A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Columbia River Gorge vs. Edmonton for Attractions, Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Columbia River Gorge or Edmonton?

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 Edmonton, 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 scenic, natural, and beautiful region. Columbia River Gorge is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, food, and hiking. See Columbia River Gorge travel costs.

Edmonton

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

Columbia River Gorge and Edmonton: Pros and Cons

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

Tourists will generally find more to do in Columbia River Gorge. Although Columbia River Gorge and Edmonton are both popular with visitors, Columbia River Gorge has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Columbia River Gorge is more popular for its food, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Edmonton is known for its museums and attractions and shopping. Columbia River Gorge is more touristy than Edmonton and is known for its hiking, biking, and high number of waterfalls. It is also home to Vista House at Crown Point. Edmonton is popular for its many festivals and lively personality.

How is Columbia River Gorge different from Edmonton?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Edmonton is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Columbia River Gorge is not a good region for its museums and history.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Edmonton can be an interesting and educational experience. 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.

While most people don't head to Columbia River Gorge specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. There are a couple of local museums in the area, but most visitors spend their time exploring the region's natural beauty.

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

Columbia River Gorge is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Edmonton is not a good city for its restaurants.

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.

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 Columbia River Gorge or Edmonton Better for Nightlife?

Both Columbia River Gorge and Edmonton are good when it comes to partying.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Columbia River Gorge. Local breweries, wineries, and bars offer a relaxing setting with a local vibe.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Edmonton. 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 Columbia River Gorge or Edmonton Better for Hiking?

Columbia River Gorge is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Edmonton is not a hiking destination.

Columbia River Gorge is a popular spot for hiking. There are world-class hikes that take you to iconic waterfalls, breathtaking viewpoints, and along scenic waterways.

Edmonton is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Columbia River Gorge or Edmonton?

Edmonton is a well-known place for shopping. Also, Columbia River Gorge is not as famous, but is still a good region to visit for its shopping opportunities.

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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Columbia River Gorge. Art galleries feature local artwork and artisan crafts. There are photography shops and other venues that sell items highlighting the region's beauty.

Is Columbia River Gorge or Edmonton More Beautiful?

Columbia River Gorge is a well-known place for its scenery and beauty. However, Edmonton is not a destination known for its 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.

Edmonton is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Columbia River Gorge or Edmonton Better for Families?

Columbia River Gorge 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.

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.

Edmonton is a family-friendly region. 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 Columbia River Gorge or Edmonton Better for Couples?

Columbia River Gorge is a well-known place for romance. Also, Edmonton is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its romantic activities.

Columbia River Gorge is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples will love the romantic hikes and waterfalls. There are also beautiful scenic viewpoints and wonderful restaurants.

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 Columbia River Gorge or Edmonton Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Columbia River Gorge is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Edmonton is not a good city for backpackers and budget travelers.

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.

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

Edmonton 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.

Edmonton has a few public transit options. The city has both bus and light rail systems.

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 Edmonton a more walkable city?

Edmonton is a nice place to visit for its walkability. However, Columbia River Gorge is not a good region for its high level of walkability.

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

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 Edmonton Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Columbia River Gorge or Edmonton?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Columbia River Gorge or Edmonton to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Columbia River Gorge 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 Columbia River Gorge, and 1-2 days is enough time in Edmonton.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Columbia River Gorge 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 Columbia River Gorge.

One day in Columbia River Gorge or Edmonton?

The beautiful region of Columbia River Gorge 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.

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting the destination of Edmonton. 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 Edmonton has to offer.

A weekend in Columbia River Gorge or Edmonton?

Columbia River Gorge is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this region 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 Columbia River Gorge, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Edmonton 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 city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Columbia River Gorge or Edmonton?

Columbia River Gorge is a popular choice for travelers. 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.

Many people visit Edmonton for five days. You'll find museums and nightlife around the city of Edmonton. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Columbia River Gorge or Edmonton?

Columbia River Gorge is a great place to explore. 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 region offers something for everyone.

The cultural destination of Edmonton offers nightlife and shopping. 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 Contiki Tours to Canada, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Canada.

When comparing the travel costs between Columbia River Gorge and Edmonton, we can see that Columbia River Gorge 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 Columbia River Gorge Expensive? and Is Edmonton Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Columbia River Gorge or Edmonton?

Edmonton has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Columbia River Gorge. When comparing the sizes of Columbia River Gorge 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.