A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Lancaster vs. Calgary for Attractions, Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Lancaster or Calgary?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Lancaster or Calgary, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Lancaster

Lancaster is a traditional, picturesque, and scenic town. The beauty of Lancaster is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and food. See Lancaster travel costs.

Calgary

Calgary is a authentic, western, and local city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and shopping. See Calgary travel costs.

Lancaster and Calgary: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lancaster or Calgary?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Lancaster than Calgary. While Calgary is larger than Lancaster, Lancaster has more sights and attractions for tourists. Lancaster is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Calgary is known for its nightlife. Calgary is more touristy than Lancaster and is popular for its farming and oil industries as well as the Calgary Stampede. Lancaster is popular for its history and long running Amish community. It is also home to Bird-in-Hand Village.

How is Lancaster different from Calgary?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Lancaster or Calgary?

Lancaster is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Calgary is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Lancaster. Filled with history and local culture, there are many educational opportunities in the area where you can learn about Amish traditions. The Amish Village has tours and unique experiences. The town also has James Buchanan's Wheatland, the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania, the National Toy Train Museum, the Ephrata Cloister, and the National Watch & Clock Museum, among many others.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Calgary. It's worth visiting the Calgary Zoo, Fort Calgary, the Hangar Flight Museum, and Heritage Park, among others.

Is the Food Better in Lancaster or Calgary? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Lancaster is well known for its restaurant scene. However, Calgary is not particularly known for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Lancaster. You can sample authentic Pennsylvania Dutch dishes at one of the Amish restaurants in the area. Many places serve food family-style and dishes include chicken pot pie, ham balls, and pork and sauerkraut. Whoopie pies also originated in the area.

Calgary may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. The food scene is constantly evolving and you'll find plenty of casual restaurants. The city is known for its beef, so you should definitely sample a local steak.

Is Lancaster or Calgary Better for Nightlife?

Calgary is a nice place to visit for its evening party scene. However, Lancaster is not known for nightlife.

If you're looking for night time activities Calgary has a few options to choose from. Visitors often head to Stephen Avenue Walk for its bars and pubs. There's also a decent theater scene around town.

Most people don't head to Lancaster specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. It's a small town, but you'll still find local pubs and cozy bars where you can enjoy a drink in a laid back atmosphere.

Is the Shopping Better in Lancaster or Calgary?

Lancaster is well known for its shopping opportunities. Also, Calgary is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

Lancaster is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Many visitors pick up hand-crafted Amish items while they're in town. Furniture and Amish quilts are particularly popular. Farmers markets and antique shopping are both unique in the area and there are also art galleries and several outlet stores that you can visit.

Calgary has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are plenty of independent shops around town as well as some great shopping neighborhoods. Make sure you check out Fourth Street and 17th Avenue. There are also large shopping malls.

Is Lancaster or Calgary More Beautiful?

Lancaster is well known for its scenery and beauty. However, Calgary is not a destination known for its beauty.

The beauty of Lancaster is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. The countryside is beautiful, with preserved farmland, covered bridges, and beautiful gardens.

Calgary is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Lancaster or Calgary Better for Families?

Lancaster is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Calgary is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Lancaster is a very kid-friendly town. In you area you'll find farms and petting zoos, amusement parks, and train rides. They can learn about a unique lifestyle at the Amish Experience or soak up the local beauty and farmland in the surrounding countryside.

Calgary offers lots of family activities. There are a surprising number of things around town to do with kids such as petting zoos, museums, and even amusement parks. The Calgary Zoo is worth a visit, but also make sure you check out Calaway Park Amusement Park and the Telus Spark science center.

Is Lancaster or Calgary Better for Couples?

Lancaster is well known for its romantic activities. Also, Calgary is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Couples visit Lancaster frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. This region is known for it's local beauty and serene farmland, making it a relaxing and peaceful destination for couples. There are walking trails, outdoor activities, buggy rides, and a variety of dining experiences. You can also stay at a bed and breakfast or local inn.

Calgary is a good town for couples to visit. You'll find outdoor sports, boat tours, and plenty of great restaurants around town. If you're looking for a low key destination with a great vibe, then this is a great city for a weekend trip.

Is Lancaster or Calgary Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Calgary is a nice place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Lancaster is not known for backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Calgary. A surprising number of backpackers end up passing through town, so you'll find a handful of hostels to choose from.

Lancaster is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Although it's often overlooked by backpackers, the region offers a unique cultural experience.

Is Lancaster or Calgary Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Calgary is a nice place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Lancaster is not known for its public transit.

While Calgary offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The public transportation system is relatively efficient with both light rail and buses.

Public transit is generally limited in Lancaster. The city has buses and several transportation options, but once you're outside of the urban core, your options are limited.

Is Lancaster or Calgary a more walkable city?

Lancaster and Calgary are decent when it comes to walkability.

Lancaster is generally not a very walkable town. While the city itself has walkable areas, most visitors want to get out and explore the countryside, which requires a car.

Calgary is generally not very walkable. While there are a couple of walkable neighborhood's around town, it's definitely not the most walkable city.

For even more information, also check out Is Lancaster Worth Visiting? and Is Calgary Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Calgary or Lancaster?

How long in Lancaster or Calgary?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Calgary than Lancaster 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 Calgary.

One day in Lancaster or Calgary?

In Lancaster, you'll find museums and food. This town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Calgary. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Calgary has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Lancaster or Calgary?

In Lancaster, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Lancaster has to offer.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the western destination of Calgary. 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 Lancaster or Calgary?

Lancaster is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting the western city of Calgary. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Lancaster or Calgary?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Lancaster. Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Lancaster. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Calgary is a popular choice for travelers. 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 Los Angeles, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Canada, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Canada.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Lancaster or Calgary?

Calgary has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Lancaster. When comparing the sizes of Lancaster and Calgary, 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.