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

Should you visit Mazatlan or Calgary?

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

Should I visit Mazatlan or Calgary? 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.

Mazatlan

Mazatlan is a cultural, authentic, and historical city. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Mazatlan travel costs.

Calgary

Calgary is a local, authentic, and western city. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Calgary travel costs.

Mazatlan and Calgary: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Mazatlan or Calgary?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Mazatlan than Calgary. While Calgary is larger than Mazatlan, Mazatlan has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Calgary is more touristy than Mazatlan and is known for its farming and oil industries as well as the Calgary Stampede. Mazatlan is well known for its historic center, authenticity, and surfing areas. Also, Mazatlan is famous for the Malecon.

How is Mazatlan different from Calgary?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Mazatlan 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 Mazatlan. There are colonial buildings around the Centro Historico. You should also check out the Historic Cathedral and the Angela Peralta Theater.

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 Mazatlan or Calgary? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Mazatlan 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 Mazatlan. Stewed meats and shrimp are a big part of the cuisine here. Many recipes have a little bit of spice. The restaurants around town are authentic and local, making for a great dining experience.

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 Mazatlan or Calgary Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Mazatlan and Calgary.

Mazatlan has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There are plenty of bars and clubs around town, particularly along the beach. Like anywhere else, remember to stay cautious late at night around town. This is considered to be one of the less safe parts of Mexico.

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.

Is Mazatlan or Calgary Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Mazatlan is a city 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 Mazatlan. Most of the diving takes place around the Pajaros, Venados and Lobos islands. This is where you'll see the most tropical fish.

Calgary is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Mazatlan or Calgary Better for Beaches?

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

The beaches at Mazatlan attract visitors from all over. There are many stretches of beach around town. Most notable is the 13 miles that run along Malecon where there's a boardwalk. Surfing is also popular in the area.

Calgary is not a beach destination.

Is Mazatlan or Calgary Better for its Old Town?

Mazatlan is well known for its old town. However, Calgary does not have a historic old town.

Mazatlan is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. It's a historic port city with a charming colonial old town.

Calgary does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Mazatlan or Calgary?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Calgary and Mazatlan.

Mazatlan offers some nice shopping areas. There are local shops, big box stores, and souvenir vendors where you can pick up anything you may need or items to commemorate your trip.

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 Mazatlan or Calgary Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Mazatlan or Calgary.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Mazatlan. Kids will enjoy the all-inclusive resorts and the waterfront setting. There are also many cultural opportunities such as markets, history, and shows. The food is very kid-friendly as well.

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 Mazatlan or Calgary Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Mazatlan and Calgary make for a notable place to visit.

Mazatlan makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The resorts are romantic and the beaches are stunning. If you're looking for an idyllic escape that also has culture, authenticity, and great food, then this is your spot.

Calgary is a good city 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 Mazatlan or Calgary Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Mazatlan is well known for backpackers. Also, Calgary is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Mazatlan is a great city to visit for backpackers. The laid back atmosphere makes this a great stopover for backpackers who want to experience the Mexican culture. Stick to the touristy areas if possible.

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

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Mazatlan and Calgary.

You'll find some public transit in Mazatlan, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are city buses around town.

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.

Is Mazatlan or Calgary a more walkable city?

Mazatlan is well known for its high level of walkability. However, Calgary is not particularly known for its ease of walking around.

Mazatlan is a very walkable city. The city is relatively walkable.

Calgary is generally not a very walkable city. 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 Mazatlan Worth Visiting? and Is Calgary Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Calgary or Mazatlan?

How long in Mazatlan or Calgary?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Mazatlan or Calgary to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Mazatlan than Calgary because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Mazatlan, and 1-2 days is enough time in Calgary.

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

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

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

One day in Mazatlan or Calgary?

In Mazatlan, you'll find shopping and museums. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This city 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 Mazatlan or Calgary?

In Mazatlan, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 Mazatlan or Calgary?

Mazatlan is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Mazatlan 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 Mazatlan or Calgary?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Mazatlan. Many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting Mazatlan. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

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 Food and Culinary Tours in Mexico, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Mexico, 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 Mazatlan and Calgary, we can see that Calgary is more expensive. And not only is Mazatlan much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Mazatlan would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Mazatlan 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 Calgary would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Calgary than you might in Mazatlan.

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

Which is Bigger, Mazatlan or Calgary?

Calgary has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Mazatlan. When comparing the sizes of Mazatlan 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.