A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Atlantic City vs. Banff for Nightlife, Couples, Food, and Families

Should you visit Atlantic City or Banff?

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 Atlantic City and Banff. 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.

Atlantic City

Atlantic City is a glitzy, flashy, and party-oriented city. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and beaches. See Atlantic City travel costs.

Banff

Banff is a sporty, adventurous, and scenic town. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. Banff is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, food, and hiking. See Banff travel costs.

Atlantic City and Banff: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Atlantic City or Banff?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Banff. Although Atlantic City and Banff are popular destinations, Banff has more sights and attractions for tourists. Banff is very popular for its skiing, food, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Atlantic City attracts visitors for its museums and attractions, nightlife, resorts, and beaches. Atlantic City is more touristy than Banff and is known for its casinos, gambling culture, nightlife scene, and wild personality Banff is famous for its stunning beauty, pristine nature, and nearby lakes. It is also well known for Lake Louise.

How is Atlantic City different from Banff?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Atlantic City or Banff Better for Skiing?

Banff is a world-class destination for winter skiing. However, Atlantic City is not a skiing destination.

Banff is a top destination for snow skiing, and it attracts visitors from around the world. 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.

Atlantic City is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Atlantic City or Banff?

Atlantic City is a moderate city for its sights and museums. However, Banff does not have museums and landmarks.

Atlantic City offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. While most people don't spend their time in museums, there is the Marine Mammal Stranding Center, the African American Heritage Museum, and the Noyes Museum Galleries.

Banff does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Atlantic City or Banff? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Banff is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Atlantic City is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

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.

Atlantic City has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There are budget buffets around town as well as seafood restaurants and even some fine dining. Salt water taffy is a local specialty that you should pick up while you're in the area.

Is Atlantic City or Banff Better for Nightlife?

Atlantic City is an unbeatable place for nightlife and partying. Also, Banff is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its evening party scene.

The nightlife in Atlantic City is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. This is a city that is all about its nightlife scene. Many visitors come here just to party, and you'll find clubs with DJs or bands playing from sunset to sunrise. There are glitzy lounges and dive bars with everything in between. As a gambling town, there are casinos and all-night activities that keep the energy going round the clock.

Banff has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. 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.

Is Atlantic City or Banff Better for Resorts?

Atlantic City is notable for its resorts. However, Banff is not a resort destination.

Atlantic City is known as a popular and fun resort destination. The beach and boardwalk are lined with casinos and resorts. There are many recognizable names such as Harrah's, Bally's, Caesars, Hard Rock, and the Tropicana.

Banff is not a resort destination.

Is Atlantic City or Banff Better for Beaches?

Atlantic City is a popular place for the beach. However, Banff is not a beach destination.

Atlantic City is a good option for a beach vacation. There's a Boardwalk that runs along the beach and is lined with piers and hotels. The Downtown Beach is the most accessible, and where most tourists hang out. If you're willing to travel a little further, there are some nice beaches nearby such as Margate Beach and Brigantine Beach.

Banff is not a beach destination.

Is Atlantic City or Banff Better for Hiking?

Banff is a world-class destination for its hiking experiences. However, Atlantic City is not a hiking destination.

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

Atlantic City is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Atlantic City or Banff?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Banff and Atlantic City.

Atlantic City is a great destination for shopping. You'll find many souvenir shops along the boardwalk. There's also a Tangier Outlet Mall in the area. Some of the hotels such as the Tropicana have their own shopping areas as well.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Banff. There are tons of downtown shops that sell local items, art, sports gear, or clothing.

Is Atlantic City or Banff More Beautiful?

Banff is well known for its scenery and beauty. However, Atlantic City is not a destination known for its beauty.

Banff is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. The dramatic Rocky Mountains and stunning natural beauty make this an iconic and beautiful destination.

Atlantic City is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Atlantic City or Banff Better for Families?

Banff is well known for its family-friendly activities. However, Atlantic City is not particularly known 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.

For families, Atlantic City is not always the best place to visit. Most families avoid this area for more family-friendly beaches, but if you find yourself in the area, you can check out Ripley's Believe It or Not or go on a dolphin cruise. Also popular is Steel Pier, which has rides for all ages.

Is Atlantic City or Banff Better for Couples?

Banff is a world-class destination for romance. Also, Atlantic City is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

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

Atlantic City makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's not exactly known for its romance, but there are casinos, hotels, and a beaches that are fun to visit. You'll also find several spas and sunset cruises in the area.

Is Atlantic City or Banff Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Banff is well known for backpackers. Also, Atlantic City is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Banff. There are a couple of hostels around town and plenty of natural beauty that appeals to backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Atlantic City. There is a hostel in the area. You'll also find a younger crowd and plenty of partying.

Is Atlantic City or Banff Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Atlantic City and Banff.

You'll find some public transit in Atlantic City, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The Jitney are shuttle buses that runs from one end of the city to the other. They pass by most of the hotels and casinos along Pacific Avenue.

While Banff offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's a bus system, Roam, that connects the towns of Canmore, Banff, and Lake Louise.

Is Atlantic City or Banff a more walkable city?

Atlantic City and Banff both are superb when exploring on foot.

Atlantic City is very walkable. Many of the hotels are walkable and located near the boardwalk.

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

For even more information, also check out Is Atlantic City Worth Visiting? and Is Banff Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Banff or Atlantic City?

How long in Atlantic City or Banff?

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

Families should spend more time in Banff than Atlantic City. 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 Atlantic City. 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 Atlantic City 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 Atlantic City or Banff?

In Atlantic City, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this colorful destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Lots of people come for the nightlife. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

Even though Banff is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Atlantic City or Banff?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Atlantic City. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. 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. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Atlantic City or Banff?

Atlantic City is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Atlantic City. Lots of people come for the nightlife. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Banff is a small town with plenty to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This town 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 Atlantic City or Banff?

You'll find nightlife and food around the flashy destination of Atlantic City. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the nightlife. 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. 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 Wildlife Tours to United States of America, The Best Hiking & Trekking 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 Atlantic City and Banff, we can see that Atlantic City 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 Atlantic City would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Atlantic City 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 Atlantic City Expensive? and Is Banff Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Atlantic City or Banff?

Atlantic City has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Banff. When comparing the sizes of Atlantic City and Banff, 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.