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

Should you visit Glacier National Park or Calgary?

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

Should I visit Glacier National Park or Calgary? 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. The famous beauty of Glacier National Park is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the hiking. See Glacier National Park travel costs.

Calgary

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

Glacier National Park and Calgary: Pros and Cons

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

Travelers will usually find more to do in Glacier National Park. Although Glacier National Park and Calgary are popular destinations, Glacier National Park has more sights and attractions for tourists. Glacier National Park is very popular for its resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Calgary attracts visitors for its museums and attractions, nightlife, and shopping. Glacier National Park is more touristy than Calgary and is known for its miles of hiking trails, impressive glaciers, and pristine lakes. It is also well known for Going-to-the-Sun Road. Calgary is famous for its farming and oil industries as well as the Calgary Stampede.

How is Glacier National Park different from Calgary?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Calgary is a popular place for its sights and museums. However, Glacier National Park is a mediocre park for its museums and history.

Calgary is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. It's worth visiting the Calgary Zoo, Fort Calgary, the Hangar Flight Museum, and Heritage Park, among others.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Glacier National Park. There are a couple of local museums in the area, but most people head straight for the park.

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

Both Glacier National Park and Calgary offer reasonable local cuisine and restaurants.

Glacier National Park offers some easy restaurants to choose from. 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Calgary. 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 Glacier National Park or Calgary Better for Nightlife?

Calgary is a popular place for nightlife. However, Glacier National Park is a mediocre park for nightlife and partying.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Calgary. Visitors often head to Stephen Avenue Walk for its bars and pubs. There's also a decent theater scene around town.

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

Is Glacier National Park or Calgary Better for Resorts?

Glacier National Park is a park with good options for its resorts. However, Calgary 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.

Calgary is not a resort destination.

Is Glacier National Park or Calgary Better for Hiking?

Glacier National Park is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Calgary is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around 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.

Calgary is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Glacier National Park or Calgary?

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

Calgary is a great destination for shopping. 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.

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 Calgary More Beautiful?

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

The famous beauty of Glacier National Park is one of the main draws. This is one of the most stunning national parks in the United States with its many pristine lakes, striking mountain peaks, and breathtaking views.

Calgary is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Glacier National Park or Calgary Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Glacier National Park or Calgary.

Glacier National Park is a family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Calgary is a family-friendly park. 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 Glacier National Park or Calgary Better for Couples?

Glacier National Park is well known for its romantic activities. Also, Calgary is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Couples visit Glacier National Park frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

Calgary is a good park 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 Glacier National Park or Calgary Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Glacier National Park is an unbeatable place for backpackers. Also, Calgary is still popular, but not quite as popular 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 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 Glacier National Park or Calgary Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Calgary 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.

Calgary has a few public transit options. The public transportation system is relatively efficient with both light rail and buses.

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 Calgary a more walkable city?

Calgary is a moderate city for its walkability. However, Glacier National Park is a mediocre park for its high level of walkability.

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

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 Calgary Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Glacier National Park or Calgary?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Glacier National Park or Calgary to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Glacier National Park than Calgary because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Glacier National Park, and 1-2 days is enough time in Calgary.

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

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

One day in Glacier National Park or Calgary?

In Glacier National Park, you'll find . Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This park offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

In Calgary, you'll find shopping and museums. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Calgary, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Glacier National Park or Calgary?

In Glacier National Park, you'll find . The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Glacier National Park has to offer.

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

Five days in Glacier National Park or Calgary?

Glacier National Park is a great place to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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.

Calgary is a fun place to experience. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Glacier National Park or Calgary?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Glacier National Park. Many people enjoy the when visiting Glacier National Park. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

You'll find shopping and museums around the authentic destination of Calgary. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. 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 Family-Friendly Tours to Canada, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Canada.

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

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 Calgary Expensive?.