A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Ketchikan vs. Quebec City for Attractions, Food, Couples, and Nightlife

Should you visit Ketchikan or Quebec City?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Ketchikan and Quebec City can help you decide which place is right for you.

Ketchikan

Ketchikan is a local, scenic, and quaint town. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. Ketchikan is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for shopping, museums, and food. See Ketchikan travel costs.

Quebec City

Quebec City is a historical, cultural, and charming city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Quebec City is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping. See Quebec City travel costs.

Ketchikan and Quebec City: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ketchikan or Quebec City?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Quebec City. Although Ketchikan and Quebec City are both popular with visitors, Quebec City has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Quebec City is more popular for its museums and attractions, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Ketchikan is known for its hiking and small town charm. Ketchikan is popular for its salmon fishing, beautiful natural environment, and strong sense of local culture. Quebec City is popular for its charming streets and classic Old Town. It is also home to Château Frontenac.

How is Ketchikan different from Quebec City?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Ketchikan or Quebec City?

Quebec City is renowned for its sights and museums. Also, Ketchikan is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its museums and history.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Quebec City that are not to be missed. Historic sites include La Citadelle de Québec and Quebec National Historic Site. There are many iconic buildings in town as well like the Parliament Building and Château Frontenac. Also make sure you visit the Musée de la Civilisation and the stunning Basilica of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré.

Ketchikan offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are a few local museums in town such as the Tongass Historical Museum and the Totem Heritage Center.

Is the Food Better in Ketchikan or Quebec City? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at terrific restaurants in both Ketchikan and Quebec City.

Ketchikan has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. It's known as the salmon capital of the world for good reason. You can expect some of the freshest seafood around with many local restaurants serving up fresh Dungeness Crab, Alaska King Crab, and Alaskan King Salmon. It's a huge fishing destination and the cuisine reflects that, but even if you're looking for a landlover's menu, you'll find a number of good dishes.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Quebec City is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. The city offers a mix of Canadian favorites and French dishes with a local twist. Favorite dishes that you must try include tourtières, pâté chinois, pea soup, and fèves au lard. There are also many local desserts to sample. You'll find some of the best French Canadian cuisine in the Old Town.

Is Ketchikan or Quebec City Better for Nightlife?

Quebec City is notable for nightlife. However, Ketchikan is a mediocre town for nightlife and partying.

Quebec City has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The nightlife scene consists mainly of bars and pubs that you'll find along Rue Saint-Jean and in the Saint-Jean-Baptiste neighborhood. You'll also find clubs in Saint-Roch along Rue du Parvis and Avenue Saint-Joseph.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Ketchikan. Because most visitors arrive by cruise ship, there's a more local vibe to the nightlife scene. You'll find a few local bars around town where you can enjoy a drink and good conversation.

Is Ketchikan or Quebec City Better for its Old Town?

Quebec City is renowned for its historic old town. However, Ketchikan does not have a historic old town.

The old town of Quebec City is one of the most recognized in the world. The walled Old Town has fortifications that date back to the 17th century. It has a European charm with cobblestone streets, charming restaurants, beautiful squares, and historic architecture. Many visitors feel like they've stepped into old world Europe.

Ketchikan does not have a historic old town.

Is Ketchikan or Quebec City Better for Hiking?

Ketchikan is very popular for its hiking experiences. However, Quebec City is not a hiking destination.

Known for its hiking, Ketchikan draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. You'll find many hikes that will take you through the local vegetation or to impressive viewpoints. Some hikes involve challenging climbs while others are more relaxing. Some visitors prefer to hire a guide to the lead them through the Alaskan wilderness, but the most popular and easier trails are usually well marked.

Quebec City is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ketchikan or Quebec City?

Quebec City is renowned for shopping. Also, Ketchikan is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Quebec City is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. The Old Town has many local boutiques and artisan shops that are fun for browsing. There are many shopping streets in town like Petit-Champlain Street, Rue Saint-Joseph, and Avenue Cartier.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Ketchikan. As tourism has grown, the shopping in downtown Ketchikan has shifted from locally-oriented venders to jewelry and souvenir stores. Many shops are only open during the summer months, and you'll find the more local shops outside of town.

Is Ketchikan or Quebec City More Beautiful?

Ketchikan and Quebec City both are comparable with their excellent scenery and beauty.

