A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Colorado Springs vs. Edmonton for Attractions, Families, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Colorado Springs or Edmonton?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Colorado Springs and Edmonton can help you decide which place is right for you.

Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs is a welcoming, friendly, and outdoorsy mountain town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. Colorado Springs is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, food, and hiking. See Colorado Springs travel costs.

Edmonton

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

Colorado Springs and Edmonton: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Colorado Springs or Edmonton?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Colorado Springs than Edmonton. While Edmonton is larger than Colorado Springs, Colorado Springs has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Colorado Springs is more popular for its skiing, food, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Edmonton is known for its museums and attractions and shopping. Colorado Springs is popular for its many outdoor recreation areas, world-class parks, striking red sandstone formations, and beautiful mountain views. It is also home to Pikes Peak. Edmonton is popular for its many festivals and lively personality.

How is Colorado Springs different from Edmonton?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Colorado Springs or Edmonton Better for Skiing?

Colorado Springs is a moderate mountain town for snow skiing. However, Edmonton is not a skiing destination.

Locals like to visit Colorado Springs to take advantage of their winter sports. The town isn't as accessible to skiing as Denver is, but there are still options, like Breckenridge, within a few hours drive.

Edmonton is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Colorado Springs or Edmonton?

Edmonton is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Colorado Springs is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

Many visitors head to Edmonton specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. You'll find a number of good museums around town such as the Royal Alberta Museum, Muttart Conservatory, the Alberta Aviation Museum, and the Art Gallery of Alberta.

Colorado Springs offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Most people visit this area for the outdoor recreation, not the museums, but in town you'll find the Colorado Springs Pioneer Museum, the Peterson Air and Space Museum, the Western Museum of Mining and Industry, and the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center. The U.S. Olympic Complex Training Center is also a unique place to visit and well worth some time.

Is the Food Better in Colorado Springs or Edmonton? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Colorado Springs is very good for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Edmonton is not a good city for its restaurants.

Colorado Springs offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. There's a combination of local restaurants that serve local items such as trout and bison, as well as your standard chain restaurants and more predictable American classics like burgers, pizza, and chicken fingers.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Edmonton. You'll find a mix of casual cafes, international eateries, and more upscale dining options.

Is Colorado Springs or Edmonton Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Colorado Springs or Edmonton has a better nightlife scene.

Colorado Springs has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The town has a number of breweries and a great craft beer selection. There are local bars along Tejon Street, or head through Downtown Colorado Springs for some of the most active nightlife.

If you're looking for night time activities Edmonton has a few options to choose from. There's a mix of nightclubs, bars, and breweries around town. Head to Jasper Avenue for the high end clubs or check out a live show at one of the active theaters around town.

Is Colorado Springs or Edmonton Better for Hiking?

Colorado Springs is an unbeatable place for the nearby hiking options. However, Edmonton is not a hiking destination.

Many people visit Colorado Springs specifically for its hiking. There are both world-famous hiking areas, as well as lesser known hikes that the locals often prefer. Some of the more famous places include Garden of the Gods, Pikes Peak, and Manitou Incline in Manitou Springs. For families, check out Seven Bridges Trail or Mount Muscoco Trail. Loud's Cabin is a longer trail that also includes Seven Bridges Trail.

Edmonton is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Colorado Springs or Edmonton?

Edmonton is a great destination for shopping. However, Colorado Springs is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Edmonton is an extremely popular place for shoppers. The city is home to the West Edmonton Mall, which is the largest shopping mall in Canada, and among the largest in the world. The mall includes hundreds of shops, restaurants, a hotel, ice rink, movie theaters, an aquarium, and Galaxyland, which is one of the largest indoor amusement parks in the world. The mall is divided into themed sections that represent iconic places from around the world such as Europa Boulevard and Bourbon Street.

Colorado Springs is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Colorado Springs or Edmonton More Beautiful?

Colorado Springs is a well-known place for its scenery and beauty. However, Edmonton is not a destination known for its beauty.

