A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Glacier National Park vs. Edmonton for Backpackers, Couples, Families, and Food

Should you visit Glacier National Park or Edmonton?

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

Should I visit Glacier National Park 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.

Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park is a stunning, breathtaking, and gorgeous park. You'll find world class beauty in Glacier National Park as well. It's also known for hiking. See Glacier National Park travel costs.

Edmonton

Edmonton is a cultural, authentic, and friendly city. It's also known for nightlife, shopping, and museums. See Edmonton travel costs.

Glacier National Park and Edmonton: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Glacier National Park or Edmonton?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Glacier National Park. Although Glacier National Park and Edmonton are both popular with visitors, Glacier National Park has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Glacier National Park is more popular for its resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Edmonton is known for its museums and attractions, nightlife, and shopping. Glacier National Park is more touristy than Edmonton and is known for its miles of hiking trails, impressive glaciers, and pristine lakes. It is also home to Going-to-the-Sun Road. Edmonton is popular for its many festivals and lively personality.

How is Glacier National Park different from Edmonton?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Glacier National Park or Edmonton?

Edmonton is notable for its sights and museums. However, Glacier National Park is a mediocre park 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.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Glacier National Park. There are a couple of local museums in the area, but most people head straight for the park.

Is the Food Better in Glacier National Park or Edmonton? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Glacier National Park and Edmonton offer decent local cuisine and restaurants.

Glacier National Park offers some easy restaurants to choose from. You'll find several restaurants and cafes both within and near the park, but this is an incredibly crowded park so you'll want to make reservations well in advance.

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 Glacier National Park or Edmonton Better for Nightlife?

Edmonton is a popular place for nightlife. However, Glacier National Park is a mediocre park for nightlife and 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.

Glacier National Park doesn't offer many options. People visit for the scenery, not the nightlife scene.

Is Glacier National Park or Edmonton Better for Resorts?

Glacier National Park is very good for its resorts. However, Edmonton is not a resort destination.

Glacier National Park has a handful of resorts to choose from. There are several lodges, cabins, and inns near or within the park, but reservations are recommended well in advance.

Edmonton is not a resort destination.

Is Glacier National Park or Edmonton Better for Hiking?

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

Glacier National Park is a popular spot for hiking. There are more than 700 miles of trails in the park. For the best experience, you should purchase a permit and explore the parks backcountry. Other popular trails include Highline Trail, Grinnell Glacier Trail, and Avalanche Lake Trail. It's best to start in the early morning as this is a popular park and the trails get busier as the day progresses.

Edmonton is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Glacier National Park or Edmonton?

Edmonton is notable for shopping. However, Glacier National Park is a mediocre park for its shopping opportunities.

Edmonton is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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.

If you're looking to go shopping, Glacier National Park has some nice offerings. There are park stores where you can pick up books, souvenirs, and gifts.

Is Glacier National Park or Edmonton More Beautiful?

Glacier National Park 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 Glacier National Park as well. This is one of the most stunning national parks in the United States with its many pristine lakes, striking mountain peaks, and breathtaking views.

Edmonton is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Glacier National Park or Edmonton Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Glacier National Park or Edmonton.

Glacier National Park is a family-friendly place to visit. The landscapes are spectacular, but the crowds can be intense, which means it can be hard to find places to pull over and park during the peak seasons. Keep this in mind when you're traveling with kids because you may end up spending more time in the car than you'd expected.

Edmonton is a family-friendly park. 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 Glacier National Park or Edmonton Better for Couples?

Glacier National Park 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.

Glacier National Park is a very popular place to visit for couples. Drive along the scenic Going-to-the-Sun-Road and take in the truly breathtaking scenery. Many people consider this to be a top destination for a honeymoon and couples will appreciate the impressive hikes, dramatic waterfalls, and adventure-filled activities.

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 Glacier National Park or Edmonton Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Glacier National Park is an unbeatable place for backpackers. However, Edmonton is not a good city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Glacier National Park is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. The backcountry is truly pristine, and obtaining a Wilderness Permit and getting off-the-beaten-path will help you escape some of the crowds that the park is known for.

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

Edmonton is a popular place for its public transit. However, Glacier National Park is a mediocre park for times when you don't have a car.

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

Public transit is mostly limited in Glacier National Park. There's a free shuttle along Going-to-the-Sun Road that's available on a first-come, first-served basis, but expect crowds. The road can get quite congested during peak times. There are also tours that take you along the road so you can enjoy the scenery without having to focus on driving.

Is Glacier National Park or Edmonton a more walkable city?

Edmonton is a popular place for its walkability. However, Glacier National Park is a mediocre park for its high level of walkability.

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

Glacier National Park is not a very walkable park. You'll need a car to get almost anywhere in the park.

For even more information, also check out Is Glacier National Park Worth Visiting? and Is Edmonton Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Edmonton or Glacier National Park?

How long in Glacier National Park or Edmonton?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Glacier National Park or Edmonton to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Glacier National Park than Edmonton because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Glacier National Park, and 1-2 days is enough time in Edmonton.

Families should spend more time in Edmonton than Glacier National Park. 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 Glacier National Park than Edmonton. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Glacier National Park that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

One day in Glacier National Park or Edmonton?

The beautiful park of Glacier National Park offers . 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.

In Edmonton, you'll find shopping and museums. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Edmonton, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Glacier National Park or Edmonton?

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

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Edmonton. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city. It offers something for everyone.

Five days in Glacier National Park or Edmonton?

Glacier National Park 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.

Edmonton is a fun place to experience. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Glacier National Park or Edmonton?

Glacier National Park 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 park offers something for everyone.

You'll find shopping and museums around the cultural destination of Edmonton. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, The Best Contiki Tours to Canada, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Canada.

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

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