A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Clearwater vs. Banff for Couples, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Clearwater or Banff?

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 Clearwater and Banff. 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.

Clearwater

Clearwater is a relaxing, beautiful, and outdoorsy coastal city. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Clearwater travel costs.

Banff

Banff is a scenic, outdoorsy, and sporty town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. Banff is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, food, and hiking. See Banff travel costs.

Clearwater and Banff: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Clearwater or Banff?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Clearwater. Although Clearwater and Banff are popular destinations, Clearwater has more sights and attractions for tourists. Clearwater is very popular for its museums and attractions, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches, while Banff attracts visitors for its skiing, nightlife, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Clearwater is famous for its beautiful white sand beaches, laid back atmosphere, and watersports. It is also well known for Clearwater Beach. Banff is famous for its stunning beauty, pristine nature, and nearby lakes.

How is Clearwater different from Banff?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Clearwater or Banff Better for Skiing?

Banff is a world-class destination for snow skiing. However, Clearwater is not a skiing destination.

Banff is a top destination for snow skiing, and it attracts visitors from around the world. 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.

Clearwater is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Clearwater or Banff?

Clearwater is notable for its sights and museums. However, Banff does not have museums and landmarks.

Clearwater offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Perhaps most well known is the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, but there are also a surprising number of museums nearby such as the Dalí Museum, the impressive Chihuly Glass Museum, and the Museum of Fine Arts.

Banff does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Foodies will find both Clearwater and Banff both to be superb destinations.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Clearwater makes for a great culinary experience. Head to the waterfront for some of the best seafood. Unfortunately this is also where you'll find the highest prices. Shrimp, crab, and a fresh catch of the day are common on many menus.

Banff has a huge number of terrific 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.

Is Clearwater or Banff Better for Nightlife?

Banff is notable for nightlife. Also, Clearwater is not as famous, but is still a good coastal city to visit for nightlife and partying.

Banff has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Clearwater. You'll find laid back beach clubs, glitzy wine bars, and relaxed bars where you can spend a nice night out.

Is Clearwater or Banff Better for Resorts?

Clearwater is notable for its resorts. However, Banff is not a resort destination.

Clearwater is known as a popular and fun resort destination. You'll find a number of nice resorts along the coastline. Some of the most popular are the Sandpearl Resort, the Opal Sands Resort, and the Clearwater Beach Marriott.

Banff is not a resort destination.

Is Clearwater or Banff Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Clearwater is a popular place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Banff is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Clearwater has a few good snorkeling spots. There's both snorkeling and diving nearby. Some of the best dive spots are within and hour of the shore and you'll find diving shops that offer trips.

Banff is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Clearwater or Banff Better for Beaches?

Clearwater is an unbeatable place for the beach. However, Banff is not a beach destination.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Clearwater. Clearwater Beach is on many lists as one of the best beaches in America. It's the most popular beach in the area and it spreads out over 2.5 miles. Sand Key Beach is another popular destination as is the pristine Caladesi Island State Park.

Banff is not a beach destination.

Is Clearwater or Banff Better for Hiking?

Banff is a world-class destination for the nearby hiking options. However, Clearwater is not a hiking destination.

Banff is well-known for its hiking and trekking. 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.

Clearwater is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Clearwater or Banff?

Both Clearwater and Banff are nice shopping destinations.

Clearwater is a great destination for shopping. You'll find all of the standard shopping options in the area such as malls, shopping centers, and outlets. Westfield Countryside Mall is a popular destination as is the Cleveland Street District.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Banff. There are tons of downtown shops that sell local items, art, sports gear, or clothing.

Is Clearwater or Banff More Beautiful?

Banff is notable for its scenery and beauty. However, Clearwater is not a destination known for its beauty.

Banff is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. The dramatic Rocky Mountains and stunning natural beauty make this an iconic and beautiful destination.

Clearwater is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Clearwater or Banff Better for Families?

Both Clearwater and Banff are superb family-friendly destinations.

Clearwater is a very family-friendly place to visit. Check out the playground and activities around Pier 60. Less crowded and family-friendly Sand Key Park is another favorite spot and the playgrounds at New Coachman Park and Crest Lake Park are also fun. Clearwater Marine Aquarium is another popular attraction for visitors with kids.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Banff is very family-friendly. 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.

Is Clearwater or Banff Better for Couples?

Banff is a world-class destination for romance. Also, Clearwater is not as famous, but is still a good coastal city to visit for its romantic activities.

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

Clearwater makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are beautiful parks and beaches as well as romantic activities like sunset cruises and dolphin spotting tours. Couples will also enjoy dining on local seafood and shopping at the local venues.

Is Clearwater or Banff Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Banff is notable for backpackers. However, Clearwater is a mediocre coastal city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Banff. There are a couple of hostels around town and plenty of natural beauty that appeals to backpackers.

Clearwater is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There is a hostel in town, and you'll find more affordable prices than in some nearby beach destinations.

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

Banff is a good destination for its public transit. However, Clearwater is a mediocre coastal city for times when you don't have a car.

Banff has a few public transit options. There's a bus system, Roam, that connects the towns of Canmore, Banff, and Lake Louise.

Public transit is mostly limited in Clearwater. The Clearwater Jolley Trolley connects some of the area's highlights. There are also public buses that run several routes through town.

Is Clearwater or Banff a more walkable city?

Banff is notable for its walkability. Also, Clearwater is not as famous, but is still a good coastal city to visit for its high level of walkability.

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

Clearwater is a somewhat walkable place. The waterfront and downtown areas are surprisingly walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Banff or Clearwater?

How long in Clearwater or Banff?

In either Clearwater or Banff, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. In our opinion, Banff has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Banff than Clearwater. In general, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Clearwater, and 2-5 days is enough time in Banff.

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

Couples should spend more time in Banff than Clearwater. 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 Clearwater 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 Clearwater or Banff?

In Clearwater, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this outdoorsy destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Lots of people come for the beaches. This coastal city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

Banff might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Clearwater or Banff?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Clearwater. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Even though Banff is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this town.

Five days in Clearwater or Banff?

Clearwater is a fun place to experience. In Clearwater, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this destination offers. Lots of people come for the beaches. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Banff, a popular town, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this town. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Clearwater or Banff?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the adventure-filled destination of Clearwater. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the beaches. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Banff 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 Sightseeing Tours in Canada, and The Best Camping Tours in Canada.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Clearwater or Banff?

Clearwater has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Banff. When comparing the sizes of Clearwater and Banff, 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.