A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Sonoma vs. Edmonton for Food, Couples, Attractions, and Nightlife

Should you visit Sonoma 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 Sonoma 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.

Sonoma

Sonoma is a serene, relaxing, and scenic county. You'll find world class beauty in Sonoma as well. It's also known for hiking, shopping, and nightlife. See Sonoma 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.

Sonoma and Edmonton: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Sonoma or Edmonton?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Sonoma than Edmonton, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Sonoma is better known for its food, nightlife, resorts, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Edmonton is more popular for its museums and attractions. Sonoma is more touristy than Edmonton and is popular for its world-class winemaking and sustainable agriculture. Also, Sonoma is famous for Buena Vista Winery. Edmonton is well known for its many festivals and lively personality.

How is Sonoma different from Edmonton?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Sonoma or Edmonton?

Edmonton is a great city for its historical sights. However, Sonoma is not known 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.

Sonoma offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. While most people don't think of museums when they think of Sonoma, there are actually some interesting local options. The California Indian Museum, the Cotati Museum, and the Depot Park Museum are also local are fascinating.

Is the Food Better in Sonoma or Edmonton? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Sonoma is an unbeatable place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Edmonton is not a good city for its restaurants.

Sonoma has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. Although wine may be the first thing you think about, the region is also filled with farm-to-table restaurants and award-winning dining options. The food is almost always fresh and local. You can sample many local ingredients such as vegetables, cheeses, olive oils, and fish.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Edmonton. You'll find a mix of casual cafes, international eateries, and more upscale dining options.

Is Sonoma or Edmonton Better for Nightlife?

Sonoma is a well-known place for nightlife. Also, Edmonton is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife and partying.

Sonoma offers plenty to do in the evening. Lounges, wine bars, and live music venues offer a variety of activities for visitors during the evening hours.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Edmonton. 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.

Is Sonoma or Edmonton Better for Resorts?

Sonoma is a well-known place for its resorts. However, Edmonton is not a resort destination.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Sonoma. Spa hotels, charming inns, and beautiful resorts all offer a variety of options for visitors.

Edmonton is not a resort destination.

Is Sonoma or Edmonton Better for Beaches?

Sonoma is a well-known place for its beaches. However, Edmonton is not a beach destination.

Sonoma is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. The county has a coastline that includes several great beaches as well as rocky shoreline. The beaches include secluded coves and picturesque cliffs as well as sand dunes and sandy beaches.

Edmonton is not a beach destination.

Is Sonoma or Edmonton Better for Hiking?

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

Sonoma is a popular spot for hiking. In between wine tastings you can explore the area's stunning natural beauty. There are hikes through the vineyards, along the coast, or through forested parks. Some of the best hikes are found in Jack London State Historic Park, Sugarloaf State Park, and Armstrong Woods State Park.

Edmonton is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Sonoma or Edmonton?

If you're looking to go shopping, Sonoma and Edmonton both offer plenty of superb spots.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Sonoma. You'll find a range of local vendors in the area, selling everything from jewelry to art, home decor, and olive oil.

Edmonton is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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.

Is Sonoma or Edmonton More Beautiful?

Sonoma is an unbeatable place for its scenery and beauty. However, Edmonton is not a destination known for its beauty.

You'll find world class beauty in Sonoma as well. The lined vineyards are strikingly beautiful and the setting offers stunning viewpoints and a serene beauty.

Edmonton is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Sonoma or Edmonton Better for Families?

Both Sonoma and Edmonton are notable to visit with kids.

Sonoma offers lots of family activities. While most people think immediately of wine tours, there's actually a lot more to Sonoma County. Kids will enjoy the many outdoor activities in the area, which include beaches, parks, wildlife viewing, and more. There's also horseback riding and even ziplining opportunities.

Edmonton is a family-friendly place to visit. 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 Sonoma or Edmonton Better for Couples?

Sonoma is an unbeatable place for romance. Also, Edmonton is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its romantic activities.

For those traveling as a couple, Sonoma has plenty to offer. It has long been a favorite honeymoon destination for couples who come for the vineyards and wine tours. There are also charming hotels, award winning restaurants, and beautiful beaches.

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 Sonoma 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, Sonoma is not known 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 Sonoma. While there are buses, they are almost never used by tourists. There is the Sonoma Valley Wine Trolley which you should purchase tickets for in advance.

Is Sonoma or Edmonton a more walkable city?

Edmonton is a city with good options for its ease of walking around. However, Sonoma is not known for its walkability.

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

Sonoma is not a walkable county. You really must have a car to get around the area and explore it efficiently.

For even more information, also check out Is Sonoma Worth Visiting? and Is Edmonton Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Edmonton or Sonoma?

How long in Sonoma or Edmonton?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Sonoma or Edmonton to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Sonoma than Edmonton because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Sonoma, and 1-2 days is enough time in Edmonton.

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

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

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

One day in Sonoma or Edmonton?

The beautiful county of Sonoma offers nightlife and food. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Edmonton. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Sonoma or Edmonton?

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

Edmonton is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Sonoma or Edmonton?

Sonoma is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Edmonton. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Sonoma or Edmonton?

Sonoma is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that food 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 county offers something for everyone.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the friendly destination of Edmonton. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Sonoma or Edmonton?

Edmonton has a larger population, and is about 70 times larger than the population of Sonoma. When comparing the sizes of Sonoma and Edmonton, 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.