A Travel Price Comparison for Canada Edmonton vs. Niagara Falls for Families, Attractions, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Edmonton or Niagara Falls?

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 Edmonton and Niagara Falls can help you decide which place is right for you.

Edmonton

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

Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls is a iconic, breathtaking, and impressive city. Niagara Falls is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, food, and hiking. See Niagara Falls travel costs.

Edmonton and Niagara Falls: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights


Is there more to do in Edmonton or Niagara Falls?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Niagara Falls than Edmonton. While Edmonton is larger than Niagara Falls, Niagara Falls has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Niagara Falls is very popular for its food, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Edmonton attracts visitors for its museums and attractions and shopping. Niagara Falls is more touristy than Edmonton and is known for the large volume of water that flows over it. It is also well known for the Journey Behind the Falls. Edmonton is famous for its many festivals and lively personality.

How is Edmonton different from Niagara Falls?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Edmonton or Niagara Falls?

Edmonton
Niagara Falls

Edmonton is notable for its sights and museums. However, Niagara Falls is a mediocre city for its museums and history.

Edmonton offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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 Niagara Falls specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. The Niagara Falls History Museum is one of the best museums in the area. There are also more touristy museums and attractions that you can visit as well. There's also a butterfly conservancy that is worth checking out.


Is the Food Better in Edmonton or Niagara Falls? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Edmonton
Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls is very good for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Edmonton is not a good city for its restaurants.

Niagara Falls offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. It's an iconic Canadian destination so, of course, you should try all things Canadian while you're in town. Maple syrup, poutine, butter tart, and beavertail (fried dough) are all things that should be on your list. Also make sure you sample some of the local game meat.

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 Edmonton or Niagara Falls Better for Nightlife?

Edmonton
Niagara Falls

Both Edmonton and Niagara Falls are nice when it comes to partying.

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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Niagara Falls. There's a decent concentration of clubs, pubs, and bars around town that keep things fun late into the evening.

Is Edmonton or Niagara Falls Better for Hiking?

Edmonton
Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Edmonton is not a hiking destination.

Niagara Falls is a popular spot for hiking. The nearby area is filled with hiking trails that let you escape into nature and enjoy impressive views.

Edmonton is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Edmonton or Niagara Falls?

Edmonton
Niagara Falls

Edmonton is notable for its shopping opportunities. Also, Niagara Falls is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping areas.

Edmonton is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

Niagara Falls has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find touristy souvenir shops as well as outlets and malls nearby.

Is Edmonton or Niagara Falls More Beautiful?

Edmonton
Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls is a well-known place for its scenery and beauty. However, Edmonton is not a destination known for its beauty.

Niagara Falls is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's an impressive sight and the Canadian side offers the best views. It's definitely something you should try and see at least once.

Edmonton is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Edmonton or Niagara Falls Better for Families?

Edmonton
Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls is an unbeatable 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.

Niagara Falls is one of the most popular family destinations. The views and setting are spectacular, and kids will love the boat tours or taking a ride on the Whirlpool Aero Car. There's also an indoor waterpark, a butterfly conservatory, and plenty of nature to explore.

Edmonton is a family-friendly city. 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 Edmonton or Niagara Falls Better for Couples?

Edmonton
Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls 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.

Niagara Falls is a very popular place to visit for couples. The setting has long brought to mind romance, and to this day couples still honeymoon at this iconic destination. There are boat tours, nature trails, luxury hotels, and even wineries to explore.

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 Edmonton or Niagara Falls Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Edmonton
Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls is very good for backpackers. However, Edmonton is not a good city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Niagara Falls is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There's a hostel or two where you can stay for cheap and meet other 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 Edmonton or Niagara Falls Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Edmonton
Niagara Falls

Both Edmonton and Niagara Falls offer nice public transit options.

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

Niagara Falls has some public transit options. There is a bus system through town.


Is Edmonton or Niagara Falls a more walkable city?

Edmonton
Niagara Falls

Edmonton and Niagara Falls both are nice when exploring on foot.

