A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Hood River vs. Edmonton for Attractions, Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Hood River or Edmonton?

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

Should I visit Hood River or Edmonton? 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.

Hood River

Hood River is a charming, agricultural, and quaint town. Hood River is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for hiking, shopping, and skiing. See Hood River travel costs.

Edmonton

Edmonton is a authentic, friendly, and cultural city. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Edmonton travel costs.

Hood River and Edmonton: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hood River or Edmonton?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Hood River. Although Hood River and Edmonton are popular destinations, Hood River has more sights and attractions for tourists. Hood River is very popular for its skiing, food, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Edmonton attracts visitors for its museums and attractions and shopping. Hood River is more touristy than Edmonton and is popular for its waterfalls, wineries, and impressive mountains. It is also well known for Multnomah Falls. Edmonton is famous for its many festivals and lively personality.

How is Hood River different from Edmonton?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Edmonton and Hood River. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Hood River or Edmonton Better for Skiing?

Hood River is very good for snow skiing. However, Edmonton is not a skiing destination.

Hood River is a great destination for skiing with plenty areas to explore. During the winter months, Hood River makes a nice base for nearby skiing. Timberline and Cooper Spur and both less than an hour away and offer great skiing opportunities.

Edmonton is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Hood River or Edmonton?

Edmonton is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Hood River is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

Edmonton offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. You'll find a number of good museums around town such as the Royal Alberta Museum, Muttart Conservatory, the Alberta Aviation Museum, and the Art Gallery of Alberta.

Hood River offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. There are a couple of interesting museums in town such as the Western Antique Aeroplane and Automoblie Museum, the History Museum, and 301 Gallery.

Is the Food Better in Hood River or Edmonton? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Hood River is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Edmonton is not a good city for its restaurants.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Hood River makes for a great culinary experience. Head to the downtown or waterfront areas for the best selection of restaurants. Most restaurants pride themselves on using local ingredients and supporting local farms. Dishes use fresh and healthy ingredients that make simple but high quality meals.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Edmonton. You'll find a mix of casual cafes, international eateries, and more upscale dining options.

Is Hood River or Edmonton Better for Nightlife?

The nice nightlife scene is relatively similar in Hood River and Edmonton.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Hood River. There are breweries, wineries, and local bars in the area that offer a laid back place where you can enjoy the local atmosphere.

Edmonton has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There's a mix of nightclubs, bars, and breweries around town. Head to Jasper Avenue for the high end clubs or check out a live show at one of the active theaters around town.

Is Hood River or Edmonton Better for Hiking?

Hood River is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Edmonton is not a hiking destination.

Hood River is a popular spot for hiking. There's a diversity of landscapes in the area that include waterfalls, agriculture, vineyards, and high-reaching mountain peaks. The best way to experience these is through the many hiking trails. Drive along the Historic Columbia River Highway and stop off at the trails that lead to the waterfalls, or head south of town to explore the vineyards on foot, and to the north where you'll find mountain peaks.

Edmonton is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hood River or Edmonton?

Edmonton is a very popular place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Hood River is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Edmonton is well-known for its shopping. The city is home to the West Edmonton Mall, which is the largest shopping mall in Canada, and among the largest in the world. The mall includes hundreds of shops, restaurants, a hotel, ice rink, movie theaters, an aquarium, and Galaxyland, which is one of the largest indoor amusement parks in the world. The mall is divided into themed sections that represent iconic places from around the world such as Europa Boulevard and Bourbon Street.

Many visitors go to Hood River to go shopping. Local shops sell local produce, artisan crafts, and wine. There are boutiques and independent vendors that are fun to visit and many visitors enjoy spending an afternoon shopping.

Is Hood River or Edmonton More Beautiful?

Hood River is a well-known place for its scenery and beauty. However, Edmonton is not a destination known for its beauty.

Hood River is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. There's a beautiful natural environment with wonderful hikes and local farms and wineries.

Edmonton is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Hood River or Edmonton Better for Families?

Hood River is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Edmonton is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Hood River is a very family-friendly place to visit. The area is filled with outdoor adventures that the whole family can enjoy. There's swimming, tubing, hiking, and even windsurfing. Make sure you check out the Waterfront Park and Powerdale Substation.

Edmonton is a family-friendly town. Many families live in town so if you're visiting for a few days you'll find plenty to do with kids. Most of the activities are concentrated in the downtown areas and along the south side of the North Saskatchewan River. The whole family will enjoy a visit to Telus World of Science. There's also the Edmonton Valley Zoo, the Alberta Aviation Museum, and Galaxyland, as well as many other activities.

Is Hood River or Edmonton Better for Couples?

Hood River is a well-known place for romance. Also, Edmonton is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its romantic activities.

Hood River is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples will enjoy the scenic natural setting and charming hotels and bed and breakfasts in the area. There are romantic hikes, local wineries, and many great restaurants that you can try.

Edmonton makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There's a good theater scene, so you can enjoy dinner and a show. There are also quaint cafes, mellow breweries, and plenty of cultural activities like art museums.

Is Hood River or Edmonton Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hood River is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Edmonton is not a good city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Hood River. There are a couple of hostels and some nice campgrounds in the area as well as many great hikes and a laid back atmosphere that backpackers appreciate.

Edmonton is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Most backpackers overlook this city, but there is a hostel in town where you can stay.

Is Hood River or Edmonton Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Edmonton is a popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Hood River is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Edmonton has some public transit options. The city has both bus and light rail systems.

Public transit is generally limited in Hood River. There are buses in the area but you really need your own transportation to see the region efficiently.

Is Hood River or Edmonton a more walkable city?

Edmonton is a popular place for its high level of walkability. However, Hood River is lacking in good options for its ease of walking around.

Edmonton is a somewhat walkable place. There are parts of the city that are very walkable.

Hood River is generally not very walkable. While there are parts of the town that are walkable, if you don't have a car you'll miss out on the surrounding natural landscapes and most of the hiking opportunities.

For even more information, also check out Is Hood River Worth Visiting? and Is Edmonton Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Edmonton or Hood River?

How long in Hood River or Edmonton?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Hood River or Edmonton to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Hood River than Edmonton because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Hood River, and 1-2 days is enough time in Edmonton.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Hood River than Edmonton 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 Hood River.

One day in Hood River or Edmonton?

The beautiful town of Hood River offers nightlife and food. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

With museums and nightlife around the cultural city of Edmonton, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Edmonton, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Hood River or Edmonton?

Hood River is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Hood River, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

With nightlife and shopping around the destination of Edmonton, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Hood River or Edmonton?

Hood River is a popular choice for travelers. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Edmonton, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Hood River or Edmonton?

Hood River is a great place to explore. 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. This town offers something for everyone.

Edmonton is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, The Best Historical Tours in United States of America, The Best Contiki Tours to Canada, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Canada.

When comparing the travel costs between Hood River and Edmonton, we can see that Edmonton 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 Hood River Expensive? and Is Edmonton Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Hood River or Edmonton?

Edmonton has a larger population, and is about 110 times larger than the population of Hood River. When comparing the sizes of Hood River and Edmonton, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.