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

Should you visit Grand Canyon National Park or Saskatoon?

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 Saskatoon. 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 stunning, world-renowned, and gorgeous 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.

Saskatoon

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

Grand Canyon National Park and Saskatoon: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Nice resorts
  • Good for hiking
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to the sunset views
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers


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

Travelers will usually find more to do in Grand Canyon National Park. Although Grand Canyon National Park and Saskatoon are popular destinations, Grand Canyon National Park has more sights and attractions for tourists. Grand Canyon National Park is very popular for its resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Saskatoon attracts visitors for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, and shopping. Grand Canyon National Park is more touristy than Saskatoon and is popular for its iconic beauty, layers of color, breathtaking sunsets, and world-renowned geological history. It is also well known for the sunset views. Saskatoon is famous for its agriculture and outdoor spaces.

How is Grand Canyon National Park different from Saskatoon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Grand Canyon National Park or Saskatoon?

Grand Canyon National Park
Saskatoon

Saskatoon is a good destination for its museums and history. However, Grand Canyon National Park does not have museums and landmarks.

Saskatoon is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. 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.

Grand Canyon National Park does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Grand Canyon National Park
Saskatoon

Saskatoon is a good destination for its restaurants. However, Grand Canyon National Park is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

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 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 Saskatoon Better for Nightlife?

Grand Canyon National Park
Saskatoon

Saskatoon is a good destination for nightlife. However, Grand Canyon National Park is lacking in good options for nightlife and partying.

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.

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 Saskatoon Better for Resorts?

Grand Canyon National Park
Saskatoon

Grand Canyon National Park is a good destination for its resorts. However, Saskatoon 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.

Saskatoon is not a resort destination.


Is Grand Canyon National Park or Saskatoon Better for Hiking?

Grand Canyon National Park
Saskatoon

Grand Canyon National Park is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Saskatoon is not a hiking destination.

Grand Canyon National Park is a popular spot for hiking. 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.

Saskatoon is not a hiking destination.

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

Grand Canyon National Park
Saskatoon

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

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Saskatoon. A number of brands have opened stores in the downtown area in recent years, so the shopping scene continues to grow and diversify.

Grand Canyon National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Grand Canyon National Park or Saskatoon More Beautiful?

Grand Canyon National Park
Saskatoon

Grand Canyon National Park is an unbeatable place for its scenery and beauty. However, Saskatoon is not a destination known for its 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.

Saskatoon is not a destination known for its beauty.


Is Grand Canyon National Park or Saskatoon Better for Families?

Grand Canyon National Park
Saskatoon

Both Grand Canyon National Park and Saskatoon are nice family-friendly destinations.

Grand Canyon National Park is a family-friendly 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Saskatoon. 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.

Is Grand Canyon National Park or Saskatoon Better for Couples?

Grand Canyon National Park
Saskatoon

Grand Canyon National Park is an unbeatable place for its romantic activities. Also, Saskatoon is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

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!).

Saskatoon is a good national park 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 Grand Canyon National Park or Saskatoon Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Grand Canyon National Park
Saskatoon

Grand Canyon National Park is an unbeatable place for backpackers. However, Saskatoon is not a good city 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.

Saskatoon is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Most backpackers skip this town in favor of more popular destinations.


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

Grand Canyon National Park
Saskatoon

Visitors will find reasonable public transit in both Grand Canyon National Park and Saskatoon.

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

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

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

Grand Canyon National Park
Saskatoon

Grand Canyon National Park and Saskatoon are nice when it comes to walkability.

Grand Canyon National Park is somewhat walkable. 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.

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

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

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

How long in Grand Canyon National Park or Saskatoon?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Grand Canyon National Park 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 Grand Canyon National Park.


  • How many days in Grand Canyon National Park or Saskatoon? Ideal Length of Stay
    Grand Canyon National Park 1-4 
    Saskatoon 1-3

One day in Grand Canyon National Park or Saskatoon?

You'll find around the national park of Grand Canyon National Park. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Grand Canyon National Park has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

In Saskatoon, many people enjoy the museums and nightlife that this friendly destination offers. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.


A weekend in Grand Canyon National Park or Saskatoon?

You'll find around the striking destination of Grand Canyon National Park. 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 national park has to offer. This national park offers a variety of activities to choose from.

In Saskatoon, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this destination offers. 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 Saskatoon?

Travelers enjoy the when visiting the world-renowned national park of Grand Canyon National Park. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Many people enjoy the food and shopping when visiting Saskatoon. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. This city offers something for everyone.

A week in Grand Canyon National Park or Saskatoon?

Grand Canyon National Park is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the city of Saskatoon. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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 Family-Friendly Tours to Canada, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Canada.


Which place is cheaper, Saskatoon or Grand Canyon National Park?

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

  • Grand Canyon National Park Prices
    USA Prices
    Saskatoon Prices
    Canada Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Grand Canyon National Park $203
    Saskatoon $149

The average daily cost (per person) in Grand Canyon National Park is $203, while the average daily cost in Saskatoon 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 Grand Canyon National Park and Saskatoon in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Grand Canyon National Park $89
    Saskatoon $54
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Grand Canyon National Park $178
    Saskatoon $108
Compare Hotels in Grand Canyon National Park and Saskatoon

Looking for a hotel in Grand Canyon National Park or Saskatoon? 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 Grand Canyon National Park


Hotels in Saskatoon


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: Grand Canyon National Park Hotel Prices and Saskatoon Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Grand Canyon National Park $43
    Saskatoon $32

Is it cheaper to fly into Grand Canyon National Park or Saskatoon?

Prices for flights to both Saskatoon and Grand Canyon 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
    Grand Canyon National Park $84
    Saskatoon $54

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Grand Canyon National Park

For Grand Canyon National Park, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Grand Canyon South Rim Sunset Tour with Dinner included: $170

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Grand Canyon National Park $35
    Saskatoon $17

Tours and Activities in Grand Canyon National Park

For Grand Canyon National Park, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Grand Canyon South & East Rim Self-Driving, Walking & Shuttling Tour: $17
  • Ultimate Arizona Self-Guided Driving and Walking Tour Bundle: $32
  • Grand Canyon West: All Access Ticket: $114
  • 3 Hour Off-Road Sunset Safari to Grand Canyon with Entrance Gate Detour : $123
  • Grand Canyon Signature Hummer Tour with Optional Sunset Views: $127
  • Express Grand Canyon Jeep Tour : $136
  • 4-Hour Biblical Creation + Sunset Tour • Grand Canyon National Park South Rim: $149
  • 4-Hour Grand Canyon Morning Rim Tour featuring Biblical Creation: $149
  • Tusayan: Grand Canyon Desert View & South Rim Pink Jeep Tour: $150
  • Grand Entrance Sunset Tour from Tusayan: $155
  • Premier Grand Canyon JeepTour: $157
  • Private Grand Canyon South Rim VAN tours: $162

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Grand Canyon National Park $11
    Saskatoon $9.60


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Grand Canyon National Park and Saskatoon, we can see that Grand Canyon National Park 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 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 Saskatoon.

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 Saskatoon Expensive?.