A Travel Price Comparison for Canada Niagara Falls vs. Jasper National Park for Hiking, Families, Backpackers, and Couples

Should you visit Niagara Falls or Jasper National Park?

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

Should I visit Niagara Falls or Jasper National Park? 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.

Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls is a iconic, breathtaking, and impressive city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for hiking, shopping, and nightlife.

Jasper National Park

Jasper National Park is a breathtaking, adventure-filled, and stunning national park. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the food and hiking.

Niagara Falls and Jasper National Park: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to Icefields Parkway
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Niagara Falls or Jasper National Park?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Niagara Falls. Although Niagara Falls and Jasper National Park are popular destinations, Niagara Falls has more sights and attractions for tourists. Niagara Falls is very popular for its nightlife and shopping, while Jasper National Park attracts visitors for its hiking and impressive beauty. Niagara Falls is more touristy than Jasper National Park and is known for the large volume of water that flows over it. It is also well known for the Journey Behind the Falls. Jasper National Park is famous for its wildlife and pristine natural beauty

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

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

Niagara Falls
Jasper National Park

Plenty of people visit the reasonable sights and museums in both Niagara Falls and Jasper National Park.

Niagara Falls offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. The Niagara Falls History Museum is one of the best museums in the area. There are also more touristy museums and attractions that you can visit as well. There's also a butterfly conservancy that is worth checking out.

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 Niagara Falls or Jasper National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Niagara Falls
Jasper National Park

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Niagara Falls and Jasper National Park can be difficult as they are each nice in their own way.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Niagara Falls. It's an iconic Canadian destination so, of course, you should try all things Canadian while you're in town. Maple syrup, poutine, butter tart, and beavertail (fried dough) are all things that should be on your list. Also make sure you sample some of the local game meat.

Jasper National Park is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There are several decent restaurants and bistros near or in the park. Many are connected to lodges and some offer great views.

Is Niagara Falls or Jasper National Park Better for Nightlife?

Niagara Falls
Jasper National Park

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

Niagara Falls has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There's a decent concentration of clubs, pubs, and bars around town that keep things fun late into the evening.

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 Niagara Falls or Jasper National Park Better for Hiking?

Niagara Falls
Jasper National Park

Jasper National Park is an amazing national park to visit for the nearby hiking options. Also, Niagara Falls is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its hiking trails.

People visit Jasper National Park specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. 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.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Niagara Falls. The nearby area is filled with hiking trails that let you escape into nature and enjoy impressive views.


Is the Shopping Better in Niagara Falls or Jasper National Park?

Niagara Falls
Jasper National Park

Niagara Falls is a nice place to visit for shopping. However, Jasper National Park is not particularly known for its shopping opportunities.

Niagara Falls is a great destination for shopping. You'll find touristy souvenir shops as well as outlets and malls nearby.

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 Niagara Falls or Jasper National Park Better for Families?

Niagara Falls
Jasper National Park

Niagara Falls is terrific for its family-friendly activities. Also, Jasper National Park is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Niagara Falls is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. The views and setting are spectacular, and kids will love the boat tours or taking a ride on the Whirlpool Aero Car. There's also an indoor waterpark, a butterfly conservatory, and plenty of nature to explore.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Jasper National Park is very family-friendly. 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.

Is Niagara Falls or Jasper National Park Better for Couples?

Niagara Falls
Jasper National Park

With fun activities for couples, both Niagara Falls and Jasper National Park make for a very good place to visit.

Niagara Falls is a very popular place to visit for couples. The setting has long brought to mind romance, and to this day couples still honeymoon at this iconic destination. There are boat tours, nature trails, luxury hotels, and even wineries to explore.

Jasper National Park makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.


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

Niagara Falls
Jasper National Park

Jasper National Park is an amazing national park to visit for backpackers. Also, Niagara Falls is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Jasper National Park. 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.

Niagara Falls is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There's a hostel or two where you can stay for cheap and meet other travelers.

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

Niagara Falls
Jasper National Park

Niagara Falls 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 Niagara Falls, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is a bus system through town.

