A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Fairbanks vs. Edmonton for Attractions, Backpackers, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Fairbanks or Edmonton?

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

Should I visit Fairbanks or Edmonton? 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.

Fairbanks

Fairbanks is a outdoorsy, remote, and Arctic city. You'll find world class beauty in Fairbanks as well. It's also known for hiking, shopping, and museums. See Fairbanks travel costs.

Edmonton

Edmonton is a friendly, cultural, and authentic city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and shopping. See Edmonton travel costs.

Fairbanks and Edmonton: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Fairbanks or Edmonton?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Fairbanks than Edmonton, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Fairbanks is better known for its skiing, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Edmonton is more popular for its museums and attractions, nightlife, and shopping. Fairbanks is more touristy than Edmonton and is popular for its remote wilderness setting, access to the Arctic, unique winter sports, and popularity for seeing the northern lights. Also, Fairbanks is famous for The Northern Lights. Edmonton is well known for its many festivals and lively personality.

How is Fairbanks different from Edmonton?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Fairbanks or Edmonton Better for Skiing?

Fairbanks is a moderate city for snow skiing. However, Edmonton is not a skiing destination.

Locals like to visit Fairbanks to take advantage of their winter sports. The closest ski areas are the ski resorts of Fort Wainwright/Birch Hill, Moose Mountain and Skiland. The area also has dog mushing, snowshoeing, sledding, tubing and sleigh riding.

Edmonton is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Fairbanks or Edmonton?

Edmonton is a very popular place for its museums and history. Also, Fairbanks is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

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.

Fairbanks is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The city is mostly known for its outdoor activities, but you can also visit the Morris Thompson Cultural & Visitors Center, the Aurora Ice Museum, Fountainhead Auto Museum, the Museum of the North, and Pioneer Park.

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Fairbanks and Edmonton can be difficult as they are each respectable in their own way.

Fairbanks may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Food can be expensive and of varying quality, but many restaurants use local meats and seafood. There's a surprising number of international restaurants in town as well. Also make sure you try the local specialties like reindeer sausage, Yukon gold potatoes, and Alaskan salmon.

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

Is Fairbanks or Edmonton Better for Nightlife?

Edmonton is a popular place for its evening party scene. However, Fairbanks is lacking in good options for nightlife.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe 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.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Fairbanks. You will find some bars around town, but for the most part, the city stays quiet at night.

Is Fairbanks or Edmonton Better for Hiking?

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

Fairbanks is a popular spot for hiking. While the town serves as a gateway to the Arctic and all that it has to offer, there are also hiking trails both in town and nearby. There are trails that connect the city's historic sites as well as day hikes that start at the edge of town.

Edmonton is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Fairbanks or Edmonton?

Edmonton is a very popular place for its shopping areas. Also, Fairbanks is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas 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.

Fairbanks is a great destination for shopping. There are interesting local shops and boutiques that sell native Alaskan handmade items. You'll find "Made in Alaska" merchandise at many boutiques and souvenir shops. There are also larger retailers available in case you forgot clothing or other items at home.

Is Fairbanks or Edmonton More Beautiful?

Fairbanks 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 Fairbanks as well. The city offers access to Alaska's interior, as well as the Arctic. The scenery is spectacular and the wildlife is abundant. Fairbanks is also the best place in Alaska to see the Northern Lights. They are best seen between the months of August and April.

Edmonton is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Fairbanks or Edmonton Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Fairbanks or Edmonton.

Fairbanks is a family-friendly city. Kids who enjoy searching for wildlife, playing in the snow, and exploring nature will love a visit to Fairbanks. Make sure you visit the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge as well as Pioneer Park.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Edmonton. 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 Fairbanks or Edmonton Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Fairbanks and Edmonton make for a notable place to visit.

Fairbanks is a good city for couples to visit. Couples who enjoy hiking and nature will love a visit here. If you're hoping to see the northern lights, Fairbanks is your best destination in Alaska. Try to visit sometime between August to April for the best chance of enjoying the lights.

Edmonton is a nice destination for couples. 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 Fairbanks or Edmonton Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Fairbanks is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Edmonton is not a good city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Fairbanks. There are many outdoor recreation areas where backpackers can explore. Alaska, and Fairbanks in particular, can have very harsh conditions, so unless you know what you're doing, it's best to take a guide.

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 Fairbanks or Edmonton Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

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

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

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Fairbanks. There is a public bus system that connects the downtown area with the shopping areas and the university. However, you really can't rely on it to explore the region and you should have your own vehicle.

Is Fairbanks or Edmonton a more walkable city?

Edmonton is a popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Fairbanks is lacking in good options for its walkability.

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

Fairbanks is not a walkable city. The city was built for cars and there are very few walkable areas around town.

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

Should I spend more time in Edmonton or Fairbanks?

How long in Fairbanks or Edmonton?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Fairbanks or Edmonton to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Fairbanks 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 Fairbanks, and 1-2 days is enough time in Edmonton.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Fairbanks 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 Fairbanks.

One day in Fairbanks or Edmonton?

The beautiful city of Fairbanks offers museums and shopping. 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.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Edmonton. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Edmonton has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Fairbanks or Edmonton?

Fairbanks 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 Fairbanks, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the cultural destination of Edmonton. 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.

Five days in Fairbanks or Edmonton?

Fairbanks 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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting the friendly city of Edmonton. 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.

A week in Fairbanks or Edmonton?

Fairbanks 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.

Edmonton 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.

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

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

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

Which is Bigger, Fairbanks or Edmonton?

Edmonton has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Fairbanks. When comparing the sizes of Fairbanks and Edmonton, 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.