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

Should you visit Big Sur or Saskatoon?

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 Saskatoon 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.

Saskatoon

Saskatoon is a authentic, cultural, and friendly city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Saskatoon travel costs.

Big Sur and Saskatoon: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Big Sur or Saskatoon?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Big Sur. Although Big Sur and Saskatoon are both popular with visitors, Big Sur has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Big Sur is more popular for its beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Saskatoon is known for its museums and attractions, nightlife, and shopping. Big Sur is more touristy than Saskatoon and is popular for its beautiful state parks, dramatic coastal cliffs, and world class views. It is also home to Bixby Bridge. Saskatoon is popular for its agriculture and outdoor spaces.

How is Big Sur different from Saskatoon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Saskatoon is very good for its historical sights. However, Big Sur is not a good destination for its sights and museums.

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.

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.

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

Dining out at restaurants in both Big Sur and Saskatoon can be an enjoyable experience.

Big Sur is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Most of the restaurants offer a breathtaking view. Many use locally-sourced ingredients and they range in style from fine dining to casual eateries.

Saskatoon offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. 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 Big Sur or Saskatoon Better for Nightlife?

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

If you're looking for night time activities Saskatoon has a few options to choose from. 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.

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 Saskatoon Better for Beaches?

Big Sur is a well-known place for the beach. However, Saskatoon is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Big Sur for it's beautiful beaches. 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.

Saskatoon is not a beach destination.

Is Big Sur or Saskatoon Better for Hiking?

Big Sur is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Saskatoon is not a hiking destination.

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.

Saskatoon is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Big Sur or Saskatoon?

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

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.

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 Saskatoon More Beautiful?

Big Sur is an unbeatable place for its scenery and beauty. However, Saskatoon is not a destination known for its 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.

Saskatoon is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Big Sur or Saskatoon Better for Families?

You'll find good kid-friendly activities in either Big Sur or Saskatoon.

Big Sur offers lots of family activities. 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.

Saskatoon is a family-friendly place to visit. 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 Big Sur or Saskatoon Better for Couples?

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

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

Saskatoon is a good natural area 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 Big Sur or Saskatoon Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Big Sur is a good destination for backpackers. However, Saskatoon is not a good city for backpackers and budget travelers.

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

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

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

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

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

Is Big Sur or Saskatoon a more walkable city?

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

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

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 Saskatoon Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Saskatoon or Big Sur?

How long in Big Sur or Saskatoon?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Big Sur and Saskatoon. You can spend similar amounts of time exploring each one. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Big Sur 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 Big Sur.

One day in Big Sur or Saskatoon?

You'll find food around the natural area of Big Sur. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Big Sur has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

In Saskatoon, you'll find nightlife and food. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Big Sur or Saskatoon?

You'll find food around the remote destination of Big Sur. 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 natural area has to offer. This natural area offers a variety of activities to choose from.

In Saskatoon, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Saskatoon has to offer.

Five days in Big Sur or Saskatoon?

Travelers enjoy the food when visiting the remote natural area of Big Sur. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a great beach destination, too. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Saskatoon is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Big Sur or Saskatoon?

Big Sur is a popular choice for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Saskatoon. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Saskatoon. 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 Family-Friendly Tours to Canada, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Canada.

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