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 Niagara Falls or Jasper National Park a more walkable city?

Niagara Falls
Jasper National Park

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

Niagara Falls is somewhat walkable. Most of the attractions and close together by the falls, so it's relatively 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 Niagara Falls Worth Visiting? and Is Jasper National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Jasper National Park or Niagara Falls?

How long in Niagara Falls or Jasper National Park?

In either Niagara Falls 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 Niagara Falls because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Niagara Falls, and 2-5 days is enough time in Jasper National Park.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Jasper National Park than Niagara Falls 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 Jasper National Park.


  • How many days in Niagara Falls or Jasper National Park? Ideal Length of Stay
    Niagara Falls 2-3 
    Jasper National Park 2-5

One day in Niagara Falls or Jasper National Park?

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the beautiful destination of Niagara Falls. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

Many travelers enjoy the food when visiting the breathtaking destination of Jasper National Park. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Niagara Falls or Jasper National Park?

Niagara Falls is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Jasper National Park. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Five days in Niagara Falls or Jasper National Park?

Many people visit Niagara Falls for five days. You'll find shopping and nightlife around the beautiful city of Niagara Falls. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the food when visiting the breathtaking destination of Jasper National Park. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This national park offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. Five days is usually enough time to experience most activities.


A week in Niagara Falls or Jasper National Park?

The breathtaking destination of Niagara Falls offers nightlife and food. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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.

You'll find food around the beautiful national park of Jasper National Park. 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. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Canada, The Best Contiki Tours to Canada, The Best G Adventures Tours to Canada, and The Best 3-Day Tours from Vancouver.


Which place is cheaper, Jasper National Park or Niagara Falls?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Niagara Falls is $127, while the average daily cost in Jasper National Park is $84. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Niagara Falls and Jasper National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Niagara Falls $75
    Jasper National Park $45
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Niagara Falls $150
    Jasper National Park $90
Compare Hotels in Niagara Falls and Jasper National Park

Looking for a hotel in Niagara Falls or Jasper National Park? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Niagara Falls


Hotels in Jasper National Park


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Niagara Falls Hotel Prices and Jasper National Park Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Niagara Falls $16
    Jasper National Park $20

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Niagara Falls

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Niagara Falls:

  • Private Departure Transfer to Buffalo Airport (BUF): $104
  • Private Transfer: Niagara Falls, ON to Pearson Int’l Airport (YYZ): $134
  • Buffalo Niagara Airport (BUF) to Buffalo - Arrival Private Transfer: $43
  • Buffalo Niagara Airport (BUF) to Buffalo - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $85
  • Buffalo Niagara Airport to Holiday Valley - Round-Trip Transfer: $267
  • Buffalo Niagara Airport(BUF) to Holiday Valley - Arrival Transfer: $134
  • Buffalo Niagara International Airport BUF Private Transfer: $200
  • Buffalo to Buffalo Niagara Airport (BUF) - Departure Private Transfer: $43
  • Departure Private Transfer: Niagara Falls to Toronto Airport YYZ in Luxury SUV: $200
  • Fixed Price :- Private Transfers Niagara falls Hotel OR Pearson Toronto Airport : $281
  • Niagara Buffalo Airport Arrival: Private Transfer to Niagara Falls Ontario: $102
  • Niagara Buffalo Airport Departure: Private Transfer to Buffalo Niagara Airport: $102

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Jasper National Park

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Jasper National Park are as follows:


  • Park Pass
    $14

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Jasper National Park

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Jasper National Park:

  • Jasper Thermal Resorts to Calgary Airport YYC Departure Transfer: $173

Is it cheaper to fly into Niagara Falls or Jasper National Park?

Prices for flights to both Jasper National Park and Niagara Falls change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Niagara Falls $32
    Jasper National Park $24

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Niagara Falls

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Niagara Falls.

