A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Portland vs. Saskatoon for Backpackers, Attractions, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Portland or Saskatoon?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Portland and Saskatoon 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.

Portland

Portland is a tree-lined, nature-filled, and scenic city. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. Portland is a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the nightlife, live music, and hiking. See Portland travel costs.

Saskatoon

Saskatoon is a cultural, friendly, and authentic city. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums. See Saskatoon travel costs.

Portland and Saskatoon: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Portland or Saskatoon?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Portland than Saskatoon. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Portland is very popular for its music, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Saskatoon attracts visitors for its museums and attractions and food. Portland is more touristy than Saskatoon and is popular for its independent and vintage shops, thriving art scene, lush parks and gardens, progressive and quirky personality, and easy access to amazing natural beauty. It is also well known for Washington Park. Saskatoon is famous for its agriculture and outdoor spaces.

How is Portland different from Saskatoon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Portland or Saskatoon?

Saskatoon is a city with good options for its museums and history. However, Portland is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

Saskatoon is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are some museums and historical sites to check out such as Fort Battleford National Historic Site, Batoche National Historic Site, and the Saskatchewan Indigenous Cultural Centre.

Portland offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Visitors usually come for the city's outdoor recreation and eclectic personality more than the landmarks and museums. There are a few places to visit on a rainy day though including Pittock Mansion, the Portland Art Museum, and the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry.

Is the Food Better in Portland or Saskatoon? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Saskatoon is a city with good options for its restaurants. However, Portland is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Saskatoon. There's a great food scene around town with diverse restaurants and cuisines to choose from. You can sample dim sum, Mexican, Middle Eastern, Indian, and many more.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Portland. The town is more famous for it's craft beer than it's food, but there are still a number of local restaurants that offer unique Oregon dishes. You'll find no shortage of vegetarian and vegan options on most menus. There is also a big farm-to-table scene with many farmers markets around town as well.

Is Portland or Saskatoon Better for Nightlife?

The nice nightlife scene is relatively similar in Portland and Saskatoon.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Portland. Famously, this town's nightlife is all about the craft beer and local breweries. Make sure you check out Bailey's Taproom, The Big Legrowlski, and The Commons Brewery.

Saskatoon has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There are enough clubs and bars around town to keep things entertaining. Most cater to a younger crowd, but the vibe is fun and full of energy.

Is Portland or Saskatoon Better for Music?

Portland is a good destination for its live music scene. However, Saskatoon is not a live music destination.

You don't have to look far to find a unique music venue in Portland. The town has a thriving live music and international folk dancing scene.

Saskatoon is not a live music destination.

Is Portland or Saskatoon Better for Hiking?

Portland is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Saskatoon is not a hiking destination.

Portland is a popular spot for hiking. Just outside of town you'll find amazing hikes and stunning natural beauty. In town there are many urban hikes through parks and gardens, but in just a short drive you also have access to Mount Hood and many of the region's most beautiful hikes around the Columbia River Gorge.

Saskatoon is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Portland or Saskatoon?

Shoppers can find a variety of nice stores in both Portland and Saskatoon.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Portland. To fully experience shopping in town, head to the local vendors and thrift shops. There are many vintage clothing shops, book stores, and independent sellers around town. The city is also full of farmers markets. For some of the most interesting shopping, check out the Pearl District, Pioneer Place, Union Way, and Downtown neighborhoods.

Saskatoon offers some nice shopping areas. A number of brands have opened stores in the downtown area in recent years, so the shopping scene continues to grow and diversify.

Is Portland or Saskatoon More Beautiful?

Portland is a good destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Saskatoon is not a destination known for its beauty.

Portland is a beautiful place to visit, too. Surrounded by mountains and filled with parks and greenspace, many people find this town to be quite beautiful.

Saskatoon is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Portland or Saskatoon Better for Families?

Both Portland and Saskatoon are nice to visit with kids.

Portland is a family-friendly city. This is an outdoor city by nature, so families will appreciate the many parks and outdoor recreational activities around town. It's easy to fill a couple of days exploring and having fun with the kids. Kid-friendly activities include the zoo, the aerial tram, and several great museums.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Saskatoon. It's filled with indoor and outdoor play areas. Make sure you check out the Nutrien Wonderhub as well as the countless playgrounds around town.

Is Portland or Saskatoon Better for Couples?

Both Portland and Saskatoon are nice destinations for a couple's getaway.

Portland is a nice destination for couples. The laid-back, alternative vibe is fun to explore as a couple. There are independent bookstores, nice parks, and plenty of outdoor activities to choose from. Couples who enjoy an eclectic city, breweries, and nature, will find a lot to do in town.

Saskatoon makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are plenty of evening activities like dining out at a nice restaurant or taking in a show at the Persephone Theatre.

Is Portland or Saskatoon Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Portland is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Saskatoon is not a good city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Portland is a great city to visit for backpackers. The town has drawn young explorers for years, and backpackers who like to step away from the mainstream will feel right at home here.

Saskatoon is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Most backpackers skip this town in favor of more popular destinations.

Is Portland or Saskatoon Better for Students?

Portland is a good destination for students. However, Saskatoon is not popular with students.

Portland is a good city to visit for students. It's a young and relaxed city that attracts independent thinkers. There are many bookstores and breweries around town. The cost of living can be a bit high though.

Saskatoon is not popular with students.

Is Portland or Saskatoon Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Portland is a good destination for its public transit. However, Saskatoon is not a good city for times when you don't have a car.

Portland has a few public transit options. The town has a bus and light rail system as well the Aerial tram.

Public transit is mostly limited in Saskatoon. There is a bus system around town.

Is Portland or Saskatoon a more walkable city?

Portland is a well-known place for its high level of walkability. Also, Saskatoon is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its ease of walking around.

Portland is a very walkable city. It is quite walkable, particularly in the tourist areas such as Downtown, Pearl, and Old Town Chinatown.

Saskatoon is a somewhat walkable city. The downtown is walkable and easy to explore on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Portland Worth Visiting? and Is Saskatoon Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Saskatoon or Portland?

How long in Portland or Saskatoon?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Portland and Saskatoon. In our opinion, Portland has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Portland than Saskatoon. In general, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Portland, and 1-3 days is enough time in Saskatoon.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Portland than Saskatoon 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 Portland.

One day in Portland or Saskatoon?

You'll find live music and shopping around the city of Portland. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

The city of Saskatoon offers food and shopping. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Portland or Saskatoon?

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the laid-back destination of Portland. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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.

Saskatoon is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Saskatoon, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Portland or Saskatoon?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the laid-back city of Portland. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Saskatoon is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Portland or Saskatoon?

Portland is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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.

Saskatoon is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, 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 Portland and Saskatoon, we can see that Portland is more expensive. And not only is Saskatoon much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Saskatoon would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Saskatoon 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 Portland would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Portland than you might in Saskatoon.

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

Which is Bigger, Portland or Saskatoon?

Portland has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Saskatoon. When comparing the sizes of Portland and Saskatoon, 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.