A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Death Valley National Park vs. Edmonton for Backpackers, Attractions, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Death Valley National Park 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 Death Valley National Park and Edmonton can help you decide which place is right for you.

Death Valley National Park

Death Valley National Park is a vast, dramatic, and striking national park. You'll find world class beauty in Death Valley National Park as well. It's also known for hiking. See Death Valley National Park travel costs.

Edmonton

Edmonton is a friendly, cultural, and authentic city. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and shopping. See Edmonton travel costs.

Death Valley National Park and Edmonton: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Death Valley National Park or Edmonton?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Edmonton than Death Valley National Park, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Edmonton is better known for its museums and attractions, nightlife, and shopping, while Death Valley National Park is more popular for its resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty. Death Valley National Park is more touristy than Edmonton and is known for being the hottest, driest, and lowest national park in the U.S. Edmonton is well known for its many festivals and lively personality. Also, Edmonton is famous for the West Edmonton Mall.

How is Death Valley National Park different from Edmonton?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Death Valley National Park or Edmonton?

Edmonton is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Death Valley National Park is not a good national park for its museums and history.

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.

While most people don't head to Death Valley National Park specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. There are ghost towns and visitor centers with informational exhibits, but visitors spend most of their time exploring the outdoor environment.

Is the Food Better in Death Valley National Park or Edmonton? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at respectable restaurants in both Death Valley National Park and Edmonton.

Death Valley National Park may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. There are restaurants at Furnace Creek, Stovepipe Wells, and Panamint Springs, but most visitors prefer to bring their own food so that they can enjoy picnicking in a beautiful setting.

Edmonton offers some easy restaurants to choose from. You'll find a mix of casual cafes, international eateries, and more upscale dining options.

Is Death Valley National Park or Edmonton Better for Nightlife?

Edmonton is very good for its evening party scene. However, Death Valley National Park is not a good national park for nightlife.

There's a variety of activities in the evening 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.

Death Valley National Park doesn't offer many options. Beyond stargazing and relaxing around a campfire, there is no real nightlife in the area.

Is Death Valley National Park or Edmonton Better for Resorts?

Death Valley National Park is a moderate national park for its resorts. However, Edmonton is not a resort destination.

Death Valley National Park has a few resort options worth checking out. There are historical inns and lodges in and around the park. The privately owned Inn at Death Valley is a popular option in Furnace Creek. If you stay outside the park, you can expect long drives to get most places.

Edmonton is not a resort destination.

Is Death Valley National Park or Edmonton Better for Hiking?

Death Valley National Park is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Edmonton is not a hiking destination.

Death Valley National Park is a popular spot for hiking. Hikes will take you past desert landscapes, through canyons, and along sand dunes. The views are spectacular and the setting is other-worldly. Hiking is best between the months of November and March, as temperatures can be high other times of the year, particularly during the summer months.

Edmonton is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Death Valley National Park or Edmonton?

Edmonton is a well-known place for its shopping areas. However, Death Valley National Park is not a good national park for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Edmonton. 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 in Death Valley National Park can be found for those interested. There are a couple of general stores where you can pick up items that you may need.

Is Death Valley National Park or Edmonton More Beautiful?

Death Valley National Park is an unbeatable place for its scenery and beauty. However, Edmonton is not a destination known for its beauty.

You'll find world class beauty in Death Valley National Park as well. The striking desert setting offers stunning beauty and breathtaking viewpoints. The park is at its most beautiful when the sun is low during sunrise and sunset.

Edmonton is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Death Valley National Park or Edmonton Better for Families?

Death Valley National Park 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.

Death Valley National Park is a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will love hiking and exploring the vast desert. There are also ghost towns and abandoned mines that will fascinate kids and adults alike. Junior programs, operated by the National Park Service, also offer interesting and educational programming for kids.

Edmonton is a family-friendly national park. 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 Death Valley National Park or Edmonton Better for Couples?

Death Valley National Park 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.

Death Valley National Park is a very popular place to visit for couples. The stunning desert landscape will take your breathe away, particularly during sunrise and sunset, when the colors are dramatic and striking. In the evening, the sky fills with stars and couples can enjoy a bit of stargazing.

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 Death Valley National Park or Edmonton Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Death Valley National Park is an unbeatable place for backpackers. However, Edmonton is not a good city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Death Valley National Park is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. Backpackers will enjoy hiking and camping in a unique desert environment. There are several campgrounds in the area that range from primitive to developed.

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 Death Valley National Park or Edmonton Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Edmonton is very good for its public transit. However, Death Valley National Park is not a good national park 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 quite limited in Death Valley National Park. There is no public transportation within the park.

Is Death Valley National Park or Edmonton a more walkable city?

Edmonton is very good for its ease of walking around. However, Death Valley National Park is not a good national park for its walkability.

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

Death Valley National Park is not a very walkable national park. This is a huge national park that requires a car to get around.

For even more information, also check out Is Death Valley National Park Worth Visiting? and Is Edmonton Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Edmonton or Death Valley National Park?

How long in Death Valley National Park or Edmonton?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Death Valley National Park or Edmonton to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Death Valley National Park than Edmonton because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Death Valley National Park, and 1-2 days is enough time in Edmonton.

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

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

One day in Death Valley National Park or Edmonton?

The beautiful national park of Death Valley National Park offers . 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.

In Edmonton, many people enjoy the nightlife and shopping that this friendly destination offers. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Death Valley National Park or Edmonton?

Death Valley National Park is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this national park 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 Death Valley National Park, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

In Edmonton, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this destination offers. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Many people spend a weekend here. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

Five days in Death Valley National Park or Edmonton?

Death Valley National Park 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 enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Edmonton. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. This city offers something for everyone.

A week in Death Valley National Park or Edmonton?

Death Valley National Park 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 national park offers something for everyone.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting the city of Edmonton. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco, The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, The Best Contiki Tours to Canada, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Canada.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Death Valley National Park and Edmonton, we can see that Edmonton is more expensive. And not only is Death Valley National Park much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Death Valley National Park would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Death Valley National Park 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 Edmonton would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Edmonton than you might in Death Valley National Park.

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