A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Gatlinburg vs. Calgary for Nightlife, Couples, Attractions, and Backpackers

Should you visit Gatlinburg or Calgary?

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 Gatlinburg and Calgary can help you decide which place is right for you.

Gatlinburg

Gatlinburg is a high energy, wild, and flashy city. And you can't forget about the skiing, nightlife, and hiking. See Gatlinburg travel costs.

Calgary

Calgary is a western, local, and authentic city. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, shopping, and museums. See Calgary travel costs.

Gatlinburg and Calgary: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Gatlinburg or Calgary?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Gatlinburg. Although Gatlinburg and Calgary are popular destinations, Gatlinburg has more sights and attractions for tourists. Gatlinburg is more touristy than Calgary and is popular for its countless entertainment venues as well as its easy access to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It is also well known for the Gatlinburg Strip. Calgary is famous for its farming and oil industries as well as the Calgary Stampede.

How is Gatlinburg different from Calgary?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Gatlinburg or Calgary Better for Skiing?

Gatlinburg is a city with good options for winter skiing. However, Calgary is not a skiing destination.

For winter sports and skiing, Gatlinburg is a great destination to visit. Ober Gatlinburg is the only ski area in Tennessee. The winter activities open after Thanksgiving and include snow skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, and tubing.

Calgary is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Gatlinburg or Calgary?

Spend time exploring the nice sights and museums in either Gatlinburg or Calgary.

Gatlinburg is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Museums range from gaudy to quirky. Check out the Hollywood Star Cars Museum, the Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum, Ripley's Believe It or Not, the Hollywood Wax Museum, and the Titanic Museum. There's also the Gatlinburg Space Needle and the Gatlinburg SkyBridge.

Calgary offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. It's worth visiting the Calgary Zoo, Fort Calgary, the Hangar Flight Museum, and Heritage Park, among others.

Is the Food Better in Gatlinburg or Calgary? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at reasonable restaurants in both Gatlinburg and Calgary.

Gatlinburg offers some easy restaurants to choose from. Staying true to form, restaurants in Gatlinburg cater to the tourist scene and serve up burgers, pizza, pancakes, and other classic favorites.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Calgary. The food scene is constantly evolving and you'll find plenty of casual restaurants. The city is known for its beef, so you should definitely sample a local steak.

Is Gatlinburg or Calgary Better for Nightlife?

Gatlinburg is an unbeatable place for nightlife and partying. Also, Calgary is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

The nightlife in Gatlinburg is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. Live music, theatrical shows, as well as bars and clubs that stay open late into the night give this town a huge party atmosphere. During the peak season the town is packed with people looking to have a good time and you'll find tons of things to do by simply walking down the main drag.

If you're looking for night time activities Calgary has a few options to choose from. Visitors often head to Stephen Avenue Walk for its bars and pubs. There's also a decent theater scene around town.

Is Gatlinburg or Calgary Better for Resorts?

Gatlinburg is well known for its resorts. However, Calgary is not a resort destination.

In Gatlinburg, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. There are plenty of resorts and vacation clubs near town. Many have pools, waterslides, or hot tubs.

Calgary is not a resort destination.

Is Gatlinburg or Calgary Better for Hiking?

Gatlinburg is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Calgary is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Gatlinburg. You'll need to head out of town into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, but once you're there the hiking is impressive. There are waterfall hikes, trails to viewpoints, and loops that take you through wildflowers. Some of the most popular trails include Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, Middle Prong Trail, and the Gatlinburg Trail.

Calgary is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Gatlinburg or Calgary?

If you're looking to go shopping, Gatlinburg and Calgary both offer plenty of nice spots.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Gatlinburg. There are tourist traps and souvenir shops around town, but you can also head to the Great Smoky Arts and Crafts Community where you can meet local artists and learn about their work.

Calgary offers some nice shopping areas. There are plenty of independent shops around town as well as some great shopping neighborhoods. Make sure you check out Fourth Street and 17th Avenue. There are also large shopping malls.

Is Gatlinburg or Calgary Better for Families?

Calgary is very good for its kid-friendly activities. However, Gatlinburg is not a family-friendly destination.

Calgary offers lots of family activities. There are a surprising number of things around town to do with kids such as petting zoos, museums, and even amusement parks. The Calgary Zoo is worth a visit, but also make sure you check out Calaway Park Amusement Park and the Telus Spark science center.

Gatlinburg is not a family-friendly destination. Ober Gatlinburg is a combination ski resort and amusement park that is a highlight for many families. During the warmer season, horseback riding and waterparks are popular. There's also a Ripley's Aquarium, minigolf, and Gatlin's Fun Center. Nearby you'll find Dollywood and Pigeon Forge.

Is Gatlinburg or Calgary Better for Couples?

Gatlinburg is well known for its romantic activities. Also, Calgary is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Couples visit Gatlinburg frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. If you're looking for a flashy and ostentatious experience, then there are all the typical activities around town - Ripley's Believe It or Not, the Gatlinburg Space Needle, or Ober Gatlinburg. For a bit more nature, you can head out of town and enjoy one of the many hiking trails. There are also breweries and wineries in the area, as well as a range of resorts.

Calgary is a good city for couples to visit. You'll find outdoor sports, boat tours, and plenty of great restaurants around town. If you're looking for a low key destination with a great vibe, then this is a great city for a weekend trip.

Is Gatlinburg or Calgary Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Calgary is very good for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Gatlinburg is not a good destination for backpackers.

Calgary is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. A surprising number of backpackers end up passing through town, so you'll find a handful of hostels to choose from.

Gatlinburg is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's a touristy town with plenty of cheap motels in the area. There are also campgrounds and hiking not far away.

Is Gatlinburg or Calgary Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Gatlinburg and Calgary both offer nice public transit to get you around.

While Gatlinburg offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's a free trolley service that offers a convenient way to get around town.

Calgary has a few public transit options. The public transportation system is relatively efficient with both light rail and buses.

Is Gatlinburg or Calgary a more walkable city?

Gatlinburg is well known for its high level of walkability. However, Calgary is not particularly known for its ease of walking around.

Gatlinburg is a very walkable city. The downtown area is pedestrian-friendly and most of the attractions in town can be reached on foot. If you want to leave town, a car is a must, but in town traffic and parking can be frustrating, so walk when you can.

Calgary is generally not a very walkable city. While there are a couple of walkable neighborhood's around town, it's definitely not the most walkable city.

For even more information, also check out Is Gatlinburg Worth Visiting? and Is Calgary Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Calgary or Gatlinburg?

How long in Gatlinburg or Calgary?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Gatlinburg or Calgary to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Gatlinburg than Calgary because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Gatlinburg, and 1-2 days is enough time in Calgary.

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

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

One day in Gatlinburg or Calgary?

In Gatlinburg, you'll find skiing and nightlife. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

With museums and nightlife around the local city of Calgary, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Calgary, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Gatlinburg or Calgary?

In Gatlinburg, you'll find nightlife and shopping. 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. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Gatlinburg has to offer.

With nightlife and shopping around the destination of Calgary, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Gatlinburg or Calgary?

Gatlinburg is a great place to explore. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Calgary, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Gatlinburg or Calgary?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Gatlinburg. Many people enjoy the museums and skiing when visiting Gatlinburg. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. It's also a relaxing resort destination. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Calgary is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco, The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Canada, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Canada.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Gatlinburg or Calgary?

Calgary has a larger population, and is about 240 times larger than the population of Gatlinburg. When comparing the sizes of Gatlinburg and Calgary, 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.