A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Denver vs. Saskatoon for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Denver or Saskatoon?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Denver or Saskatoon, 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.

Denver

Denver is a sprawling, park-filled, and suburban city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the skiing, nightlife, and hiking. See Denver travel costs.

Saskatoon

Saskatoon is a friendly, authentic, and cultural city. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping. See Saskatoon travel costs.

Denver and Saskatoon: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Very walkable
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Denver or Saskatoon?

You'll generally find more things to do in Denver than Saskatoon. Denver is bigger than Saskatoon, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Denver is better known for its skiing, hiking, and big city activities, while Saskatoon is more popular for its museums and attractions and food. Denver is well known for serving as a gateway to the Rocky Mountains and the many national parks that are in the area. Also, Denver is famous for Red Rocks Park. Saskatoon is well known for its agriculture and outdoor spaces.

How is Denver different from Saskatoon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Denver or Saskatoon Better for Skiing?

Denver
Saskatoon

Denver is a good destination for snow skiing. However, Saskatoon is not a skiing destination.

For winter sports and skiing, Denver is a great destination to visit. Although there's no skiing in the immediate area, there is a huge list of world class ski resorts within an hour or two of town. Two of the closest are Echo Mountain Resort and Loveland Ski Area.

Saskatoon is not a skiing destination.


Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Denver or Saskatoon?

Denver
Saskatoon

Saskatoon is a nice place to visit for its sights and museums. However, Denver is not a good city for its museums and history.

Saskatoon offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are some museums and historical sites to check out such as Fort Battleford National Historic Site, Batoche National Historic Site, and the Saskatchewan Indigenous Cultural Centre.

While most people don't head to Denver specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. Many people use Denver as a starting or ending point for their mountain and national park trip, but those who linger can visit some of the city's museums and sights. Popular museums include the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, the History Colorado Center, and the Forney Museum of Transportation.

Is the Food Better in Denver or Saskatoon? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Denver
Saskatoon

Saskatoon is a nice place to visit for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Denver is not a good city for its restaurants.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Saskatoon. There's a great food scene around town with diverse restaurants and cuisines to choose from. You can sample dim sum, Mexican, Middle Eastern, Indian, and many more.

Denver may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. It's a pretty large city, so you'll find some nice local restaurants, but the foodie scene is still emerging in many neighborhoods. A number of restaurants offer outdoor seating, which is nice. You'll also find a growing selection of international restaurants. For something uniquely local, you should try the Bison steak and fried pickles.

Is Denver or Saskatoon Better for Nightlife?

Denver
Saskatoon

Both Denver and Saskatoon are notable when it comes to partying.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Denver. The city has come a long way with its nightlife. There's a great craft beer scene and the downtown area has really come to life. Popular bars and clubs in town include the Grizzly Rose and 54Thirty Rooftop. Many places are concentrated in the Soco Nightlife District.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Saskatoon. There are enough clubs and bars around town to keep things entertaining. Most cater to a younger crowd, but the vibe is fun and full of energy.


Is Denver or Saskatoon Better for Hiking?

Denver
Saskatoon

Denver is a good destination for the nearby hiking options. However, Saskatoon is not a hiking destination.

Denver offers some nice hiking trails. The city is very close to many beautiful parks and hiking areas in the Rocky Mountains. It's not hard to make a day trip from town and enjoy some great hiking. Nice options include the Trading Post Trail in Red Rocks Mountain Park, Bergen Peak near Evergreen, and Chimney Gulch Trail near the town of Golden.

Saskatoon is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Denver or Saskatoon?

Denver
Saskatoon

Both Denver and Saskatoon are notable shopping destinations.

Denver offers some nice shopping areas. The city has many outlet malls that budget shoppers appreciate. There are also weekend farmer's markets, boutique shopping areas, and all of the major chains that you'll find in most larger cities.

Saskatoon has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. A number of brands have opened stores in the downtown area in recent years, so the shopping scene continues to grow and diversify.

Is Denver or Saskatoon Better for Families?

Denver
Saskatoon

Denver and Saskatoon are both notable destinations for the whole family.

Denver is a family-friendly place to visit. It is a family-friendly city with museums, playgrounds, and plenty of outdoor activities. There are also a few ropes courses near town that kids and adults alike will enjoy. Popular activities include the Denver Zoo, the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, and Children's Museum of Denver at Marsico Campus.

Saskatoon is a family-friendly city. It's filled with indoor and outdoor play areas. Make sure you check out the Nutrien Wonderhub as well as the countless playgrounds around town.


Is Denver or Saskatoon Better for Couples?

Denver
Saskatoon

Denver and Saskatoon are both notable to visit as a couple.

Denver makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are many beautiful and romantic outdoor activities in the area such as parks and botanical gardens. There are also spas, including the impressive Spa at the Brown Palace, as well as upscale restaurants and fun bars and clubs to explore.

Saskatoon is a good city for couples to visit. There are plenty of evening activities like dining out at a nice restaurant or taking in a show at the Persephone Theatre.

Is Denver or Saskatoon Better for Students?

Denver
Saskatoon

Denver is a good destination for students. However, Saskatoon is not popular with students.

Denver is a good city to visit for students. There are a few students in the city, but there isn't a college town vibe that you'd get at other nearby university areas.

Saskatoon is not popular with students.

Is Denver or Saskatoon Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Denver
Saskatoon

Denver is a good destination for its public transit. However, Saskatoon is not a good city for times when you don't have a car.

Denver has a few public transit options. If you're not planning to leave town, the light rail and bus systems offer good access to much of Denver.

Public transit is mostly limited in Saskatoon. There is a bus system around town.


Is Denver or Saskatoon a more walkable city?

