A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Clearwater vs. Saskatoon for Attractions, Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Clearwater or Saskatoon?

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 Saskatoon. 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.

Saskatoon

Saskatoon is a cultural, friendly, and authentic city. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping. See Saskatoon travel costs.

Clearwater and Saskatoon: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Clearwater or Saskatoon?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Clearwater than Saskatoon. While Saskatoon is larger than Clearwater, Clearwater has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Clearwater is more touristy than Saskatoon and is known for its beautiful white sand beaches, laid back atmosphere, and watersports. It is also well known for Clearwater Beach. Saskatoon is famous for its agriculture and outdoor spaces.

How is Clearwater different from Saskatoon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Clearwater
Saskatoon

Clearwater is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Saskatoon is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Clearwater. 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.

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.


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

Clearwater
Saskatoon

Clearwater is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Saskatoon is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Clearwater. 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.

Saskatoon is becoming an appealing option for foodies. 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 Clearwater or Saskatoon Better for Nightlife?

Clearwater
Saskatoon

Evening events are nice in both Clearwater and Saskatoon.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Clearwater. You'll find laid back beach clubs, glitzy wine bars, and relaxed bars where you can spend a nice night out.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Saskatoon. 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.

Is Clearwater or Saskatoon Better for Resorts?

Clearwater
Saskatoon

Clearwater is a well-known place for its resorts. However, Saskatoon is not a resort destination.

There are plenty of resorts in Clearwater to choose from. 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.

Saskatoon is not a resort destination.


Is Clearwater or Saskatoon Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Clearwater
Saskatoon

Clearwater is a good destination for its diving and snorkeling. However, Saskatoon is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery in Clearwater. 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.

Saskatoon is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Clearwater or Saskatoon Better for Beaches?

Clearwater
Saskatoon

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

Clearwater offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. 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.

Saskatoon is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Clearwater or Saskatoon?

Clearwater
Saskatoon

Both Clearwater and Saskatoon 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 Saskatoon. A number of brands have opened stores in the downtown area in recent years, so the shopping scene continues to grow and diversify.


Is Clearwater or Saskatoon Better for Families?

Clearwater
Saskatoon

Clearwater is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Saskatoon is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Clearwater is a very kid-friendly coastal city. 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.

Saskatoon is a family-friendly coastal city. 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 Clearwater or Saskatoon Better for Couples?

Clearwater
Saskatoon

Clearwater is a well-known place for its romantic activities. Also, Saskatoon is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

Clearwater is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

Saskatoon is a good coastal city 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 Clearwater or Saskatoon Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Clearwater
Saskatoon

Both Clearwater and Saskatoon offer reasonable public transit options.

Public transit is generally 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.

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


Is Clearwater or Saskatoon a more walkable city?

Clearwater
Saskatoon

Clearwater and Saskatoon both are nice when exploring on foot.

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

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

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

Should I spend more time in Saskatoon or Clearwater?

How long in Clearwater or Saskatoon?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Clearwater and Saskatoon. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Clearwater than in Saskatoon. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Clearwater, and 1-3 days is enough time in Saskatoon.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Clearwater 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 Clearwater.


  • How many days in Clearwater or Saskatoon? Ideal Length of Stay
    Clearwater 3-5 
    Saskatoon 1-3

One day in Clearwater or Saskatoon?

You'll find nightlife and food around the coastal city of Clearwater. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

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

A weekend in Clearwater or Saskatoon?

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the adventure-filled destination of Clearwater. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This coastal city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Saskatoon, 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 Clearwater or Saskatoon?

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the outdoorsy coastal city of Clearwater. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this coastal city makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Most people head to the area for the beaches. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this coastal city has to offer.

Saskatoon, 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 Clearwater or Saskatoon?

Clearwater is a popular choice for travelers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.

Saskatoon 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.


Which place is cheaper, Saskatoon or Clearwater?

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

  • Clearwater Prices
    USA Prices
    Saskatoon Prices
    Canada Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Clearwater $343
    Saskatoon $149

The average daily cost (per person) in Clearwater is $343, while the average daily cost in Saskatoon is $149. 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 Clearwater and Saskatoon in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Clearwater $141
    Saskatoon $54
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Clearwater $282
    Saskatoon $108
Compare Hotels in Clearwater and Saskatoon

Looking for a hotel in Clearwater or Saskatoon? 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 Clearwater


Hotels in Saskatoon


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: Clearwater Hotel Prices and Saskatoon Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Clearwater $221
    Saskatoon $32

Is it cheaper to fly into Clearwater or Saskatoon?

Prices for flights to both Saskatoon and Clearwater 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
    Clearwater $79
    Saskatoon $54

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Clearwater

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

  • Clearwater Beach Fun and Tropical Food Tour: $99
  • Clearwater Beach: Tropical Delights Walking Food Tour: $106
  • Taste of Downtown St Petersburg-A Walking/Food Tour: $115

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Clearwater -
    Saskatoon $17

Tours and Activities in Clearwater

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Clearwater are as follows:

  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Clearwater by Operation City Quest: $10
  • St Petersburg Ultimate (ALL-IN-ONE) City Trolley Tour : $25
  • Clearwater Daytime Yacht Sightseeing Cruise with Optional Dining : $27
  • Clearwater; Aspirations Winery Tour and Tasting Experience: $27
  • Happy Hour Cruise: $27
  • Dolphin Watching Intercoastal Cruise: $27
  • Clearwater Beach Tiki Getaway Cruise BYOB: $27
  • Clearwater Beach: Dolphin & Island Sandbar Cruise: $28
  • Clearwater Beach: Sunset and Harbor Lights Cruise: $28
  • Mega Bite Dolphin Tour Boat in Clearwater Beach: $28
  • Clearwater Beach: Dolphin-Watching Sunset Cruise: $29
  • Dolphin Watching Nature Cruise and Eco Tour from Hubbard's Marina in John's Pass: $29

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Clearwater -
    Saskatoon $9.60

Sample the Local Flavors in Clearwater

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Clearwater:

  • The Tour and Wine Tasting Experience at Aspirations Winery: $25


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Clearwater and Saskatoon, we can see that Clearwater is more expensive. And not only is Saskatoon much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Saskatoon would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Saskatoon 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 Saskatoon.

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


Which is Bigger, Clearwater or Saskatoon?

Saskatoon has a larger population, and is about 84% larger than the population of Clearwater. When comparing the sizes of Clearwater and Saskatoon, 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.