A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Grand Canyon National Park vs. Banff for Hiking, Couples, Backpackers, and Food

Should you visit Grand Canyon National Park or Banff?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Grand Canyon National Park and Banff. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Grand Canyon National Park

Grand Canyon National Park is a world-renowned, gorgeous, and striking national park. You'll find world class beauty in Grand Canyon National Park as well. And you can't forget about the hiking. See Grand Canyon National Park travel costs.

Banff

Banff is a outdoorsy, sporty, and adventurous town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. Banff is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and hiking. See Banff travel costs.

Grand Canyon National Park and Banff: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Grand Canyon National Park or Banff?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Banff. Although Grand Canyon National Park and Banff are popular destinations, Banff has more sights and attractions for tourists. Banff is very popular for its skiing, food, nightlife, hiking, shopping, and small town charm, while Grand Canyon National Park attracts visitors for its resorts and impressive beauty. Grand Canyon National Park is more touristy than Banff and is popular for its iconic beauty, layers of color, breathtaking sunsets, and world-renowned geological history. Banff is famous for its stunning beauty, pristine nature, and nearby lakes. It is also well known for Lake Louise.

How is Grand Canyon National Park different from Banff?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Grand Canyon National Park or Banff Better for Skiing?

Banff is renowned for skiing and snowboarding. However, Grand Canyon National Park is not a skiing destination.

Banff is a top destination for snow skiing, and it attracts visitors from around the world. The town makes a great base for experiencing the three nearby ski resorts: Banff Sunshine, The Lake Louise Ski Resort, and Mt Norquay. You can purchase a SkiBig3 Lift Ticket and experience the area's best skiing. There's a long ski season and a stunning setting within the Canadian Rockies.

Grand Canyon National Park is not a skiing destination.

Is the Food Better in Grand Canyon National Park or Banff? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Banff is a very popular place for its restaurants. However, Grand Canyon National Park is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Banff. The downtown has bistros, taverns, and many casual eateries. For a more fine dining experience, you can go to one of the luxury hotels, which have nice dining areas. Throughout town you'll find classic Canadian food like poutine, as well as pizza and bar food.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Grand Canyon National Park. There are several markets, restaurants, and cafes in the park but, in general, the options are expensive and not the best. If possible, bring your own food and plan for a picnic with a view.

Is Grand Canyon National Park or Banff Better for Nightlife?

Banff is a very popular place for nightlife. However, Grand Canyon National Park is lacking in good options for nightlife and partying.

Banff has a large number of nightlife venues. It's a great town for partying and it's compact and easy to barhop if you want. For the town's size, you'll find a huge number of bars and breweries to choose from, and there's always something going on.

Grand Canyon National Park is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. There's a couple of bars that aren't too far from the park but you'll do better to bring your own drinks and enjoy the scenic setting.

Is Grand Canyon National Park or Banff Better for Resorts?

Grand Canyon National Park is a popular place for its resorts. However, Banff is not a resort destination.

With a selection of resorts, Grand Canyon National Park makes a nice vacation spot. There are several options within and near the park that range from luxury to affordable. Reservations should be made well in advance for most hotels within the park. Bright Angel Lodge, El Tovar Hotel, Grand Canyon Lodge (North Rim) and Phantom Ranch are all unique places to stay.

Banff is not a resort destination.

Is Grand Canyon National Park or Banff Better for Hiking?

Banff is renowned for its hiking trails. Also, Grand Canyon National Park is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

Banff is well-known for its hiking and trekking. The town is set within Banff National Park, and is surrounded by world class hiking. There are more than 1,000 miles of trails that wander alongside rivers, lead to waterfalls, or climb mountain peaks. You may also see local wildlife.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Grand Canyon National Park. Hiking options at the Grand Canyon include an easy walk along the rim or a hike into the canyon. If you're planning to enjoy a view from the rim and then stroll along the rim walk, a day or two is plenty. Hiking into the canyon is a thrilling experience, but it does require more preparation and planning. You should also check out the weather before you depart as temperatures within the canyon can become dangerously hot.

