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

Should you visit Marathon or Saskatoon?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Marathon or Saskatoon, 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 nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling. See Marathon travel costs.

Saskatoon

Saskatoon is a cultural, friendly, and authentic city. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food. See Saskatoon travel costs.

Marathon and Saskatoon: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Marathon or Saskatoon?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Marathon. Although Marathon and Saskatoon are popular destinations, Marathon has more sights and attractions for tourists. Marathon is very popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty, while Saskatoon attracts visitors for its museums and attractions and shopping. Marathon is more touristy than Saskatoon and is popular 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. Saskatoon is famous for its agriculture and outdoor spaces.

How is Marathon different from Saskatoon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Saskatoon 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 Saskatoon?

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

Saskatoon is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are some museums and historical sites to check out such as Fort Battleford National Historic Site, Batoche National Historic Site, and the Saskatchewan Indigenous Cultural Centre.

Marathon does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Both Marathon and Saskatoon offer a number of nice restaurants to choose from.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Marathon. There are restaurants with waterfront terraces, raw bars, and other seafood eateries where you can enjoy fresh caught fish for a reasonable price.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Saskatoon. There's a great food scene around town with diverse restaurants and cuisines to choose from. You can sample dim sum, Mexican, Middle Eastern, Indian, and many more.

Is Marathon or Saskatoon Better for Nightlife?

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

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 Saskatoon. There are enough clubs and bars around town to keep things entertaining. Most cater to a younger crowd, but the vibe is fun and full of energy.

Is Marathon or Saskatoon Better for Resorts?

Marathon is a well-known place for its resorts. However, Saskatoon is not a resort destination.

There are plenty of resorts in Marathon to choose from. Popular resorts include Isla Bella Beach Resort and Tranquility Bay Resort.

Saskatoon is not a resort destination.

Is Marathon or Saskatoon Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Marathon is a good destination for its diving and snorkeling. However, Saskatoon is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery 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.

Saskatoon is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Marathon or Saskatoon Better for Beaches?

Marathon is a well-known place for the beach. However, Saskatoon is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Marathon for it's beautiful beaches. Sombrero Beach is a popular spot for picnics, swimming and seeing the Loggerhead Turtles from April through October.

Saskatoon is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Marathon or Saskatoon?

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

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Saskatoon. A number of brands have opened stores in the downtown area in recent years, so the shopping scene continues to grow and diversify.

Marathon is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Marathon or Saskatoon More Beautiful?

Marathon is a well-known place for its scenery and beauty. However, Saskatoon 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.

Saskatoon is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Marathon or Saskatoon Better for Families?

Marathon is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Saskatoon is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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.

Saskatoon is a family-friendly island. It's filled with indoor and outdoor play areas. Make sure you check out the Nutrien Wonderhub as well as the countless playgrounds around town.

Is Marathon or Saskatoon Better for Couples?

Marathon is a well-known place for its romantic activities. Also, Saskatoon is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

Marathon is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

Saskatoon is a good island for couples to visit. There are plenty of evening activities like dining out at a nice restaurant or taking in a show at the Persephone Theatre.

Is Marathon or Saskatoon Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Saskatoon is adequate for times when you don't have a car. However, Marathon is not a good destination for its public transit.

Public transit is mostly limited in Saskatoon. There is a bus system around town.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Marathon. There's no real public transportation in town. A car is essential.

Is Marathon or Saskatoon a more walkable city?

Saskatoon is a nice place to visit for its walkability. However, Marathon is not a good destination for its high level of walkability.

Saskatoon is somewhat walkable. The downtown is walkable and easy to explore on foot.

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

For even more information, also check out Is Marathon Worth Visiting? and Is Saskatoon Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Saskatoon or Marathon?

How long in Marathon or Saskatoon?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Marathon and Saskatoon. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Marathon than in Saskatoon. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Marathon, and 1-3 days is enough time in Saskatoon.

Families should spend more time in Marathon than Saskatoon. 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 Saskatoon. 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 Saskatoon 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 Saskatoon.

One day in Marathon or Saskatoon?

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the island of Marathon. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.

The city of Saskatoon offers food 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 Saskatoon?

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife around the quaint destination of Marathon. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from.

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

Five days in Marathon or Saskatoon?

You'll find nightlife and food around the relaxing island of Marathon. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this island makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this island has to offer.

Saskatoon 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 Saskatoon?

Marathon is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Marathon, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Marathon or Saskatoon?

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