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

Should you visit Orlando or Banff?

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

Should I visit Orlando or Banff? 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.

Orlando

Orlando is a entertaining, active, and family-friendly city. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping. See Orlando travel costs.

Banff

Banff is a adventurous, scenic, and outdoorsy town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Banff is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include food, hiking, and shopping. See Banff travel costs.

Orlando and Banff: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Orlando or Banff?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Orlando. Although Orlando and Banff are popular destinations, Orlando has more sights and attractions for tourists. Orlando is very popular for its theatre productions, resorts, and shopping, while Banff attracts visitors for its skiing, nightlife, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Orlando is more touristy than Banff and is popular for being the home of Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and many other theme parks and family-friendly activities. It is also well known for Disney World, Universal Studios, and the city's many amusement parks. Banff is famous for its stunning beauty, pristine nature, and nearby lakes.

How is Orlando different from Banff?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Orlando or Banff Better for Skiing?

Banff is renowned for skiing. However, Orlando is not a skiing destination.

If you're an avid snow skiier, Banff should be on your list. 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.

Orlando is not a skiing destination.

Is Orlando or Banff Better for Theater?

Orlando is a popular place for its theatre productions. However, Banff is not a theatre destination.

Orlando offers a number of shows and performances. The city has a number of local theaters that are fun to explore. As home to Disney World and Universal Studios, there are also a number of shows available that are affiliated with the parks.

Banff is not a theatre destination.

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

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at high quality restaurants in both Orlando and Banff.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Orlando. There are a diversity of restaurants on the Disney grounds and nearby. You'll also find many restaurants at Universal CityWalk and Disney Springs. Food can be expensive, and the quality can vary dramatically. Many people enjoy going to dinner shows as well. Restaurants can be challenging also, as reservations must be made months in advance.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Banff. 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 Orlando or Banff Better for Nightlife?

Banff is great for nightlife. Also, Orlando is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife and partying.

Many people head to Banff for the nightlife scene. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Orlando. If you need a break from the kids, you'll find some of the best nightlife around Orlando at Disney Springs, Wall Street Plaza and Universal CityWalk.

Is Orlando or Banff Better for Resorts?

Orlando is an unbeatable place for its resorts. However, Banff is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Orlando is a great choice. Disney World is famous for its many iconic resorts. Some of the most popular are the Animal Kingdom Lodge, Port Orleans Resort, and the Grand Floridian Resort. There are also many resorts that aren't affiliated with the major theme parks. These tend to be more affordable, but transportation options to and from the park are limited. You'll also miss out on the perks that come with staying at a theme park resort.

Banff is not a resort destination.

Is Orlando or Banff Better for Hiking?

Banff is renowned for hiking. However, Orlando is not a hiking destination.

People visit Banff specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. 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.

Orlando is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Orlando or Banff?

Orlando is notable for its shopping opportunities. Also, Banff is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its shopping areas.

Orlando is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Shopping is a dream for any Disney enthusiast. There are countless malls and shops, both on and off the Disney grounds, that sell all of the Disney paraphernalia. Disney Springs and Universal CityWalk are the most famous areas. During the evenings, these areas can be very crowded, but during the day they're less popular as most people are at the theme parks.

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 Orlando or Banff More Beautiful?

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

Banff is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. The dramatic Rocky Mountains and stunning natural beauty make this an iconic and beautiful destination.

Orlando is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Orlando or Banff Better for Families?

Orlando is an unbeatable place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Banff is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Orlando is a very family-friendly destination. Known as a theme park capital, here you'll find the iconic Disney World, as well as Universal Studios, SeaWorld and many more. While most people spend their vacation at the Disney or Universal resorts, there is also an endless supply of less mainstream parks and activities in the area.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Banff. 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 Orlando or Banff Better for Couples?

Banff is renowned for romance. Also, Orlando is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its romantic activities.

Banff makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. 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.

Orlando makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. While most people visit the area with family, there is a niche crowd that enjoys honeymooning or vacationing here as a couple. There are many beautiful restaurants and interesting activities that couples can enjoy together. This is the perfect trip for fun loving couples who don't take themselves to seriously.

Is Orlando or Banff Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Banff is great for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Orlando is not a good destination for backpackers.

Banff is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are a couple of hostels around town and plenty of natural beauty that appeals to backpackers.

Orlando is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not exactly a backpacker destination, but there are a surprising number of cheap motels that aren't affiliated with the major parks.

Is Orlando or Banff Better for Students?

Orlando is a popular place for students. However, Banff is not popular with students.

Orlando is a good city to visit for students. Most people don't think about education when they think about Orlando, but there are actually a diversity of internships and opportunities for students to learn in a fun setting.

Banff is not popular with students.

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

Banff is a popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Orlando is not a good destination for its public transit.

While Banff offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's a bus system, Roam, that connects the towns of Canmore, Banff, and Lake Louise.

Public transit is generally limited in Orlando. If you're staying at a Disney Property, there is excellent transportation around the complex, but otherwise, a car is essential.

Is Orlando or Banff a more walkable city?

Banff is great for its walkability. However, Orlando is not a good destination for its high level of walkability.

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

Orlando is not a walkable city. The city is sprawling, so unless you stay on the Disney grounds, it's best to rent a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Banff or Orlando?

How long in Orlando or Banff?

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

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

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

In Orlando, many people enjoy the shopping and theater that this entertaining destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Orlando or Banff?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Orlando. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. 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. 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. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Banff has to offer.

Five days in Orlando or Banff?

Orlando is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Orlando. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Banff is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Banff has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Orlando or Banff?

You'll find food and shopping around the entertaining destination of Orlando. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Banff. Since Banff is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, The Best Sightseeing Tours 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 Orlando and Banff, we can see that Orlando 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 Orlando would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Orlando 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 Orlando Expensive? and Is Banff Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Orlando or Banff?

Orlando has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Banff. When comparing the sizes of Orlando 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.