A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers New Orleans vs. Jasper National Park for Food, Backpackers, Families, and Couples

Should you visit New Orleans or Jasper National Park?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between New Orleans and Jasper National Park can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

New Orleans

New Orleans is a fun-filled, festive, and vibrant city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and food. See New Orleans travel costs.

Jasper National Park

Jasper National Park is a stunning, breathtaking, and adventure-filled national park. Jasper National Park is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include hiking. See Jasper National Park travel costs.

New Orleans and Jasper National Park: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
  • Very walkable
  • Home to the French Quarter
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for hiking
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to Icefields Parkway
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in New Orleans or Jasper National Park?

Tourists will generally find more to do in New Orleans. Although New Orleans and Jasper National Park are both popular with visitors, New Orleans has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. New Orleans is more popular for its food, nightlife, music, historical sights, big city activities, and quaint atmosphere, while Jasper National Park is known for its museums and attractions, hiking, and impressive beauty. New Orleans is more touristy than Jasper National Park and is popular for its jazz festivals, local cuisine, quaint balconies, and world class Mardi Gras parties. It is also home to The French Quarter. Jasper National Park is popular for its wildlife and pristine natural beauty

The French Quarter
The French Quarter

How is New Orleans different from Jasper National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Jasper National Park and New Orleans. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in New Orleans or Jasper National Park?

New Orleans
Jasper National Park

Jasper National Park is a decent place to visit for its museums and history. However, New Orleans does not have museums and landmarks.

While most people don't head to Jasper National Park specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. You can learn about the area with a visit to the Jasper Yellowhead Museum & Archive.

New Orleans does not have museums and landmarks.


Is the Food Better in New Orleans or Jasper National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

New Orleans
Jasper National Park

New Orleans is terrific for its restaurant scene. However, Jasper National Park is not particularly known for its local flavors and cuisine.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, New Orleans is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. It has rapidly grown into one of the United State's most well known foodie destinations. It's the birthplace of bananas foster and popular for it's gumbo, crawfish etouffee, jambalaya, and red beans and rice. While there are a number of celebrity chefs from New Orleans, you'll also find many local restaurants that aren't as well known but are equally worth visiting.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Jasper National Park. There are several decent restaurants and bistros near or in the park. Many are connected to lodges and some offer great views.

Is New Orleans or Jasper National Park Better for Nightlife?

New Orleans
Jasper National Park

New Orleans is terrific for nightlife. However, Jasper National Park is not particularly known for nightlife and partying.

New Orleans is a must-see party destination. The nightlife scene is at its best during Mardi Gras. But year-round you'll find Bachelor and Bachelorette parties, spring breakers, and anyone who wants to enjoy a crazy time heads to New Orleans. New Orleans is a destination that attracts partiers any time of the year, and the French Quarter is the place to be if you're looking for a party.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Jasper National Park Stargazing and sitting by an open fire is the best way to spend the evening.

Is New Orleans or Jasper National Park Better for Music?

New Orleans
Jasper National Park

New Orleans is terrific for live music. However, Jasper National Park is not a live music destination.

New Orleans is a world class music destination. The city is known for its music festivals that feature jazz, blues, and many other types of live music. The Jazz Festival is a great time to visit.

Jasper National Park is not a live music destination.


Is New Orleans or Jasper National Park Better for its Old Town?

New Orleans
Jasper National Park

New Orleans is well known for its historic old town. However, Jasper National Park does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to New Orleans to see the historical old town. The French Quarter is filled with old architecture and beautiful historic landmarks.

Jasper National Park does not have a historic old town.

Is New Orleans or Jasper National Park Better for Hiking?

New Orleans
Jasper National Park

Jasper National Park is a world-class destination for its hiking trails. However, New Orleans is not a hiking destination.

Around Jasper National Park visitors will find world-class hiking trails. Hiking is a truly world class experience in this large park. There are miles of trails, both backcountry and more accessible, that allow access to the park's stunning beauty. Whether you're looking for a shorter family-friendly hike, or planning a multi-week backcountry adventure, this park has it all.

New Orleans is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in New Orleans or Jasper National Park?

New Orleans
Jasper National Park

Shoppers can find a variety of decent stores in both New Orleans and Jasper National Park.

New Orleans is a good destination for shopping. New Orleans shopping is mostly centered around shopping malls and chain stores.

If you're looking to go shopping, Jasper National Park has some nice offerings. In town you'll find shops where you can pick up souvenirs or things you may have forgotten.


Is New Orleans or Jasper National Park More Beautiful?

New Orleans
Jasper National Park

Jasper National Park is a world-class destination for its scenery and beauty. However, New Orleans is not a destination known for its beauty.

Jasper National Park is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. The Canadian Rockies create a stunning backdrop for this beautiful and vast national park.

New Orleans is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is New Orleans or Jasper National Park Better for Families?

New Orleans
Jasper National Park

Jasper National Park is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. However, New Orleans is lacking in options for its family-friendly activities.

