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

Should you visit Nantucket or Calgary?

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 Nantucket and Calgary can help you decide which place is right for you.

Nantucket

Nantucket is a peaceful, upscale, and charming island. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. The beauty of Nantucket is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Nantucket travel costs.

Calgary

Calgary is a western, local, and authentic city. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, shopping, and museums. See Calgary travel costs.

Nantucket and Calgary: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nantucket or Calgary?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Nantucket. Although Nantucket and Calgary are popular destinations, Nantucket has more sights and attractions for tourists. Nantucket is famous for its pristine beaches, upscale atmosphere, and history of whaling. It is also well known for Great Point Lighthouse. Calgary is famous for its farming and oil industries as well as the Calgary Stampede.

How is Nantucket different from Calgary?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Spend time exploring the nice sights and museums in either Nantucket or Calgary.

Nantucket is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are several museums around town that educate visitors on the island's whaling history and maritime past.

Calgary offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. It's worth visiting the Calgary Zoo, Fort Calgary, the Hangar Flight Museum, and Heritage Park, among others.

Is the Food Better in Nantucket or Calgary? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Nantucket is an unbeatable place for its restaurant scene. However, Calgary is not particularly known for its local flavors and cuisine.

Many restaurants in Nantucket have been singled out for their culinary prowess. Upscale eateries where you can look out on the water make dining on this island a true experience. There are raw bars, seafood restaurants, and local cafes with elaborate salads and duck carnitas. Dishes usually use the highest quality fresh ingredients and chefs bring their "A game" with every customer.

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 Nantucket or Calgary Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find nice options in both Nantucket and Calgary.

If you're looking for night time activities Nantucket has a few options to choose from. You'll find a number of bars and a lively singles scene in town. There's also live music and a laid back but active atmosphere in the evening.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Calgary. Visitors often head to Stephen Avenue Walk for its bars and pubs. There's also a decent theater scene around town.

Is Nantucket or Calgary Better for Resorts?

Nantucket is well known for its resorts. However, Calgary is not a resort destination.

In Nantucket, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. Luxury resorts and upscale inns offer guests a relaxed setting with oceanfront views and family-friendly activities.

Calgary is not a resort destination.

Is Nantucket or Calgary Better for Beaches?

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

The beaches at Nantucket attract visitors from all over. You'll find the calmest water at the northern beaches, and cooler water with rougher surf to the south. Many of the beaches are accessible from town, but parking can be limited. There are both public and private beaches, each with beautiful settings and relaxing vibes.

Calgary is not a beach destination.

Is Nantucket or Calgary Better for its Old Town?

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

Nantucket is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The Historic District is filled with New England charm, cobblestone streets, and upscale boutiques. There are many great restaurants and a lot of historic character.

Calgary does not have a historic old town.

Is Nantucket or Calgary Better for Hiking?

Nantucket is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Calgary is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Nantucket. The island is easy to explore on foot, and its covered with hiking trails that follow the serene coastline or take you through forests, bogs, and marshland.

Calgary is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Nantucket or Calgary?

Nantucket is well known for its shopping opportunities. Also, Calgary is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

Nantucket is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The Historic District is filled with boutiques, art galleries, and upscale shops. It's the perfect place to spend an afternoon wandering around and shopping.

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 Nantucket or Calgary More Beautiful?

Nantucket is well known for its scenery and beauty. However, Calgary is not a destination known for its beauty.

The beauty of Nantucket is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Natural beauty and charming character make this a picturesque destination.

Calgary is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Nantucket or Calgary Better for Families?

Nantucket is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Calgary is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Nantucket is a very kid-friendly island. There's a calm beach that's perfect for kids as well as quaint ice cream shops and plenty of New England charm. The town is also filled with hiking and biking trails.

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 Nantucket or Calgary Better for Couples?

Nantucket is an unbeatable place for its romantic activities. Also, Calgary is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Nantucket is a great island for couples, as it has plenty to offer. The New England charm, natural beauty, and relaxing coastal atmosphere make this a perfect romantic destination. There are also many romantic places to stay and great local restaurants.

Calgary is a good island 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 Nantucket or Calgary Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Calgary is very good for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Nantucket is not known for backpackers.

Calgary is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. A surprising number of backpackers end up passing through town, so you'll find a handful of hostels to choose from.

Nantucket is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's known for its upscale atmosphere that isn't particularly accommodating for backpackers.

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

Nantucket and Calgary both offer nice public transit to get you around.

While Nantucket offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are shuttle buses around the island that operate with greater frequency during the summer months.

Calgary has a few public transit options. The public transportation system is relatively efficient with both light rail and buses.

Is Nantucket or Calgary a more walkable city?

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

Nantucket is a very walkable island. The town is very walkable and parking can be challenging, so it's best to leave your car in the ferry parking lot.

Calgary is generally not a very walkable island. 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 Nantucket Worth Visiting? and Is Calgary Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Calgary or Nantucket?

How long in Nantucket or Calgary?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Nantucket or Calgary to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Nantucket than Calgary because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Nantucket, and 1-2 days is enough time in Calgary.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Nantucket 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 Nantucket.

One day in Nantucket or Calgary?

Nantucket is a small town with plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. One reason most visitors come is for the food. This island offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Calgary. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Calgary has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Nantucket or Calgary?

Nantucket might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One reason most visitors come is for the food. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Nantucket has to offer.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the authentic destination of Calgary. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Nantucket or Calgary?

Nantucket is a great place to explore. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting the western city of Calgary. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Nantucket or Calgary?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Nantucket. Since Nantucket is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. One reason most visitors come is for the food. It's also a relaxing resort destination. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Calgary is a popular choice for travelers. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco, The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, 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 Nantucket and Calgary, we can see that Nantucket is more expensive. And not only is Calgary much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Calgary would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Calgary 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 Nantucket would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Nantucket than you might in Calgary.

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

Which is Bigger, Nantucket or Calgary?

Calgary has a larger population, and is about 70 times larger than the population of Nantucket. When comparing the sizes of Nantucket 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.