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

Should you visit Columbus or Banff?

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

Should I visit Columbus or Banff? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Columbus

Columbus is a authentic, friendly, and welcoming city. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Columbus travel costs.

Banff

Banff is a outdoorsy, sporty, and adventurous town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. Banff is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include food, hiking, and shopping. See Banff travel costs.

Columbus and Banff: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Columbus or Banff?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Banff. Although Columbus and Banff are popular destinations, Banff has more sights and attractions for tourists. Banff is very popular for its skiing, food, nightlife, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Columbus attracts visitors for its museums and attractions. Banff is more touristy than Columbus and is popular for its stunning beauty, pristine nature, and nearby lakes. It is also well known for Lake Louise. Columbus is famous for its youthful energy and its growing arts scene.

How is Columbus different from Banff?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Columbus or Banff Better for Skiing?

Banff is a world-class destination for skiing and snowboarding. However, Columbus is not a skiing destination.

If you're an avid snow skiier, Banff should be on your list. 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.

Columbus is not a skiing destination.

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

Columbus is a popular place for its sights and museums. However, Banff does not have museums and landmarks.

Columbus offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Popular museums around town include the Center of Science and Technology, the Franklin Park Conservatory, the Columbus Museum of Art, and the Ohio History Center.

Banff does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Banff is a very popular place for its restaurants. However, Columbus is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Banff. 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Columbus. Hearty and heavy comfort food is the mainstay in this town. There's pizza, casseroles, sausage, and milkshakes around town.

Is Columbus or Banff Better for Nightlife?

Banff is a very popular place for nightlife. Also, Columbus is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Banff has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

Columbus has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The live music scene is growing. There are also a growing number of breweries around town.

Is Columbus or Banff Better for Hiking?

Banff is a world-class destination for its hiking trails. However, Columbus is not a hiking destination.

People visit Banff specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. 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.

Columbus is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Columbus or Banff?

Shoppers can find a variety of nice stores in both Columbus and Banff.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Columbus. In addition to the standard shopping malls and retail outlets, there are some interesting shops in the Short North Arts District, German Village, and Easton Town Center.

Banff offers some nice shopping areas. There are tons of downtown shops that sell local items, art, sports gear, or clothing.

Is Columbus or Banff More Beautiful?

Banff is a very popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Columbus 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.

Columbus is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Columbus or Banff Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Columbus or Banff.

Columbus is a very family-friendly destination. The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is a highlight for many families. Right by it is the Zoombezi Bay Waterpark. For hands-on science-based activities check out the Center of Science and Industry. Kids will also love the Legoland Discovery Center or the Anthony-Thomas Candy Factory. There are also many outdoor parks, greenways, and playgrounds to visit.

Banff is a very kid-friendly city. 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 Columbus or Banff Better for Couples?

Banff is a world-class destination for romance. However, Columbus is lacking in good options for its romantic activities.

Banff makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. 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.

Most people don't think of Columbus as a couple's destination. You'll find restaurants and music venues that make for a nice date night. There are also wine tours and other entertainment options.

Is Columbus or Banff Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Banff is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Columbus is lacking in good options for backpackers.

Banff is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are a couple of hostels around town and plenty of natural beauty that appeals to backpackers.

Columbus is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Although it's often overlooked by tourists, there is a hostel in town for backpackers and budget travelers.

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

Banff is a popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Columbus is lacking in good options for its public transit.

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

Public transit is generally limited in Columbus. While there's a bus system, you'll really want to have a vehicle to get around town efficiently.

Is Columbus or Banff a more walkable city?

Banff is a very popular place for its walkability. Also, Columbus is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

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

Columbus is a somewhat walkable place. The older neighborhoods are the most walkable, but if you want to get around town, you'll need to have a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Banff or Columbus?

How long in Columbus or Banff?

In either Columbus or Banff, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Banff than Columbus because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Columbus, and 2-5 days is enough time in Banff.

Families should spend more time in Banff than Columbus. 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 Columbus. 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 Columbus 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 Columbus or Banff?

In Columbus, many people enjoy the nightlife and shopping that this friendly destination offers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

Banff is a small town where visitors enjoy the 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.

A weekend in Columbus or Banff?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Columbus. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. 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 popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this 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 Banff, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Columbus or Banff?

Columbus is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Columbus. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Banff is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Banff, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Columbus or Banff?

You'll find nightlife and shopping around the authentic destination of Columbus. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Banff 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 town offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, The Best Luxury Tours to 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 Columbus and Banff, we can see that Columbus 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 Columbus would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Columbus 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 Columbus Expensive? and Is Banff Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Columbus or Banff?

Columbus has a larger population, and is about 100 times larger than the population of Banff. When comparing the sizes of Columbus 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.