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

Should you visit Myrtle Beach or Banff?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Myrtle Beach and Banff can help you decide which place is right for you.

Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach is a high energy, party-filled, and busy beach 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 and beaches. See Myrtle Beach 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. With stunning beauty, Banff attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include hiking, shopping, and skiing. See Banff travel costs.

Myrtle Beach and Banff: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Myrtle Beach or Banff?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Myrtle Beach. Although Myrtle Beach and Banff are both popular with visitors, Myrtle Beach has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Myrtle Beach is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, beaches, and big city activities, while Banff is known for its skiing, food, hiking, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Myrtle Beach is more touristy than Banff and is known for its party-hard atmosphere, spring break crowds, and beachfront nightlife scene. It is also home to the Myrtle Beach boardwalk. Banff is popular for its stunning beauty, pristine nature, and nearby lakes.

The Myrtle Beach boardwalk

How is Myrtle Beach different from Banff?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Myrtle Beach or Banff Better for Skiing?

Banff is a world-class destination for winter skiing. However, Myrtle Beach is not a skiing destination.

Banff is among the world's best ski destinations. 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.

Myrtle Beach is not a skiing destination.

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

Banff is a great destination for its restaurant scene. However, Myrtle Beach is a beach city with minimal options for its local flavors and cuisine.

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.

Myrtle Beach offers some easy restaurants to choose from. Slices of pizza and seafood buffets are the most common options in the area. There are also themed restaurants and dinner shows that make for a fun night, even if the food isn't the highest quality.

Is Myrtle Beach or Banff Better for Nightlife?

Myrtle Beach is an unbeatable place for nightlife and partying. Also, Banff is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its evening party scene.

The nightlife in Myrtle Beach is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. This beach is famous for its nightlife. From all-night bars and clubs, to music concerts and outdoor venues, there's no shortage of things to do. Bachelor and Bachelorette parties and spring break crowds make this the place to be for a party.

Banff has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. 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 Myrtle Beach or Banff Better for Resorts?

Myrtle Beach is a moderate beach city for its resorts. However, Banff is not a resort destination.

Not known for its high-end resorts, Myrtle Beach offers a few options. While there are a handful of resorts in the area, like the popular Marriott Vacation Club, most hotels are crowded and lacking in space.

Banff is not a resort destination.

Is Myrtle Beach or Banff Better for Beaches?

Myrtle Beach is notable for the beach. However, Banff is not a beach destination.

Myrtle Beach is considered a top beach destination. Most people head to the center of town and boardwalk for the nightlife and vibrant activities more than the actual beach. The stretches north and south have nice beaches lined with hotels and resorts, and a much more family-friendly atmosphere. If you want a more relaxed beach setting without the huge crowds, check out Myrtle Beach State Park.

Banff is not a beach destination.

Is Myrtle Beach or Banff Better for Hiking?

Banff is a world-class destination for its hiking experiences. However, Myrtle Beach is not a hiking destination.

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.

Myrtle Beach is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Myrtle Beach or Banff?

Banff is very good for its shopping areas. However, Myrtle Beach is a beach city with minimal options for shopping.

Many visitors go to Banff to go shopping. There are tons of downtown shops that sell local items, art, sports gear, or clothing.

Myrtle Beach is a good destination for shopping. The town is filled with souvenir shops, t-shirt shops, and candy vendors that make shopping entertaining.

Is Myrtle Beach or Banff More Beautiful?

Banff is a great destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Myrtle Beach is not a destination known for its 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.

Myrtle Beach is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Myrtle Beach or Banff Better for Families?

Banff is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. However, Myrtle Beach is a beach city with minimal options for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

For families, Myrtle Beach is not always the best place to visit. While this area isn't generally considered a family destination, there are some newer vacation clubs and resorts that cater specifically to families and have become popular. The Marriott Vacation Club is one of the most popular with families in Myrtle Beach.

Is Myrtle Beach or Banff Better for Couples?

Banff is a world-class destination for couples. Also, Myrtle Beach is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

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.

Myrtle Beach is a nice destination for couples. The beach area isn't exactly a romantic destination but for couples who enjoy going out and having fun together, there is no shortage of night time activities.

Is Myrtle Beach or Banff Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Banff is a great destination for backpackers. However, Myrtle Beach is a beach city with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Banff is a very popular town for backpackers and budget travelers. There are a couple of hostels around town and plenty of natural beauty that appeals to backpackers.

Myrtle Beach is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. The nightlife scene brings the young crowd, but this isn't exactly a backpacker destination.

Is Myrtle Beach or Banff Better for Students?

Myrtle Beach is notable for students. However, Banff is not popular with students.

Myrtle Beach is a very popular beach city for students and younger travelers. University students flock to the area for spring break and end of year celebrations. If you're a student during those times, this is the place to be, otherwise, the area is best avoided.

Banff is not popular with students.

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

Banff is very good for its public transit. However, Myrtle Beach is a beach city 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 quite limited in Myrtle Beach. There are no real public transit options so you'll need a car to get around.

Is Myrtle Beach or Banff a more walkable city?

Banff is a great destination for its ease of walking around. However, Myrtle Beach is a beach city with minimal options for its walkability.

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

Myrtle Beach is generally not a very walkable beach city. By the Boardwalk, it's easy to walk around, but traffic can still be congested and once you're out of the main strip, a car is essential.

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

Should I spend more time in Banff or Myrtle Beach?

How long in Myrtle Beach or Banff?

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

Families should spend more time in Banff than Myrtle Beach. 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 Myrtle Beach. 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 Myrtle Beach 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 Myrtle Beach or Banff?

In Myrtle Beach, many people enjoy the nightlife that this busy destination offers. It's also a great beach destination, too. Lots of people come for the nightlife. This beach 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 where visitors enjoy the nightlife and food. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Myrtle Beach or Banff?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Myrtle Beach. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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 is a fun place to experience. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Myrtle Beach or Banff?

Myrtle Beach is a fun place to experience. In Myrtle Beach, many people enjoy the nightlife that this destination offers. Lots of people come for the nightlife. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A week in Myrtle Beach or Banff?

In Myrtle Beach, many people enjoy the nightlife that this busy destination offers. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the nightlife. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

Banff is a popular place to visit. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

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

Which is Bigger, Myrtle Beach or Banff?

Myrtle Beach has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Banff. When comparing the sizes of Myrtle Beach 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.