A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Key West vs. Banff for Couples, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Key West or Banff?

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

Should I visit Key West 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.

Key West

Key West is a lively, quaint, and laid-back town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. The beauty of Key West is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. This is an attractive and quaint destination worth visiting as well. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling. See Key West travel costs.

Banff

Banff is a scenic, outdoorsy, and sporty town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. The beauty of Banff is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the food, hiking, and shopping. See Banff travel costs.

Key West and Banff: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Key West or Banff?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Key West than Banff, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Key West is better known for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, and quaint atmosphere, while Banff is more popular for its skiing, hiking, shopping, and small town charm. Key West is more touristy than Banff and is known for its festive nightlife, quirky town center, colorful personality, adrenaline-filled watersports, stunning beaches, turquoise water, and location at the southernmost point of the continental U.S. Also, Key West is famous for Duval Street. Banff is well known for its stunning beauty, pristine nature, and nearby lakes.

How is Key West different from Banff?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Key West or Banff Better for Skiing?

Banff is renowned for snow skiing. However, Key West 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.

Key West is not a skiing destination.

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

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at high quality restaurants in both Key West and Banff.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Key West. Head to town for local restaurants with quirky atmospheres. There are many local dishes to sample, but the town is most known for its stone crabs, conch fritters, and Mahi Mahi sandwiches. You'll also find cold drinks and waterfront dining areas.

Banff has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. 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 Key West or Banff Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are high quality in both Key West and Banff.

Key West has plenty to do after the sun goes down. This area has some of the most lively nightlife in the Florida Keys. There are quirky bars and fun hangouts where you can spend the evening. The party starts at Mallory Square around sunset and many bars stay open well into the early hours. You can also enjoy sunset cruises or pass your time at one of the many tiki bars.

Banff has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. 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.

Is Key West or Banff Better for Resorts?

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

Key West is known as a popular and fun resort destination. There are a number of high end resorts around the island, many with recognizable names such as the Hyatt and Hilton. Prices can be high, but these resorts often come with reliable luxury.

Banff is not a resort destination.

Is Key West or Banff Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Key West is a popular place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Banff is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Key West has a few good snorkeling spots. There are a number of dive shops and snorkeling excursions that leave from Key West. Like many tourist areas these days, the coral shows its damage from the crowds, but you'll likely see some barracuda or a Grouper.

Banff is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Key West or Banff Better for Beaches?

Key West is notable for the beach. However, Banff is not a beach destination.

Key West is considered a top beach destination. One of the best beaches in the area is Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park. The beach has soft sand and stunning turquoise water. As is typical in the Keys, the water stays shallow for great distances.

Banff is not a beach destination.

Is Key West or Banff Better for its Old Town?

Key West is notable for its old town. However, Banff does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Key West. The town has the most charming Old Town areas in the Florida Keys. Head to Mallory Square for the sunset street performers and explore the historic streets around Duval Street.

Banff does not have a historic old town.

Is Key West or Banff Better for Hiking?

Banff is renowned for the nearby hiking options. However, Key West is not a hiking destination.

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.

Key West is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Key West or Banff?

Banff is a popular place for its shopping opportunities. However, Key West is a mediocre town for its shopping areas.

Banff offers some nice shopping areas. There are tons of downtown shops that sell local items, art, sports gear, or clothing.

Key West has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. While it definitely has its share of gimmicky souvenir shops and t-shirt stores, there are still a number of art galleries and local shops around Key West where you can enjoy shopping.

Is Key West or Banff More Beautiful?

Key West and Banff are somewhat similar when it comes to the high quality scenery.

The beauty of Key West is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. There are blue waters as far as the eye can see. It doesn't get much more beautiful than this.

With stunning beauty, Banff attracts visitors from all around. The dramatic Rocky Mountains and stunning natural beauty make this an iconic and beautiful destination.

Is Key West or Banff Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Key West or Banff.

Key West is a very kid-friendly town. Families that enjoy snorkeling, aquariums, water sports, and exploring new places will enjoy visiting this part of the Florida Keys. There are many ways to get out on the water from kayaking and snorkeling to glass bottom boat tours and sunset cruises. There are also many kid-friendly beaches in the area. The town can have a party atmosphere, but it's not hard to find a more family-friendly area where everyone can have fun.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Banff. 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 Key West or Banff Better for Couples?

Banff is renowned for its romantic activities. Also, Key West is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for couples.

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.

Key West makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. From Mallory Square to the beautiful nearby parks, Key West makes a wonderful, romantic destination. Whether it's your honeymoon, an anniversary, or simply a couples' retreat, Key West is a great option. You can sip wine on a sunset cruise or dine at one of the many character-filled restaurants in town. If you are looking for a party, it's not hard to find, but if you want a more laid back holiday, that's also possible.

Is Key West or Banff Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Banff is notable for backpackers. However, Key West is a mediocre town for backpackers and budget travelers.

Banff is a great town to visit for backpackers. There are a couple of hostels around town and plenty of natural beauty that appeals to backpackers.

Key West is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Key West is a pretty expensive destination, but there are Airbnbs and even a hostel or two that cater to budget backpackers.

Is Key West or Banff Better for Students?

Key West is notable for students. However, Banff is not popular with students.

Key West is a very popular town for students and younger travelers. It's a great spring break destination with a quirky personality and many great activities.

Banff is not popular with students.

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

Banff is a popular place for its public transit. However, Key West is a mediocre town for times when you don't have a car.

Banff has a few public transit options. There's a bus system, Roam, that connects the towns of Canmore, Banff, and Lake Louise.

Public transit is quite limited in Key West. Public transportation in Key West is limited to a few buses.

Is Key West or Banff a more walkable city?

Banff is notable for its high level of walkability. Also, Key West is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its ease of walking around.

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

Key West is a somewhat walkable town. The town is the most walkable part of the Florida Keys. The area around Mallory Square and Duval Street is the most pedestrian friendly.

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

Should I spend more time in Banff or Key West?

How long in Key West or Banff?

In either Key West or Banff, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Key West than Banff because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Key West, and 2-5 days is enough time in Banff.

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

Couples should spend more time in Banff than Key West. 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 Key West 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 Key West or Banff?

In Key West, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this quaint destination offers. 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.

Banff is a small town where visitors enjoy the 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.

A weekend in Key West or Banff?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Key West. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Banff 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 Banff, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Key West or Banff?

Key West is a fun place to experience. In Key West, many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife that this quaint destination offers. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Banff is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Banff, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Key West or Banff?

In Key West, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this laid-back destination offers. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

Banff 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, The Best Sightseeing 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 Key West and Banff, we can see that Key West 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 Key West would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Key West 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 Key West Expensive? and Is Banff Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Key West or Banff?

Key West has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Banff. When comparing the sizes of Key West 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.