A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Durango vs. Banff for Skiing, Hiking, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Durango or Banff?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Durango and Banff. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Durango

Durango is a historic, charming, and quaint small town. It also offers plenty of small town charm and also has plenty of sights and activities. Durango is a beautiful place to visit, too. This is an attractive and quaint destination worth visiting as well. And you can't forget about the hiking and museums. See Durango 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 nightlife, food, and hiking. See Banff travel costs.

Durango and Banff: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Durango or Banff?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Banff. Although Durango and Banff are popular destinations, Banff has more sights and attractions for tourists. Banff is very popular for its skiing, food, nightlife, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Durango attracts visitors for its museums and attractions, historical sights, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere. Banff is more touristy than Durango and is popular for its stunning beauty, pristine nature, and nearby lakes. It is also well known for Lake Louise. Durango is famous for its historic narrow gauge railroad, its charming small town atmosphere, and its many family-friendly activities.

How is Durango different from Banff?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Durango or Banff Better for Skiing?

Banff is a world-class destination for skiing and snowboarding. However, Durango is lacking in good options for winter skiing.

Banff is a top destination for snow skiing, and it attracts visitors from around 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.

Durango is a fun local destination for snow skiers. Purgatory Ski Resort is about 20 minutes from town and it's a family-friendly mountain with beginner and intermediate runs. It's small, and geared specifically to the beginner and younger crowd.

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

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

Durango offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Most visitors come to town specifically to ride the Silverton & Durango Narrow Gauge Railroad. There's also the D&SNGRR Railroad Museum, and the Fish Hatchery and Wildlife Museum.

Banff does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Banff is a very popular place for its restaurants. However, Durango 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 Durango. Most of the restaurants are casual and family-friendly, serving up burgers or sandwiches for a reasonable price. You'll also find some coffeeshops and even a few food trucks and international restaurants.

Is Durango or Banff Better for Nightlife?

Banff is a very popular place for nightlife. However, Durango is lacking in good options 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.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Durango. It's a small town that attracts tourists mainly for its train, so you won't find much in the way of a nightlife scene.

Is Durango or Banff Better for its Old Town?

Durango is a popular place for its old town. However, Banff does not have a historic old town.

Many people head to Durango to see the old town. Filled with character, the downtown feels like you've stepped into a Western. The town has a long history as a mining and railroad community, which you can see throughout the historic area. It really feels like you're in the "Wild West."

Banff does not have a historic old town.

Is Durango or Banff Better for Hiking?

Banff is a world-class destination for its hiking trails. Also, Durango is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

Banff is well-known for its hiking and trekking. 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.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Durango. It's surrounded by plenty of natural beautiful and there is an endless supply of hikes in the region. Popular nearby hikes include Animas Mountain Trail, Falls Creek Trail, and Purgatory Trail.

Is the Shopping Better in Durango or Banff?

Banff is a good destination for shopping. However, Durango is lacking in good options for its shopping opportunities.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Banff. There are tons of downtown shops that sell local items, art, sports gear, or clothing.

If you're looking to go shopping, Durango has some nice offerings. The charming town has some boutiques that sell beautifully made Native American jewelry and other interesting items. There are also souvenir shops and other venues that target tourists specifically.

Is Durango or Banff More Beautiful?

Banff is a very popular place for its scenery and beauty. Also, Durango is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its scenery and 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.

Durango is a beautiful place to visit, too. The town is surrounded by plenty of natural beauty.

Is Durango or Banff Better for Families?

Both Durango and Banff are superb family-friendly destinations.

Durango is a very family-friendly destination. In the area you'll find ziplining, alpine slides, and plenty of outdoor areas to explore - and of course there's the railroad.

Banff is a very kid-friendly small town. 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 Durango or Banff Better for Couples?

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

Banff is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. 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 Durango as a couple's destination. The town may not be the first romantic destination that comes to mind, but the railroad combined with wandering the downtown can make for a great couple's getaway.

Is Durango or Banff Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Banff is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Durango is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Durango. With plenty of parks and outdoor areas nearby, backpackers will have plenty of places to explore.

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

Banff is a good destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Durango 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 limited or non-existant in Durango. It's a small town with no real public transit options so a car is a must.

Is Durango or Banff a more walkable city?

Banff is a very popular place for its walkability. However, Durango is lacking in good options for its high level of walkability.

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

Durango is generally not very walkable. While the Main Street through town is walkable, it's not as pedestrian-friendly as some small towns.

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

Should I spend more time in Banff or Durango?

How long in Durango or Banff?

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

Couples should spend more time in Banff than Durango. 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 Durango 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 Durango or Banff?

Even though Durango is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. This small town 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.

In Banff, you'll find skiing and nightlife. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Durango or Banff?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Durango. 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.

In Banff, you'll find nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Banff has to offer.

Five days in Durango or Banff?

Durango is a fun place to experience. Durango is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. 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.

Banff is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Banff has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Durango or Banff?

Durango is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Banff. Many people enjoy the shopping and skiing when visiting Banff. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

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

Which is Bigger, Durango or Banff?

Durango has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Banff. When comparing the sizes of Durango 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.