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

Should you visit Mazatlan or Saskatoon?

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

Should I visit Mazatlan or Saskatoon? 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.

Saskatoon

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

Mazatlan and Saskatoon: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Mazatlan or Saskatoon?

You'll generally find more things to do in Mazatlan than Saskatoon. Mazatlan is bigger than Saskatoon, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Mazatlan is more touristy than Saskatoon and is known for its historic center, authenticity, and surfing areas. Also, Mazatlan is famous for the Malecon. Saskatoon is well known for its agriculture and outdoor spaces.

How is Mazatlan different from Saskatoon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Mazatlan is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Saskatoon is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around 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 Saskatoon. 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.

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

Mazatlan is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Saskatoon is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

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.

Saskatoon is becoming an appealing option for foodies. 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 Mazatlan or Saskatoon Better for Nightlife?

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

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 Saskatoon has a few options to choose from. 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 Mazatlan or Saskatoon Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

Saskatoon is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Mazatlan or Saskatoon Better for Beaches?

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

Many people visit Mazatlan for it's beautiful beaches. 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.

Saskatoon is not a beach destination.

Is Mazatlan or Saskatoon Better for its Old Town?

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

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Mazatlan. It's a historic port city with a charming colonial old town.

Saskatoon does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Mazatlan or Saskatoon?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Saskatoon 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.

Saskatoon has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. A number of brands have opened stores in the downtown area in recent years, so the shopping scene continues to grow and diversify.

Is Mazatlan or Saskatoon Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Mazatlan or Saskatoon.

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.

Saskatoon offers lots of family activities. 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 Mazatlan or Saskatoon Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Mazatlan and Saskatoon 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.

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

Mazatlan is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Saskatoon is not a good city 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.

Saskatoon is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Most backpackers skip this town in favor of more popular destinations.

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

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

Mazatlan has a few public transit options. There are city buses around town.

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

Is Mazatlan or Saskatoon a more walkable city?

Mazatlan is a well-known place for its high level of walkability. Also, Saskatoon is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its ease of walking around.

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

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

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

Should I spend more time in Saskatoon or Mazatlan?

How long in Mazatlan or Saskatoon?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Mazatlan and Saskatoon. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Mazatlan than in Saskatoon. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Mazatlan, and 1-3 days is enough time in Saskatoon.

Families should spend more time in Mazatlan than Saskatoon. 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 Saskatoon. 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 Saskatoon 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 Saskatoon?

You'll find nightlife and food around the city of Mazatlan. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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 Mazatlan or Saskatoon?

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the cultural destination of Mazatlan. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This city 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 Mazatlan or Saskatoon?

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the cultural city of Mazatlan. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. It's also a great beach destination, too. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city 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 Mazatlan or Saskatoon?

Mazatlan is a popular choice for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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.

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 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 Saskatoon, we can see that Saskatoon 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 Saskatoon would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Saskatoon 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 Saskatoon Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Mazatlan or Saskatoon?

Mazatlan has a larger population, and is about 78% larger than the population of Saskatoon. When comparing the sizes of Mazatlan 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.