A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Boca Raton vs. Calgary for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Boca Raton or Calgary?

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 Boca Raton and Calgary. 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.

Boca Raton

Boca Raton is a outdoorsy, relaxed, and luxurious coastal city. And you can't forget about the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking. See Boca Raton travel costs.

Calgary

Calgary is a authentic, western, and local city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and shopping. See Calgary travel costs.

Boca Raton and Calgary: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Boca Raton or Calgary?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Boca Raton than Calgary. While Calgary is larger than Boca Raton, Boca Raton has more sights and attractions for tourists. Calgary is more touristy than Boca Raton and is popular for its farming and oil industries as well as the Calgary Stampede. Boca Raton is popular for its golf courses, outdoor recreational activities, and safe atmosphere. It is also home to Red Reef Park.

How is Boca Raton different from Calgary?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Boca Raton or Calgary?

Boca Raton is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Calgary is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Boca Raton. While most visitors focus on the beaches and outdoor activities in the area, there are also a surprising number of museums that you can visit. On a rainy day head to the Boca Raton Museum of Art or the Schmidt Boca Raton History Museum. Sports enthusiasts will like the Sports Immortals Museum and kids will want to check out the Children's Science Explorium.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Calgary. It's worth visiting the Calgary Zoo, Fort Calgary, the Hangar Flight Museum, and Heritage Park, among others.

Is the Food Better in Boca Raton or Calgary? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Boca Raton is well known for its restaurant scene. However, Calgary is not particularly known for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Boca Raton. You'll find a mix of local and international flavors with both casual and upscale dining available. Reservations are recommended, particularly on weekend nights. For the health-conscious, there's also a nice selection of healthy eateries to choose from.

Calgary may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. The food scene is constantly evolving and you'll find plenty of casual restaurants. The city is known for its beef, so you should definitely sample a local steak.

Is Boca Raton or Calgary Better for Nightlife?

Boca Raton is well known for nightlife and partying. Also, Calgary is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

Boca Raton is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. You'll find plenty of upscale wine bars, cocktail bars, and live music venues that will keep you entertained late into the evening.

If you're looking for night time activities Calgary has a few options to choose from. Visitors often head to Stephen Avenue Walk for its bars and pubs. There's also a decent theater scene around town.

Is Boca Raton or Calgary Better for Resorts?

Boca Raton is well known for its resorts. However, Calgary is not a resort destination.

In Boca Raton, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. You'll find many luxury beachside resorts that offer all of the amenities, from access to golf course to family-friendly kids clubs.

Calgary is not a resort destination.

Is Boca Raton or Calgary Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Boca Raton is a coastal city with good options for its diving and snorkeling. However, Calgary is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life in Boca Raton. Head to the "Aqua Zoo", which is just to the south of Boca Inlet to see stingrays, groupers, and moray eels. Red Reef Park offers excellent snorkeling as well.

Calgary is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Boca Raton or Calgary Better for Beaches?

Boca Raton is an unbeatable place for the beach. However, Calgary is not a beach destination.

Boca Raton is considered to be a world-class beach destination. There's a two mile stretch of beautiful sandy beaches that are all monitored by lifeguards. The beaches offer all of the facilities that you might need such as picnic areas, restrooms, and showers. Many beaches are part of park land and some offer nice snorkeling. Some of the most popular beaches in the area include Spanish River Park, Bark Park Dog Beach, Red Reef Beach, and South Beach Park.

Calgary is not a beach destination.

Is Boca Raton or Calgary Better for Hiking?

Boca Raton is a coastal city with good options for its hiking experiences. However, Calgary is not a hiking destination.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Boca Raton. There's a surprising number of nature parks in the area that have hiking trails, nature walks, and beach paths that are fun to explore.

Calgary is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Boca Raton or Calgary?

Boca Raton is well known for its shopping opportunities. Also, Calgary is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

Boca Raton is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. It's an upscale area, and you'll find no shortage of luxury shopping around town. Popular areas for shopping include Downtown Boca, Mizner Park, and the Town Center at Boca Raton.

