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

Should you visit Gatlinburg or Saskatoon?

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 Saskatoon 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 nightlife, hiking, and shopping. See Gatlinburg travel costs.

Saskatoon

Saskatoon is a cultural, friendly, and authentic city. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food. See Saskatoon travel costs.

Gatlinburg and Saskatoon: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Gatlinburg or Saskatoon?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Gatlinburg. Although Gatlinburg and Saskatoon are popular destinations, Gatlinburg has more sights and attractions for tourists. Gatlinburg is very popular for its skiing, nightlife, resorts, and hiking, while Saskatoon attracts visitors for its food. Gatlinburg is more touristy than Saskatoon 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. Saskatoon is famous for its agriculture and outdoor spaces.

How is Gatlinburg different from Saskatoon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Gatlinburg or Saskatoon Better for Skiing?

Gatlinburg is a good destination for snow skiing. However, Saskatoon 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.

Saskatoon is not a skiing destination.

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

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

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.

Saskatoon offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are some museums and historical sites to check out such as Fort Battleford National Historic Site, Batoche National Historic Site, and the Saskatchewan Indigenous Cultural Centre.

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

Saskatoon is very good for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Gatlinburg is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Saskatoon. There's a great food scene around town with diverse restaurants and cuisines to choose from. You can sample dim sum, Mexican, Middle Eastern, Indian, and many more.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Gatlinburg. Staying true to form, restaurants in Gatlinburg cater to the tourist scene and serve up burgers, pizza, pancakes, and other classic favorites.

Is Gatlinburg or Saskatoon Better for Nightlife?

Gatlinburg is an unbeatable place for nightlife and partying. Also, Saskatoon is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Saskatoon. There are enough clubs and bars around town to keep things entertaining. Most cater to a younger crowd, but the vibe is fun and full of energy.

Is Gatlinburg or Saskatoon Better for Resorts?

Gatlinburg is a well-known place for its resorts. However, Saskatoon is not a resort destination.

There are plenty of resorts in Gatlinburg to choose from. There are plenty of resorts and vacation clubs near town. Many have pools, waterslides, or hot tubs.

Saskatoon is not a resort destination.

Is Gatlinburg or Saskatoon Better for Hiking?

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

Gatlinburg is a popular spot for hiking. 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.

Saskatoon is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Gatlinburg or Saskatoon?

If you're looking to go shopping, Gatlinburg and Saskatoon 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.

Saskatoon offers some nice shopping areas. A number of brands have opened stores in the downtown area in recent years, so the shopping scene continues to grow and diversify.

Is Gatlinburg or Saskatoon Better for Families?

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

Saskatoon offers lots of family activities. It's filled with indoor and outdoor play areas. Make sure you check out the Nutrien Wonderhub as well as the countless playgrounds around town.

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 Saskatoon Better for Couples?

Gatlinburg is a well-known place for its romantic activities. Also, Saskatoon is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

Gatlinburg is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

Saskatoon is a good city for couples to visit. There are plenty of evening activities like dining out at a nice restaurant or taking in a show at the Persephone Theatre.

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

Gatlinburg is a good destination for its public transit. However, Saskatoon is not a good city for times when you don't have a car.

Gatlinburg has a few public transit options. There's a free trolley service that offers a convenient way to get around town.

Public transit is mostly limited in Saskatoon. There is a bus system around town.

Is Gatlinburg or Saskatoon a more walkable city?

Gatlinburg is a well-known place for its high level of walkability. Also, Saskatoon is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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.

Saskatoon is a somewhat walkable city. The downtown is walkable and easy to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Saskatoon or Gatlinburg?

How long in Gatlinburg or Saskatoon?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Gatlinburg and Saskatoon. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Gatlinburg than in Saskatoon. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Gatlinburg, and 1-3 days is enough time in Saskatoon.

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

Couples should spend more time in Gatlinburg than Saskatoon. 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.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Gatlinburg than Saskatoon 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 Gatlinburg.

One day in Gatlinburg or Saskatoon?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Gatlinburg. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.

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

A weekend in Gatlinburg or Saskatoon?

You'll find museums and skiing around the wild destination of Gatlinburg. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Saskatoon, 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 Saskatoon?

Travelers enjoy the skiing and nightlife when visiting the wild city of Gatlinburg. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Most people head to the area for the nightlife. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Saskatoon, 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 Saskatoon?

Gatlinburg is a popular choice for travelers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.

Saskatoon 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 Saskatoon, we can see that Gatlinburg is more expensive. And not only is Saskatoon much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Saskatoon would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Saskatoon 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 Saskatoon.

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

Which is Bigger, Gatlinburg or Saskatoon?

Saskatoon has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Gatlinburg. When comparing the sizes of Gatlinburg and Saskatoon, 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.