A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Fairbanks vs. Quebec City for Attractions, Food, Couples, and Families

Should you visit Fairbanks or Quebec City?

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

Should I visit Fairbanks or Quebec City? 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 Arctic, unique, and outdoorsy city. The famous beauty of Fairbanks is one of the main draws. It's also known for hiking, shopping, and museums. See Fairbanks travel costs.

Quebec City

Quebec City is a charming, historical, and cultural city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. With stunning beauty, Quebec City attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums. See Quebec City travel costs.

Fairbanks and Quebec City: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Fairbanks or Quebec City?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Quebec City than Fairbanks, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Quebec City is better known for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Fairbanks is more popular for its skiing, hiking, and impressive beauty. Quebec City is more touristy than Fairbanks and is popular for its charming streets and classic Old Town. Also, Quebec City is famous for Château Frontenac. Fairbanks is well known for its remote wilderness setting, access to the Arctic, unique winter sports, and popularity for seeing the northern lights.

How is Fairbanks different from Quebec City?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Fairbanks or Quebec City Better for Skiing?

Fairbanks is a city with a few options for winter skiing. However, Quebec City 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.

Quebec City is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Fairbanks or Quebec City?

Quebec City is an amazing city to visit for its museums and history. Also, Fairbanks is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Quebec City has many famous sights for visitors. Historic sites include La Citadelle de Québec and Quebec National Historic Site. There are many iconic buildings in town as well like the Parliament Building and Château Frontenac. Also make sure you visit the Musée de la Civilisation and the stunning Basilica of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré.

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 Quebec City? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Quebec City is an amazing city to visit for its restaurants. However, Fairbanks is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

For foodies, Quebec City is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The city offers a mix of Canadian favorites and French dishes with a local twist. Favorite dishes that you must try include tourtières, pâté chinois, pea soup, and fèves au lard. There are also many local desserts to sample. You'll find some of the best French Canadian cuisine in the Old Town.

Fairbanks offers some easy restaurants to choose from. 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.

Is Fairbanks or Quebec City Better for Nightlife?

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

Quebec City has a large number of nightlife venues. The nightlife scene consists mainly of bars and pubs that you'll find along Rue Saint-Jean and in the Saint-Jean-Baptiste neighborhood. You'll also find clubs in Saint-Roch along Rue du Parvis and Avenue Saint-Joseph.

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 Quebec City Better for its Old Town?

Quebec City is an amazing city to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Fairbanks does not have a historic old town.

Quebec City offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. The walled Old Town has fortifications that date back to the 17th century. It has a European charm with cobblestone streets, charming restaurants, beautiful squares, and historic architecture. Many visitors feel like they've stepped into old world Europe.

Fairbanks does not have a historic old town.

Is Fairbanks or Quebec City Better for Hiking?

Fairbanks is a great destination for its hiking experiences. However, Quebec City is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Fairbanks. 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.

Quebec City is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Fairbanks or Quebec City?

Quebec City is an amazing city to visit for its shopping areas. Also, Fairbanks is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

Many people travel to Quebec City specifically to go shopping. The Old Town has many local boutiques and artisan shops that are fun for browsing. There are many shopping streets in town like Petit-Champlain Street, Rue Saint-Joseph, and Avenue Cartier.

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 Quebec City More Beautiful?

Fairbanks is very popular for its scenery and beauty. Also, Quebec City is still popular, but not quite as popular for its scenery and beauty.

The famous beauty of Fairbanks is one of the main draws. 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.

The beauty of Quebec City is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. The European atmosphere gives the city a unique beauty with architecture and cobblestone streets that create a fairytale setting.

Is Fairbanks or Quebec City Better for Families?

Quebec City is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Fairbanks is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Quebec City. There are tons of kid-friendly activities like visiting the Aquarium du Québec, having an adventure at Terrasse Dufferin, or exploring Chute de Montmorency.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Fairbanks. 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.

Is Fairbanks or Quebec City Better for Couples?

Quebec City is an amazing city to visit for couples. Also, Fairbanks is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Quebec City makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. It's one of the most European city's in North America, and it's filled with romance. Couples can enjoy exploring the Old Town by carriage or taking a boat ride on the Saint Lawrence River. For a truly romantic evening, enjoy a French meal at the famous Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, but for many couples, simply exploring and soaking up the city's charm offers the simple romance that they're looking for.

Fairbanks is a nice destination for couples. 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.

Is Fairbanks or Quebec City Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Fairbanks and Quebec City are both very good destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers 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.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Quebec City. There are a decent number of hostels around town and backpackers consider this a favorite destination in the area.

Is Fairbanks or Quebec City Better for Students?

Quebec City is a popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Fairbanks is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Quebec City. It's a beautiful and charming city that is fun for international students.

Fairbanks is not popular with students.

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

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

Quebec City has some public transit options. There are buses and ferries around town.

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 Quebec City a more walkable city?

Quebec City is an amazing city to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Fairbanks is lacking in good options for its walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Quebec City. The Old Town is compact and easy to explore on foot.

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 Quebec City Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Quebec City or Fairbanks?

How long in Fairbanks or Quebec City?

It's fun to spend time in either Fairbanks or Quebec City. In our opinion, Quebec City has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Quebec City than Fairbanks. However, 2-4 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Quebec City than Fairbanks 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 Quebec City.

One day in Fairbanks or Quebec City?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the unique city of Fairbanks. Hikers are also drawn to this area. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Quebec City. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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.

A weekend in Fairbanks or Quebec City?

Visitors enjoy the museums and shopping when visiting the unique destination of Fairbanks. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the historical destination of Quebec City. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Quebec City?

The Arctic city of Fairbanks offers shopping and museums. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the charming city of Quebec City. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Fairbanks or Quebec City?

Many people enjoy the museums and shopping when visiting Fairbanks. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Quebec City is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Romantic Tours for Couples in Canada, and The Best Northern Lights Tours in Canada.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Fairbanks or Quebec City?

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