Jasper National Park is a very family-friendly destination. Kids who love running, hiking, and exploring will enjoy a visit to this iconic park. The hiking trails are world class and you'll likely see some wildlife during your trip. Camping with s'mores and hot dogs will make for a memorable family vacation.

New Orleans doesn't usually come to mind when thinking about kid-friendly destinations. While there are some family-friendly activities in New Orleans like a zoo and several great parks, the city is more known for its parties and nightlife scene. Particularly during certain seasons, most people choose to visit New Orleans without kids.

Is New Orleans or Jasper National Park Better for Couples?

New Orleans
Jasper National Park

Jasper National Park is an excellent place to visit for romance. Also, New Orleans is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Jasper National Park makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are lodges where couples can enjoy a romantic getaway. For the more adventurous, camping is a great way to experience the park. If you enjoy outdoor adventures together, then this is a great place to spend some time in nature.

New Orleans makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who enjoy a lively evening, fun festivals, and exploring absolutely amazing restaurants will enjoy a visit to New Orleans. It has a festive and unique atmosphere any time of the year. There are also nice hotels and beautiful parks.


Is New Orleans or Jasper National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

New Orleans
Jasper National Park

Jasper National Park is a world-class destination for backpackers and budget travelers. However, New Orleans is lacking in options for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent Jasper National Park. Camping is the best way to experience the park in full. You'll be surrounded by nature, and if you're lucky, some wildlife might pass by as well.

New Orleans is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a handful of hostels in New Orleans that are good options for backpackers who want to meet other travelers.

Is New Orleans or Jasper National Park Better for Students?

New Orleans
Jasper National Park

New Orleans is a nice place to visit for students. However, Jasper National Park is not popular with students.

New Orleans is popular with students. Students head to New Orleans to enjoy spring break and Mardi Gras.

Jasper National Park is not popular with students.

Is New Orleans or Jasper National Park Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

New Orleans
Jasper National Park

New Orleans is a city with a few options for its public transit. However, Jasper National Park is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit is generally limited in New Orleans. The city has streetcar lines and bus lines that you can use, but you'll want to have a car if you want to venture outside of these main areas.

Public transit is quite limited in Jasper National Park. If you don't have your own vehicle, a bus tour is your best option for experiencing the park.


Is New Orleans or Jasper National Park a more walkable city?

New Orleans
Jasper National Park

New Orleans is a nice place to visit for its walkability. However, Jasper National Park is not particularly known for its high level of walkability.

New Orleans is somewhat walkable. If you stick to the French Quarter and downtown areas, most things are walkable in New Orleans.

Jasper National Park is not a very walkable city. The park is large, and a vehicle is necessary to reach most trailheads.

For even more information, also check out Is New Orleans Worth Visiting? and Is Jasper National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Jasper National Park or New Orleans?

How long in New Orleans or Jasper National Park?

In either New Orleans or Jasper National Park, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Jasper National Park than New Orleans because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for New Orleans, and 2-5 days is enough time in Jasper National Park.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in New Orleans than Jasper National Park 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 New Orleans.


  • How many days in New Orleans or Jasper National Park? Ideal Length of Stay
    New Orleans 2-3 
    Jasper National Park 2-5

One day in New Orleans or Jasper National Park?

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the destination of New Orleans. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the adventure-filled national park of Jasper National Park. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Most people visit for the hiking. 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 New Orleans or Jasper National Park?

New Orleans is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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.

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the stunning destination of Jasper National Park. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This national park 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 New Orleans or Jasper National Park?

Many people visit New Orleans for five days. You'll find food and nightlife around the city of New Orleans. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the adventure-filled national park of Jasper National Park. 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 New Orleans or Jasper National Park?

The energetic destination of New Orleans offers nightlife and live music. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Many people enjoy the when visiting Jasper National Park. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people visit for the hiking. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America, The Best Photography Tours in United States of America, The Best Luxury Tours to Canada, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Canada.


Which place is cheaper, Jasper National Park or New Orleans?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • New Orleans Prices
    USA Prices
    Jasper National Park Prices
    Canada Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    New Orleans $271
    Jasper National Park $99

The average daily cost (per person) in New Orleans is $271, while the average daily cost in Jasper National Park is $99. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for New Orleans and Jasper National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    New Orleans $125
    Jasper National Park $45
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    New Orleans $250
    Jasper National Park $90
Compare Hotels in New Orleans and Jasper National Park

Looking for a hotel in New Orleans or Jasper National Park? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in New Orleans


Hotels in Jasper National Park


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: New Orleans Hotel Prices and Jasper National Park Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    New Orleans $51
    Jasper National Park $19
Typical Local Transportation Prices in New Orleans

Some typical examples of transportation costs in New Orleans are as follows:


