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

Should you visit Cape Canaveral or Jasper National Park?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Cape Canaveral or Jasper National Park, 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. It's also known for shopping, museums, and food. See Cape Canaveral travel costs.

Jasper National Park

Jasper National Park is a adventure-filled, stunning, and breathtaking national park. Many visitors also come to Jasper National Park because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the hiking. See Jasper National Park travel costs.

Cape Canaveral and Jasper National Park: 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 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


Is there more to do in Cape Canaveral or Jasper National Park?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Cape Canaveral than Jasper National Park, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Cape Canaveral is better known for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, resorts, beaches, and shopping, while Jasper National Park is more popular for its hiking and impressive beauty. Cape Canaveral is well known for being the location of the Kennedy Space Center and at the heart of space exploration in the United States. Also, Cape Canaveral is famous for The Kennedy Space Center. Jasper National Park is well known for its wildlife and pristine natural beauty

How is Cape Canaveral 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 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 Jasper National Park?

Cape Canaveral
Jasper National Park

Cape Canaveral is terrific for its museums and landmarks. However, Jasper National Park is not particularly known for its historical sights.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Cape Canaveral that are not to be missed. 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.

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 Cape Canaveral or Jasper National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Cape Canaveral
Jasper National Park

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

Cape Canaveral offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. 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.

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 Cape Canaveral or Jasper National Park Better for Nightlife?

Cape Canaveral
Jasper National Park

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

Cape Canaveral is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. 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.

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 Cape Canaveral or Jasper National Park Better for Resorts?

Cape Canaveral
Jasper National Park

Cape Canaveral is a nice place to visit for its resorts. However, Jasper National Park is not a resort destination.

Cape Canaveral has a handful of resorts to choose from. 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.

Jasper National Park is not a resort destination.


Is Cape Canaveral or Jasper National Park Better for Beaches?

Cape Canaveral
Jasper National Park

Cape Canaveral is a nice place to visit for its beaches. However, Jasper National Park is not a beach destination.

Cape Canaveral has a beach worth visiting. 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.

Jasper National Park is not a beach destination.

Is Cape Canaveral or Jasper National Park Better for Hiking?

Cape Canaveral
Jasper National Park

Jasper National Park is an unbeatable place for hiking. However, Cape Canaveral is not a hiking destination.

Known for its hiking, Jasper National Park draws a crowd to experience the nature and the 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.

Cape Canaveral is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cape Canaveral or Jasper National Park?

Cape Canaveral
Jasper National Park

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

Cape Canaveral is a great destination for shopping. 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.

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 Cape Canaveral or Jasper National Park More Beautiful?

Cape Canaveral
Jasper National Park

Jasper National Park is an unbeatable place for its scenery and beauty. However, Cape Canaveral is not a destination known for its beauty.

Many visitors also come to Jasper National Park because of it's amazing beauty. The Canadian Rockies create a stunning backdrop for this beautiful and vast national park.

Cape Canaveral is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Cape Canaveral or Jasper National Park Better for Families?

Cape Canaveral
Jasper National Park

Cape Canaveral is terrific for its family-friendly activities. Also, Jasper National Park is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Cape Canaveral is an amazing family-friendly town to visit. 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.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Jasper National Park is very family-friendly. 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.

Is Cape Canaveral or Jasper National Park Better for Couples?

Cape Canaveral
Jasper National Park

Cape Canaveral and Jasper National Park are both superb to visit as a couple.

Cape Canaveral is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. 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.

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.


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

Cape Canaveral
Jasper National Park

Jasper National Park is an unbeatable place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Cape Canaveral is not known for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Jasper National Park, as it is a very popular national park for budget travelers. 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.

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

Cape Canaveral
Jasper National Park

Neither Cape Canaveral or Jasper National Park offer decent public transit.

Public transit is quite limited 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.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Jasper National Park. If you don't have your own vehicle, a bus tour is your best option for experiencing the park.

Is Cape Canaveral or Jasper National Park a more walkable city?

Cape Canaveral
Jasper National Park

Neither Cape Canaveral or Jasper National Park are walkable places.

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

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


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

Should I spend more time in Jasper National Park or Cape Canaveral?

How long in Cape Canaveral or Jasper National Park?

In either Cape Canaveral 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 Cape Canaveral because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Cape Canaveral, and 2-5 days is enough time in Jasper National Park.

Families should spend more time in Cape Canaveral than Jasper National Park. 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 Jasper National Park. 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.


  • How many days in Cape Canaveral or Jasper National Park? Ideal Length of Stay
    Cape Canaveral 1-3 
    Jasper National Park 2-5

One day in Cape Canaveral or Jasper National Park?

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Cape Canaveral. 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 Cape Canaveral has to offer.

In Jasper National Park, you'll find . Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Cape Canaveral or Jasper National Park?

Cape Canaveral 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. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 Jasper National Park?

Many people visit Cape Canaveral for five days. You'll find museums and food around the town of Cape Canaveral. Don't miss the museums, as that's what most people do. 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. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. It offers something for everyone. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. Because of this, five days is usually enough time for a trip here.


A week in Cape Canaveral or Jasper National Park?

The fascinating destination of Cape Canaveral offers food and shopping. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Don't miss the museums, as that's what most people do. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Travelers enjoy the when visiting the national park of Jasper National Park. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. 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 Luxury Tours to Canada, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Canada.


Which place is cheaper, Jasper National Park 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
    Jasper National Park Prices
    Canada Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Cape Canaveral $251
    Jasper National Park $99

The average daily cost (per person) in Cape Canaveral is $251, 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 Cape Canaveral and Jasper National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cape Canaveral $155
    Jasper National Park $45
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cape Canaveral $310
    Jasper National Park $90
Compare Hotels in Cape Canaveral and Jasper National Park

Looking for a hotel in Cape Canaveral 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 Cape Canaveral


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: Jasper National Park Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cape Canaveral $35
    Jasper National Park $19

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
  • Cruise Ship Van Transfer Port Canaveral to Orlando Int Airport: $100
  • 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 Celebration: $270
  • Private Transfer from Port Canaveral to International Drive: $262

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 Cape Canaveral or Jasper National Park?

Prices for flights to both Jasper National Park 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
    Jasper National Park $40

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cape Canaveral

For Cape Canaveral, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Port Canaveral Food Tours : $125

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.
    Cape Canaveral $17
    Jasper National Park $7.75

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

Tours and Activities in Jasper National Park

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

  • Canadian Rockies Self-Guided Driving & Walking Audio Tour Bundle: $50
  • Class 3 Sunwapta River Rafting Adventure in Jasper: $105
  • Columbia Icefield Tour with Glacier Skywalk from Jasper: $230
  • E-Bike Safari Eco Tour: $176
  • Explore Jasper Tour: $184
  • Explore Jasper Tour with Maligne Lake Cruise: $184
  • From Jasper: Jasper National Park Wildlife Discovery Tour: $62
  • Icefields Parkway Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $17
  • Jasper Evening Wildlife Tour: $63
  • Jasper Ice Climbing Experience: $174
  • Jasper National Park Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $13
  • Jasper National Park Tour Maligne Valley, Medicine Lake with Walk: $67

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cape Canaveral $13
    Jasper National Park $11


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cape Canaveral and Jasper National Park, we can see that Cape Canaveral 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 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 Jasper National Park.

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 Jasper National Park Expensive?.