A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Hershey vs. Jasper National Park for Families, Backpackers, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Hershey or Jasper National Park?

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

Should I visit Hershey 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.

Hershey

Hershey is a lighthearted, fun-filled, and playful town. It's also known for shopping and museums. See Hershey travel costs.

Jasper National Park

Jasper National Park is a stunning, breathtaking, and adventure-filled national park. The famous beauty of Jasper National Park is one of the main draws. It's also known for hiking. See Jasper National Park travel costs.

Hershey and Jasper National Park: Pros and Cons

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

Tourists will generally find more to do in Jasper National Park. Although Hershey and Jasper National Park are both popular with visitors, Jasper National Park has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Jasper National Park is more popular for its hiking and impressive beauty, while Hershey is known for its museums and attractions, nightlife, resorts, and shopping. Hershey is more touristy than Jasper National Park and is known for being the home of the Hershey's milk chocolate bar. Jasper National Park is popular for its wildlife and pristine natural beauty It is also home to Icefields Parkway.

How is Hershey 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 Hershey. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Hershey or Jasper National Park?

Hershey is a nice place to visit for its museums and landmarks. However, Jasper National Park is not particularly known for its historical sights.

Hershey is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. In addition to Hershey's Chocolate World, there's the Hershey Story Museum, the Hershey Historic Center, and the Pennsylvania State Police Museum. There's also the AACA Museum (a car museum).

While most people don't head to Jasper National Park specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. You can learn about the area with a visit to the Jasper Yellowhead Museum & Archive.

Is the Food Better in Hershey or Jasper National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Hershey and Jasper National Park offer decent local cuisine and restaurants.

Hershey offers some easy restaurants to choose from. Restaurants range from casual to fine dining, and many have a very family-friendly atmosphere.

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 Hershey or Jasper National Park Better for Nightlife?

Hershey is a town with a few options for nightlife. However, Jasper National Park is not particularly known for nightlife and partying.

Hershey is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. Head to downtown Harrisburg for the best nightlife. You'll find some bars and casino's in the area.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Jasper National Park Stargazing and sitting by an open fire is the best way to spend the evening.

Is Hershey or Jasper National Park Better for Resorts?

Hershey is well known for its resorts. However, Jasper National Park is not a resort destination.

Hershey is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. There are a few of resorts affiliated with Hersheypark including a lodge, a hotel, and even camping.

Jasper National Park is not a resort destination.

Is Hershey or Jasper National Park Better for Hiking?

Jasper National Park is very popular for its hiking experiences. However, Hershey is not a hiking destination.

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.

Hershey is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hershey or Jasper National Park?

Hershey is a nice place to visit for shopping. However, Jasper National Park is not particularly known for its shopping opportunities.

Hershey is a great destination for shopping. You'll find shops, boutiques, and plenty of Hershey apparel that you can pick up in town.

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 Hershey or Jasper National Park More Beautiful?

Jasper National Park is very popular for its scenery and beauty. However, Hershey is not a destination known for its beauty.

The famous beauty of Jasper National Park is one of the main draws. The Canadian Rockies create a stunning backdrop for this beautiful and vast national park.

Hershey is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Hershey or Jasper National Park Better for Families?

Hershey is terrific for its family-friendly activities. Also, Jasper National Park is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Hershey is an amazing family-friendly town to visit. Hersheypark offers family-friendly resorts and camping. There's also the themed amusement park and even a zoo. When the weather's warm there's a water park and, of course, there's the famous Hershey's Chocolate World.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Jasper National Park is very family-friendly. 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.

Is Hershey or Jasper National Park Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Hershey frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. If you don't take yourself too seriously, couples can enjoy a fun and active few days exploring the activities in the area.

Jasper National Park is a great town if you're traveling as 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 Hershey or Jasper National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Jasper National Park is very popular for backpackers. However, Hershey is a town with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Jasper National Park is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

Hershey is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not the most popular destination for backpackers, but there are some fun activities in the area.

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

Hershey is a town 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 Hershey. While there is a bus system, it's very limited and most visitors do not rely on it.

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 Hershey or Jasper National Park a more walkable city?

Hershey is a town with a few options for its walkability. However, Jasper National Park is not particularly known for its high level of walkability.

Hershey is generally not very walkable. You really need a car to get to the area's attractions.

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

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

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

How long in Hershey or Jasper National Park?

In either Hershey 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 Hershey because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Hershey, and 2-5 days is enough time in Jasper National Park.

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

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

One day in Hershey or Jasper National Park?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and shopping when visiting the destination of Hershey. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 . Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. This national park offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Hershey or Jasper National Park?

Hershey is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

In Jasper National Park, you'll find . The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Jasper National Park has to offer.

Five days in Hershey or Jasper National Park?

Many people visit Hershey for five days. You'll find museums and shopping around the town of Hershey. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Jasper National Park is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Jasper National Park has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Hershey or Jasper National Park?

The fun-filled destination of Hershey offers shopping and museums. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Jasper National Park. Many people enjoy the when visiting Jasper National Park. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

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 Hershey and Jasper National Park, we can see that Hershey 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 Hershey would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Hershey 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 Hershey Expensive? and Is Jasper National Park Expensive?.