A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Cape Canaveral vs. Calgary for Attractions, Families, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Cape Canaveral or Calgary?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Cape Canaveral or Calgary, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Cape Canaveral

Cape Canaveral is a unique, iconic, and fascinating town. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and food. See Cape Canaveral 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.

Cape Canaveral and Calgary: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Home to the Kennedy Space Center
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Public transit not as usable
Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less family-friendly


Is there more to do in Cape Canaveral or Calgary?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Cape Canaveral. Although Cape Canaveral and Calgary are both popular with visitors, Cape Canaveral has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Cape Canaveral is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, resorts, and beaches, while Calgary is known for its nightlife. Cape Canaveral is popular for being the location of the Kennedy Space Center and at the heart of space exploration in the United States. It is also home to The Kennedy Space Center. Calgary is popular for its farming and oil industries as well as the Calgary Stampede.

How is Cape Canaveral different from Calgary?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Cape Canaveral or Calgary?

Cape Canaveral
Calgary

Cape Canaveral is an unbeatable place for its museums and landmarks. Also, Calgary is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Cape Canaveral are among the most recognizable in the world. The area has become synonymous with the Kennedy Space Center. Visitors head to the Space Coast to see the museums, learn about the space program, or possibly even see a rocket launch. The attractions are world class and offer a truly unique glimpse into the evolution of space travel.

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 Cape Canaveral or Calgary? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Cape Canaveral
Calgary

Cape Canaveral is a town with good options for its restaurant scene. However, Calgary is not particularly known for its local flavors and cuisine.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Cape Canaveral. It's a small town but there's no shortage of excellent seafood in the area. Many restaurants have outdoor seating and patios that let you take advantage of the Florida sunshine. You'll find crab, mussels, shrimp, and clams on many menus around town.

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 Cape Canaveral or Calgary Better for Nightlife?

Cape Canaveral
Calgary

Calgary is a nice place to visit for its evening party scene. However, Cape Canaveral is not known for nightlife.

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.

Most people don't head to Cape Canaveral specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. The area isn't known for its nightlife scene, but there are enough places that you can go out for a good meal and drink.

Is Cape Canaveral or Calgary Better for Resorts?

Cape Canaveral
Calgary

Cape Canaveral is a town with good options for its resorts. However, Calgary is not a resort destination.

With a selection of resorts, Cape Canaveral makes a nice vacation spot. There are a number of resorts in the area that attract visitors. Some of the most popular are the Holiday Inn Club Vacations Resort and the Radisson Resort.

Calgary is not a resort destination.


Is Cape Canaveral or Calgary Better for Beaches?

Cape Canaveral
Calgary

Cape Canaveral is a town with good options for the beach. However, Calgary is not a beach destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Cape Canaveral. You'll likely want to head to the Cocoa Beach area for the best beaches. Jetty Park Beach and Pier is one of the most popular nearby areas for fishing and camping, but visitors must purchase a pass. Other popular beaches include Playalinda Beach and Cherie Down Park.

Calgary is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cape Canaveral or Calgary?

Cape Canaveral
Calgary

If you're looking to go shopping, Cape Canaveral and Calgary both offer plenty of good spots.

Cape Canaveral has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are some nice local shopping areas around town. For a little retail therapy, head to Banana River Square, White Rose Shopping Center, or Belair Courtyard.

Calgary is a great destination for shopping. 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 Cape Canaveral or Calgary Better for Families?

Cape Canaveral
Calgary

Cape Canaveral is an unbeatable place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Calgary is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Cape Canaveral is an extremely popular town to visit for families. What sets this area apart is the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. There are many kid-friendly activities that outer space enthusiasts will love. Planet Play is a highlight, and if your timing is right, you might even see a rocket launch. In addition to the Kennedy Space Center, the area is a quintessential beach town. There are parks and outdoor areas as well as places where kids can interact with animals.

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 Cape Canaveral or Calgary Better for Couples?

