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

Should you visit Norfolk or Calgary?

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

Should I visit Norfolk or Calgary? 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.

Norfolk

Norfolk is a maritime, authentic, and blue collar city. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Norfolk travel costs.

Calgary

Calgary is a western, local, and authentic city. It's also known for nightlife, shopping, and museums. See Calgary travel costs.

Norfolk and Calgary: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers


Is there more to do in Norfolk or Calgary?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Calgary than Norfolk. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Calgary is more touristy than Norfolk and is known for its farming and oil industries as well as the Calgary Stampede. It is also well known for Calgary Olympic Park. Norfolk is famous for its naval base and military presence.

How is Norfolk different from Calgary?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Norfolk
Calgary

Both Norfolk and Calgary have nice landmarks and museums for visitors.

Norfolk is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are some interesting museums in town like the Chrysler Museum, the Hampton Roads Naval Museum, and the Norfolk Police and Fire Museum. You should also check out the Nauticus and the Battleship Wisconsin.

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 Norfolk or Calgary? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Norfolk
Calgary

Norfolk is a city with good options for its restaurant scene. However, Calgary is not particularly known for its local flavors and cuisine.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Norfolk. You'll find a decent collection of restaurants in the downtown area. Food options include local seafood, brunch, casual eateries, and fine dining.

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 Norfolk or Calgary Better for Nightlife?

Norfolk
Calgary

It's hard to distinguish whether Norfolk or Calgary has a better nightlife scene.

Norfolk has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. Downtown is where you'll find the most busy nightlife venues. The city has great breweries, and the live music scene has taken off. There are also lounges, dance clubs, and wine bars to choose from.

If you're looking for night time activities Calgary has a few options to choose from. Visitors often head to Stephen Avenue Walk for its bars and pubs. There's also a decent theater scene around town.

Is the Shopping Better in Norfolk or Calgary?

Norfolk
Calgary

Shopping is a popular activity in both Calgary and Norfolk.

Norfolk is a great destination for shopping. There's a mix of shopping malls, local boutiques, farmer's markets, and shopping centers around town.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Calgary. 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 Norfolk or Calgary Better for Families?

Norfolk
Calgary

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Norfolk or Calgary.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Norfolk. The Norfolk Zoo is always a hit with kids. You should also visit the USS Wisconsin which offers tours, as well as the Douglas MacArthur Memorial Museum.

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 Norfolk or Calgary Better for Couples?

Norfolk
Calgary

Calgary is a popular place for romance. However, Norfolk is a city with minimal options for its romantic activities.

Calgary is a nice destination for couples. 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.

Most people don't think of Norfolk as a couple's destination. There are some nice hotels and several great parks and outdoor activities.

Is Norfolk or Calgary Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Norfolk
Calgary

Calgary is a popular place for backpackers. However, Norfolk is a city with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

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

Norfolk is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. This is an often overlooked area for backpackers.


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

Norfolk
Calgary

Calgary is a popular place for its public transit. However, Norfolk is a city with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Calgary, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The public transportation system is relatively efficient with both light rail and buses.

Public transit is mostly limited in Norfolk. While there are buses, ferries, and even lightrail in the area, you really want to have a car to get around.

Is Norfolk or Calgary a more walkable city?

Norfolk
Calgary

Norfolk is a city with good options for its high level of walkability. However, Calgary is not particularly known for its ease of walking around.

Norfolk is a somewhat walkable place. Downtown is the most walkable part of the city.

Calgary is generally not a very walkable city. 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 Norfolk Worth Visiting? and Is Calgary Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Calgary or Norfolk?

How long in Norfolk or Calgary?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Norfolk or Calgary to fill your time. In our opinion, Calgary has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Calgary than Norfolk. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Calgary than Norfolk 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 Calgary.


  • How many days in Norfolk or Calgary? Ideal Length of Stay
    Norfolk 1-2 
    Calgary 1-2

One day in Norfolk or Calgary?

In Norfolk, you'll find nightlife and food. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

In Calgary, you'll find museums and nightlife. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.


A weekend in Norfolk or Calgary?

In Norfolk, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Norfolk has to offer.

In Calgary, you'll find nightlife and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Calgary has to offer.

Five days in Norfolk or Calgary?

Norfolk is a great place to explore. 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.

Calgary is a great place to explore. 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.

A week in Norfolk or Calgary?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Norfolk. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Norfolk. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Calgary. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Calgary. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Camping Tours in United States of America, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Canada, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Canada.


Which place is cheaper, Calgary or Norfolk?

