A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Marathon vs. Calgary for Families, Couples, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Marathon or Calgary?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Marathon 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.

Marathon

Marathon is a relaxing, quaint, and beautiful island. The beauty of Marathon is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and nightlife. See Marathon travel costs.

Calgary

Calgary is a western, local, and authentic city. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, shopping, and museums. See Calgary travel costs.

Marathon and Calgary: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Marathon or Calgary?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Marathon. Although Marathon and Calgary are popular destinations, Marathon has more sights and attractions for tourists. Marathon is very popular for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty, while Calgary attracts visitors for its museums and attractions and shopping. Marathon is famous for its Loggerhead sea turtles, the Dolphin Research Center, Sombrero Beach, and its many places to scuba dive and snorkel. It is also well known for The Dolphin Research Center. Calgary is famous for its farming and oil industries as well as the Calgary Stampede.

How is Marathon different from Calgary?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Calgary is a nice place to visit for its historical sights. However, Marathon does not have museums and landmarks.

Calgary is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. It's worth visiting the Calgary Zoo, Fort Calgary, the Hangar Flight Museum, and Heritage Park, among others.

Marathon does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Marathon is a island with good options for its restaurant scene. However, Calgary is not particularly known for its local flavors and cuisine.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Marathon. There are restaurants with waterfront terraces, raw bars, and other seafood eateries where you can enjoy fresh caught fish for a reasonable price.

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 Marathon or Calgary Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is nice in both Marathon and Calgary.

If you're looking for night time activities Marathon has a few options to choose from. Popular nightlife venues include JJ’s Dog House & Sports Bar, Brass Monkey, and Cabana Club.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Calgary. Visitors often head to Stephen Avenue Walk for its bars and pubs. There's also a decent theater scene around town.

Is Marathon or Calgary Better for Resorts?

Marathon is well known for its resorts. However, Calgary is not a resort destination.

In Marathon, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. Popular resorts include Isla Bella Beach Resort and Tranquility Bay Resort.

Calgary is not a resort destination.

Is Marathon or Calgary Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Marathon is a island with good options for its diving and snorkeling. However, Calgary is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life in Marathon. There are many dive shops around Marathon and the area has dive spots that are great for every level. Some of the best sites are Sombrero Reef, Coffins Patch, and Thunderbolt wreck. There are also many snorkeling trips that head out to Sombrero Reef.

Calgary is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Marathon or Calgary Better for Beaches?

Marathon is well known for the beach. However, Calgary is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Marathon attract visitors from all over. Sombrero Beach is a popular spot for picnics, swimming and seeing the Loggerhead Turtles from April through October.

Calgary is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Marathon or Calgary?

Calgary is a nice place to visit for shopping. However, Marathon is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Calgary. 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.

Marathon is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Marathon or Calgary More Beautiful?

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

The beauty of Marathon is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. The waters are blue and the setting is peaceful, making this area truly beautiful.

Calgary is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Marathon or Calgary Better for Families?

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

Marathon is a very kid-friendly island. Kids will enjoy getting face-to-face with dolphins at the Dolphin Research Center. Families can also explore Pigeon Key or play in the water at Sombrero Beach. Families will find no shortage of activities on the island.

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 Marathon or Calgary Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Marathon frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. With beautiful views, 7 Mile Bridge, and plenty of activities, this area makes a romantic destination for couples. There are beaches and waterfront spots that offer a romantic setting for couples.

Calgary is a good island 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 Marathon or Calgary Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Calgary is a nice place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Marathon is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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.

Marathon is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Marathon 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, Marathon is not a good destination 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 limited or non-existant in Marathon. There's no real public transportation in town. A car is essential.

Is Marathon or Calgary a more walkable city?

Marathon and Calgary are reasonable when it comes to walkability.

Marathon is generally not a very walkable island. Shops and restaurants and spread out along a central road, making walking difficult to impossible.

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 Marathon Worth Visiting? and Is Calgary Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Calgary or Marathon?

How long in Marathon or Calgary?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Marathon or Calgary to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Marathon than Calgary because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Marathon, and 1-2 days is enough time in Calgary.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Calgary than Marathon 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 Marathon or Calgary?

In Marathon, you'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This island offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

The city of Calgary offers nightlife and shopping. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Marathon or Calgary?

In Marathon, you'll find nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Most people come for the beaches. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Calgary is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Calgary, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Marathon or Calgary?

Marathon is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Marathon has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Calgary is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Marathon or Calgary?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Marathon. In Marathon, you'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Calgary is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Canada, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Canada.

When comparing the travel costs between Marathon and Calgary, we can see that Marathon is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Marathon or Calgary?

Calgary has a larger population, and is about 100 times larger than the population of Marathon. When comparing the sizes of Marathon 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.