for its shopping. 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.

Is Edmonton or Vancouver More Beautiful?

Vancouver is a well-known place for its scenery and beauty. However, Edmonton is not a destination known for its beauty.

Vancouver is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It sits between the Pacific Ocean and high reaching mountains, so the city offers spectacular views.

Edmonton is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Edmonton or Vancouver Better for Families?

Vancouver 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.

Vancouver is a very family-friendly place to visit. There are great kid-friendly museums like the Science Museum, as well as outdoor markets, public parks, and easy access to the nearby nature. A visit to Grouse Mountain is a must for many families. You can see the bears, take a gondola, and see the a lumberjack show.

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 Vancouver Better for Couples?

Vancouver is an unbeatable place for romance. Also, Edmonton is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its romantic activities.

For those traveling as a couple, Vancouver has plenty to offer. Most of the activities take advantage of the beautiful outdoor setting. You can take a carriage ride in Stanley Park or visit the Sun Yat Sen Chinese Garden. Eat dim sum in Chinatown and then wander through the diverse neighborhood. End the day with a show at Orpheum Theater.

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 Vancouver Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Vancouver is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Edmonton is not a good city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Vancouver. It's a favorite city for backpackers who enjoy the many outdoor activities. There are also many hostels available around town.

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 Vancouver Better for Students?

Vancouver is a well-known place for students. However, Edmonton is not popular with students.

Vancouver is very popular with students. The cities friendly personality and fun energy make it a great place to study.

Edmonton is not popular with students.

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

Vancouver is an unbeatable place for its public transit. Also, Edmonton is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Visitors in Vancouver can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. Public transit is efficient and comfortable. The Translink system includes buses, the SeaBus ferry, and the SkyTrain light rail system.

Edmonton has some public transit options. The city has both bus and light rail systems.

Is Edmonton or Vancouver a more walkable city?

Vancouver is an unbeatable place for its walkability. Also, Edmonton is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

It is easy to get around Vancouver on foot. The downtown area is very compact and fun to explore on foot.

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

For even more information, also check out Is Edmonton Worth Visiting? and Is Vancouver Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Vancouver or Edmonton?

How long in Edmonton or Vancouver?

In either Edmonton or Vancouver, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Vancouver than Edmonton because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Edmonton, and 3-5 days is enough time in Vancouver.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Vancouver than Edmonton 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 Vancouver.

One day in Edmonton or Vancouver?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Edmonton. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Edmonton has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Vancouver is a big city with plenty to do. 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 Vancouver?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the cultural destination of Edmonton. 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.

Vancouver is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Edmonton or Vancouver?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting the cultural city of Edmonton. 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.

Vancouver is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Vancouver, 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 Vancouver?

Edmonton 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.

Vancouver is a great place to explore. 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 city 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 Vancouver, we can see that Edmonton is more expensive. And not only is Vancouver much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Vancouver would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Vancouver 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 Vancouver.

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

Which is Bigger, Edmonton or Vancouver?

Vancouver has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Edmonton. When comparing the sizes of Edmonton and Vancouver, 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.