A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Sun Valley vs. Niagara Falls for Families, Couples, Food, and Hiking

Should you visit Sun Valley or Niagara Falls?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Sun Valley and Niagara Falls. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Sun Valley

Sun Valley is a outdoorsy, active, and adventurous town. The beauty of Sun Valley is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the food, hiking, and shopping. See Sun Valley travel costs.

Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls is a iconic, breathtaking, and impressive city. Niagara Falls is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for hiking, shopping, and nightlife. See Niagara Falls travel costs.

Sun Valley and Niagara Falls: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Sun Valley or Niagara Falls?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Sun Valley. Although Sun Valley and Niagara Falls are popular destinations, Sun Valley has more sights and attractions for tourists. Niagara Falls is more touristy than Sun Valley and is known for the large volume of water that flows over it. Sun Valley is famous for its ski resorts as well as being the home of Ernest Hemingway. It is also well known for Sawtooth National Recreation Area.

How is Sun Valley different from Niagara Falls?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Sun Valley or Niagara Falls Better for Skiing?

Sun Valley is an amazing town to visit for snow skiing. However, Niagara Falls is not a skiing destination.

If you're an avid snow skiier, Sun Valley should be on your list. There are plenty of slopes that are accessible by lift as well as backcountry terrain for those who are more adventurous. The ski areas include Bald Mountain, which is next to Ketchum, and Dollar Mountain, by Sun Valley. Bald Mountain is best for advanced skiers and Dollar Mountain has options for beginners and intermediates.

Niagara Falls is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Sun Valley or Niagara Falls?

Both Sun Valley and Niagara Falls have reasonable landmarks and museums for visitors.

Sun Valley offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Museums in the area include the Sun Valley Museum of Art and the Wood River Museum of History and Culture.

While most people don't head to Niagara Falls specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. The Niagara Falls History Museum is one of the best museums in the area. There are also more touristy museums and attractions that you can visit as well. There's also a butterfly conservancy that is worth checking out.

Is the Food Better in Sun Valley or Niagara Falls? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Sun Valley is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Niagara Falls is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Sun Valley. Many restaurants pride themselves in using local, organic, and sustainable ingredients. You'll find everything from cafes and bakeries to sushi, pizza, and Mediterranean.

Niagara Falls is becoming an appealing option for foodies. It's an iconic Canadian destination so, of course, you should try all things Canadian while you're in town. Maple syrup, poutine, butter tart, and beavertail (fried dough) are all things that should be on your list. Also make sure you sample some of the local game meat.

Is Sun Valley or Niagara Falls Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Sun Valley or Niagara Falls has a better nightlife scene.

Sun Valley has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. It's a low key town with relaxing bars and breweries where you can enjoy a cold drink after a day on the slopes. It's not a party town that's high energy, but there are plenty of places where you can hang out in a mellow setting.

If you're looking for night time activities Niagara Falls has a few options to choose from. There's a decent concentration of clubs, pubs, and bars around town that keep things fun late into the evening.

Is Sun Valley or Niagara Falls Better for Resorts?

Sun Valley is notable for its resorts. However, Niagara Falls is not a resort destination.

Sun Valley is known as a popular and fun resort destination. The most popular place to stay is Sun Valley Lodge, but there are also other small lodges and hotels in the area.

Niagara Falls is not a resort destination.

Is Sun Valley or Niagara Falls Better for Hiking?

Hiking trails can be found around both Sun Valley and Niagara Falls, and they are superb.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Sun Valley. During the warmer months you'll enjoy miles of hiking trails in the area that take you by fields of wildflowers and to scenic mountain overlooks. White Cloud Trails is a relatively easy 4 mile trail that many visitors enjoy. Baker Lake and Taylor Canyon are also nice options.

Many visitors go to Niagara Falls for the hiking trails. The nearby area is filled with hiking trails that let you escape into nature and enjoy impressive views.

Is the Shopping Better in Sun Valley or Niagara Falls?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Niagara Falls and Sun Valley.