  • Toronto: Niagara Falls Tour with Cruise and Dinner Options: $67
  • Small-Group Buffalo Walking Food Tour: $75
  • The Wing Ride: The Hidden History of Chicken Wings Food Tour: $105
  • Niagara Falls Hotels: Tour with Boat, Dinner and Lights Show: $106
  • Walking Food Tour in St. Catharines: $108
  • Niagara Falls Sightseeing Tour with Lunch or Dinner: $130
  • Guided Night Tour w/ Dinner & Hotel Transfer: $134
  • Food Tour with Fireworks Viewing: $141
  • Niagara-on-the-Lake: Sunset Wine Tour with Dinner: $164
  • Night Tour w/ 3 Course Dinner & Light Show: $186
  • Night on Niagara Walking Tour with Fireworks Cruise + Dinner: $189
  • Niagara Wine Tasting and three courses Dinner: $193

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Jasper National Park

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Jasper National Park.

  • Half-Day Jasper Culture Food Tour: $106
  • Peak Nic - A hike and an outdoor cooking lesson: $119
  • 4-Hours E-Bike Food Tour : $200

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Niagara Falls $20
    Jasper National Park $7.90
Typical Entertainment Prices in Niagara Falls

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Niagara Falls are as follows:


  • Maid of the Mist
    $38

Tours and Activities in Niagara Falls

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Niagara Falls are as follows:

  • Visit Niagara Falls with bus ticket from/to Hamilton Airport: $3.62
  • Niagara Peninsula Smartphone Audio Driving Tour: $6.17
  • Niagara Falls, Canada: Niagara Adventure Theater: $11
  • Niagara Falls, Canada: Skylon Tower Observation Deck Ticket: $12
  • Niagara Falls, Canada: Niagara SkyWheel Ticket: $12
  • Niagara SkyWheel Admission Ticket: $13
  • Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site Admission and Guided Tour: $13
  • Niagara Falls Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour from Toronto: $14
  • Niagara Falls USA Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour: $15
  • Epic Niagara Falls Canada Driving Tour: $15
  • Niagara Falls, Canada: White Water Walk Entry Ticket: $16
  • Niagara Falls, Canada: Journey Behind the Falls Entry Ticket: $16

Tours and Activities in Jasper National Park

Here are a few actual costs in Jasper National Park for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Jasper National Park: $17
  • Icefields Parkway Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $17
  • Live Theater Show Ticket 'From Jasper with love': $24
  • Planetarium and Telescope Combo Tour : $54
  • From Jasper: Jasper National Park Wildlife Discovery Tour: $59
  • Maligne Canyon Hiking Tour: $60
  • Jasper Evening Wildlife Tour: $63
  • Morning Jasper National Park Wildlife Tour: $63
  • Jasper National Park Tour: Maligne Valley, Medicine Lake and Spirit Island: $64
  • Winter Wildlife Discovery Tour: $64
  • Jasper Wildlife and Waterfalls Tour with Maligne Lake Hike: $71
  • 1-Hour Guided Group Fat Bike Tour: $82

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Niagara Falls $12
    Jasper National Park $12

Sample the Local Flavors in Niagara Falls

Also in Niagara Falls, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Public Niagara Wine Tour with Transportation: $58
  • Niagara Wine Tour and Tastings with Included Transportation : $65
  • Small Group Niagara-on-the-Lake Wine Tasting Tour: $96
  • 3.5 Hours NOTL E-Bike Wine Tour: $111
  • Half Day Wine & Cheese Tour - Niagara On The Lake Wine Tour: $119
  • Niagara Craft Brewery Tour Niagara Falls: $123
  • Niagara All American All inclusive Boutique Wine Tour : $139
  • Full-Day Group Wine Tour (with cheese and charcuterie) in Niagara-on-the-Lake: $144
  • Relaxing three courses Lunch & Wine Tour through Niagara's Wine Country: $148
  • Niagara County Wine Tour and Tasting: $149
  • Luxury Buffalo Brewery Tour: $149
  • Guided Wine Tour on Electric Bike in Niagara-on-the-Lake, St David's Bench: $156


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Niagara Falls and Jasper National Park, we can see that Niagara Falls 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 Niagara Falls would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Niagara Falls 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 Niagara Falls Expensive? and Is Jasper National Park Expensive?.