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

Should you visit Glacier National Park or Niagara Falls?

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

Should I visit Glacier National Park or Niagara Falls? 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 breathtaking, gorgeous, and stunning park. You'll find world class beauty in Glacier National Park as well. And you can't forget about the hiking. See Glacier National Park travel costs.

Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls is a iconic, breathtaking, and impressive city. Niagara Falls is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, food, and hiking. See Niagara Falls travel costs.

Glacier National Park and Niagara Falls: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Nice resorts
  • Good for hiking
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to Going-to-the-Sun Road
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Very walkable
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Glacier National Park or Niagara Falls?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Glacier National Park. Although Glacier National Park and Niagara Falls are popular destinations, Glacier National Park has more sights and attractions for tourists. Glacier National Park is very popular for its resorts and impressive beauty, while Niagara Falls attracts visitors for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, and shopping. Glacier National Park is famous for its miles of hiking trails, impressive glaciers, and pristine lakes. It is also well known for Going-to-the-Sun Road. Niagara Falls is famous for the large volume of water that flows over it.

How is Glacier National Park different from Niagara Falls?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Niagara Falls 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 Niagara Falls?

Glacier National Park
Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls is a moderate city for its sights and museums. However, Glacier National Park is a mediocre park for its museums and history.

Niagara Falls offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. The Niagara Falls History Museum is one of the best museums in the area. There are also more touristy museums and attractions that you can visit as well. There's also a butterfly conservancy that is worth checking out.

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 Niagara Falls? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Glacier National Park
Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls is a popular place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Glacier National Park is a mediocre park for its restaurants.

Niagara Falls offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. It's an iconic Canadian destination so, of course, you should try all things Canadian while you're in town. Maple syrup, poutine, butter tart, and beavertail (fried dough) are all things that should be on your list. Also make sure you sample some of the local game meat.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Glacier National Park. 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.

Is Glacier National Park or Niagara Falls Better for Nightlife?

Glacier National Park
Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls 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 Niagara Falls. There's a decent concentration of clubs, pubs, and bars around town that keep things fun late into the evening.

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

Is Glacier National Park or Niagara Falls Better for Resorts?

Glacier National Park
Niagara Falls

Glacier National Park is a popular place for its resorts. However, Niagara Falls is not a resort destination.

With a selection of resorts, Glacier National Park makes a nice vacation spot. There are several lodges, cabins, and inns near or within the park, but reservations are recommended well in advance.

Niagara Falls is not a resort destination.


Is Glacier National Park or Niagara Falls Better for Hiking?

Glacier National Park
Niagara Falls

If you're looking to go hiking, Glacier National Park and Niagara Falls both have high quality trails.

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.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Niagara Falls. The nearby area is filled with hiking trails that let you escape into nature and enjoy impressive views.

Is the Shopping Better in Glacier National Park or Niagara Falls?

Glacier National Park
Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls is a popular place for shopping. However, Glacier National Park is a mediocre park for its shopping opportunities.

Niagara Falls is a great destination for shopping. You'll find touristy souvenir shops as well as outlets and malls nearby.

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 Niagara Falls More Beautiful?

Glacier National Park
Niagara Falls

Glacier National Park is an amazing park to visit for its scenery and beauty. Also, Niagara Falls is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its 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.

With stunning beauty, Niagara Falls attracts visitors from all around. It's an impressive sight and the Canadian side offers the best views. It's definitely something you should try and see at least once.


Is Glacier National Park or Niagara Falls Better for Families?

Glacier National Park
Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls is very popular 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.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Niagara Falls is a very family-friendly destination. The views and setting are spectacular, and kids will love the boat tours or taking a ride on the Whirlpool Aero Car. There's also an indoor waterpark, a butterfly conservatory, and plenty of nature to explore.

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 Niagara Falls Better for Couples?

Glacier National Park
Niagara Falls

With fun activities for couples, both Glacier National Park and Niagara Falls make for a high quality 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.

