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

Should you visit Bangor or Jasper National Park?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Bangor and Jasper National Park can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Bangor

Bangor is a laid back, welcoming, and friendly town. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. It's also known for food, shopping, and museums. See Bangor travel costs.

Jasper National Park

Jasper National Park is a adventure-filled, stunning, and breathtaking national park. You'll find world class beauty in Jasper National Park as well. Other popular activities here include hiking. See Jasper National Park travel costs.

Bangor and Jasper National Park: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Family-friendly
  • Very walkable
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples
  • 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 walkable


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

Visitors will usually find more to do in Jasper National Park than Bangor, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Jasper National Park is better known for its hiking and impressive beauty, while Bangor is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, shopping, and small town charm. Jasper National Park is more touristy than Bangor and is known for its wildlife and pristine natural beauty Also, Jasper National Park is famous for Icefields Parkway. Bangor is well known for its history as a lumber town.

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

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

Bangor
Jasper National Park

Bangor is a nice place to visit for its museums and landmarks. However, Jasper National Park is not particularly known for its historical sights.

Bangor is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are a couple of museums around town that focus on culture and daily life in Maine.

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

Bangor
Jasper National Park

Bangor is a nice place to visit for its restaurant scene. However, Jasper National Park is not particularly known for its local flavors and cuisine.

Bangor offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. For a small town, there are a range of dining options in the area such as seafood, international cuisine, and quick eats.

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 Bangor or Jasper National Park Better for Nightlife?

Bangor
Jasper National Park

Bangor is a town with a few options for nightlife. However, Jasper National Park is not particularly known for nightlife and partying.

Bangor is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. There are breweries and bars with laid back vibes and a casual atmosphere.

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 Bangor or Jasper National Park Better for Hiking?

Bangor
Jasper National Park

Jasper National Park is an amazing national park to visit for the nearby hiking options. However, Bangor is not a hiking destination.

Around Jasper National Park visitors will find world-class hiking trails. 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.

Bangor is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Bangor or Jasper National Park?

Bangor
Jasper National Park

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

Bangor is a great destination for shopping. Head downtown for the widest selection of locally own shops and boutiques.

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 Bangor or Jasper National Park More Beautiful?

Bangor
Jasper National Park

Jasper National Park is an amazing national park to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Bangor is not a destination known for its beauty.

You'll find world class beauty in Jasper National Park as well. The Canadian Rockies create a stunning backdrop for this beautiful and vast national park.

Bangor is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Bangor or Jasper National Park Better for Families?

Bangor
Jasper National Park

Jasper National Park is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Bangor is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Jasper National Park is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Bangor is a family-friendly town. You'll find a number of parks and walking trails nearby. There's also fruit picking and playgrounds to explore.


Is Bangor or Jasper National Park Better for Couples?

Bangor
Jasper National Park

Jasper National Park is a well-known place for couples. However, Bangor is not a good town for romance.

Jasper National Park is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

Bangor is not the best destination for a couple to visit. There are local restaurants and several museums in town that couples will enjoy.

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

Bangor
Jasper National Park

Jasper National Park is an amazing national park to visit for backpackers. However, Bangor is not a good town for backpackers and budget travelers.

Jasper National Park is a very popular national park to visit for backpackers. 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.

Bangor is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Budget accommodation is available, but most backpackers don't think the visit here.

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

Bangor
Jasper National Park

Bangor is a town with a few options for its public transit. However, Jasper National Park is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit is generally limited in Bangor. There's a bus system, but visitors usually use their own car to get around.

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 Bangor or Jasper National Park a more walkable city?

Bangor
Jasper National Park

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

Bangor is somewhat walkable. The downtown is compact and easy to explore on foot.

Jasper National Park is not a very walkable town. The park is large, and a vehicle is necessary to reach most trailheads.

For even more information, also check out Is Bangor Worth Visiting? and Is Jasper National Park Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Bangor or Jasper National Park?

In either Bangor 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 Bangor because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Bangor, and 2-5 days is enough time in Jasper National Park.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Bangor 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 Bangor.


  • How many days in Bangor or Jasper National Park? Ideal Length of Stay
    Bangor 1-2 
    Jasper National Park 2-5

One day in Bangor or Jasper National Park?

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Bangor. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Bangor has to offer.

Many travelers enjoy the when visiting the destination of Jasper National Park. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Bangor or Jasper National Park?

Bangor 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 town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Jasper National Park is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.


Five days in Bangor or Jasper National Park?

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

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Jasper National Park. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Bangor or Jasper National Park?

The welcoming destination of Bangor offers food and shopping. 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.

Travelers enjoy the when visiting the adventure-filled destination of Jasper National Park. This national park offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Walking Tours in United States of America, The Best Northern Lights Tours in Alaska, The Best Luxury Tours to Canada, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Canada.


Which place is cheaper, Jasper National Park or Bangor?

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

  • Bangor Prices
    USA Prices
    Jasper National Park Prices
    Canada Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Bangor $237
    Jasper National Park $99

The average daily cost (per person) in Bangor is $237, 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 Bangor and Jasper National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Bangor $114
    Jasper National Park $45
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Bangor $228
    Jasper National Park $90
Compare Hotels in Bangor and Jasper National Park

Looking for a hotel in Bangor 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 Bangor


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: Bangor Hotel Prices and Jasper National Park Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Bangor $36
    Jasper National Park $19

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bangor

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bangor:

  • Private Transfer from Bangor Airport(BGR) to Rockland Cruise Port: $210
  • Private Transfer from Bangor city hotels to Rockland Cruise Port: $210

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 Bangor or Jasper National Park?

Prices for flights to both Jasper National Park and Bangor 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
    Bangor $93
    Jasper National Park $40

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.
    Bangor $45
    Jasper National Park $7.75
Typical Entertainment Prices in Bangor

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


  • Children's Museum (for 4)
    $32

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
  • 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
  • Jasper National Park Tour Maligne Valley, Medicine Lake with Walk: $67
  • Winter Wildlife Discovery Tour: $67
  • Jasper National Park Tour: Maligne Valley, Medicine Lake and Spirit Island: $67
  • Planetarium and Telescope Combo Tour : $67
  • Jasper Wildlife and Sightseeing Tour with Maligne Lake Hike: $79

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Bangor $23
    Jasper National Park $11


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