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

Niagara Falls is a somewhat walkable place. Most of the attractions and close together by the falls, so it's relatively walkable.

For even more information, also check out Is Edmonton Worth Visiting? and Is Niagara Falls Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Niagara Falls or Edmonton?

How long in Edmonton or Niagara Falls?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Edmonton and Niagara Falls. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Niagara Falls than in Edmonton. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Edmonton, and 2-3 days is enough time in Niagara Falls.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Niagara Falls 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 Niagara Falls.


  • How many days in Edmonton or Niagara Falls? Ideal Length of Stay
    Edmonton 1-2 
    Niagara Falls 2-3

One day in Edmonton or Niagara Falls?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the cultural destination of Edmonton. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

The beautiful city of Niagara Falls 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.

A weekend in Edmonton or Niagara Falls?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Edmonton. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

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


Five days in Edmonton or Niagara Falls?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the authentic destination of Edmonton. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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.

Niagara Falls 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.

A week in Edmonton or Niagara Falls?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the city of Edmonton. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Niagara Falls 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 city offers something for everyone.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Contiki Tours to Canada, The Best G Adventures Tours to Canada, The Best 3-Day Tours from Vancouver, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Vancouver.


Which place is cheaper, Niagara Falls or Edmonton?

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

  • Edmonton Prices
    Canada Prices
    Niagara Falls Prices
    Canada Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Edmonton $191
    Niagara Falls $149

The average daily cost (per person) in Edmonton is $191, while the average daily cost in Niagara Falls 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 Edmonton and Niagara Falls in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Edmonton $101
    Niagara Falls $76
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Edmonton $202
    Niagara Falls $152
Compare Hotels in Edmonton and Niagara Falls

Looking for a hotel in Edmonton or Niagara Falls? 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 Edmonton


Hotels in Niagara Falls


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: Edmonton Hotel Prices and Niagara Falls Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Edmonton $79
    Niagara Falls $16

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Edmonton

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Edmonton:

  • Private Transfer from Edmonton to Edmonton Airport (YEG): $120
  • Private Transfer from Edmonton Airport (YEG) to Edmonton Hotels: $120
  • Edmonton to Edmonton Airport (YEG) - Departure Private Transfer: $120
  • Edmonton Airport (YEG) to Edmonton - Arrival Private Transfer: $120
  • Edmonton Airport (YEG) to Edmonton - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $241

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Niagara Falls

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Niagara Falls:

  • Private Transfer Buffalo Airport BUF to Buffalo or Niagara Falls: $42
  • Buffalo Niagara Airport (BUF) to Buffalo - Arrival Private Transfer: $89
  • Buffalo to Buffalo Niagara Airport (BUF) - Departure Private Transfer: $89
  • Private Arrival Transfer: Buffalo Niagara Airport to Niagara Falls, Ontario: $95
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Buffalo Airport (BUF): $96
  • Shared Airport Transfer: Buffalo Niagara International Airport to Niagara Falls NY: $99
  • Niagara Buffalo Airport Arrival: Private Transfer to Niagara Falls Ontario: $101
  • Transfer Buffalo Niagara International Airport BUF to Niagara Falls,Canada: $101
  • Niagara Buffalo Airport Departure: Private Transfer to Buffalo Niagara Airport: $101
  • Transfer from Niagara Falls,Canada to Buffalo Niagara Int Airport (BUF): $102
  • Private Departure Transfer to Buffalo Airport (BUF): $104
  • Private Departure Transfer: Buffalo, NY to Buffalo Niagara International Airport: $105

Is it cheaper to fly into Edmonton or Niagara Falls?

