A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Park City Utah vs. Calgary for Nightlife, Families, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Park City Utah or Calgary?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Park City Utah and Calgary. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Park City Utah

Park City Utah is a active, high energy, and adventurous town. The beauty of Park City Utah is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the skiing, nightlife, and food. See Park City Utah travel costs.

Calgary

Calgary is a authentic, western, and local city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and shopping. See Calgary travel costs.

Park City Utah and Calgary: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good for hiking
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Very walkable
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Park City Utah or Calgary?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Park City Utah. Although Park City Utah and Calgary are both popular with visitors, Park City Utah has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Park City Utah is more popular for its skiing, food, nightlife, resorts, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Calgary is known for its museums and attractions. Park City Utah is more touristy than Calgary and is popular for the Sundance Film Festival and world-renowned skiing and snowboarding. It is also home to Deer Valley Resort. Calgary is popular for its farming and oil industries as well as the Calgary Stampede.

How is Park City Utah different from Calgary?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Park City Utah or Calgary Better for Skiing?

Park City Utah
Calgary

Park City Utah is an unbeatable place for winter skiing. However, Calgary is not a skiing destination.

Visitors will find world class skiing in Park City Utah. Two ski resorts are nearby, Park City Mountain and Deer Valley Resort. Park City Mountain is the largest resort in the United States. There are 7,300 acres that include two different base areas, 41 lifts, and 6 terrain parks. There's ski-in ski-out access from the town's Main Street, and options for skiers and snowboarders of all levels. Deer Valley Resort is a ritzy and upscale option that is more glamorous and high class.

Calgary is not a skiing destination.


Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Park City Utah or Calgary?

Park City Utah
Calgary

Calgary is a good destination for its historical sights. However, Park City Utah is not a good destination for its sights and museums.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Calgary. It's worth visiting the Calgary Zoo, Fort Calgary, the Hangar Flight Museum, and Heritage Park, among others.

Park City Utah offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. There are a couple of museums and some nice art galleries in town. There are also museums at Olympic Park.

Is the Food Better in Park City Utah or Calgary? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Park City Utah
Calgary

Park City Utah is well known for its restaurant scene. However, Calgary is not particularly known for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Park City Utah. Park City has a wonderful food scene with many award-winning restaurants. Many restaurants offer fine dining experiences and even the more casual options are high priced with high quality dishes. You'll also find many great breakfast restaurants and cafes so you can start your day off with a filling meal.

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 Park City Utah or Calgary Better for Nightlife?

Park City Utah
Calgary

Park City Utah is an unbeatable place for nightlife and partying. Also, Calgary is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

The nightlife in Park City Utah is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. After a day on the slopes, you'll return to a vibrant nightlife scene with bars and live music. Most of the action is concentrated around Main Street and it's easy to walk to most venues, even when the weather is cold and snowy.

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 Park City Utah or Calgary Better for Resorts?

Park City Utah
Calgary

Park City Utah is well known for its resorts. However, Calgary is not a resort destination.

In Park City Utah, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. You'll find most of the major chains as well as smaller and more personal hotels. Many hotels have hot tubs and pools, and many offer easy access to the ski gondola.

Calgary is not a resort destination.

Is Park City Utah or Calgary Better for Hiking?

Park City Utah
Calgary

Park City Utah is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Calgary is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Park City Utah. If you're visiting during a warmer month, hiking is a great way to experience the area's beauty. There are more than 350 miles of hiking trails that pass through forests, canyons, creeks, and mountain ridges. You'll find options for every skill level and regardless of the hike you choose, it's sure to take your breath away.

Calgary is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Park City Utah or Calgary?

Park City Utah
Calgary

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

Park City Utah is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Wander down the historic Main Street and enjoy shopping at the many quaint vendors and art galleries. There are also outlet malls in town.

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 Park City Utah or Calgary More Beautiful?

Park City Utah
Calgary

Park City Utah is well known for its scenery and beauty. However, Calgary is not a destination known for its beauty.

The beauty of Park City Utah is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. It's surrounded by the Rocky Mountains and is a charming and beautiful mountain town.

Calgary is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Park City Utah or Calgary Better for Families?

Park City Utah
Calgary

Park City Utah is an unbeatable place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Calgary is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Park City Utah is an extremely popular town to visit for families. There is kid-family skiing, ziplining, and alpine coasters. The free museums at Olympic Park are fun to explore as well and are filled with memorabilia from the 2002 Olympics. Additionally, there are kid-friendly restaurants and playgrounds where the little ones can run around.

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 Park City Utah or Calgary Better for Couples?

Park City Utah
Calgary

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

Park City Utah is a great town for couples, as it has plenty to offer. In addition to skiing and snowboarding, you can enjoy the area's many great restaurants and beautiful hikes. There are romantic hotels as well as sleigh rides and evening walks that will make this an unforgettable destination.

Calgary is a good town 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 Park City Utah or Calgary Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Park City Utah
Calgary

For backpackers, both Park City Utah and Calgary are good places to visit.

Plenty of backpackers visit Park City Utah. Although the town is notoriously expensive, there is a hostel in town that appeals to backpackers.

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.

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

Park City Utah
Calgary

Park City Utah is well known for its public transit. Also, Calgary is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Park City Utah can get you to some places easily. There are 13 free bus routes as well as seasonal transportation providers.