Calgary has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are plenty of independent shops around town as well as some great shopping neighborhoods. Make sure you check out Fourth Street and 17th Avenue. There are also large shopping malls.

Is Boca Raton or Calgary Better for Families?

Boca Raton is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Calgary is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Boca Raton is a very kid-friendly coastal city. It's an upscale area with a family-friendly atmosphere and plenty of outdoor activities to choose from. Many of the hotels have kids clubs that will keep the young ones entertained. The area also has nature centers, children's museums, and waterparks that will ensure everyone stays entertained.

Calgary offers lots of family activities. There are a surprising number of things around town to do with kids such as petting zoos, museums, and even amusement parks. The Calgary Zoo is worth a visit, but also make sure you check out Calaway Park Amusement Park and the Telus Spark science center.

Is Boca Raton or Calgary Better for Couples?

Boca Raton is well known for its romantic activities. Also, Calgary is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Couples visit Boca Raton frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. There's an upscale vibe with plenty of nature trails and nice beaches. Many of the hotels offer a touch of luxury that honeymooning couples will appreciate. You can also head to the downtown area for music, events, and museums.

Calgary is a good coastal city for couples to visit. You'll find outdoor sports, boat tours, and plenty of great restaurants around town. If you're looking for a low key destination with a great vibe, then this is a great city for a weekend trip.

Is Boca Raton or Calgary Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Calgary is a good destination for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Boca Raton is not a good destination for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Calgary. A surprising number of backpackers end up passing through town, so you'll find a handful of hostels to choose from.

Boca Raton is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. It's known for its upscale luxury, and you won't find much in the form of hostels or backpacker-friendly accommodation.

Is Boca Raton or Calgary Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Boca Raton and Calgary both offer good public transit to get you around.

While Boca Raton offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The Downtowner is a fleet of free, oversized golf cars that shuttle visitors around town, passing by many top sites such as Mizner Park, Red Reef Park, and the Gumbo Limbo Nature Center. There's also a public bus system, Palm Tran, that offers service around town.

Calgary has a few public transit options. The public transportation system is relatively efficient with both light rail and buses.

Is Boca Raton or Calgary a more walkable city?

Boca Raton is a coastal city with good options for its high level of walkability. However, Calgary is not particularly known for its ease of walking around.

Boca Raton is a somewhat walkable place. There are some communities within the city that are more walkable than others, particularly East Boca Raton, Royal Palm Place, and Mizner Park. There are also many pedestrian and bike paths around town. Even so, you really must have a car to explore the area in depth.

Calgary is generally not a very walkable coastal city. While there are a couple of walkable neighborhood's around town, it's definitely not the most walkable city.

For even more information, also check out Is Boca Raton Worth Visiting? and Is Calgary Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Calgary or Boca Raton?

How long in Boca Raton or Calgary?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Boca Raton or Calgary to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Boca Raton than Calgary because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Boca Raton, and 1-2 days is enough time in Calgary.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Boca Raton than Calgary 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 Boca Raton.

One day in Boca Raton or Calgary?

In Boca Raton, you'll find shopping and museums. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. This coastal city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

With museums and nightlife around the local city of Calgary, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Calgary, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Boca Raton or Calgary?

In Boca Raton, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Most people come for the beaches. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

With nightlife and shopping around the destination of Calgary, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Boca Raton or Calgary?

Boca Raton is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Boca Raton has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Calgary, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Boca Raton or Calgary?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Boca Raton. Many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting Boca Raton. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. It's also a relaxing resort destination. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Calgary is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

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 Family-Friendly Tours to Canada, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Canada.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Boca Raton and Calgary, we can see that Boca Raton is more expensive. And not only is Calgary much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Calgary would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Calgary 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 Boca Raton would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Boca Raton than you might in Calgary.

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

Which is Bigger, Boca Raton or Calgary?

Calgary has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Boca Raton. When comparing the sizes of Boca Raton and Calgary, 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.