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

Should you visit Saskatoon or Vancouver?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Saskatoon and Vancouver. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Saskatoon

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

Vancouver

Vancouver is a friendly, outdoorsy, and scenic city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. The beauty of Vancouver is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the food, hiking, and shopping. See Vancouver travel costs.

Saskatoon and Vancouver: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
  • Big city activities
  • Impressive beauty


Is there more to do in Saskatoon or Vancouver?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Vancouver than Saskatoon. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Vancouver is more touristy than Saskatoon and is popular for its beautiful setting, sweeping views, and welcoming atmosphere. It is also well known for Stanley Park. Saskatoon is famous for its agriculture and outdoor spaces.

How is Saskatoon different from Vancouver?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Saskatoon or Vancouver?

Saskatoon
Vancouver

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

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Vancouver are among the most recognizable in the world. 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Saskatoon. There are some museums and historical sites to check out such as Fort Battleford National Historic Site, Batoche National Historic Site, and the Saskatchewan Indigenous Cultural Centre.


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

Saskatoon
Vancouver

Vancouver is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Saskatoon is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Vancouver. 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.

Saskatoon is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There's a great food scene around town with diverse restaurants and cuisines to choose from. You can sample dim sum, Mexican, Middle Eastern, Indian, and many more.

Is Saskatoon or Vancouver Better for Nightlife?

Saskatoon
Vancouver

Vancouver is a well-known place for nightlife and partying. Also, Saskatoon is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its evening party scene.

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 Saskatoon. There are enough clubs and bars around town to keep things entertaining. Most cater to a younger crowd, but the vibe is fun and full of energy.

Is Saskatoon or Vancouver Better for Hiking?

Saskatoon
Vancouver

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

Vancouver is well-known for its hiking and trekking. 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.

Saskatoon is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Saskatoon or Vancouver?

Saskatoon
Vancouver

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

The abundance of shops in Vancouver make it a world-class shopping destination. 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.

Saskatoon has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. A number of brands have opened stores in the downtown area in recent years, so the shopping scene continues to grow and diversify.

Is Saskatoon or Vancouver More Beautiful?

Saskatoon
Vancouver

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

The beauty of Vancouver is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. It sits between the Pacific Ocean and high reaching mountains, so the city offers spectacular views.

Saskatoon is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Saskatoon or Vancouver Better for Families?

Saskatoon
Vancouver

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

Vancouver is a very kid-friendly city. 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.

Saskatoon is a family-friendly city. It's filled with indoor and outdoor play areas. Make sure you check out the Nutrien Wonderhub as well as the countless playgrounds around town.


Is Saskatoon or Vancouver Better for Couples?

Saskatoon
Vancouver

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

Vancouver is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. 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.

Saskatoon is a good city for couples to visit. There are plenty of evening activities like dining out at a nice restaurant or taking in a show at the Persephone Theatre.

Is Saskatoon or Vancouver Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Saskatoon
Vancouver

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

Vancouver is a great city to visit for backpackers. It's a favorite city for backpackers who enjoy the many outdoor activities. There are also many hostels available around town.

Saskatoon is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Most backpackers skip this town in favor of more popular destinations.

Is Saskatoon or Vancouver Better for Students?

Saskatoon
Vancouver

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

Many students visit Vancouver. The cities friendly personality and fun energy make it a great place to study.

Saskatoon is not popular with students.


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

Saskatoon
Vancouver

Vancouver is an unbeatable place for its public transit. However, Saskatoon is not a good city 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.

Public transit is mostly limited in Saskatoon. There is a bus system around town.

Is Saskatoon or Vancouver a more walkable city?

Saskatoon
Vancouver

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

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

Saskatoon is a somewhat walkable city. The downtown is walkable and easy to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Vancouver or Saskatoon?

How long in Saskatoon or Vancouver?

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

Families should spend more time in Vancouver than Saskatoon. 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 Saskatoon. 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 Saskatoon 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.


  • How many days in Saskatoon or Vancouver? Ideal Length of Stay
    Saskatoon 1-3 
    Vancouver 3-5

One day in Saskatoon or Vancouver?

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

People visit Vancouver because there is so much to do. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.


A weekend in Saskatoon or Vancouver?

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

People visit Vancouver because there is so much to do. Hikers are also drawn to this area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Saskatoon or Vancouver?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the cultural city of Saskatoon. 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.

People visit Vancouver because there is so much to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

A week in Saskatoon or Vancouver?

Saskatoon 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 popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Canada, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Canada, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Canada, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Canada.


