A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Baltimore vs. Jasper National Park for Backpackers, Attractions, Food, and Families

Should you visit Baltimore or Jasper National Park?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Baltimore and Jasper National Park can help you decide which place is right for you.

Baltimore

Baltimore is a colorful, historic, and vibrant city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Baltimore travel costs.

Jasper National Park

Jasper National Park is a breathtaking, adventure-filled, and stunning national park. The famous beauty of Jasper National Park is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the hiking. See Jasper National Park travel costs.

Baltimore and Jasper National Park: Pros and Cons

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


Is there more to do in Baltimore or Jasper National Park?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Baltimore. Although Baltimore and Jasper National Park are popular destinations, Baltimore has more sights and attractions for tourists. Baltimore is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Jasper National Park attracts visitors for its hiking and impressive beauty. Baltimore is famous for the Inner Harbor and its many water based activities. It is also well known for the National Aquarium. Jasper National Park is famous for its wildlife and pristine natural beauty

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

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

Baltimore
Jasper National Park

Baltimore is well known for its museums and landmarks. However, Jasper National Park is not particularly known for its historical sights.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Baltimore can be an interesting and educational experience. The city is known for its historic ships that are found in the Inner Harbor. There are many other museums around town as well like the American Visionary Art Museum, the Reginald F. Lewis Museum, and the Baltimore Museum of Art. Many days can be filled exploring the many art, history, or science museums in the area.

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 Baltimore or Jasper National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Baltimore
Jasper National Park

Baltimore is well known for its restaurant scene. However, Jasper National Park is not particularly known for its local flavors and cuisine.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Baltimore makes for a great culinary experience. The city's location near the Chesapeake Bay means that there are many great local seafood dishes. Blue crab is a regional favorite and is often served as crab soup, crab dip, or crab cakes. You'll find many famous restaurants in the Inner Harbor, but if you want something more local you should check out Little Italy or Fells Point.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Jasper National Park. There are several decent restaurants and bistros near or in the park. Many are connected to lodges and some offer great views.

Is Baltimore or Jasper National Park Better for Nightlife?

Baltimore
Jasper National Park

Baltimore is well known for nightlife. However, Jasper National Park is not particularly known for nightlife and partying.

Baltimore is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. It's a vibrant city with many night time activities like breweries, night clubs, and cocktail bars. There's even outside the box activities like ballroom dancing or arcade bars.

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 Baltimore or Jasper National Park Better for Hiking?

Baltimore
Jasper National Park

Jasper National Park is a world-class destination for its hiking experiences. However, Baltimore is not a hiking destination.

Many people visit Jasper National Park specifically for its hiking. 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.

Baltimore is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Baltimore or Jasper National Park?

Baltimore
Jasper National Park

Baltimore is well known for shopping. However, Jasper National Park is not particularly known for its shopping opportunities.

Baltimore is an extremely popular place for shoppers. Shopping is a great way to experience the different neighborhoods around town. For high end shopping head to Harbor East. For a bit more history check out Federal Hill. Hampden is known for its quirky style and Fell's Point is particularly popular with tourists.

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 Baltimore or Jasper National Park More Beautiful?

Baltimore
Jasper National Park

Jasper National Park is a world-class destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Baltimore is not a destination known for its beauty.

The famous beauty of Jasper National Park is one of the main draws. The Canadian Rockies create a stunning backdrop for this beautiful and vast national park.

Baltimore is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Baltimore or Jasper National Park Better for Families?

Baltimore
Jasper National Park

You'll find excellent kid-friendly activities in either Baltimore or Jasper National Park.

Baltimore is a very kid-friendly city. The National Aquarium is a highlight for many families. It's an impressive aquarium with dolphins, sharks, puffins, and fish. Also in town is the Port Discovery Children’s Museum which has many interactive exhibits. The Maryland Science Center, the Maryland Zoo, and the many historic ships in the harbor also offer educational opportunities for kids. For something a bit different, check out Urban Pirates in the Inner Harbor.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Jasper National Park. 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 Baltimore or Jasper National Park Better for Couples?

Baltimore
Jasper National Park

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

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

Baltimore is a good city for couples to visit. Most visitors spend the majority of their time around the Inner Harbor. There are restaurants and romantic hotels that are perfect for couples. The city also has many entertainment options and other activities that make for a great date night.

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

Baltimore
Jasper National Park

Jasper National Park is a world-class destination for backpackers. Also, Baltimore 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 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Baltimore. There are a couple of hostels around town, but most international travelers overlook this city.

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

Baltimore
Jasper National Park

Baltimore is well known for its public transit. However, Jasper National Park is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

Visitors to Baltimore can move around easily with public transportation. There are water taxis and a free downtown bus service that's called the Charm City Circulator. MTA also operates a metro and a light rail system.

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 Baltimore or Jasper National Park a more walkable city?

Baltimore
Jasper National Park

Baltimore is well known for its walkability. However, Jasper National Park is not particularly known for its high level of walkability.

Baltimore is very walkable. The downtown area is the most walkable part of the city. In particular, the Inner Harbor and Fells Point are particularly 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 Baltimore Worth Visiting? and Is Jasper National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Jasper National Park or Baltimore?

How long in Baltimore or Jasper National Park?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Baltimore than Jasper 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 Baltimore.


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

One day in Baltimore or Jasper National Park?

