A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Sun Valley vs. Quebec City for Attractions, Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Sun Valley or Quebec City?

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 Quebec City. 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 adventurous, outdoorsy, and active town. Sun Valley is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for shopping, skiing, and nightlife. See Sun Valley travel costs.

Quebec City

Quebec City is a historical, cultural, and charming city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Quebec City is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Quebec City travel costs.

Sun Valley and Quebec City: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Sun Valley or Quebec City?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Quebec City. Although Sun Valley and Quebec City are both popular with visitors, Quebec City has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Quebec City is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Sun Valley is known for its skiing, resorts, and hiking. Sun Valley is popular for its ski resorts as well as being the home of Ernest Hemingway. Quebec City is popular for its charming streets and classic Old Town. It is also home to Château Frontenac.

How is Sun Valley different from Quebec City?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Sun Valley or Quebec City Better for Skiing?

Sun Valley is very popular for winter skiing. However, Quebec City is not a skiing destination.

The snow ski experience you'll have in Sun Valley is among the best in the world. 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.

Quebec City is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Sun Valley or Quebec City?

Quebec City is terrific for its museums and landmarks. However, Sun Valley is a town with minimal options for its historical sights.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Quebec City that are not to be missed. Historic sites include La Citadelle de Québec and Quebec National Historic Site. There are many iconic buildings in town as well like the Parliament Building and Château Frontenac. Also make sure you visit the Musée de la Civilisation and the stunning Basilica of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré.

While most people don't head to Sun Valley specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. Museums in the area include the Sun Valley Museum of Art and the Wood River Museum of History and Culture.

Is the Food Better in Sun Valley or Quebec City? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Quebec City is terrific for its restaurant scene. Also, Sun Valley is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eat your way through Quebec City, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. The city offers a mix of Canadian favorites and French dishes with a local twist. Favorite dishes that you must try include tourtières, pâté chinois, pea soup, and fèves au lard. There are also many local desserts to sample. You'll find some of the best French Canadian cuisine in the Old Town.

Sun Valley has a huge number of terrific restaurants. Many restaurants pride themselves in using local, organic, and sustainable ingredients. You'll find everything from cafes and bakeries to sushi, pizza, and Mediterranean.

Is Sun Valley or Quebec City Better for Nightlife?

Quebec City is a great destination for nightlife. Also, Sun Valley is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

The people in Quebec City know how to have a good time. The nightlife scene consists mainly of bars and pubs that you'll find along Rue Saint-Jean and in the Saint-Jean-Baptiste neighborhood. You'll also find clubs in Saint-Roch along Rue du Parvis and Avenue Saint-Joseph.

If you're looking for night time activities Sun Valley has a few options to choose from. 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.

Is Sun Valley or Quebec City Better for Resorts?

Sun Valley is a great destination for its resorts. However, Quebec City is not a resort destination.

Sun Valley is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. The most popular place to stay is Sun Valley Lodge, but there are also other small lodges and hotels in the area.

Quebec City is not a resort destination.

Is Sun Valley or Quebec City Better for its Old Town?

Quebec City is terrific for its historic old town. However, Sun Valley does not have a historic old town.

Quebec City has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. The walled Old Town has fortifications that date back to the 17th century. It has a European charm with cobblestone streets, charming restaurants, beautiful squares, and historic architecture. Many visitors feel like they've stepped into old world Europe.

Sun Valley does not have a historic old town.

Is Sun Valley or Quebec City Better for Hiking?

Sun Valley is a great destination for its hiking experiences. However, Quebec City is not a hiking destination.

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.

Quebec City is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Sun Valley or Quebec City?

Quebec City is terrific for shopping. Also, Sun Valley is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

Quebec City is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. The Old Town has many local boutiques and artisan shops that are fun for browsing. There are many shopping streets in town like Petit-Champlain Street, Rue Saint-Joseph, and Avenue Cartier.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Sun Valley. 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.

Is Sun Valley or Quebec City More Beautiful?

Sun Valley and Quebec City both are comparable with their great 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 Quebec City is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. The European atmosphere gives the city a unique beauty with architecture and cobblestone streets that create a fairytale setting.

Is Sun Valley or Quebec City Better for Families?

Sun Valley is very popular for its family-friendly activities. Also, Quebec City is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Sun Valley is an amazing family-friendly town to visit. 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.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Quebec City is very family-friendly. There are tons of kid-friendly activities like visiting the Aquarium du Québec, having an adventure at Terrasse Dufferin, or exploring Chute de Montmorency.

Is Sun Valley or Quebec City Better for Couples?

Sun Valley and Quebec City both world-class destinations for a couple.

Sun Valley is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. 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.

Quebec City makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. It's one of the most European city's in North America, and it's filled with romance. Couples can enjoy exploring the Old Town by carriage or taking a boat ride on the Saint Lawrence River. For a truly romantic evening, enjoy a French meal at the famous Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, but for many couples, simply exploring and soaking up the city's charm offers the simple romance that they're looking for.

Is Sun Valley or Quebec City Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Sun Valley and Quebec City are great places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Sun Valley. There are a couple of hostels in the area and plenty of activities that appeal to the backpacker crowd.

Many backpackers visit Quebec City. There are a decent number of hostels around town and backpackers consider this a favorite destination in the area.

Is Sun Valley or Quebec City Better for Students?

Quebec City is a good destination for students. However, Sun Valley is not popular with students.

Quebec City is popular with students. It's a beautiful and charming city that is fun for international students.

Sun Valley is not popular with students.

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

Sun Valley is a great destination for its public transit. Also, Quebec City is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Sun Valley is fairly effecient and thorough. 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.

While Quebec City offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are buses and ferries around town.

Is Sun Valley or Quebec City a more walkable city?

Sun Valley and Quebec City both are world-class when exploring on foot.

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

Quebec City is a very easy town to get around on foot. The Old Town is compact and easy to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Quebec City or Sun Valley?

How long in Sun Valley or Quebec City?

It's fun to spend time in either Sun Valley or Quebec City. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Sun Valley due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Sun Valley, and 2-4 days is enough time in Quebec City.

Families should spend more time in Sun Valley than Quebec City. 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 Quebec City than Sun Valley. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Quebec City that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Quebec City than Sun Valley 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 Quebec City.

One day in Sun Valley or Quebec City?

Visitors enjoy the skiing and nightlife when visiting the active town of Sun Valley. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Most people visit for the skiing. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

With museums and nightlife around the charming city of Quebec City, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Sun Valley or Quebec City?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the active destination of Sun Valley. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This town offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Quebec City, there's plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town 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 Quebec City?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the active town of Sun Valley. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Quebec City, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 Quebec City?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and skiing when visiting the destination of Sun Valley. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Most people visit for the skiing. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this town.

Quebec City 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 Romantic Tours for Couples in Canada, and The Best Northern Lights Tours in Canada.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Sun Valley and Quebec City, we can see that Sun Valley is more expensive. And not only is Quebec City much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Quebec City would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Quebec City 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 Quebec City.

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 Quebec City Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Sun Valley or Quebec City?

Quebec City has a larger population, and is about 360 times larger than the population of Sun Valley. When comparing the sizes of Sun Valley and Quebec City, 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.