A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Big Sur vs. Banff for Hiking, Couples, Food, and Families

Should you visit Big Sur or Banff?

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 Big Sur and Banff can help you decide which place is right for you.

Big Sur

Big Sur is a scenic, remote, and breathtaking natural area. You'll find world class beauty in Big Sur as well. And you can't forget about the beaches, hiking, and food. See Big Sur travel costs.

Banff

Banff is a adventurous, scenic, and outdoorsy town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. With stunning beauty, Banff attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the hiking, shopping, and skiing. See Banff travel costs.

Big Sur and Banff: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Big Sur or Banff?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Banff. Although Big Sur and Banff are both popular with visitors, Banff has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Banff is more popular for its skiing, food, nightlife, hiking, shopping, and small town charm, while Big Sur is known for its museums and attractions, beaches, and impressive beauty. Big Sur is popular for its beautiful state parks, dramatic coastal cliffs, and world class views. Banff is popular for its stunning beauty, pristine nature, and nearby lakes. It is also home to Lake Louise.

How is Big Sur different from Banff?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Big Sur or Banff Better for Skiing?

Banff is an unbeatable place for skiing. However, Big Sur is not a skiing destination.

Banff is among the world's best ski destinations. 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.

Big Sur is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Big Sur or Banff?

Big Sur is not a good place to visit for its sights and museums. However, Banff does not have museums and landmarks.

Big Sur offers a few options for museum-goers. Nature is what brings visitors to the area, so most people don't prioritize museums or manmade landmarks.

Banff does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Big Sur or Banff? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Banff is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Big Sur is not as popular, but is still a nice natural area for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Banff has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. 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.

Big Sur offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. Most of the restaurants offer a breathtaking view. Many use locally-sourced ingredients and they range in style from fine dining to casual eateries.

Is Big Sur or Banff Better for Nightlife?

Banff is great for its evening party scene. However, Big Sur is not a good destination for nightlife.

Many people head to Banff for the nightlife scene. 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.

People don't go to Big Sur for the nightlife. There's a taphouse and lounge, but the area is mostly undeveloped with no real nightlife.

Is Big Sur or Banff Better for Beaches?

Big Sur is notable for the beach. However, Banff is not a beach destination.

Big Sur is considered a top beach destination. The coastline and beaches are dramatic and beautiful, particularly Pfeiffer Beach, which has a dramatic waterfall. The water is filled with rip tides and strong currents, so swimming isn't advisable in most places.

Banff is not a beach destination.

Is Big Sur or Banff Better for Hiking?

Banff is an unbeatable place for hiking. Also, Big Sur is not as popular, but is still a nice natural area for the nearby hiking options.

Many people visit Banff specifically for its hiking. 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.

Big Sur is a popular spot for hiking. The dramatic hikes take you along the coastline, to beautiful beaches and through Redwood forests. There are a number of state parks along the route and some of the best hikes include Salmon Creek Trail, Pacific Valley Bluff Trail, and Ragged Point Cliffside Trail.

Is the Shopping Better in Big Sur or Banff?

Banff is very good for its shopping areas. However, Big Sur is not a good destination for shopping.

Banff has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are tons of downtown shops that sell local items, art, sports gear, or clothing.

Big Sur has some shopping areas for those that seek them out. There are some galleries and gift shops, but most visitors aren't in the area to go shopping.

Is Big Sur or Banff More Beautiful?

Big Sur is an unbeatable place for its scenery and beauty. Also, Banff is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its scenery and beauty.

You'll find world class beauty in Big Sur as well. The road clings to the cliffs and makes dramatic curves, offering peaks at the striking blue water and breathtaking setting. This is truly one of those special places that feels unreal in its beauty.

With stunning beauty, Banff attracts visitors from all around. The dramatic Rocky Mountains and stunning natural beauty make this an iconic and beautiful destination.

Is Big Sur or Banff Better for Families?

Banff is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Big Sur is not as popular, but is still a nice natural area for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Banff. 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.

Big Sur is a family-friendly place to visit. Kids will enjoy the hiking and beaches, particularly the Carmel Lagoon at Carmel River State Beach. There are a number of state parks where kids can run around and stretch their legs.

Is Big Sur or Banff Better for Couples?

Both Big Sur and Banff are world-class destinations to visit as a couple.

For those traveling as a couple, Big Sur has plenty to offer. Stunning viewpoints and breathtaking coastline make this a wonderful destination for couples. There are romantic inns and impressive hikes along the water's edge or through the dramatic Redwoods.

Banff has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. 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.

Is Big Sur or Banff Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Banff is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Big Sur is not as popular, but is still a nice natural area for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Banff. There are a couple of hostels around town and plenty of natural beauty that appeals to backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Big Sur. There are a couple of hostels in the area, but budget travelers often prefer vacation rentals, which are more common.

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

Banff is very good for times when you don't have a car. However, Big Sur is not a good destination for its public transit.

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.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Big Sur. There is no real public transportation in the area.

Is Big Sur or Banff a more walkable city?

Banff is great for its ease of walking around. However, Big Sur is not a good destination for its walkability.

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

Big Sur is not a walkable natural area. While there are hiking trails, Big Sur is a stretch of road that runs along the coast and requires a car to fully access.

For even more information, also check out Is Big Sur Worth Visiting? and Is Banff Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Banff or Big Sur?

How long in Big Sur or Banff?

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

Families should spend more time in Banff than Big Sur. 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 Big Sur. 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 Big Sur 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 Big Sur or Banff?

In Big Sur, many people enjoy the food that this breathtaking destination offers. It's also a great beach destination, too. This natural area offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

Banff is a small town with plenty to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Big Sur or Banff?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Big Sur. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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.

Banff might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Banff has to offer.

Five days in Big Sur or Banff?

Big Sur is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the food when visiting the destination of Big Sur. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Banff is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Banff has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Big Sur or Banff?

You'll find food around the remote destination of Big Sur. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Banff. Since Banff is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, The Best Tours for Seniors to 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 Big Sur and Banff, we can see that Banff is more expensive. And not only is Big Sur much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Big Sur would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Big Sur 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 Banff would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Banff than you might in Big Sur.

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