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

  • Norfolk Prices
    USA Prices
    Calgary Prices
    Canada Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Norfolk $202
    Calgary $177

The average daily cost (per person) in Norfolk is $202, while the average daily cost in Calgary is $177. 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 Norfolk and Calgary in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Norfolk $84
    Calgary $73
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Norfolk $168
    Calgary $146
Compare Hotels in Norfolk and Calgary

Looking for a hotel in Norfolk or Calgary? 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 Norfolk


Hotels in Calgary


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: Norfolk Hotel Prices and Calgary Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Norfolk $54
    Calgary $12

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Norfolk

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Norfolk:

  • Bamville Transportation (Private & Airport Transfers): $275

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Calgary

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Calgary:

  • Alberta Transfer: Banff, Jasper, Lake Louise, Calgary: $62
  • Arrival Private Transfer: Calgary Airport YYC to Calgary in Luxury SUV: $141
  • Arrival Private Transfer: Calgary Airport YYC to Calgary in Luxury Van: $141
  • Arrival Transfer: Calgary Airport YYC to Calgary by Business Car: $118
  • Banff (Canmore) to Calgary Airport | Private Transfer: $215
  • Banff Lake Louise or Canmore and Calgary Private Shuttle Transfer: $60
  • Banff/Canmore to Calgary or YYC Airport Private Transfer: $212
  • Banff: Private Transfer to Calgary Airport or Calgary: $126
  • Black Car Airport Transfers in Bow Valley: $295
  • Calgary Airport (YYC) to Banff Resorts - Arrival Private Transfer: $215
  • Calgary Airport (YYC) to Calgary hotel or address - Arrival Private Transfer: $101
  • Calgary Airport (YYC) to Calgary hotel or address - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $202

Is it cheaper to fly into Norfolk or Calgary?

Prices for flights to both Calgary and Norfolk 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
    Norfolk $85
    Calgary $54

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Norfolk

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Norfolk.

  • City Cruises Lunch, Brunch, or Dinner Buffet Cruise: $57
  • City Cruises Buffet Dinner Cruise : $103
  • 4th of July Buffet Dinner Cruise with Fireworks: $210

Typical Food Prices in Calgary

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Calgary:


  • Bread, Chips, Cheese
    $8.10

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Calgary

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Calgary.

  • Sushi Cooking Class at a Local Distillery in Calgary: $62
  • Pasta Cooking Class at a Local Distillery in Calgary: $63
  • Light Brunch & Food Tour at Calgary Farmers' Market WEST: $80
  • Iconic Eats of Calgary Food Tour: $127
  • Iconic Eats of Calgary Food Tour: $129

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Norfolk $14
    Calgary $15

Tours and Activities in Norfolk

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

  • Experience the season with a scavenger hunt in Norfolk with Holly Jolly Hunt: $20
  • Norfolk's Combo Tickets - Virginia Zoo & Battleship Wisconsin: $40
  • Virginia Zoo & Battleship Wisconsin Combo Ticket: $42
  • Half-Day Self-Guided Tour E-Bike Rental in Norfolk: $75
  • City Cruises Signature Lunch Cruise: $84

Typical Entertainment Prices in Calgary

Here are a few typical costs in Calgary for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Stampede Admission (for 2)
    $22

Tours and Activities in Calgary

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

  • Tips-Based City Highlights Walking Tour | 3-Hour: $4.02
  • Calgary City Highlights 3 Hour Walking Tour | Gratuity-Based : $5.00
  • Downtown Calgary a Smartphone Audio Walking Tour: $6.63
  • Sam Centre Calgary Stampede Museum Ticket: $7.18
  • Discover Calgary with 3 Smartphone Audio Walking Tours: $15
  • Calgary Audio Tour Adventure: $15
  • Rockies Trio: 3 Self Guided Smartphone Audio Tours Bundle: $17
  • Fun Selfie Experience in Calgary: $18
  • Experience the season with a scavenger hunt in Calgary with Holly Jolly Hunt: $20
  • Calgary Downtown: 2-Hour Introductory Walking Tour: $21
  • Shared Tour from Calgary to Moraine, Lake Louise and Emerald Lake: $28
  • Calgary Flames Ice Hockey Game Ticket: $28

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Norfolk $10
    Calgary $11

Sample the Local Flavors in Norfolk

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Norfolk:

  • Norfolk Bar Crawl: $15

Sample the Local Flavors in Calgary

Also in Calgary, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Brewery Tours at Award Winning Venues: $82
  • Calgary Brewery Tour: $88


When comparing the travel costs between Norfolk and Calgary, we can see that Norfolk is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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


Which is Bigger, Norfolk or Calgary?

Calgary has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Norfolk. When comparing the sizes of Norfolk 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.