A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Shenandoah National Park vs. Edmonton for Backpackers, Attractions, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Shenandoah National Park or Edmonton?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Shenandoah National Park and Edmonton 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.

Shenandoah National Park

Shenandoah National Park is a breathtaking, serene, and beautiful national park. Shenandoah National Park is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for skiing and hiking. See Shenandoah National Park travel costs.

Edmonton

Edmonton is a friendly, cultural, and authentic city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and shopping. See Edmonton travel costs.

Shenandoah National Park and Edmonton: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Shenandoah National Park or Edmonton?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Shenandoah National Park than Edmonton, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Shenandoah National Park is better known for its skiing, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Edmonton is more popular for its museums and attractions, nightlife, and shopping. Shenandoah National Park is more touristy than Edmonton and is popular for its local wildlife, dramatic viewpoints, and world class hiking trails. Also, Shenandoah National Park is famous for Skyline Drive. Edmonton is well known for its many festivals and lively personality.

How is Shenandoah National Park different from Edmonton?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Shenandoah National Park or Edmonton Better for Skiing?

Shenandoah National Park is very good for snow skiing. However, Edmonton is not a skiing destination.

Shenandoah National Park is a great destination for skiing with plenty areas to explore. You'll find skiing and snowboarding at nearby Massanutten Resort, which is near Harrisonburg, Virginia. It's a family-friendly setting with slopes that are classified as "easiest", "more difficult", and "most difficult".

Edmonton is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Shenandoah National Park or Edmonton?

Edmonton is great for its historical sights. However, Shenandoah National Park is not a good destination for its sights and museums.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Edmonton. You'll find a number of good museums around town such as the Royal Alberta Museum, Muttart Conservatory, the Alberta Aviation Museum, and the Art Gallery of Alberta.

Shenandoah National Park offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. While most people spend their time outdoors enjoying the setting, there are museums in the area, as well as visitor centers that have exhibits and informative displays.

Is the Food Better in Shenandoah National Park or Edmonton? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at respectable restaurants in both Shenandoah National Park and Edmonton.

Shenandoah National Park may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. There are several restaurants along skyline drive where you can pick up a casual meal like fried chicken, burgers, or pasta.

Edmonton offers some easy restaurants to choose from. You'll find a mix of casual cafes, international eateries, and more upscale dining options.

Is Shenandoah National Park or Edmonton Better for Nightlife?

Edmonton is a city with good options for its evening party scene. However, Shenandoah National Park is not a good destination for nightlife.

If you're looking for night time activities Edmonton has a few options to choose from. There's a mix of nightclubs, bars, and breweries around town. Head to Jasper Avenue for the high end clubs or check out a live show at one of the active theaters around town.

Most people don't head to Shenandoah National Park specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. There are a number of breweries in the area, but most people enjoy stargazing and sitting by the campfire at night.

Is Shenandoah National Park or Edmonton Better for Hiking?

Shenandoah National Park is an unbeatable place for the nearby hiking options. However, Edmonton is not a hiking destination.

Many people visit Shenandoah National Park specifically for its hiking. There are more than 500 miles of trails in the park that pass through varied landscapes and take you to beautiful viewpoints. Visitors range from weekend visitors to long term hikers who come to experience the breathtaking beauty and serene setting.

Edmonton is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Shenandoah National Park or Edmonton?

Edmonton is great for its shopping areas. However, Shenandoah National Park is not a good destination for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Edmonton. The city is home to the West Edmonton Mall, which is the largest shopping mall in Canada, and among the largest in the world. The mall includes hundreds of shops, restaurants, a hotel, ice rink, movie theaters, an aquarium, and Galaxyland, which is one of the largest indoor amusement parks in the world. The mall is divided into themed sections that represent iconic places from around the world such as Europa Boulevard and Bourbon Street.

Shenandoah National Park is a good destination for shopping. There are a handful of gift shops along Skyline Drive were you can pick up souvenirs or t-shirts.