Niagara Falls makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The setting has long brought to mind romance, and to this day couples still honeymoon at this iconic destination. There are boat tours, nature trails, luxury hotels, and even wineries to explore.

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

Glacier National Park
Niagara Falls

Glacier National Park is an amazing park to visit for backpackers. Also, Niagara Falls is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Glacier National Park. 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.

Niagara Falls is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There's a hostel or two where you can stay for cheap and meet other travelers.


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

Glacier National Park
Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls 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.

Niagara Falls has a few public transit options. There is a bus system through town.

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 Niagara Falls a more walkable city?

Glacier National Park
Niagara Falls

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

Niagara Falls is somewhat walkable. Most of the attractions and close together by the falls, so it's relatively 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 Niagara Falls Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Niagara Falls or Glacier National Park?

How long in Glacier National Park or Niagara Falls?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Glacier National Park and Niagara Falls. In our opinion, Niagara Falls has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Niagara Falls than Glacier National Park. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Niagara Falls 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 Niagara Falls.


  • How many days in Glacier National Park or Niagara Falls? Ideal Length of Stay
    Glacier National Park 2-3 
    Niagara Falls 2-3

One day in Glacier National Park or Niagara Falls?

Many travelers enjoy the when visiting the gorgeous destination of Glacier National Park. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

In Niagara Falls, you'll find food and shopping. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 Niagara Falls?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in 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. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Niagara Falls. 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 Niagara Falls?

Travelers enjoy the when visiting the breathtaking destination of Glacier National Park. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This park offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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.

Niagara Falls is a fun place to experience. 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. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Glacier National Park or Niagara Falls?

You'll find around the beautiful park of Glacier National Park. 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. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

You'll find food and shopping around the impressive destination of Niagara Falls. 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 Sightseeing Tours in Canada, and The Best Camping Tours in Canada.


Which place is cheaper, Niagara Falls or Glacier National Park?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Glacier National Park Prices
    USA Prices
    Niagara Falls Prices
    Canada Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Glacier National Park $148
    Niagara Falls $149

The average daily cost (per person) in Glacier National Park is $148, while the average daily cost in Niagara Falls is $149. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Glacier National Park and Niagara Falls in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Glacier National Park $56
    Niagara Falls $76
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Glacier National Park $112
    Niagara Falls $152
Compare Hotels in Glacier National Park and Niagara Falls

Looking for a hotel in Glacier National Park or Niagara Falls? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Glacier National Park


Hotels in Niagara Falls


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Niagara Falls Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Glacier National Park $69
    Niagara Falls $16

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Niagara Falls

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Niagara Falls:

  • Private Transfer Buffalo Airport BUF to Buffalo or Niagara Falls: $42
  • Buffalo to Buffalo Niagara Airport (BUF) - Departure Private Transfer: $89
  • Buffalo Niagara Airport (BUF) to Buffalo - Arrival Private Transfer: $89
  • Private Arrival Transfer: Buffalo Niagara Airport to Niagara Falls, Ontario: $95
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Buffalo Airport (BUF): $96
  • Shared Airport Transfer: Buffalo Niagara International Airport to Niagara Falls NY: $99
  • Niagara Buffalo Airport Arrival: Private Transfer to Niagara Falls Ontario: $101
  • Transfer from Niagara Falls,Canada to Buffalo Niagara Int Airport (BUF): $101
  • Transfer Buffalo Niagara International Airport BUF to Niagara Falls,Canada: $101
  • Niagara Buffalo Airport Departure: Private Transfer to Buffalo Niagara Airport: $101
  • Private Departure Transfer to Buffalo Airport (BUF): $104
  • Private Departure Transfer: Buffalo, NY to Buffalo Niagara International Airport: $105

Is it cheaper to fly into Glacier National Park or Niagara Falls?

Prices for flights to both Niagara Falls and Glacier National Park change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Glacier National Park $49
    Niagara Falls $53

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Niagara Falls

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Niagara Falls.

