A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Maui vs. Banff for Hiking, Families, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Maui or Banff?

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

Should I visit Maui 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.

Maui

Maui is a idyllic, adventure-filled, and breathtaking island. You'll find world class beauty in Maui as well. And you can't forget about the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking. See Maui travel costs.

Banff

Banff is a sporty, adventurous, and scenic town. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. 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.

Maui and Banff: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Maui or Banff?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Maui than Banff, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Maui is better known for its museums and attractions, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty, while Banff is more popular for its skiing, food, nightlife, and small town charm. Maui is more touristy than Banff and is known for its beach-filled coastline, world-class snorkeling and scuba diving, dramatic landscapes, and paradise environment. Also, Maui is famous for Haleakala National Park. Banff is well known for its stunning beauty, pristine nature, and nearby lakes.

How is Maui different from Banff?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Maui or Banff Better for Skiing?

Banff is a must-visit destination for winter skiing. However, Maui 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.

Maui is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Maui or Banff?

Maui is a moderate island for its sights and museums. However, Banff does not have museums and landmarks.

Maui offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Most people prefer not to spend their time inside or at a museum, but for a rainy day you can check out the Maui Ocean Center.

Banff does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Banff is a great destination for its restaurant scene. However, Maui is a island with minimal options for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Banff. 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.

Maui may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Like the other Hawaiian islands, food is expensive and of varying quality here, but the food scene continues to grow and improve. There are eclectic food trucks where you can try local flavors. There's also plenty of fresh tropical produce like mangos, avocadoes, and coconuts. Seafood is common on many menus as well.

Is Maui or Banff Better for Nightlife?

Banff is a great destination for nightlife and partying. However, Maui is a island with minimal options for its evening party scene.

The people in Banff know how to have a good time. 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.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Maui The island is not known for its nightlife, but the limited activities that do exist you'll find in Kaanapali and Lahaina.

Is Maui or Banff Better for Resorts?

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

Maui is known as a popular and fun resort destination. There are a number of nice resorts, but there are also VRBOs, condos, and local hotels where you can stay. High-end luxury resorts on the island include The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua and Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort. There are also more reasonable priced resorts without all of the glitz and glam.

Banff is not a resort destination.

Is Maui or Banff Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Maui is notable for its diving and snorkeling. However, Banff is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors partake in scuba diving or snorkeing while visiting Maui. The island has excellent snorkeling and scuba diving. You can really find it anywhere on the island, but some places are more crowded than others. Some of the best beaches for snorkeling include Honolua Bay, Slaughterhouse (Mokuleia Bay), DT Fleming Beach, and Kapalua Bay.

Banff is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Maui or Banff Better for Beaches?

Maui is an unbeatable place for the beach. However, Banff is not a beach destination.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Maui. The island has stunning beaches and more miles of swimmable beach than any of the other Hawaiian islands. One of the best swimming beaches is Kapalua Beach, but other favorite beaches include Makena Beach State Park, Ka'anapali Beach, Baldwin Beach Park, and Wai'anapanapa State Park.

Banff is not a beach destination.

Is Maui or Banff Better for Hiking?

If you're looking to go hiking, Maui and Banff both have first-rate trails.

People visit Maui specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. There are many diverse hikes on the island that pass through different landscapes and ecosystems. Hikes range from easy to challenging and are of varying length. Some of the favorites include 'Iao Valley State Park, Haleakala's Sliding Sands Trail (in Haleakala National Park), and The Pipiwai Trail.

Many people visit Banff specifically for its hiking. 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Maui or Banff?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Banff and Maui.

Maui offers some nice shopping areas. There are many shopping centers where you'll find souvenirs, Hawaiian clothing, and even handmade crafts. If you forgot something from home, you'll also find many of the major chains that are common on the mainland.

Banff has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are tons of downtown shops that sell local items, art, sports gear, or clothing.

Is Maui or Banff More Beautiful?

Maui is an unbeatable place for its scenery and beauty. Also, Banff is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its scenery and beauty.

You'll find world class beauty in Maui as well. With its dramatic mountains and beautiful blue water, this island offers stunning beauty.

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 Maui or Banff Better for Families?

Maui is an unbeatable place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Banff is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Maui is a very family-friendly destination. It is one of the best of the Hawaiian islands to explore with kids. There's plenty of snorkeling, outdoor adventure sports, and hiking that are great for kids of all ages. There are some kid-friendly beaches where kids can play in the water. There's also the Maui Ocean Center, Ali'i Kula Lavender Farm, and 'Iao Valley State Park.

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 Maui or Banff Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Maui and Banff make for a first-rate place to visit.

Maui makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. Couples will enjoy the outdoor sports, excellent snorkeling and diving, and beautiful waterfalls that make for a romantic getaway. There are world-class resorts and breathtaking scenery that attract honeymooning couples from around the globe.

For those traveling as a couple, Banff has plenty to offer. 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.

Is Maui or Banff Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Banff is a great destination for backpackers. However, Maui is a island with minimal options 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.

Maui is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Like most of the Hawaiian Islands, everything is expensive here and even though there are a couple of hostels, you can still expect to pay high prices for them. Public transportation is also limited so you'll really need to rent a car if you hope to explore the island in depth.

Is Maui 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, Maui is a island with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Banff, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There's a bus system, Roam, that connects the towns of Canmore, Banff, and Lake Louise.

Public transit is mostly limited in Maui. The island does have a bus system with 14 routes, but most visitors prefer to have their own transportation to get around.

Is Maui or Banff a more walkable city?

Banff is a great destination for its high level of walkability. However, Maui is a island with minimal options for its ease of walking around.

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

Maui is not a very walkable island. The island is large enough that you'll want to have access to a car if you hope to explore it in its entirety.

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

Should I spend more time in Banff or Maui?

How long in Maui or Banff?

In either Maui or Banff, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Maui than Banff because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Maui, and 2-5 days is enough time in Banff.

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

Couples should spend more time in Banff than Maui. 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 Maui 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 Maui or Banff?

In Maui, many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping that this stunning destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This island 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. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Maui or Banff?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Maui. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking 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 fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. Hikers are also drawn to this area. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Maui or Banff?

Maui is a fun place to experience. In Maui, many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping that this 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 might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. This town offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

A week in Maui or Banff?

In Maui, many people enjoy the shopping and scuba diving and snorkeling that this adventure-filled 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.

Because Banff is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Camping Tours in United States of America, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples 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 Maui and Banff, we can see that Maui 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 Maui would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Maui 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 Maui Expensive? and Is Banff Expensive?.