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Baltimore. 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.

You'll find around the national park of Jasper National Park. 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 Baltimore or Jasper National Park?

Baltimore is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. 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.

You'll find around the breathtaking destination of Jasper National Park. Hikers are also drawn to this area. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this national park has to offer. This national park offers a variety of activities to choose from.


Five days in Baltimore or Jasper National Park?

Many people visit Baltimore for five days. You'll find museums and nightlife around the city of Baltimore. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

You'll find around the stunning national park of Jasper National Park. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this national park makes for a great vacation. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Most people head to the area for the hiking. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this national park has to offer.

A week in Baltimore or Jasper National Park?

The historic destination of Baltimore offers nightlife and food. 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.

Jasper National Park 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 Bicycle Tours in United States of America, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America, The Best Luxury Tours to Canada, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Canada.


Which place is cheaper, Jasper National Park or Baltimore?

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

  • Baltimore Prices
    USA Prices
    Jasper National Park Prices
    Canada Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Baltimore $217
    Jasper National Park $99

The average daily cost (per person) in Baltimore is $217, while the average daily cost in Jasper National Park is $99. 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 Baltimore and Jasper National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Baltimore $93
    Jasper National Park $45
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Baltimore $186
    Jasper National Park $90
Compare Hotels in Baltimore and Jasper National Park

Looking for a hotel in Baltimore 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 Baltimore


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: Baltimore Hotel Prices and Jasper National Park Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Baltimore $21
    Jasper National Park $19

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Baltimore

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Baltimore:

  • Airport Transfer BWI Airport to Baltimore Downtown Area Only: $160
  • Airport Transfer Baltimore/Washington International Airport BWI to Baltimore, MD: $245
  • Airport Transfer Downtown Baltimore to BWI Airport: $160
  • Airport transfer to or from Silver Spring, MD and Dulles Airport: $275
  • Arrival Private Transfer: Baltimore Airport BWI to Washington in Luxury Van: $206
  • Baltimore City to Washington City - Private Transfer: $172
  • Departure Private Transfer Baltimore to Baltimore Airport BWI: $114
  • Oakland Airport (OAK) to Oakland hotel or address - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $153
  • Oakland Airport (OAK) to San Francisco - Round-Trip Private Car Transfer: $153
  • Oakland Airport (OAK) to San Francisco hotel/address - Private Arrival Transfer: $76
  • Private Airport Transfer from Baltimore to DCA or vice versa: $300
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Baltimore Washington Airport BWI: $60

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Jasper National Park

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


  • Park Pass
    $14

Is it cheaper to fly into Baltimore or Jasper National Park?

Prices for flights to both Jasper National Park and Baltimore 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
    Baltimore $79
    Jasper National Park $40
Typical Food Prices in Baltimore

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Baltimore:


  • Seafood Dinner (for 2) in Fells Point
    $76

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Baltimore

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

  • Pasta Making Cooking Class at a Local Brewery in Baltimore: $75
  • Ravioli Making Cooking Class at a Local Brewery in Baltimore: $75
  • Thai Curry Cooking Class with Local Chef in Baltimore: $75
  • Pasta Making Cooking Classes at a Local Brewery: $75
  • Fells Point Food Tour in Baltimore: $78
  • City Cruises Signature Dinner Cruise: $125

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: $119

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Baltimore $18
    Jasper National Park $7.75

Tours and Activities in Baltimore

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

  • Baltimore Downtown Poe Ruth and More GPS Self Guided Walking Tour: $9.75
  • Baltimore Scavenger Hunt Experience by Operation City Quest: $10
  • Baltimore Walking & Driving Self-Guided Audio Tour: $17
  • Baltimore Monuments Walking Tour: $20
  • Baltimore's Cruise ship Tour-shuttle service: $25
  • Baltimore Bewitched: Raven's Revenge, Bones & Ballads Ghost Tour: $26
  • The Original Fells Point Ghost Walk by Baltimore Ghost Tours: $26
  • City Cruises Baltimore Harbor Tour: $30
  • Assateague Island Cruise Departs from Ocean Pines: $40
  • Glow in the Dark Splatter Paint Experience : $40
  • NEON Starry Night Sip and Paint Experience : $40
  • North Beach Historic - Guided Walking Tour: $41

Tours and Activities in Jasper National Park

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

  • Jasper National Park Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $13
  • Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Jasper National Park: $14
  • Icefields Parkway Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $17
  • Canadian Rockies Self-Guided Driving & Walking Audio Tour Bundle: $50
  • From Jasper: Jasper National Park Wildlife Discovery Tour: $62
  • Secrets of Jasper Snowshoe Tour: $62
  • Jasper Evening Wildlife Tour: $63
  • Morning Jasper National Park Wildlife Tour: $64
  • Winter Wildlife Discovery Tour: $66
  • Jasper National Park Tour Maligne Valley, Medicine Lake with Walk: $67
  • Jasper National Park Tour: Maligne Valley, Medicine Lake and Spirit Island: $67
  • Planetarium and Telescope Combo Tour : $67

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Baltimore $17
    Jasper National Park $11

Sample the Local Flavors in Baltimore

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

  • Baltimore Boos & Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $29
  • Original Fells Point Haunted Pub Tour by Baltimore Ghost Tours: $29
  • Enchanted Full Day Napa & Sonoma Wine Tour from Oakland: $285


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