  • The Wing Ride: The Hidden History of Chicken Wings Food Tour: $105
  • Walking Food Tour in Niagara Falls: $106
  • Guided Night Tour w/ Dinner & Hotel Transfer: $139
  • Light up The Falls Small Group Tour with Fallsview Dinner: $146
  • Niagara-on-the-Lake: Sunset Wine Tour with Dinner: $162
  • Sunset Niagara-on-the-Lake Small Group Wine Tour with Dinner: $176
  • Night Tour w/ 3 Course Dinner & Light Show: $193
  • Night Tour with Fireworks Boat Ride & Dinner: $197
  • Night on Niagara Walking Tour with Fireworks Cruise + Dinner: $197
  • Niagara Falls USA Night, Lights & Dinner : $199
  • Niagara Falls Canada: Premium Night Tour with Boat & Dinner: $215
  • Niagara Falls Premium Night Tour: Fireworks Boat Cruise & Dinner: $242

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Glacier National Park $34
    Niagara Falls $19

Tours and Activities in Glacier National Park

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Glacier National Park are as follows:

  • Many Glacier Self-Guided Audio Tour in Glacier National Park: $9.99
  • Glacier National Park Going-to-the-Sun Road Self-Guided Tour: $9.99
  • Glacier National Park North Fork Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.99
  • Glacier National Park Self-Guided Audio Tour Bundle: $16
  • Glacier National Park Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $17
  • Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Glacier National Park: $20
  • Self Guided Bike Tour in Glacier National Park : $65
  • Full Day Whitewater Adventure Trip with Included Lunch: $159
  • Doris Lake Hike and Pack Raft Adventure: $219
  • E Bike Tour in Glacier National Park Cammas Road: $229
  • Driving Tour West Glacier National Park (excludes Sun Road): $245
  • Driving Tour in Glacier National Park: $250

Typical Entertainment Prices in Niagara Falls

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Niagara Falls are as follows:


  • Maid of the Mist
    $37

Tours and Activities in Niagara Falls

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Niagara Falls are as follows:

  • Niagara Peninsula: a Smartphone Audio Driving Tour: $8.84
  • Explore Old Town Niagara-on-the-Lake: A Self-Guided Walking Tour: $8.99
  • RiverBrink Art Museum: Historical Walking Tour of Queenston: $11
  • Niagara Adventure Theater Experience with Popcorn included: $11
  • Niagara Legends of Adventure Admission Ticket with Popcorn: $12
  • Herschell Carrousel Factory Museum Admission Ticket: $12
  • Niagara Falls, Canada: Niagara SkyWheel Ticket: $12
  • Niagara SkyWheel Admission Ticket: $12
  • Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site Admission and Guided Tour: $13
  • Tower Hotel Observation Deck Ticket: $13
  • Niagara Falls Tower Observation Deck Admission Ticket: $13
  • Niagara Falls Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour from Toronto: $14

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Glacier National Park $8.41
    Niagara Falls $11

Sample the Local Flavors in Niagara Falls

Also in Niagara Falls, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Between The Lines Classic Wine Tasting: $18
  • Summer Sips - Private Outdoor Wine Tasting Experience: $22
  • Black Glass Wine Tasting: $23
  • Niagara's Decadent Sparkling and Icewine Tasting: $23
  • Niagara Wine Tour and Tastings with Included Transportation : $59
  • Public Niagara Wine Tour with Transportation: $61
  • Small Group Niagara-on-the-Lake Wine Tasting Tour: $95
  • Half-Day Niagara Micro Brewery Tour: $111
  • Half Day Wine & Cheese Tour - Niagara On The Lake Wine Tour: $117
  • Beer and Wine Tour in Niagara-on-the-Lake: $119
  • Luxury Winery, Distillery & Craft Beer Tour in Niagara Region : $121
  • Niagara Craft Brewery Tour Niagara Falls: $122


When comparing the travel costs between Glacier National Park and Niagara Falls, we can see that Niagara Falls is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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 Niagara Falls Expensive?.


Related Articles for Glacier National Park
Related Articles for Niagara Falls