Is the Shopping Better in Grand Canyon National Park or Banff?

Banff is a good destination for shopping. However, Grand Canyon National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Banff. There are tons of downtown shops that sell local items, art, sports gear, or clothing.

Grand Canyon National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Grand Canyon National Park or Banff More Beautiful?

Grand Canyon National Park is an unbeatable place for its scenery and beauty. Also, Banff is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its scenery and beauty.

You'll find world class beauty in Grand Canyon National Park as well. The canyon is a breathtaking national landmark that has striking colors and spectacular views.

With stunning beauty, Banff attracts visitors from all around. The dramatic Rocky Mountains and stunning natural beauty make this an iconic and beautiful destination.

Is Grand Canyon National Park or Banff Better for Families?

Banff is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Grand Canyon National Park is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Banff is a very family-friendly destination. Kids will enjoy the low key hikes like Tunnel Mountain hike. There's also the Banff Gondola and several playgrounds in downtown Banff. For adventure activities, check out the Golden Skybridge or Lake Louise.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Grand Canyon National Park. This park is a spectacular landmark with a number of nature programs that kids can enjoy. There's also a simple rim walk along the edge of the canyon that is perfect for little legs.

Is Grand Canyon National Park or Banff Better for Couples?

Grand Canyon National Park and Banff both amazing destinations for a couple.

Grand Canyon National Park is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. Couples who enjoy beauty, nature, and adventure will appreciate a visit to this park. There are amazing hikes and breathtaking views that make this a truly romantic destination. There are also several hotels and lodges that make for a truly romantic getaway (book well in advance!).

Banff makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. It's a beautiful destination for a honeymoon or anniversary trip. There are countless hikes and stunning natural beauty. There are also spas, horseback riding, and many great restaurants.

Is Grand Canyon National Park or Banff Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Grand Canyon National Park is an unbeatable place for backpackers. Also, Banff is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Grand Canyon National Park. Backpackers and budget travelers can take in one of America's most notable landmarks while camping at the large and affordable national park campground.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Banff. There are a couple of hostels around town and plenty of natural beauty that appeals to backpackers.

Is Grand Canyon National Park or Banff Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Banff is a good destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Grand Canyon National Park is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Banff has some public transit options. There's a bus system, Roam, that connects the towns of Canmore, Banff, and Lake Louise.

Public transit is generally limited in Grand Canyon National Park. There are free shuttle buses that run along the South Rim of the Grand Canyon.

Is Grand Canyon National Park or Banff a more walkable city?

Banff is a very popular place for its walkability. Also, Grand Canyon National Park is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

Banff is very walkable. The downtown is very walkable and there are trailheads nearby as well.

Grand Canyon National Park is a somewhat walkable place. There's a nice rim walk that is the perfect place for a leisurely stroll, but to reach many parts of the park you'll want to have a car or plan to take some form of transit.

For even more information, also check out Is Grand Canyon National Park Worth Visiting? and Is Banff Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Banff or Grand Canyon National Park?

How long in Grand Canyon National Park or Banff?

In either Grand Canyon National Park or Banff, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Banff than Grand Canyon National Park because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-4 days is a good amount of time for Grand Canyon National Park, and 2-5 days is enough time in Banff.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Banff than Grand Canyon 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 Banff.

One day in Grand Canyon National Park or Banff?

In Grand Canyon National Park, many people enjoy the that this stunning destination offers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. This national park offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

Banff might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Grand Canyon National Park or Banff?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Grand Canyon National Park. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Even though Banff is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Many people spend a weekend here. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

Five days in Grand Canyon National Park or Banff?

Grand Canyon National Park is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the when visiting the destination of Grand Canyon 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.

Banff is a small town where visitors enjoy the nightlife and food. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. This is a popular place to visit for five days.Five days is often enough time to do most activities. This town offers something for everyone.

A week in Grand Canyon National Park or Banff?

You'll find around the striking destination of Grand Canyon National Park. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Banff is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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 G Adventures Tours to United States of America, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Canada, and The Best Camping Tours in Canada.

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

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