A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Jekyll Island vs. Jasper National Park for Hiking, Backpackers, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Jekyll Island or Jasper National Park?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Jekyll Island and Jasper National Park can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Jekyll Island

Jekyll Island is a natural, relaxing, and secluded island. It's also known for beaches, hiking, and museums. See Jekyll Island travel costs.

Jasper National Park

Jasper National Park is a adventure-filled, stunning, and breathtaking national park. Jasper National Park is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the hiking. See Jasper National Park travel costs.

Jekyll Island and Jasper National Park: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Good for hiking
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to Icefields Parkway
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights


Is there more to do in Jekyll Island or Jasper National Park?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Jekyll Island than Jasper National Park, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Jekyll Island is better known for its museums and attractions, resorts, and beaches, while Jasper National Park is more popular for its hiking and impressive beauty. Jasper National Park is more touristy than Jekyll Island and is popular for its wildlife and pristine natural beauty Jekyll Island is well known for its quiet beaches and its Historic District. Also, Jekyll Island is famous for Driftwood Beach.

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

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

Jekyll Island
Jasper National Park

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

Jekyll Island is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Mosaic is the history museum on the island. The museum also offers historic tours of the area's sites. The Historic District is a popular place to visit with its well-maintained historic cottages and other structures.

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 Jekyll Island or Jasper National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Jekyll Island
Jasper National Park

Both Jekyll Island and Jasper National Park offer a number of respectable restaurants to choose from.

Jekyll Island may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Many restaurants are casual with low country dishes or fried seafood. You'll find some brunch places as well as cafes and quick dining eateries around town.

Jasper National Park offers some easy restaurants to choose from. There are several decent restaurants and bistros near or in the park. Many are connected to lodges and some offer great views.

Is Jekyll Island or Jasper National Park Better for Nightlife?

Jekyll Island
Jasper National Park

Neither Jekyll Island or Jasper National Park offer decent nightlife.

Jekyll Island doesn't offer many options. There are sunset cruises, but otherwise the nightlife scene is quiet.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Jasper National Park. Stargazing and sitting by an open fire is the best way to spend the evening.

Is Jekyll Island or Jasper National Park Better for Resorts?

Jekyll Island
Jasper National Park

Jekyll Island is a island with a few options for its resorts. However, Jasper National Park is not a resort destination.

Jekyll Island has a few resort options worth checking out. You'll mostly find mid-range hotels on the island.

Jasper National Park is not a resort destination.


Is Jekyll Island or Jasper National Park Better for Beaches?

Jekyll Island
Jasper National Park

Jekyll Island is well known for its beaches. However, Jasper National Park is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Jekyll Island. Unspoiled beaches are the biggest draw. Some areas are rocky, but the beaches are peaceful and perfect for walks if you want to get away from the crowds. Much of the island is a state park, so it's undeveloped and pristine.

Jasper National Park is not a beach destination.

Is Jekyll Island or Jasper National Park Better for Hiking?

Jekyll Island
Jasper National Park

Jasper National Park is a must-visit destination for its hiking trails. Also, Jekyll Island is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

Around Jasper National Park visitors will find world-class hiking trails. 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.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Jekyll Island. The state park has some trails that are nice. There are also beach walks, bike trails, and routes that take you through historic sites.

Is the Shopping Better in Jekyll Island or Jasper National Park?

Jekyll Island
Jasper National Park

Shoppers can find a variety of respectable stores in both Jekyll Island and Jasper National Park.

Jekyll Island has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. You'll find a few gift shops and boutiques, but in general, shopping options are limited.

Jasper National Park is a good destination for shopping. In town you'll find shops where you can pick up souvenirs or things you may have forgotten.


Is Jekyll Island or Jasper National Park More Beautiful?

Jekyll Island
Jasper National Park

Jasper National Park is a must-visit destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Jekyll Island is not a destination known for its beauty.

Jasper National Park is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. The Canadian Rockies create a stunning backdrop for this beautiful and vast national park.

Jekyll Island is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Jekyll Island or Jasper National Park Better for Families?

Jekyll Island
Jasper National Park

Both Jekyll Island and Jasper National Park are high quality to visit with kids.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Jekyll Island. Kids will love climbing and playing at Driftwood Beach, which is like a natural playground. Animal lovers will enjoy dolphin cruises or a visit to a turtle hospital. There's also the standard beach activities like minigolf, bike rental, and tram tours.

Jasper National Park is a very family-friendly place to visit. 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 Jekyll Island or Jasper National Park Better for Couples?

Jekyll Island
Jasper National Park

Jasper National Park is a very popular place for couples. Also, Jekyll Island is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Jasper National Park makes for a fun place to visit for 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.

