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

Should you visit Saint Petersburg or Banff?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Saint Petersburg and Banff can help you decide which place is right for you.

Saint Petersburg

Saint Petersburg is a fun-filled, underrated, and relaxed coastal city. And you can't forget about the beaches, shopping, and museums. See Saint Petersburg 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 hiking, shopping, and skiing. See Banff travel costs.

Saint Petersburg and Banff: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Saint Petersburg or Banff?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Banff. Although Saint Petersburg and Banff are popular destinations, Banff has more sights and attractions for tourists. Banff is very popular for its skiing, nightlife, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Saint Petersburg attracts visitors for its museums and attractions, resorts, and beaches. Saint Petersburg is famous for its warm weather, sandy beaches, and outdoor activities. Banff is famous for its stunning beauty, pristine nature, and nearby lakes. It is also well known for Lake Louise.

How is Saint Petersburg different from Banff?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Saint Petersburg or Banff Better for Skiing?

Banff is terrific for skiing. However, Saint Petersburg is not a skiing destination.

Banff is among the world's best ski destinations. 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.

Saint Petersburg is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Saint Petersburg or Banff?

Saint Petersburg is notable for its sights and museums. However, Banff does not have museums and landmarks.

Saint Petersburg offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. There are a variety of history, science, and art museums in the area. The Dalí Museum, Dr. Carter G. Woodson African American Museum, The Florida Holocaust Museum, and Imagine Museum of Contemporary Glass Art are some of the favorites.

Banff does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Saint Petersburg and Banff.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Saint Petersburg. It's location on the Gulf Coast means that seafood is everywhere. You'll enjoy fresh oysters, fried calamari, grilled fish, and fried shrimp on many menus. Casual restaurants and local eateries are common around town.

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 Saint Petersburg or Banff Better for Nightlife?

Banff is great for nightlife. Also, Saint Petersburg is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal 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 Saint Petersburg. There are beachside bars, rooftop restaurants, and dance clubs around town for those looking for a night out.

Is Saint Petersburg or Banff Better for Resorts?

Saint Petersburg is a popular place for its resorts. However, Banff is not a resort destination.

With a selection of resorts, Saint Petersburg makes a nice vacation spot. You'll find most of the resorts near the beach. Many have pools and they range in style and budget level.

Banff is not a resort destination.

Is Saint Petersburg or Banff Better for Beaches?

Saint Petersburg is an unbeatable place for the beach. However, Banff is not a beach destination.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Saint Petersburg. You'll find great sandy beaches with calm blue water and a relaxed atmosphere. Some of the best beaches include Egmont Key, Fort DeSoto Beach, Maximo Beach, and St. Pete's Municipal Beach.

Banff is not a beach destination.

Is Saint Petersburg or Banff Better for Hiking?

Banff is terrific for hiking. However, Saint Petersburg is not a hiking destination.

Many people visit Banff specifically for its hiking. 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.

Saint Petersburg is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint Petersburg or Banff?

If you're looking to go shopping, Saint Petersburg and Banff both offer plenty of nice spots.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Saint Petersburg. You'll find plenty of shopping malls and shopping centers around town. Along the boardwalk and in John's Pass Village there are also restaurants and souvenir stores.

Banff offers some nice shopping areas. There are tons of downtown shops that sell local items, art, sports gear, or clothing.

Is Saint Petersburg or Banff More Beautiful?

Banff is great for its scenery and beauty. However, Saint Petersburg 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.

Saint Petersburg is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Saint Petersburg or Banff Better for Families?

You'll find great kid-friendly activities in either Saint Petersburg or Banff.

Saint Petersburg is a very family-friendly destination. The beaches, waterparks, nature reserves, and entertainment centers all offer plenty of activities for families. There are plenty of places to play, laugh, and act silly around town so the whole family can have a good time. There's also the Great Explorations Children’s Museum and other educational opportunities for the young ones.

Banff is a very kid-friendly coastal city. 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 Saint Petersburg or Banff Better for Couples?

Banff is terrific for romance. Also, Saint Petersburg is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its romantic activities.

For those traveling as a couple, Banff has plenty to offer. 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.

Saint Petersburg is a very popular place to visit for couples. There are sunset cruises, long sandy beaches, nice restaurants, and many other romantic activities around town. You can wander down the boardwalk or enjoy nature at the gardens and nature parks around town.

Is Saint Petersburg or Banff Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Banff is great for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Saint Petersburg 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.

Saint Petersburg is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not high on the list for many backpackers, but budget travelers will appreciate the affordable accommodation around town.

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

Banff is very good for times when you don't have a car. However, Saint Petersburg 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 Saint Petersburg. There's a bus system, but most people rely on their own car to get around.

Is Saint Petersburg or Banff a more walkable city?

Banff is great for its walkability. However, Saint Petersburg 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.

Saint Petersburg is generally not very walkable. The downtown area is the most walkable part of town, but you really need a car to access most places.

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

Should I spend more time in Banff or Saint Petersburg?

How long in Saint Petersburg or Banff?

In either Saint Petersburg or Banff, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Banff than Saint Petersburg because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Saint Petersburg, and 2-5 days is enough time in Banff.

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

Couples should spend more time in Banff than Saint Petersburg. 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 Saint Petersburg 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 Saint Petersburg or Banff?

In Saint Petersburg, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this relaxed destination offers. It's also a great beach destination, too. Lots of people come for the beaches. This coastal 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 where visitors enjoy the nightlife and food. Hikers are also drawn to this area. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

A weekend in Saint Petersburg or Banff?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Saint Petersburg. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Banff is a small town with plenty to do. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Five days in Saint Petersburg or Banff?

Saint Petersburg is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Saint Petersburg. Lots of people come for the beaches. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Banff is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Saint Petersburg or Banff?

You'll find food and shopping around the fun-filled destination of Saint Petersburg. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the beaches. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Banff is a great place to explore. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, The Best Polar Tours & Cruises 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 Saint Petersburg and Banff, we can see that Saint Petersburg 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 Saint Petersburg would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Saint Petersburg 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 Saint Petersburg Expensive? and Is Banff Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Saint Petersburg or Banff?

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