Cape Canaveral
Calgary

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

Couples visit Cape Canaveral frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The beautiful Florida beaches, combined with the unique opportunity to visit the Kennedy Space Center, make this a fascinating couple's destination. There are also many nice restaurants and great places to relax and enjoy the Florida sunshine.

Calgary is a good town 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 Cape Canaveral or Calgary Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cape Canaveral
Calgary

Calgary is a nice place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Cape Canaveral is not known for backpackers.

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

Cape Canaveral is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. You won't find any hostels in the area, but you may have some luck finding affordable accommodation nearby.

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

Cape Canaveral
Calgary

Calgary is a nice place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Cape Canaveral is not known for its public transit.

While Calgary offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The public transportation system is relatively efficient with both light rail and buses.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Cape Canaveral. There are very limited public transportation options, but there are a few shuttle buses and SCAT (the Space Coast Area Transit). Route 9 travels from Cocoa to Port Canaveral with service available Monday through Saturday.


Is Cape Canaveral or Calgary a more walkable city?

Cape Canaveral
Calgary

Calgary is adequate for its ease of walking around. However, Cape Canaveral is not known for its walkability.

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

Cape Canaveral is not a walkable town. It's not a walkable area, which can be particularly challenging if you're arriving by cruise ship.

For even more information, also check out Is Cape Canaveral Worth Visiting? and Is Calgary Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Calgary or Cape Canaveral?

How long in Cape Canaveral or Calgary?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Calgary than Cape Canaveral 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 Calgary.


  • How many days in Cape Canaveral or Calgary? Ideal Length of Stay
    Cape Canaveral 1-3 
    Calgary 1-2

One day in Cape Canaveral or Calgary?

In Cape Canaveral, you'll find museums and food. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. This town offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

In Calgary, you'll find nightlife and shopping. So, one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A weekend in Cape Canaveral or Calgary?

In Cape Canaveral, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Cape Canaveral has to offer.

Calgary is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.


Five days in Cape Canaveral or Calgary?

Cape Canaveral 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Calgary. It offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Cape Canaveral or Calgary?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cape Canaveral. Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Cape Canaveral. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting the city of Calgary. Your budget might influence how long you stay. 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.


For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America, The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Canada, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Canada.


Which place is cheaper, Calgary or Cape Canaveral?

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

  • Cape Canaveral Prices
    USA Prices
    Calgary Prices
    Canada Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Cape Canaveral $251
    Calgary $177

The average daily cost (per person) in Cape Canaveral is $251, while the average daily cost in Calgary is $177. 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 Cape Canaveral and Calgary in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cape Canaveral $155
    Calgary $73
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cape Canaveral $310
    Calgary $146
Compare Hotels in Cape Canaveral and Calgary

Looking for a hotel in Cape Canaveral or Calgary? 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 Cape Canaveral


Hotels in Calgary


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: Calgary Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cape Canaveral $35
    Calgary $12

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cape Canaveral

Also for Cape Canaveral, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Cape Canaveral Private Transfer to MCO Orlando Airport : $80
  • Arrival Private Transfer Port Canaveral to Orlando by Bus or Limo: $292
  • MCO Orlando Airport to Port Canaveral One Way Private Transfers: $85
  • MCO Orlando Airport to Port Canaveral Round Trip Private Transfer: $170
  • Port Canaveral to MCO Orlando Airport One Way Private Transfers: $85
  • Port Canaveral to Orlando Airport MCO and Hotels Private Transfer: $155
  • Private SUV Transfer from Port Canaveral to Orlando Airport MCO : $215
  • Private SUV Transfer from Port Canaveral to Orlando Theme Parks: $210
  • Private Transfer from Port Canaveral to Altamonte Springs: $269
  • Private Transfer from Port Canaveral to Melbourne: $236
  • Private Transfer from Port Canaveral to New Smyrna Beach: $261
  • Private Transfer from Port Canaveral to Orlando Int Airport: $100

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Calgary

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Calgary:

