A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Glacier National Park vs. Banff for Hiking, Couples, Backpackers, and Food

Should you visit Glacier National Park or Banff?

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

Should I visit Glacier National Park or Banff? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park is a breathtaking, gorgeous, and stunning park. You'll find world class beauty in Glacier National Park as well. And you can't forget about the hiking. See Glacier National Park travel costs.

Banff

Banff is a scenic, outdoorsy, and sporty town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. Banff is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for food, hiking, and shopping. See Banff travel costs.

Glacier National Park and Banff: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Glacier National Park or Banff?

Both Banff and Glacier National Park have plenty of things to do for visitors. Both offer a variety of sights, activities, and attractions for tourists. Glacier National Park is very popular for its museums and attractions, resorts, and impressive beauty, while Banff attracts visitors for its skiing, food, nightlife, hiking, shopping, and small town charm. Glacier National Park is more touristy than Banff and is known for its miles of hiking trails, impressive glaciers, and pristine lakes. Banff is famous for its stunning beauty, pristine nature, and nearby lakes.

How is Glacier National Park different from Banff?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Glacier National Park or Banff Better for Skiing?

Banff is very popular for snow skiing. However, Glacier National Park is not a skiing destination.

If you're an avid snow skiier, Banff should be on your list. The town makes a great base for experiencing the three nearby ski resorts: Banff Sunshine, The Lake Louise Ski Resort, and Mt Norquay. You can purchase a SkiBig3 Lift Ticket and experience the area's best skiing. There's a long ski season and a stunning setting within the Canadian Rockies.

Glacier National Park is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Glacier National Park or Banff?

Glacier National Park is not a good place to visit for its sights and museums. However, Banff does not have museums and landmarks.

Glacier National Park offers a few options for museum-goers. There are a couple of local museums in the area, but most people head straight for the park.

Banff does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Glacier National Park or Banff? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Banff is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Glacier National Park is a mediocre park for its restaurants.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Banff makes for a great culinary experience. The downtown has bistros, taverns, and many casual eateries. For a more fine dining experience, you can go to one of the luxury hotels, which have nice dining areas. Throughout town you'll find classic Canadian food like poutine, as well as pizza and bar food.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Glacier National Park. You'll find several restaurants and cafes both within and near the park, but this is an incredibly crowded park so you'll want to make reservations well in advance.

Is Glacier National Park or Banff Better for Nightlife?

Banff is notable for nightlife. However, Glacier National Park is a mediocre park for nightlife and partying.

Banff has plenty to do after the sun goes down. It's a great town for partying and it's compact and easy to barhop if you want. For the town's size, you'll find a huge number of bars and breweries to choose from, and there's always something going on.

Glacier National Park doesn't offer many options. People visit for the scenery, not the nightlife scene.

Is Glacier National Park or Banff Better for Resorts?

Glacier National Park is a popular place for its resorts. However, Banff is not a resort destination.

With a selection of resorts, Glacier National Park makes a nice vacation spot. There are several lodges, cabins, and inns near or within the park, but reservations are recommended well in advance.

Banff is not a resort destination.

Is Glacier National Park or Banff Better for Hiking?

Banff is very popular for the nearby hiking options. Also, Glacier National Park is not as famous, but is still a good park to visit for its hiking trails.

People visit Banff specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. The town is set within Banff National Park, and is surrounded by world class hiking. There are more than 1,000 miles of trails that wander alongside rivers, lead to waterfalls, or climb mountain peaks. You may also see local wildlife.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Glacier National Park. There are more than 700 miles of trails in the park. For the best experience, you should purchase a permit and explore the parks backcountry. Other popular trails include Highline Trail, Grinnell Glacier Trail, and Avalanche Lake Trail. It's best to start in the early morning as this is a popular park and the trails get busier as the day progresses.

Is the Shopping Better in Glacier National Park or Banff?

Banff is a popular place for shopping. However, Glacier National Park is a mediocre park for its shopping opportunities.

Banff is a great destination for shopping. There are tons of downtown shops that sell local items, art, sports gear, or clothing.

If you're looking to go shopping, Glacier National Park has some nice offerings. There are park stores where you can pick up books, souvenirs, and gifts.

Is Glacier National Park or Banff More Beautiful?

Glacier National Park is an unbeatable place for its scenery and beauty. Also, Banff is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its scenery and beauty.

You'll find world class beauty in Glacier National Park as well. This is one of the most stunning national parks in the United States with its many pristine lakes, striking mountain peaks, and breathtaking views.

With stunning beauty, Banff attracts visitors from all around. The dramatic Rocky Mountains and stunning natural beauty make this an iconic and beautiful destination.

Is Glacier National Park or Banff Better for Families?

Banff is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Glacier National Park is not as famous, but is still a good park to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Banff is a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will enjoy the low key hikes like Tunnel Mountain hike. There's also the Banff Gondola and several playgrounds in downtown Banff. For adventure activities, check out the Golden Skybridge or Lake Louise.

Glacier National Park is a family-friendly park. The landscapes are spectacular, but the crowds can be intense, which means it can be hard to find places to pull over and park during the peak seasons. Keep this in mind when you're traveling with kids because you may end up spending more time in the car than you'd expected.

Is Glacier National Park or Banff Better for Couples?

Banff is very popular for romance. Also, Glacier National Park is not as famous, but is still a good park to visit for its romantic activities.

Banff makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. It's a beautiful destination for a honeymoon or anniversary trip. There are countless hikes and stunning natural beauty. There are also spas, horseback riding, and many great restaurants.

Glacier National Park makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Drive along the scenic Going-to-the-Sun-Road and take in the truly breathtaking scenery. Many people consider this to be a top destination for a honeymoon and couples will appreciate the impressive hikes, dramatic waterfalls, and adventure-filled activities.

Is Glacier National Park or Banff Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Glacier National Park is an unbeatable place for backpackers. Also, Banff is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Glacier National Park. The backcountry is truly pristine, and obtaining a Wilderness Permit and getting off-the-beaten-path will help you escape some of the crowds that the park is known for.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Banff. There are a couple of hostels around town and plenty of natural beauty that appeals to backpackers.

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

Banff is a popular place for its public transit. However, Glacier National Park is a mediocre park for times when you don't have a car.

Banff has a few public transit options. There's a bus system, Roam, that connects the towns of Canmore, Banff, and Lake Louise.

Public transit is mostly limited in Glacier National Park. There's a free shuttle along Going-to-the-Sun Road that's available on a first-come, first-served basis, but expect crowds. The road can get quite congested during peak times. There are also tours that take you along the road so you can enjoy the scenery without having to focus on driving.

Is Glacier National Park or Banff a more walkable city?

Banff is notable for its walkability. However, Glacier National Park is a mediocre park for its high level of walkability.

Banff is very walkable. The downtown is very walkable and there are trailheads nearby as well.

Glacier National Park is not a very walkable park. You'll need a car to get almost anywhere in the park.

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

Should I spend more time in Banff or Glacier National Park?

How long in Glacier National Park or Banff?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Banff than Glacier National Park 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 Banff.

One day in Glacier National Park or Banff?

In Glacier National Park, many people enjoy the that this breathtaking destination offers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. This park offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

Even though Banff is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Glacier National Park or Banff?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Glacier National Park. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Banff. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this town. It offers something for everyone.

Five days in Glacier National Park or Banff?

Glacier National Park is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the when visiting the destination of Glacier National Park. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Banff is a fun place to experience. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this town. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Glacier National Park or Banff?

You'll find around the breathtaking destination of Glacier National Park. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Banff is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. 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 3-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Canada, and The Best Camping Tours in Canada.

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

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