A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Glacier National Park vs. Jasper National Park for Hiking, Backpackers, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Glacier National Park or Jasper National Park?

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

Should I visit Glacier National Park or Jasper National Park? 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. The famous beauty of Glacier National Park is one of the main draws. It's also known for hiking. See Glacier National Park travel costs.

Jasper National Park

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

Glacier National Park and Jasper National Park: Pros and Cons

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

Tourists will generally find more to do in Glacier National Park. Although Glacier National Park and Jasper National Park 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, while Jasper National Park is known for its museums and attractions and hiking. Glacier National Park is more touristy than Jasper National Park and is known for its miles of hiking trails, impressive glaciers, and pristine lakes. It is also home to Going-to-the-Sun Road. Jasper National Park is popular for its wildlife and pristine natural beauty

How is Glacier National Park different from Jasper National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Jasper National Park 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 Jasper National Park?

Jasper National Park is a moderate national park for its sights and museums. However, Glacier National Park is a mediocre park for its museums and history.

Jasper National Park offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. You can learn about the area with a visit to the Jasper Yellowhead Museum & Archive.

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 Jasper National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Glacier National Park and Jasper National Park 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 Jasper National Park. There are several decent restaurants and bistros near or in the park. Many are connected to lodges and some offer great views.

Is Glacier National Park or Jasper National Park Better for Nightlife?

Neither Glacier National Park or Jasper National Park offer decent nightlife.

People don't go to Glacier National Park for the nightlife. People visit for the scenery, not the nightlife scene.

Jasper National Park doesn't offer many options. Stargazing and sitting by an open fire is the best way to spend the evening.

Is Glacier National Park or Jasper National Park Better for Resorts?

Glacier National Park is a nice place to visit for its resorts. However, Jasper National Park 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.

Jasper National Park is not a resort destination.

Is Glacier National Park or Jasper National Park Better for Hiking?

Jasper National Park is very popular for the nearby hiking options. Also, Glacier National Park is not as famous, but is still a good park to visit for its hiking trails.

People visit Jasper National Park specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. Hiking is a truly world class experience in this large park. There are miles of trails, both backcountry and more accessible, that allow access to the park's stunning beauty. Whether you're looking for a shorter family-friendly hike, or planning a multi-week backcountry adventure, this park has it all.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Glacier National Park. 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Glacier National Park or Jasper National Park?

Both Glacier National Park and Jasper National Park are decent shopping destinations.

Glacier National Park is a good destination for shopping. There are park stores where you can pick up books, souvenirs, and gifts.

If you're looking to go shopping, Jasper National Park has some nice offerings. In town you'll find shops where you can pick up souvenirs or things you may have forgotten.

Is Glacier National Park or Jasper National Park More Beautiful?

Glacier National Park and Jasper National Park both are comparable with their fantastic scenery and 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.

Jasper National Park is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. The Canadian Rockies create a stunning backdrop for this beautiful and vast national park.

Is Glacier National Park or Jasper National Park Better for Families?

Jasper National Park is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Glacier National Park is not as famous, but is still a good park to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Jasper National Park is a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids who love running, hiking, and exploring will enjoy a visit to this iconic park. The hiking trails are world class and you'll likely see some wildlife during your trip. Camping with s'mores and hot dogs will make for a memorable family vacation.

Glacier National Park is a family-friendly park. 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.

Is Glacier National Park or Jasper National Park Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Glacier National Park and Jasper National Park make for a very good place to visit.

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.

Jasper National Park makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are lodges where couples can enjoy a romantic getaway. For the more adventurous, camping is a great way to experience the park. If you enjoy outdoor adventures together, then this is a great place to spend some time in nature.

Is Glacier National Park or Jasper National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Glacier National Park and Jasper National Park are fantastic destinations for backpackers.

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.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Jasper National Park is extremely popular for backpackers. Camping is the best way to experience the park in full. You'll be surrounded by nature, and if you're lucky, some wildlife might pass by as well.

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

Glacier National Park is a park with a few options for its public transit. However, Jasper National Park is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit is generally 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.

Public transit is quite limited in Jasper National Park. If you don't have your own vehicle, a bus tour is your best option for experiencing the park.

Is Glacier National Park or Jasper National Park a more walkable city?

Neither Glacier National Park or Jasper National Park are walkable places.

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

Jasper National Park is not a very walkable park. The park is large, and a vehicle is necessary to reach most trailheads.

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

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

How long in Glacier National Park or Jasper National Park?

In either Glacier National Park or Jasper National Park, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Jasper National Park than Glacier National Park because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Glacier National Park, and 2-5 days is enough time in Jasper National Park.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Jasper National Park than Glacier National Park 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 Jasper National Park.

One day in Glacier National Park or Jasper National Park?

Many travelers enjoy the when visiting the beautiful destination of Glacier National Park. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

In Jasper National Park, you'll find . Hikers are also drawn to this area. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Glacier National Park or Jasper National Park?

Glacier National Park is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this park has to offer. This park offers a variety of activities to choose from.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Jasper National Park. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this national park. It offers something for everyone.

Five days in Glacier National Park or Jasper National Park?

Many people visit Glacier National Park for five days. You'll find around the beautiful park of Glacier National Park. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Jasper National Park is a fun place to experience. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this national park. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Glacier National Park or Jasper National Park?

The breathtaking destination of Glacier National Park offers . Hikers are also drawn to this area. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

You'll find around the stunning destination of Jasper National Park. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. 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.

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 Luxury Tours to Canada, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Canada.

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