A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Kennebunkport vs. Banff for Hiking, Couples, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Kennebunkport or Banff?

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

Should I visit Kennebunkport or Banff? 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.

Kennebunkport

Kennebunkport is a quaint, character-filled, and charming town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. Kennebunkport is a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and museums. See Kennebunkport travel costs.

Banff

Banff is a adventurous, scenic, and outdoorsy town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Banff is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include food, hiking, and shopping. See Banff travel costs.

Kennebunkport and Banff: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kennebunkport or Banff?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Banff. Although Kennebunkport and Banff are popular destinations, Banff has more sights and attractions for tourists. Banff is very popular for its skiing, nightlife, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Kennebunkport attracts visitors for its museums and attractions, resorts, and shopping. Kennebunkport is famous for its historic and charming atmosphere, its wonderful local seafood, and its stunning coastline. Banff is famous for its stunning beauty, pristine nature, and nearby lakes. It is also well known for Lake Louise.

How is Kennebunkport different from Banff?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Kennebunkport or Banff Better for Skiing?

Banff is very popular for skiing. However, Kennebunkport is not a skiing destination.

If you're an avid snow skiier, Banff should be on your list. 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.

Kennebunkport is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Kennebunkport or Banff?

Kennebunkport is a popular place for its sights and museums. However, Banff does not have museums and landmarks.

Kennebunkport offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are a handful of local museums around town like the Brick Store Museum, the First Families Kennebunkport Museum, and the Seashore Trolley Museum.

Banff does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Kennebunkport or Banff? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Kennebunkport and Banff offer high quality local cuisine and restaurants.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Kennebunkport. Fine dining, seafood restaurants, and local cafes all make this a wonderful town for foodies. The town's famous for its lobster, but you can also try the scallops, crab, or oysters.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit 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.

Is Kennebunkport or Banff Better for Nightlife?

Banff is great for nightlife. Also, Kennebunkport is not as popular, but is still a nice town for nightlife and partying.

Many people head to Banff for the nightlife scene. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Kennebunkport. You can check out the happy hours that many of the bars in the waterfront area host regularly.

Is Kennebunkport or Banff Better for Resorts?

Kennebunkport is notable for its resorts. However, Banff is not a resort destination.

Kennebunkport is known as a popular and fun resort destination. Luxury resorts and classic inns provide traditional and local accommodation options for visitors.

Banff is not a resort destination.

Is Kennebunkport or Banff Better for Hiking?

Banff is very popular for hiking. Also, Kennebunkport is not as popular, but is still a nice town for the nearby hiking options.

People visit Banff specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. 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.

Many people include a hike when visiting Kennebunkport. There are waterfront walks and coastal trails. There are also trails that wander through forests or past marshland.

Is the Shopping Better in Kennebunkport or Banff?

Kennebunkport is notable for its shopping opportunities. Also, Banff is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its shopping areas.

Kennebunkport is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Head to Dock's Square for the best local shops with a charming atmosphere.

Banff has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are tons of downtown shops that sell local items, art, sports gear, or clothing.

Is Kennebunkport or Banff More Beautiful?

Banff is great for its scenery and beauty. Also, Kennebunkport is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its scenery and beauty.

Banff is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. The dramatic Rocky Mountains and stunning natural beauty make this an iconic and beautiful destination.

Kennebunkport is a beautiful place to visit, too. It's scenic coastline and dramatic lighthouses make this a beautiful area.

Is Kennebunkport or Banff Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Kennebunkport or Banff.

Kennebunkport is a very family-friendly destination. You can explore the rocks around Mother's Beach or take the kids out on a lobster boat. There's also a lot of history around Dock's Square and plenty of kid-friendly restaurants in town.

Banff is a very kid-friendly town. 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.

Is Kennebunkport or Banff Better for Couples?

Banff is very popular for romance. Also, Kennebunkport is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its romantic activities.

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.

Kennebunkport is a very popular place to visit for couples. Beaches, romantic hotels, and charming local restaurants make this a perfect couple's destination.

Is Kennebunkport or Banff Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Banff is great for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Kennebunkport is not a good destination for backpackers.

Banff is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are a couple of hostels around town and plenty of natural beauty that appeals to backpackers.

Kennebunkport is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. You'll find cabins and motels in the area, but no real hostels.

Is Kennebunkport or Banff Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Banff is a popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Kennebunkport is not a good destination for its public transit.

While Banff offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's a bus system, Roam, that connects the towns of Canmore, Banff, and Lake Louise.

Public transit is generally limited in Kennebunkport. During the summer months there's a Shoreline Trolley that connects towns.

Is Kennebunkport or Banff a more walkable city?

Banff is great for its walkability. Also, Kennebunkport is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its high level of walkability.

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

Kennebunkport is a somewhat walkable place. It's downtown is compact and particularly walkable.

For even more information, also check out Is Kennebunkport Worth Visiting? and Is Banff Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Banff or Kennebunkport?

How long in Kennebunkport or Banff?

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

Couples should spend more time in Banff than Kennebunkport. 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 Kennebunkport 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 Kennebunkport or Banff?

Even though Kennebunkport is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the scenic small town of Banff. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Kennebunkport or Banff?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Kennebunkport. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Banff. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Kennebunkport or Banff?

Kennebunkport is a fun place to experience. Kennebunkport is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the skiing and nightlife when visiting the scenic small town of Banff. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This town 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 Kennebunkport or Banff?

Kennebunkport is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

You'll find nightlife and food around the beautiful town of Banff. 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 3-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Canada, and The Best Camping Tours in Canada.

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

Which is Bigger, Kennebunkport or Banff?

Banff has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Kennebunkport. When comparing the sizes of Kennebunkport and Banff, 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.