  • Taxi Ride
    $10

Hired Cars and Shuttles in New Orleans

Also for New Orleans, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Airport Transfer in New Orleans: $175
  • Boss Nola : Luxury Private Airport Transfer: $90
  • Cruise Port Transfer New Orleans and Louis Armstrong Intl MSY: $40
  • Handicap New Orleans Airport or Hotel Transfer: $260
  • NOLA Cruise Port to New Orleans hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $105
  • New Orleans Airport (MSY) to New Orleans - Arrival Transfer : $65
  • New Orleans Airport (MSY) to New Orleans Port Roundtrip Transfer: $129
  • New Orleans Departure Transfers: $135
  • New Orleans L.Armstrong Airport(MSY) to New Orleans-Roundtrip Private Transfer : $105
  • New Orleans Louis Armstrong Airport MSY Round-Trip Private Transfer: $225
  • New Orleans Private Luxury Airport Transfer to Downtown Hotels : $95
  • New Orleans Private Round-Trip Airport Transfer: $130

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Jasper National Park

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Jasper National Park are as follows:


  • Park Pass
    $14

Is it cheaper to fly into New Orleans or Jasper National Park?

Prices for flights to both Jasper National Park and New Orleans change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    New Orleans $78
    Jasper National Park $40

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in New Orleans

For New Orleans, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • New Orleans Demonstration Cooking Class with Meal: $42
  • Steamboat Natchez Evening Jazz Cruise with Dinner Option: $58
  • Paddlewheeler Creole Queen Jazz Dinner Cruise in New Orleans: $60
  • New Orleans Sunset Food Tour Experience: $85
  • Private New Orleans Food Tour of the French Quarter : $85
  • Lower Garden District Food Tour: $89
  • NOLA Carte Food Tours: $96
  • New Orleans Cooking Class and Cocktail Walking Tour: $106
  • Food Tour of New Orleans Garden District: Group of Nine or Less: $129
  • Vegan French Quarter Food Tour NOLA cuisine: $149
  • New Orleans Hands-On Cooking Class with Meal: $162
  • VIP Jazz Dinner Cruise with Private Tour and Open Bar Option: $191

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Jasper National Park

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Jasper National Park.

  • Half-Day Jasper Culture Food Tour: $119

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    New Orleans $55
    Jasper National Park $7.75
Typical Entertainment Prices in New Orleans

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for New Orleans's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Zoo & Aquarium Tickets (2)
    $75
  • Riverboat Cruise
    $70
  • French Quarter City Tour
    $100

Tours and Activities in New Orleans

For New Orleans, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • City Park Exploration Game and Tour: $7.16
  • New Orleans French Quarter Audio Tour: Iconic Sites & Hidden Gems: $7.99
  • Metairie Cemetery Stories: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $8.99
  • New Orleans Self Guided Audio Experience: $9.00
  • New Orleans Scavenger Hunt and Highlights Self-Guided Tour: $9.55
  • Self-Guided Tour of New Orleans’ Historic French Quarter: $9.99
  • Self Guided Walking Tour of New Orleans' Historic Garden District: $9.99
  • A Walk in the Park: City Park New Orleans Audio Tour: $9.99
  • Walking the Tremé: A Self-guided Audio Tour of New Orleans: $9.99
  • Old Ursuline Convent Museum Ticket: New Pope Leo XIV Exhibit: $10
  • Self Guided Scavenger Hunt: New Orleans Ghost Tour: $12
  • Ghostly Legends of New Orleans Walking Tour: $15

Tours and Activities in Jasper National Park

Here are a few actual costs in Jasper National Park for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Canadian Rockies Self-Guided Driving & Walking Audio Tour Bundle: $50
  • Class 3 Sunwapta River Rafting Adventure in Jasper: $105
  • Columbia Icefield Tour with Glacier Skywalk from Jasper: $230
  • E-Bike Safari Eco Tour: $176
  • Explore Jasper Tour: $184
  • Explore Jasper Tour with Maligne Lake Cruise: $184
  • From Jasper: Jasper National Park Wildlife Discovery Tour: $62
  • Icefields Parkway Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $17
  • Jasper Evening Wildlife Tour: $63
  • Jasper Ice Climbing Experience: $174
  • Jasper National Park Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $13
  • Jasper National Park Tour Maligne Valley, Medicine Lake with Walk: $67

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    New Orleans $60
    Jasper National Park $11

Sample the Local Flavors in New Orleans

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in New Orleans:

  • New Orleans Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $29
  • New Orleans Haunted Pub Crawl: $30
  • New Orleans Happy Hour Ghost Walking Tour Pub Crawl: $33
  • New Orleans Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
  • New Orleans Bourbon Street Bar Crawl w/ Shots & Souvenir Cup: $35
  • Sin and Tonic Pub Crawl in New Orleans: $35
  • Adults Only Haunted Pub Crawl in New Orleans: $37
  • Frenchmen Street VIP Live Music Pub Crawl in New Orleans: $46
  • Irish Channel Bike Bar Tour: Murals, History and Bar Crawl: $65


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between New Orleans and Jasper National Park, we can see that New Orleans is more expensive. And not only is Jasper National Park much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Jasper National Park would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Jasper National Park 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 New Orleans would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in New Orleans than you might in Jasper National Park.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is New Orleans Expensive? and Is Jasper National Park Expensive?.