A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Reno vs. Jasper National Park for Backpackers, Families, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Reno or Jasper National Park?

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

Should I visit Reno or Jasper National Park? 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.

Reno

Reno is a growing, vibrant, and energetic city. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Reno travel costs.

Jasper National Park

Jasper National Park is a adventure-filled, stunning, and breathtaking national park. Jasper National Park is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the hiking. See Jasper National Park travel costs.

Reno and Jasper National Park: Pros and Cons

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


Is there more to do in Reno or Jasper National Park?

Both Jasper National Park and Reno have plenty of things to do for travelers. Both provide a wide variety of sights and activities for tourists. Reno is better known for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, and shopping, while Jasper National Park is more popular for its hiking and impressive beauty. Jasper National Park is more touristy than Reno and is popular for its wildlife and pristine natural beauty Reno is well known for its casinos and nightlife scene.

How is Reno 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 Reno. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

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

Reno
Jasper National Park

Reno is a nice place to visit for its museums and landmarks. However, Jasper National Park is not particularly known for its historical sights.

Reno is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Museums in town range from art and history to local or quirky. The National Automobile Museum, the Nevada Museum of Art, Fleischmann Planetarium, and the Anthropology Museum are some of the favorites.

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.


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

Reno
Jasper National Park

Reno is a nice place to visit for its restaurant scene. However, Jasper National Park is not particularly known for its local flavors and cuisine.

Reno offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. The food scene has been growing in recent years and you'll find plenty of casual restaurants that serve hearty and filling comfort foods.

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 Reno or Jasper National Park Better for Nightlife?

Reno
Jasper National Park

Reno is well known for nightlife. However, Jasper National Park is not particularly known for nightlife and partying.

Reno is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. There's a big nightlife scene with a huge number of bars and entertainment options. There are also a growing number of breweries in town.

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 Reno or Jasper National Park Better for Hiking?

Reno
Jasper National Park

Jasper National Park is renowned for its hiking trails. However, Reno is not a hiking destination.

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

Reno is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Reno or Jasper National Park?

Reno
Jasper National Park

Reno is a nice place to visit for shopping. However, Jasper National Park is not particularly known for its shopping opportunities.

Reno is a great destination for shopping. In addition to your standard suburban shopping malls and strip malls, there's the Midtown District, which has local retail shops and an eclectic and alternative vibe. The area has thrift shops, music vendors, and more.

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 Reno or Jasper National Park More Beautiful?

Reno
Jasper National Park

Jasper National Park is renowned for its scenery and beauty. However, Reno 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.

Reno is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Reno or Jasper National Park Better for Families?

Reno
Jasper National Park

Jasper National Park is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Reno is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Jasper National Park. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Reno. You'll find some arcades and entertainment options for kids in some of the casinos. There's also the Terry Lee Wells Nevada Discovery Museum, which has kid-friendly, hands-on exhibits, and the largest zoo in Nevado, the Sierra Nevada Zoological Park.


Is Reno or Jasper National Park Better for Couples?

Reno
Jasper National Park

Jasper National Park is an excellent place to visit for couples. Also, Reno is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

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.

Reno is a nice destination for couples. There are outdoor parks and scenic walks like the Truckee River Walk or the Rancho San Rafael Regional Park. There's also several great museums and some interesting restaurants.

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

Reno
Jasper National Park

Jasper National Park is renowned for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Reno is lacking in options for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Jasper National Park, as it is a very popular national park for budget travelers. 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.

Reno is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not really on the backpacker circuit so you won't find any real hostels in town.

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

Reno
Jasper National Park

Reno 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 Reno. There's a public bus system with routes around town.

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 Reno or Jasper National Park a more walkable city?

Reno
Jasper National Park

Reno is a city with a few options for its walkability. However, Jasper National Park is not particularly known for its high level of walkability.

Reno is generally not very walkable. While there are some reasonably walkable neighborhoods, you really need a car to get around town.

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 Reno Worth Visiting? and Is Jasper National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Jasper National Park or Reno?

How long in Reno or Jasper National Park?

In either Reno 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 Reno because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Reno, and 2-5 days is enough time in Jasper National Park.

Families should spend more time in Jasper National Park than Reno. 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.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Reno 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 Reno.


  • How many days in Reno or Jasper National Park? Ideal Length of Stay
    Reno 1-3 
    Jasper National Park 2-5

One day in Reno or Jasper National Park?

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Reno. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Reno has to offer.

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the destination of Jasper National Park. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Reno or Jasper National Park?

Reno is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. 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.

Jasper National Park is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the hiking. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. Hikers are also drawn to this area. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.


Five days in Reno or Jasper National Park?

Many people visit Reno for five days. You'll find museums and nightlife around the city of Reno. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the stunning destination of Jasper National Park. This national park offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

A week in Reno or Jasper National Park?

The vibrant destination of Reno offers nightlife and food. 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.

The stunning national park of Jasper National Park offers . Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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 Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, The Best Sightseeing 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 Reno?

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

  • Reno Prices
    USA Prices
    Jasper National Park Prices
    Canada Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Reno $184
    Jasper National Park $99

The average daily cost (per person) in Reno is $184, 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 Reno and Jasper National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Reno $55
    Jasper National Park $45
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Reno $110
    Jasper National Park $90
Compare Hotels in Reno and Jasper National Park

Looking for a hotel in Reno 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 Reno


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: Reno Hotel Prices and Jasper National Park Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Reno $23
    Jasper National Park $19
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Reno

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Reno:


  • Car Wash
    $5.00

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 Reno or Jasper National Park?

Prices for flights to both Jasper National Park and Reno 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
    Reno $94
    Jasper National Park $40
Typical Food Prices in Reno

For Reno, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Dennys for Breakfast
    $22
  • Sushi DInner (for 2)
    $40
  • In-n-Out Burger (for 3)
    $19

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.
    Reno $88
    Jasper National Park $7.75

Tours and Activities in Reno

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

  • Reno Ghost Tour: Ruin, Revenge, & Reckoning: $24
  • Jungle Escape Room Adventure: $30
  • The Master Escape Room Experience: $30
  • Bowlball and Pins & Arrows Experience: $30
  • Axe and Knife Throwing Experience: $35
  • Axe Throwing Experience (18+) at Grand Sierra Resort: $40
  • Rage Room Experience: $40
  • Splatter Paint Room Experience: $45

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
    Reno $13
    Jasper National Park $11

Sample the Local Flavors in Reno

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Reno:

  • Original Brewery Tour: $94


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