Colorado Springs is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. The town is surrounded by tons of natural beauty. In the area you'll find the Garden of the Gods, Cheyenne Mountain State Park, and the Broadmoor Seven Falls.

Edmonton is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Colorado Springs or Edmonton Better for Families?

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

Colorado Springs is a very family-friendly place to visit. The town is conveniently located near many outdoor adventures that are family-friendly. There are many parks, hiking trails, and wildlife centers in the area that make for a fun outing. Popular activities include the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, the Dinosaur Resource Center, and Cripple Creek and Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad.

Edmonton is a family-friendly mountain town. Many families live in town so if you're visiting for a few days you'll find plenty to do with kids. Most of the activities are concentrated in the downtown areas and along the south side of the North Saskatchewan River. The whole family will enjoy a visit to Telus World of Science. There's also the Edmonton Valley Zoo, the Alberta Aviation Museum, and Galaxyland, as well as many other activities.

Is Colorado Springs or Edmonton Better for Couples?

Both Colorado Springs and Edmonton are good destinations to visit as a couple.

Colorado Springs is a nice destination for couples. Couples who enjoy hiking and exploring nature together will love visiting this town and the areas nearby. There are many hiking trails in easy reach of the town. Hot air balloon rides are also popular and offer an amazing view over the beautiful landscape.

Edmonton makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There's a good theater scene, so you can enjoy dinner and a show. There are also quaint cafes, mellow breweries, and plenty of cultural activities like art museums.

Is Colorado Springs or Edmonton Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Colorado Springs is very good for backpackers. However, Edmonton is not a good city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Colorado Springs is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Just outside of town you'll find campgrounds with all of the amenities that you might need. In town, there's also a hostel and several affordable accommodation options.

Edmonton is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Most backpackers overlook this city, but there is a hostel in town where you can stay.

Is Colorado Springs or Edmonton Better for Students?

Colorado Springs is very good for students. However, Edmonton is not popular with students.

Colorado Springs is a good mountain town to visit for students. It's a relatively affordable town with easy access to plenty of free activities like hiking, rock climbing, and more.

Edmonton is not popular with students.

Is Colorado Springs or Edmonton Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Edmonton is very good for its public transit. However, Colorado Springs is a mountain town with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Edmonton, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The city has both bus and light rail systems.

Public transit is quite limited in Colorado Springs. While there are buses, many people come to the area to visit Pikes Peak or several of the other nearby parks, all of which require a car.

Is Colorado Springs or Edmonton a more walkable city?

Edmonton is very good for its walkability. However, Colorado Springs is a mountain town with minimal options for its high level of walkability.

Edmonton is somewhat walkable. There are parts of the city that are very walkable.

Colorado Springs is generally not a very walkable mountain town. While the downtown area is walkable, you'll really want to have a car so you can explore the areas outside of town.

For even more information, also check out Is Colorado Springs Worth Visiting? and Is Edmonton Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Edmonton or Colorado Springs?

How long in Colorado Springs or Edmonton?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Edmonton than Colorado Springs. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Edmonton that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Colorado Springs than Edmonton 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 Colorado Springs.

One day in Colorado Springs or Edmonton?

The beautiful mountain town of Colorado Springs offers nightlife and food. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the friendly destination of Edmonton. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

A weekend in Colorado Springs or Edmonton?

Colorado Springs is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this mountain town makes for a great vacation. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Colorado Springs, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

You'll find nightlife and shopping around the authentic city of Edmonton. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Five days in Colorado Springs or Edmonton?

Colorado Springs is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Edmonton is a popular choice for travelers. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

A week in Colorado Springs or Edmonton?

Colorado Springs is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This mountain town offers something for everyone.

Edmonton is a great place to explore. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, The Best Contiki Tours to Canada, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Canada.

When comparing the travel costs between Colorado Springs and Edmonton, we can see that Colorado Springs is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Colorado Springs or Edmonton?

Edmonton has a larger population, and is about 97% larger than the population of Colorado Springs. When comparing the sizes of Colorado Springs and Edmonton, 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.