Prices for flights to both Niagara Falls and Edmonton 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
    Edmonton $27
    Niagara Falls $53
Typical Food Prices in Edmonton

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


  • Snacks
    $7.26

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Niagara Falls

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

  • The Wing Ride: The Hidden History of Chicken Wings Food Tour: $105
  • Guided Night Tour w/ Dinner & Hotel Transfer: $139
  • Niagara-on-the-Lake: Sunset Wine Tour with Dinner: $162
  • Sunset Niagara-on-the-Lake Small Group Wine Tour with Dinner: $177
  • Night Tour w/ 3 Course Dinner & Light Show: $193
  • Night Tour with Fireworks Boat Ride & Dinner: $197
  • Night on Niagara Walking Tour with Fireworks Cruise + Dinner: $197
  • Niagara Falls USA Night, Lights & Dinner : $199
  • Niagara Falls Canada: Premium Night Tour with Boat & Dinner: $215
  • Niagara Falls Premium Night Tour: Fireworks Boat Cruise & Dinner: $242
  • Day & Night Tour with Boat Ride and Dinner: $279
  • Niagara-on-the-Lake Private Wine and Dinner Tour in Private SUV: $287

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Edmonton $91
    Niagara Falls $19

Tours and Activities in Edmonton

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

  • Edmonton City Highlights 3 Hour Walking Tour | Gratuity-Based: $4.00
  • 3-Hour City Highlights Walking Tour With Guide: $4.02
  • Edmonton Self Guided Audio Experience: $9.00
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Edmonton by Crazy Dash: $10
  • TELUS World of Science General Admission Ticket: $19
  • Edmonton River Valley 60-Minute Segway Adventure: $44
  • 1-Hour Edmonton River Valley Segway Tour: $44
  • Edmonton Oilers Ice Hockey Game Ticket: $46
  • Edmonton Oilers Ice Hockey Game Ticket at Rogers Place: $54
  • Edmonton River Valley 90-Minute Segway Adventure: $62
  • E-Scooter City Highlights Tour | 2-Hour: $63
  • City Bike Tour, Highlights and River Valley: $77

Typical Entertainment Prices in Niagara Falls

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Niagara Falls are as follows:


  • Maid of the Mist
    $37

Tours and Activities in Niagara Falls

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

  • Niagara Peninsula: a Smartphone Audio Driving Tour: $8.84
  • Explore Old Town Niagara-on-the-Lake: A Self-Guided Walking Tour: $8.99
  • RiverBrink Art Museum: Historical Walking Tour of Queenston: $11
  • Niagara Adventure Theater Experience with Popcorn included: $11
  • Niagara Legends of Adventure Admission Ticket with Popcorn: $12
  • Herschell Carrousel Factory Museum Admission Ticket: $12
  • Niagara Falls, Canada: Niagara SkyWheel Ticket: $12
  • Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site Admission and Guided Tour: $13
  • Tower Hotel Observation Deck Ticket: $13
  • Niagara Falls Tower Observation Deck Admission Ticket: $13
  • Niagara Falls Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour from Toronto: $14
  • Niagara Falls, Canada: Canadiana - The Musical Ticket: $16

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Edmonton -
    Niagara Falls $11

Sample the Local Flavors in Edmonton

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Edmonton:

  • Edmonton Brewery Tour (10 person minimum group): $103

Sample the Local Flavors in Niagara Falls

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

  • Summer Sips - Private Outdoor Wine Tasting Experience: $22
  • Black Glass Wine Tasting: $23
  • Niagara's Decadent Sparkling and Icewine Tasting: $23
  • Niagara Wine Tour and Tastings with Included Transportation : $59
  • Public Niagara Wine Tour with Transportation: $61
  • Half-Day Niagara Micro Brewery Tour: $111
  • Half Day Wine & Cheese Tour - Niagara On The Lake Wine Tour: $118
  • Beer and Wine Tour in Niagara-on-the-Lake: $119
  • Niagara Craft Brewery Tour Niagara Falls: $122
  • Vine and Dine Bicycle Wine Tour with Lunch : $125
  • Vintage Wine Tour In Niagara County USA: $139
  • Relaxing three courses Lunch & Wine Tour through Niagara's Wine Country: $147


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Edmonton and Niagara Falls, we can see that Edmonton is more expensive. And not only is Niagara Falls much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Niagara Falls would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Niagara Falls 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 Niagara Falls.

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


Which is Bigger, Edmonton or Niagara Falls?

Edmonton has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Niagara Falls. When comparing the sizes of Edmonton and Niagara Falls, 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.

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