While Calgary offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The public transportation system is relatively efficient with both light rail and buses.

Is Park City Utah or Calgary a more walkable city?

Park City Utah
Calgary

Park City Utah is an unbeatable place for its high level of walkability. However, Calgary is not particularly known for its ease of walking around.

Getting around Park City Utah on foot is easy. It's a very walkable town and is easy to explore on foot.

Calgary is generally not a very walkable town. 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 Park City Utah Worth Visiting? and Is Calgary Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Calgary or Park City Utah?

How long in Park City Utah or Calgary?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Park City Utah or Calgary to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Park City Utah than Calgary because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Park City Utah, and 1-2 days is enough time in Calgary.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Park City Utah 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 Park City Utah.


  • How many days in Park City Utah or Calgary? Ideal Length of Stay
    Park City Utah 3-5 
    Calgary 1-2

One day in Park City Utah or Calgary?

In Park City Utah, you'll find skiing and nightlife. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

In Calgary, you'll find nightlife and shopping. So, one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A weekend in Park City Utah or Calgary?

In Park City Utah, you'll find nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Calgary is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Five days in Park City Utah or Calgary?

Park City Utah is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Park City Utah has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Calgary. It offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


A week in Park City Utah or Calgary?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Park City Utah. Many people enjoy the shopping and skiing when visiting Park City Utah. It's also a relaxing resort destination. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting the city of Calgary. Your budget might influence how long you stay. 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.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best 3-Week Tours 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 Park City Utah?

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

  • Park City Utah Prices
    USA Prices
    Calgary Prices
    Canada Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Park City Utah $368
    Calgary $177

The average daily cost (per person) in Park City Utah is $368, 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 Park City Utah and Calgary in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Park City Utah $202
    Calgary $73
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Park City Utah $404
    Calgary $146
Compare Hotels in Park City Utah and Calgary

Looking for a hotel in Park City Utah 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 Park City Utah


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: Park City Utah Hotel Prices and Calgary Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Park City Utah $72
    Calgary $12

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Park City Utah

Also for Park City Utah, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Canyons Village to Salt Lake Airport (SLC) - Departure Transfer: $217
  • Departure Transfer from Park City Ski Resort to Provo Airport PVU: $175

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Calgary

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Calgary:

  • Calgary Airport: Private Transfer to Vancouver: $2,153
  • Banff, Lake Louise, or Jasper Shuttle Transfer: $1,256
  • Calgary Airport: Private Transfer to Jasper: $861
  • Calgary Airport: Private Transfer to Fernie, BC: $517
  • Calgary Airport: Private Transfer to Edmonton: $502
  • Calgary Airport: Private Transfer to Golden BC: $502
  • Calgary Airport: Private Transfer to Lake Louis: $359
  • Black Car Airport Transfers in Bow Valley: $295
  • Calgary Airport: Private Transfer to Red Deer: $251
  • Calgary Airport: Private Transfer to Kananaskis: $222
  • Calgary Airport: Private Transfer to Drumheller: $215
  • Calgary YYC Airport to Banff Canmore Private Transfer: $215

Is it cheaper to fly into Park City Utah or Calgary?

Prices for flights to both Calgary and Park City Utah 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
    Park City Utah $113
    Calgary $54

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: $63
  • 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: $130

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Park City Utah $68
    Calgary $15

Tours and Activities in Park City Utah

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Park City Utah.

  • Park City Puzzling Adventure: $35
  • Privately Guided Snowshoe Experience: $118
  • Ebike Adventure with Sitemap : $125
  • Park City Food and Cultural Walking Tour: $150
  • Guided Urban Art and Historical E-Bike Tour in Park City: $175
  • Gourmet Dining Experience: $215
  • Guided Fly Fishing Experience in Park City: $260

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:

  • 1 Day of Drumheller Dinosaurs and Badlands Guided Group Tour : $132
  • 1 Day of Drumheller Dinosaurs and Badlands in Private Custom Tour: $88
  • 2-Day Lake Louise, Moraine Lake & Columbia Icefield Rockies Tour: $80
  • 3 Day Banff Moraine Lake Louise Johnston Columbia Icefield Tour : $241
  • 6-Hour Private City Tour Drive to Calgary Tower: $682
  • Airport Pickup & Private Tour from Calgary to The Rockies!: $257
  • Badlands Tour: Drumheller with Museum, Hoodoos & Coal Mine: $121
  • Banff Explorer™ Private Tour with Moraine Lake & Lake Louise: $537
  • Banff Gondola Hot Springs Bow Falls and Three Lakes tour: $73
  • Banff Gondola Upper Hot Springs & Top 3 Lakes Tour from Calgary: $88
  • Banff Johnston Canyon and Banff Gondola 1 Day Tour from Calgary: $118
  • Banff Lake Louise Moraine & Emerald Lake Tour: $77

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Park City Utah $46
    Calgary $11

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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Park City Utah and Calgary, we can see that Park City Utah 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 Park City Utah would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Park City Utah 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 Park City Utah Expensive? and Is Calgary Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Park City Utah or Calgary?

Calgary has a larger population, and is about 120 times larger than the population of Park City Utah. When comparing the sizes of Park City Utah 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.