  • Calgary Airport: Private Transfer to Vancouver: $2,153
  • Banff, Lake Louise, or Jasper Shuttle Transfer: $1,256
  • Calgary Airport: Private Transfer to Jasper: $861
  • Calgary Airport: Private Transfer to Fernie, BC: $517
  • Calgary Airport: Private Transfer to Edmonton: $502
  • Calgary Airport: Private Transfer to Golden BC: $502
  • Calgary Airport: Private Transfer to Lake Louis: $359
  • Black Car Airport Transfers in Bow Valley: $295
  • Calgary Airport: Private Transfer to Red Deer: $251
  • Calgary Airport: Private Transfer to Kananaskis: $222
  • Calgary Airport: Private Transfer to Drumheller: $215
  • Calgary YYC Airport to Banff Canmore Private Transfer: $215

Is it cheaper to fly into Cape Canaveral or Calgary?

Prices for flights to both Calgary and Cape Canaveral 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
    Cape Canaveral $74
    Calgary $54

Typical Food Prices in Calgary

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


  • Bread, Chips, Cheese
    $8.10

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Calgary

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

  • Sushi Cooking Class at a Local Distillery in Calgary: $63
  • Pasta Cooking Class at a Local Distillery in Calgary: $63
  • Light Brunch & Food Tour at Calgary Farmers' Market WEST: $80
  • Iconic Eats of Calgary Food Tour: $127
  • Iconic Eats of Calgary Food Tour: $130

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cape Canaveral $17
    Calgary $15

Tours and Activities in Cape Canaveral

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Cape Canaveral.

  • Wizard of OZ Museum tour: $30
  • Wizard of Oz Museum Entry Ticket: $32
  • Self-Guided Kayaking Manatee and Dolphin Tour: $55
  • Canaveral Private Fishing Charter Experience,: $55
  • Cocoa Beach Aerial Adventures ticket: $56
  • Cocoa Beach: Aerial Adventure Park Ticket: $56
  • Dolphin & Manatee Kayaking Tour in Orlando Area: $65
  • Kennedy Space Center from Port Canaveral & return to Cruise Ship : $70
  • Cape Canaveral Private Surf Lesson with Experienced Instructor: $70
  • Fully Guided Kayaking Backwater Manatee and Dolphin Tour: $75
  • Cocoa Beach Night Time Bioluminescence Kayak Tour: $79
  • Bioluminescence Kayak Tour Near Orlando: $80

Typical Entertainment Prices in Calgary

Here are a few typical costs in Calgary for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Stampede Admission (for 2)
    $22

Tours and Activities in Calgary

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

  • 1 Day of Drumheller Dinosaurs and Badlands Guided Group Tour : $132
  • 1 Day of Drumheller Dinosaurs and Badlands in Private Custom Tour: $88
  • 2-Day Lake Louise, Moraine Lake & Columbia Icefield Rockies Tour: $80
  • 3 Day Banff Moraine Lake Louise Johnston Columbia Icefield Tour : $241
  • 6-Hour Private City Tour Drive to Calgary Tower: $682
  • Airport Pickup & Private Tour from Calgary to The Rockies!: $257
  • Badlands Tour: Drumheller with Museum, Hoodoos & Coal Mine: $121
  • Banff Explorer™ Private Tour with Moraine Lake & Lake Louise: $537
  • Banff Gondola Hot Springs Bow Falls and Three Lakes tour: $73
  • Banff Gondola Upper Hot Springs & Top 3 Lakes Tour from Calgary: $88
  • Banff Johnston Canyon and Banff Gondola 1 Day Tour from Calgary: $118
  • Banff Lake Louise Moraine & Emerald Lake Tour: $77

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cape Canaveral $13
    Calgary $11

Sample the Local Flavors in Calgary

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

  • Brewery Tours at Award Winning Venues: $82
  • Calgary Brewery Tour: $88


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


Which is Bigger, Cape Canaveral or Calgary?

Calgary has a larger population, and is about 100 times larger than the population of Cape Canaveral. When comparing the sizes of Cape Canaveral 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.