Jekyll Island is a nice destination for couples. There are several basic hotels as well as a few campgrounds. Couples will enjoy the beaches, but the island is small with limited activities and restaurant options. If you love natural scenery then this is a great destination, but there are fewer amenities than there are in many beach areas.


Is Jekyll Island or Jasper National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Jekyll Island
Jasper National Park

Jasper National Park is a must-visit destination for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Jekyll Island is lacking in good options for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Jasper National Park, as it is a very popular national park for 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.

Jekyll Island is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a few campgrounds in the area as well as some nice beaches.

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

Jekyll Island
Jasper National Park

Neither Jekyll Island or Jasper National Park offer decent public transit.

Public transit is quite limited in Jekyll Island. There are bus and trolley tours, but public transportation is mostly non-existent.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Jasper National Park. If you don't have your own vehicle, a bus tour is your best option for experiencing the park.

Is Jekyll Island or Jasper National Park a more walkable city?

Jekyll Island
Jasper National Park

Neither Jekyll Island or Jasper National Park are walkable places.

Jekyll Island is not a very walkable island. Resources are spread out, so you really need a car to get around.

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


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

Should I spend more time in Jasper National Park or Jekyll Island?

How long in Jekyll Island or Jasper National Park?

In either Jekyll Island 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 Jekyll Island because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Jekyll Island, and 2-5 days is enough time in Jasper National Park.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Jasper National Park than Jekyll Island 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 Jasper National Park.


  • How many days in Jekyll Island or Jasper National Park? Ideal Length of Stay
    Jekyll Island 2-4 
    Jasper National Park 2-5

One day in Jekyll Island or Jasper National Park?

Many travelers enjoy the museums when visiting the destination of Jekyll Island. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the when visiting the adventure-filled destination of Jasper National Park. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. 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.

A weekend in Jekyll Island or Jasper National Park?

Jekyll Island is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this island has to offer. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Jasper National Park. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. 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.

Five days in Jekyll Island or Jasper National Park?

Many people visit Jekyll Island for five days. You'll find museums around the island of Jekyll Island. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the when visiting the stunning destination of Jasper National Park. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This national park offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. Five days is usually enough time to experience most activities.


A week in Jekyll Island or Jasper National Park?

The natural destination of Jekyll Island offers museums. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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.

You'll find around the beautiful national park of Jasper 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.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America, The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America, The Best Luxury Tours to Canada, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Canada.


Which place is cheaper, Jasper National Park or Jekyll Island?

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

  • Jekyll Island Prices
    USA Prices
    Jasper National Park Prices
    Canada Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Jekyll Island $189
    Jasper National Park $99

The average daily cost (per person) in Jekyll Island is $189, while the average daily cost in Jasper National Park is $99. 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 Jekyll Island and Jasper National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Jekyll Island $88
    Jasper National Park $45
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Jekyll Island $176
    Jasper National Park $90
Compare Hotels in Jekyll Island and Jasper National Park

Looking for a hotel in Jekyll Island or Jasper National Park? 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 Jekyll Island


Hotels in Jasper National Park


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: Jekyll Island Hotel Prices and Jasper National Park Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Jekyll Island $41
    Jasper National Park $19

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Jasper National Park

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Jasper National Park are as follows:


  • Park Pass
    $14

Is it cheaper to fly into Jekyll Island or Jasper National Park?

Prices for flights to both Jasper National Park and Jekyll Island 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
    Jekyll Island $77
    Jasper National Park $40

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Jasper National Park

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Jasper National Park.

  • Half-Day Jasper Culture Food Tour: $119

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Jekyll Island $10
    Jasper National Park $7.75

Tours and Activities in Jasper National Park

Here are a few actual costs in Jasper National Park for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Canadian Rockies Self-Guided Driving & Walking Audio Tour Bundle: $50
  • Class 3 Sunwapta River Rafting Adventure in Jasper: $105
  • Columbia Icefield Tour with Glacier Skywalk from Jasper: $230
  • E-Bike Safari Eco Tour: $176
  • Explore Jasper Tour: $184
  • Explore Jasper Tour with Maligne Lake Cruise: $184
  • From Jasper: Jasper National Park Wildlife Discovery Tour: $62
  • Icefields Parkway Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $17
  • Jasper Evening Wildlife Tour: $63
  • Jasper Ice Climbing Experience: $174
  • Jasper National Park Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $13
  • Jasper National Park Tour Maligne Valley, Medicine Lake with Walk: $67

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Jekyll Island $6.43
    Jasper National Park $11


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Jekyll Island and Jasper National Park, we can see that Jekyll Island 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 Jekyll Island would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Jekyll Island 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 Jekyll Island Expensive? and Is Jasper National Park Expensive?.