Which place is cheaper, Vancouver or Saskatoon?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Saskatoon Prices
    Canada Prices
    Vancouver Prices
    Canada Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Saskatoon $150
    Vancouver $166

The average daily cost (per person) in Saskatoon is $150, while the average daily cost in Vancouver is $166. 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 Saskatoon and Vancouver in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Saskatoon $54
    Vancouver $87
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Saskatoon $108
    Vancouver $174
Compare Hotels in Saskatoon and Vancouver

Looking for a hotel in Saskatoon or Vancouver? 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 Saskatoon


Hotels in Vancouver


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: Saskatoon Hotel Prices and Vancouver Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Saskatoon $32
    Vancouver $15

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Vancouver

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Vancouver are as follows:


  • SkyTrain from Airport
    $6.39
  • Taxi from Airport to Downtown
    $21
  • 15 min Taxi Ride
    $8.76
  • SkyTrain DayPass
    $6.57

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Vancouver

Also for Vancouver, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Vancouver Airport Transfer to Vancouver/Whistler (Special Offer): $27
  • Bus Transfer from/to Whistler: $27
  • Bus Transfer from/to Squamish: $27
  • Private Airport Transfer Vancouver (YVR) to Downtown: $52
  • YVR Airport: Private Airport Transfer to/from Vancouver: $53
  • Vancouver hotel/address to Vancouver Airport (YVR) - Departure Private Transfer: $60
  • Private Transfer – To or From - Airport, Downtown, Cruise Harbour: $63
  • City Highlights Tour with Hotel Transfers: $64
  • Private Transfer - Canada Place Cruise Terminal: $74
  • Vancouver to Victoria: Ferry with Bus Transfer: $77
  • Private Airport Transfer to Vancouver Downtown and Canada Harbour: $90
  • Vancouver to Victoria - Vancouver Airport (YVR) Pickup - Coach Bus Transfer: $93

Is it cheaper to fly into Saskatoon or Vancouver?

Prices for flights to both Vancouver and Saskatoon 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
    Saskatoon $55
    Vancouver $54

Typical Food Prices in Vancouver

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Vancouver:


  • All You Can Eat Sushi Lunch
    $8.85

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Vancouver

For Vancouver, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Vancouver Delicious Donut Adventure & Walking Food Tour: $75
  • Vancouver Street Food Tour in Mount Pleasant Neighborhood: $75
  • Mt Pleasant Food Tour from Vancouver: $83
  • Experience Gastown Vancouver's Elite Walking Food Tour: $84
  • A Wok Around Food Tour of the Granville Island Public Market: $85
  • Experience Gastown Vancouver's Elite Walking Food Tour: $86
  • Vancouver Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $97
  • Gastown Historic Walking Food Tour: $117
  • Granville Island Market VIP Walking Food Tour : $117
  • Private Granville Island Vancouver's Elite Walking Food Tour: $135
  • Private Experience Gastown Vancouver's Elite Walking Food Tour: $139
  • Downtown Asian Eats Walking Food Tour: $140

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Saskatoon $17
    Vancouver $36

Tours and Activities in Saskatoon

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

  • Donna Birkmaier Park Birding and Walking Tour: $63

Tours and Activities in Vancouver

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Vancouver.

  • Stanley Park Self Guided Bike Tour: $3.67
  • Gratuity Based Walking Tour in Stanley Park: $4.00
  • Stanley Park Self Guided Bike Tour: $4.52
  • Self-Guided Smartphone Walking Tour of Gastown: $4.78
  • Granville Island Lost LP Self Guided Quest and Walking Adventure: $5.41
  • Stanley Park Bike Adventure with Lux Car Pick Up Affordable Easy: $6.50
  • Walking Tour Along Stanley Park's Seawall: $6.77
  • Bloedel Conservatory Admission Ticket: $7.12
  • Self-Guided Smartphone Tour of Stanley Park: $7.35
  • Vancouver Downtown Smartphone Guided Walking Tour : $7.75
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in North Vancouver by Wacky Walks: $11
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Vancouver by Crazy Dash: $11

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Saskatoon $9.66
    Vancouver $16

Sample the Local Flavors in Vancouver

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Vancouver:

  • Gastown Pub Crawl: $22
  • Gastown Pub Crawl: $26
  • Vancouver Craft Brewery Neighbourhood Walking Tour: $67
  • North Vancouver Elite Walking Brewery Tour: $83
  • 3.5-Hour Craft Brewery Tour: $88
  • Vancouver Craft Brewery Tour Led by a Local: $90
  • Vancouver Craft Brewery Tour: $90
  • Vancouver Behind-the-Scenes Brewery Tour: $94
  • From Fraser Valley Wine Tour with Local Tastings: $132
  • From Half-Day Fraser Valley Wine Tour: $139
  • Fraser Valley Wine Tour with Tastings: $165
  • Stawamus Chief Hike and Local Brewery Tasting: $173


When comparing the travel costs between Saskatoon and Vancouver, we can see that Vancouver is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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


Which is Bigger, Saskatoon or Vancouver?

Vancouver has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Saskatoon. When comparing the sizes of Saskatoon 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.