Sun Valley is a great destination for shopping. While most visitors spend their time adventuring outdoors, there are also plenty of shopping options in the area. Whether you need to pick up hiking or ski gear, or you want to browse some local boutiques, you'll find shops that meet your need.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Niagara Falls. You'll find touristy souvenir shops as well as outlets and malls nearby.

Is Sun Valley or Niagara Falls More Beautiful?

Sun Valley and Niagara Falls both are comparable with their superb scenery and beauty.

Sun Valley is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. The resort town is surrounded by impressive mountains and pristine natural beauty.

The beauty of Niagara Falls is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. It's an impressive sight and the Canadian side offers the best views. It's definitely something you should try and see at least once.

Is Sun Valley or Niagara Falls Better for Families?

Both Sun Valley and Niagara Falls are amazing family-friendly destinations.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Sun Valley is very family-friendly. During the winter months there's skiing, ice skating, and other winter activities. During the warmer months families will enjoy riding the Roundhouse Express Gondola, hiking through the mountains, or horseback riding.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Niagara Falls is a very family-friendly destination. The views and setting are spectacular, and kids will love the boat tours or taking a ride on the Whirlpool Aero Car. There's also an indoor waterpark, a butterfly conservatory, and plenty of nature to explore.

Is Sun Valley or Niagara Falls Better for Couples?

Sun Valley is an amazing town to visit for its romantic activities. Also, Niagara Falls is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

Sun Valley makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. Couples who enjoy winter sports and outdoor activities will love a romantic getaway to the area. There's also a charming downtown area that has great restaurants. In the surrounding countryside there's plenty of spectacular hikes that couples will enjoy as well.

Niagara Falls makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The setting has long brought to mind romance, and to this day couples still honeymoon at this iconic destination. There are boat tours, nature trails, luxury hotels, and even wineries to explore.

Is Sun Valley or Niagara Falls Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Sun Valley is notable for backpackers. Also, Niagara Falls is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Sun Valley is a great town to visit for backpackers. There are a couple of hostels in the area and plenty of activities that appeal to the backpacker crowd.

Niagara Falls is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There's a hostel or two where you can stay for cheap and meet other travelers.

Is Sun Valley or Niagara Falls Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Sun Valley is notable for its public transit. Also, Niagara Falls is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Sun Valley can get you to some places easily. There are free shuttle buses that run through Wood River Valley including connections between the Village and Dollar and Bald Mountains. It's also connected to Ketchum and Elkhorn Springs.

Niagara Falls has some public transit options. There is a bus system through town.

Is Sun Valley or Niagara Falls a more walkable city?

Sun Valley is an amazing town to visit for its high level of walkability. Also, Niagara Falls is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its ease of walking around.

It is easy to get around Sun Valley on foot. It's easy to walk to almost anything you need if you stay at a conveniently located hotel.

Niagara Falls is a somewhat walkable town. Most of the attractions and close together by the falls, so it's relatively walkable.

For even more information, also check out Is Sun Valley Worth Visiting? and Is Niagara Falls Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Niagara Falls or Sun Valley?

How long in Sun Valley or Niagara Falls?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Sun Valley and Niagara Falls. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Sun Valley than in Niagara Falls. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Sun Valley, and 2-3 days is enough time in Niagara Falls.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Sun Valley than Niagara Falls 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 Sun Valley.

One day in Sun Valley or Niagara Falls?

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the active destination of Sun Valley. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Don't miss the skiing, as that's what most people do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

With shopping and nightlife around the iconic city of Niagara Falls, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. 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 one day exploring.

A weekend in Sun Valley or Niagara Falls?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Sun Valley. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Don't miss the skiing, as that's what most people do. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Niagara Falls, there's plenty to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Sun Valley or Niagara Falls?

Many travelers enjoy the skiing and nightlife when visiting the active destination of Sun Valley. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. Five days is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Niagara Falls, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Sun Valley or Niagara Falls?

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the beautiful town of Sun Valley. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling.So, one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Niagara Falls is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Sun Valley or Niagara Falls?

Niagara Falls has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Sun Valley. When comparing the sizes of Sun Valley and Niagara Falls, 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.