Denver
Saskatoon

Saskatoon is a nice place to visit for its high level of walkability. However, Denver is not a good city for its ease of walking around.

Saskatoon is a somewhat walkable place. The downtown is walkable and easy to explore on foot.

Denver is not a very walkable city. While the downtown area is generally walkable, this is still a sprawling city where you'll really want to have a car to access areas outside of town.

For even more information, also check out Is Denver Worth Visiting? and Is Saskatoon Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Saskatoon or Denver?

How long in Denver or Saskatoon?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Denver and Saskatoon. In our opinion, Denver has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Denver than Saskatoon. In general, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Denver, and 1-3 days is enough time in Saskatoon.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Denver than Saskatoon 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 Denver.


  • How many days in Denver or Saskatoon? Ideal Length of Stay
    Denver 2-3 
    Saskatoon 1-3

One day in Denver or Saskatoon?

You'll find nightlife and shopping around the city of Denver. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Saskatoon. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Denver or Saskatoon?

You'll find shopping and skiing around the park-filled destination of Denver. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.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.

Saskatoon is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.


Five days in Denver or Saskatoon?

Travelers enjoy the skiing and nightlife when visiting the park-filled city of Denver. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Saskatoon. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Denver or Saskatoon?

Denver is a popular choice for travelers. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the friendly destination of Saskatoon. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, The Best Walking Tours in United States of America, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Canada, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Canada.


Which place is cheaper, Saskatoon or Denver?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Denver Prices
    USA Prices
    Saskatoon Prices
    Canada Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Denver $248
    Saskatoon $149

The average daily cost (per person) in Denver is $248, while the average daily cost in Saskatoon is $149. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Denver and Saskatoon in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Denver $87
    Saskatoon $54
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Denver $174
    Saskatoon $108
Compare Hotels in Denver and Saskatoon

Looking for a hotel in Denver or Saskatoon? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Denver


Hotels in Saskatoon


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Denver Hotel Prices and Saskatoon Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Denver $101
    Saskatoon $32

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Denver

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Denver:

  • Private Transfer Denver Airport DEN to Hot Ski Resorts: $65
  • Departure Transfer: Denver to Denver Airport DEN by Business Car: $113
  • Arrival Private Transfer: Denver Airport DEN to Denver in Business Car: $119
  • Private Transfer from Denver to Denver Airport DEN in Business Car: $119
  • Denver hotel or address to Denver Airport (DEN) - Departure Private Transfer: $122
  • Denver International Airport Private Transfer Pick up: $130
  • Private City Tour in Denver with Transfer: $140
  • Denver Airport (DEN) to Keystone resort - Arrival Private Transfer: $144
  • Keystone resort to Denver Airport (DEN) - Departure Private Transfer: $144
  • Denver Airport (DEN) to Avon/Vail Valley - Arrival Private Transfer : $144
  • Departure Private Transfer: Denver to Denver Airport DEN in Luxury Van: $149
  • Private Transfer from Denver to Denver Airport DEN in Luxury Van: $149

Is it cheaper to fly into Denver or Saskatoon?

Prices for flights to both Saskatoon and Denver change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Denver $73
    Saskatoon $54
Typical Food Prices in Denver

Some typical examples of dining costs in Denver are as follows:


  • Sushi Dinner (for 2)
    $61

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Denver

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Denver.

  • Epic Pad Thai Cooking Class in Denver: $55
  • 16th Street Mall Food Tour with Local Guide: $62
  • Arts District Walking Food Tour: $79
  • Denver RiNo Arts District Food Tour: $85
  • Downtown Denver Food Tour: $85
  • Denver Food Tour: 6+ Tastings in Historic Downtown: $99
  • RiNo Evening Food Tour with a Local Guide: $99
  • Denver Food Tour: Wild West Flavors & Downtown Classics: $111
  • Taste of the City Food Tour by Bike or E-Bike: $125

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Denver $52
    Saskatoon $17

Tours and Activities in Denver

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Denver are as follows:

  • $5 Capitol Hill History & Ghost Walking Tour: $5.00
  • Denver Scavenger Hunt and Highlights Self Guided Tour: $7.19
  • Denver Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $7.73
  • Denver's Heart A Self Guided Tour of the State Capitol and Beyond: $8.99
  • Denver’s Wild Side: Self-Guided Audio Tour of its Notorious Past: $9.99
  • Winding Pathways of Denver's City Park A Self-Guided Tour : $9.99
  • Fun Royal Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Arvada, CO: $10
  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Denver by Operation City Quest: $10
  • Self Guided Denver Ghost Hunt: Mile High Ghost Tour: $12
  • Denver Audio Tour Adventure: $15
  • Molly Brown House Museum Self-Guided Tour & Entry: $15
  • General Admission to Denver Botanic Gardens Ticket: $16

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Denver $5.31
    Saskatoon $9.60

Sample the Local Flavors in Denver

Also in Denver, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Spirits & Spirits Haunted Pub Crawl: $30
  • Private Vintner's Wine Tasting Experience in Colorado: $40
  • Downtown Denver Pub Crawl - Food & Drinks Included!: $50
  • Neighborhood Bar Crawl in RiNo Arts District (Denver): $50
  • Vintner's Personalized Wine Tasting Experience: $60
  • Wild West Pub Crawl: $61
  • Buds & Brews Cannabis Grow Tour and Brewery Visit: $67
  • E-Bike & Brews: Denver's Platte River & Brewery E-Bike Tour: $125
  • Denver Pedicab Brewery Tour: $130


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

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


Which is Bigger, Denver or Saskatoon?

Denver has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Saskatoon. When comparing the sizes of Denver and Saskatoon, 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.