A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Columbia River Gorge vs. Banff for Hiking, Couples, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Columbia River Gorge or Banff?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Columbia River Gorge or Banff, 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.

Columbia River Gorge

Columbia River Gorge is a natural, beautiful, and scenic region. The beauty of Columbia River Gorge is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and hiking. See Columbia River Gorge 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 shopping, skiing, and nightlife. See Banff travel costs.

Columbia River Gorge and Banff: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Columbia River Gorge or Banff?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Banff. Although Columbia River Gorge and Banff are popular destinations, Banff has more sights and attractions for tourists. Banff is very popular for its skiing, nightlife, hiking, and small town charm, while Columbia River Gorge attracts visitors for its museums and attractions. Columbia River Gorge is famous for its hiking, biking, and high number of waterfalls. Banff is famous for its stunning beauty, pristine nature, and nearby lakes. It is also well known for Lake Louise.

How is Columbia River Gorge different from Banff?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Columbia River Gorge or Banff Better for Skiing?

Banff is a world-class destination for snow skiing. However, Columbia River Gorge is not a skiing destination.

The snow ski experience you'll have in Banff is among the best in 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.

Columbia River Gorge is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Columbia River Gorge or Banff?

Columbia River Gorge is a moderate region for its sights and museums. However, Banff does not have museums and landmarks.

Columbia River Gorge offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. There are a couple of local museums in the area, but most visitors spend their time exploring the region's natural beauty.

Banff does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Columbia River Gorge or Banff? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Columbia River Gorge and Banff both to be very good destinations.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Columbia River Gorge makes for a great culinary experience. You'll find many great restaurants in the area that serve local dishes that make use of the region's agricultural scene.

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 Columbia River Gorge or Banff Better for Nightlife?

Banff is a well-known place for nightlife. Also, Columbia River Gorge is not as famous, but is still a good region to visit for nightlife and partying.

Banff offers plenty to do in the evening. 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 Columbia River Gorge. Local breweries, wineries, and bars offer a relaxing setting with a local vibe.

Is Columbia River Gorge or Banff Better for Hiking?

Banff is a world-class destination for the nearby hiking options. Also, Columbia River Gorge is not as famous, but is still a good region to visit for its hiking trails.

Known for its hiking, Banff draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. 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.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Columbia River Gorge. There are world-class hikes that take you to iconic waterfalls, breathtaking viewpoints, and along scenic waterways.

Is the Shopping Better in Columbia River Gorge or Banff?

Both Columbia River Gorge and Banff are nice shopping destinations.

Columbia River Gorge is a great destination for shopping. Art galleries feature local artwork and artisan crafts. There are photography shops and other venues that sell items highlighting the region's beauty.

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

Is Columbia River Gorge or Banff More Beautiful?

Columbia River Gorge and Banff both are comparable with their very good scenery and beauty.

Columbia River Gorge is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Impressive waterfalls and breathtaking mountain vistas make this a truly beautiful place to visit.

The beauty of Banff is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. The dramatic Rocky Mountains and stunning natural beauty make this an iconic and beautiful destination.

Is Columbia River Gorge or Banff Better for Families?

Columbia River Gorge and Banff are both very good destinations for the whole family.

Columbia River Gorge is a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will love exploring the waterfalls and mountains as much as the adults do. There are kid-friendly hikes as well as bakeries and restaurants with many kid options.

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 Columbia River Gorge or Banff Better for Couples?

Banff is a world-class destination for romance. Also, Columbia River Gorge is not as famous, but is still a good region to visit for its romantic activities.

Banff has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. 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.

Columbia River Gorge makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples will love the romantic hikes and waterfalls. There are also beautiful scenic viewpoints and wonderful restaurants.

Is Columbia River Gorge or Banff Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Columbia River Gorge and Banff are very good destinations for backpackers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Columbia River Gorge. You'll find hostels and campgrounds in the area that are perfect for backpackers and budget travelers.

Many backpackers visit Banff. There are a couple of hostels around town and plenty of natural beauty that appeals to backpackers.

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

Banff is a nice place to visit for its public transit. However, Columbia River Gorge is not a good region 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 Columbia River Gorge. There are some buses, but don't rely on them to efficiently explore.

Is Columbia River Gorge or Banff a more walkable city?

Banff is a well-known place for its walkability. However, Columbia River Gorge is not a good region for its high level of walkability.

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

Columbia River Gorge is not a very walkable region. You really need a car to explore the area, but some visitors rely on a bike.

For even more information, also check out Is Columbia River Gorge Worth Visiting? and Is Banff Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Banff or Columbia River Gorge?

How long in Columbia River Gorge or Banff?

In either Columbia River Gorge or Banff, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Banff than Columbia River Gorge because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Columbia River Gorge, and 2-5 days is enough time in Banff.

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

Couples should spend more time in Banff than Columbia River Gorge. 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 Columbia River Gorge 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 Columbia River Gorge or Banff?

In Columbia River Gorge, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this natural destination offers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. This region 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 is a small town where visitors enjoy the nightlife and food. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Columbia River Gorge or Banff?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Columbia River Gorge. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Banff is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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.

Five days in Columbia River Gorge or Banff?

Columbia River Gorge is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Columbia River Gorge. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Many people visit Banff for five days. Banff might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer.

A week in Columbia River Gorge or Banff?

You'll find nightlife and food around the natural destination of Columbia River Gorge. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Because Banff is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. Hikers are also drawn to this area. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Canada, and The Best Camping Tours in Canada.

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

Which is Bigger, Columbia River Gorge or Banff?

Columbia River Gorge has a larger population, and is about 53% larger than the population of Banff. When comparing the sizes of Columbia River Gorge 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.