Is Shenandoah National Park or Edmonton More Beautiful?

Shenandoah National Park is a well-known place for its scenery and beauty. However, Edmonton is not a destination known for its beauty.

Shenandoah National Park is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Skyline drive passes by breathtaking views and wonderful lookout points. There are also miles of trails that let you explore the natural beauty of the area.

Edmonton is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Shenandoah National Park or Edmonton Better for Families?

Shenandoah National Park is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Edmonton is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Shenandoah National Park is a very family-friendly place to visit. There are tons of kid-friendly hikes to overlooks or waterfalls. Kids will love scrambling over the rocks or running through the forest. There are also plenty of campgrounds where families can hang out, toast marshmallows and enjoy some quality time together.

Edmonton is a family-friendly national park. Many families live in town so if you're visiting for a few days you'll find plenty to do with kids. Most of the activities are concentrated in the downtown areas and along the south side of the North Saskatchewan River. The whole family will enjoy a visit to Telus World of Science. There's also the Edmonton Valley Zoo, the Alberta Aviation Museum, and Galaxyland, as well as many other activities.

Is Shenandoah National Park or Edmonton Better for Couples?

Shenandoah National Park is a well-known place for romance. Also, Edmonton is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its romantic activities.

Shenandoah National Park is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples who enjoy nature will love a visit to the park. There are beautiful views and scenic spots that will make for a wonderful and romantic trip. Hiking, biking, and exploring will fill your time with adventure and fun.

Edmonton makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There's a good theater scene, so you can enjoy dinner and a show. There are also quaint cafes, mellow breweries, and plenty of cultural activities like art museums.

Is Shenandoah National Park or Edmonton Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Shenandoah National Park is an unbeatable place for backpackers. However, Edmonton is not a good city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Shenandoah National Park is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. Backpackers love the hiking trails and backcountry camping. Many people head to the park to escape into nature and enjoy some low key time in a serene setting.

Edmonton is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Most backpackers overlook this city, but there is a hostel in town where you can stay.

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

Edmonton is a city with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, Shenandoah National Park is not a good destination for its public transit.

While Edmonton offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The city has both bus and light rail systems.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Shenandoah National Park. There's no real public transit in the park.

Is Shenandoah National Park or Edmonton a more walkable city?

Edmonton is a city with good options for its ease of walking around. However, Shenandoah National Park is not a good destination for its walkability.

Edmonton is a somewhat walkable city. There are parts of the city that are very walkable.

Shenandoah National Park is not a walkable national park. While there are plenty of hiking trails, a car is a must to reach most trailheads.

For even more information, also check out Is Shenandoah National Park Worth Visiting? and Is Edmonton Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Edmonton or Shenandoah National Park?

How long in Shenandoah National Park or Edmonton?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Shenandoah National Park than Edmonton 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 Shenandoah National Park.

One day in Shenandoah National Park or Edmonton?

The beautiful national park of Shenandoah National Park offers skiing. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

With shopping and museums around the friendly city of Edmonton, there's plenty to do. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one day is just the right amount of time to spend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A weekend in Shenandoah National Park or Edmonton?

Shenandoah National Park is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

With museums and nightlife around the authentic destination of Edmonton, there's plenty to do. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation.A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Five days in Shenandoah National Park or Edmonton?

Shenandoah National Park is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Shenandoah National Park, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

You'll find nightlife and shopping around the cultural city of Edmonton. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Shenandoah National Park or Edmonton?

Shenandoah National Park is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This national park offers something for everyone.

Edmonton is a great place to explore. 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. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best Contiki Tours to Canada, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Canada.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Shenandoah National Park and Edmonton, we can see that Edmonton is more expensive. And not only is Shenandoah National Park much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Shenandoah National Park would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Shenandoah 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 Edmonton would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Edmonton than you might in Shenandoah National Park.

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