Ketchikan is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's located at the southernmost entrance to the Inside Passage, so you can expect dramatic natural beauty and a breathtaking setting.

The beauty of Quebec City is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. The European atmosphere gives the city a unique beauty with architecture and cobblestone streets that create a fairytale setting.

Is Ketchikan or Quebec City Better for Families?

You'll find excellent kid-friendly activities in either Ketchikan or Quebec City.

Ketchikan is a very family-friendly place to visit. There are a number of kid-friendly activities and tours, but do note that many tours book up fully with cruise ship passengers. Any tours you wish to do should be arranged well in advance. Popular kid-friendly activities include the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show, Misty Fjords, and a visit to Totem Bight State Historical Park. Everyone will enjoy learning about the area's history and nature at the Southeast Alaska Discovery Center. And anyone who enjoys the show "The Most Dangerous Catch" will appreciate the Bering Sea Crab Fishermen's Tour.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Quebec City is very family-friendly. There are tons of kid-friendly activities like visiting the Aquarium du Québec, having an adventure at Terrasse Dufferin, or exploring Chute de Montmorency.

Is Ketchikan or Quebec City Better for Couples?

Quebec City is renowned for romance. Also, Ketchikan is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its romantic activities.

For those traveling as a couple, Quebec City has plenty to offer. It's one of the most European city's in North America, and it's filled with romance. Couples can enjoy exploring the Old Town by carriage or taking a boat ride on the Saint Lawrence River. For a truly romantic evening, enjoy a French meal at the famous Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, but for many couples, simply exploring and soaking up the city's charm offers the simple romance that they're looking for.

Ketchikan makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who enjoy natural beauty, hiking, and wildlife will appreciate their time here. There are many opportunities for fishing and a plethora of seafood restaurants in the area that take advantage of this past time.

Is Ketchikan or Quebec City Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Quebec City is notable for backpackers. Also, Ketchikan is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Quebec City. There are a decent number of hostels around town and backpackers consider this a favorite destination in the area.

It's common for backpackers to visit Ketchikan. While most visitors arrive by cruise ship, for those travel independently will appreciate the hostel in town.

Is Ketchikan or Quebec City Better for Students?

Quebec City is very good for students. However, Ketchikan is not popular with students.

Quebec City is a good city to visit for students. It's a beautiful and charming city that is fun for international students.

Ketchikan is not popular with students.

Is Ketchikan or Quebec City Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Quebec City is very good for its public transit. However, Ketchikan is a mediocre town for times when you don't have a car.

Quebec City has a few public transit options. There are buses and ferries around town.

Public transit is mostly limited in Ketchikan. There are buses that travel through town.

Is Ketchikan or Quebec City a more walkable city?

Quebec City is renowned for its walkability. Also, Ketchikan is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its high level of walkability.

It is easy to get around Quebec City on foot. The Old Town is compact and easy to explore on foot.

Ketchikan is a very walkable town. The downtown is relatively compact and walkable.

For even more information, also check out Is Ketchikan Worth Visiting? and Is Quebec City Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Quebec City or Ketchikan?

How long in Ketchikan or Quebec City?

It's fun to spend time in either Ketchikan or Quebec City. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Quebec City due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Ketchikan, and 2-4 days is enough time in Quebec City.

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

Couples should spend more time in Quebec City than Ketchikan. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Quebec City that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Quebec City than Ketchikan 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 Quebec City.

One day in Ketchikan or Quebec City?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the local town of Ketchikan. Hikers are also drawn to this area. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Quebec City. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Ketchikan or Quebec City?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the local destination of Ketchikan. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This town offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the cultural destination of Quebec City. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Ketchikan or Quebec City?

The scenic town of Ketchikan offers museums and food. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the charming city of Quebec City. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Ketchikan or Quebec City?

Many people enjoy the food and shopping when visiting Ketchikan. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Quebec City is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco, The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Canada, and The Best Northern Lights Tours in Canada.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Ketchikan and Quebec City, we can see that Ketchikan is more expensive. And not only is Quebec City much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Quebec City would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Quebec City 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 Ketchikan would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Ketchikan than you might in Quebec City.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Ketchikan Expensive? and Is Quebec City Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Ketchikan or Quebec City?

Quebec City has a larger population, and is about 70 times larger than the population of Ketchikan. When comparing the sizes of Ketchikan and Quebec City, 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.