A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Minneapolis vs. Banff for Couples, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Minneapolis or Banff?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Minneapolis or Banff, 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.

Minneapolis

Minneapolis is a innovative, diverse, and dynamic city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping. See Minneapolis travel costs.

Banff

Banff is a outdoorsy, sporty, and adventurous town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. The beauty of Banff is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the shopping, skiing, and nightlife. See Banff travel costs.

Minneapolis and Banff: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Minneapolis or Banff?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Minneapolis than Banff, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Minneapolis is better known for its museums and attractions, shopping, and big city activities, while Banff is more popular for its skiing, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Banff is more touristy than Minneapolis and is popular for its stunning beauty, pristine nature, and nearby lakes. Minneapolis is well known for its professional sports teams, countless outdoor activities, and friendly people. Also, Minneapolis is famous for Mall of America.

How is Minneapolis different from Banff?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Minneapolis or Banff Better for Skiing?

Banff is a world-class destination for skiing and snowboarding. However, Minneapolis is not a skiing destination.

The snow ski experience you'll have in Banff is among the best in the world. 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.

Minneapolis is not a skiing destination.

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

Minneapolis is notable for its sights and museums. However, Banff does not have museums and landmarks.

Minneapolis offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. There's a wide variety of museums that include art, history, science, and local culture. Some of the favorite museums in the city are the Minneapolis Institute of Art, the Walker Art Center, the American Swedish Institute, and the Weisman Art Museum.

Banff does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Foodies will find both Minneapolis and Banff both to be very good destinations.

Minneapolis has a huge number of terrific restaurants. Dishes in the Midwest are known for being hearty comfort foods, and the food in Minneapolis is no exception. You'll find cheese-stuffed burgers that are known as Juicy Lucys, Tator Tot casseroles, and deep-fried cheese curds. For international food, there's a variety of Scandinavian options around town.

Dining out in Banff is an experience not to be missed. 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.

Is Minneapolis or Banff Better for Nightlife?

The very good nightlife scene is relatively similar in Minneapolis and Banff.

Minneapolis has a large number of nightlife venues. There are diverse neighborhoods that each have their own personality. You'll find rooftop lounges in Uptown, international venues in Whittier, and trendy bars in the North Loop. But at the heart of the city's nightlife scene is Downtown Minneapolis.

Banff is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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.

Is Minneapolis or Banff Better for Hiking?

Banff is a world-class destination for its hiking trails. However, Minneapolis is not a hiking destination.

Known for its hiking, Banff draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. 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.

Minneapolis is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Minneapolis or Banff?

Minneapolis is an unbeatable place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Banff is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Minneapolis make it a world-class shopping destination. Known for the megamall, Mall of America, this is a shopper's paradise. Mall of America is the largest shopping mall in the country and it even has an aquarium and a theme park within it. In addition to this iconic shopping mall, Minneapolis also has many shopping districts including the Minnehaha Mile.

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 Minneapolis or Banff More Beautiful?

Banff is a very popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Minneapolis is not a destination known for its beauty.

The beauty of Banff is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. The dramatic Rocky Mountains and stunning natural beauty make this an iconic and beautiful destination.

Minneapolis is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Minneapolis or Banff Better for Families?

Minneapolis and Banff are both very good destinations for the whole family.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Minneapolis is very family-friendly. Mall of America is at the top of the list for most families, but there's also plenty of kid-friendly museums around town as well as nature centers, parks, and playgrounds. There's the Como Park Zoo and Conservatory, the Minnesota Zoo, and Afton Apple Orchard. For museums, kids will love the Minnesota Children's Museum or the Science Museum of Minnesota.

Banff is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. 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 Minneapolis or Banff Better for Couples?

Banff is a world-class destination for its romantic activities. Also, Minneapolis is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Banff has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. 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.

Minneapolis is a good city for couples to visit. There are beautiful parks and outdoor spaces to explore as well as museums and fine dining. Couples will appreciate stopping by the Stone Arch Bridge or wandering through the Lyndale Park Rose Garden.

Is Minneapolis or Banff Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Banff is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Minneapolis is lacking in good options for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Banff. There are a couple of hostels around town and plenty of natural beauty that appeals to backpackers.

Minneapolis is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. While it's not a popular destination for backpackers, there is at least one hostel in town.

Is Minneapolis or Banff Better for Students?

Minneapolis is notable for students. However, Banff is not popular with students.

Minneapolis is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. There are a number of colleges and universities in the area including the University of Minnesota. The city is known for its academic and intellectual focus, and students will enjoy being challenged educationally while enjoying a dynamic city.

Banff is not popular with students.

Is Minneapolis or Banff Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Visitors will find notable public transit in both Minneapolis and Banff.

Minneapolis has some public transit options. There are buses, light rail, and commuter trains that stop at many of the major entertainment centers around town.

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.

Is Minneapolis or Banff a more walkable city?

Banff is a very popular place for its high level of walkability. Also, Minneapolis is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

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

Minneapolis is a somewhat walkable city. There are neighborhoods that are dense enough to be walkable, but the city is still very car-focused.

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

Should I spend more time in Banff or Minneapolis?

How long in Minneapolis or Banff?

In either Minneapolis or Banff, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Banff than Minneapolis because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Minneapolis, and 2-5 days is enough time in Banff.

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

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

In Minneapolis, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this innovative destination offers. Lots of people come for the shopping. This city 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 with plenty to do. Hikers are also drawn to this area. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Minneapolis or Banff?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Minneapolis. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Banff might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This town offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Minneapolis or Banff?

Minneapolis is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Minneapolis. Lots of people come for the shopping. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Even though Banff is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Minneapolis or Banff?

You'll find food and shopping around the innovative destination of Minneapolis. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the shopping. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Since Banff is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Canada, and The Best Camping Tours in Canada.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Minneapolis and Banff, we can see that Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis Expensive? and Is Banff Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Minneapolis or Banff?

Minneapolis has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Banff. When comparing the sizes of Minneapolis and Banff, 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.