A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Sun Valley vs. Saskatoon for Families, Couples, Food, and Backpackers

Should you visit Sun Valley or Saskatoon?

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 Saskatoon. 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 nightlife, food, and hiking. See Sun Valley travel costs.

Saskatoon

Saskatoon is a cultural, friendly, and authentic city. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Saskatoon travel costs.

Sun Valley and Saskatoon: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Sun Valley or Saskatoon?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Sun Valley. Although Sun Valley and Saskatoon are popular destinations, Sun Valley has more sights and attractions for tourists. Sun Valley is very popular for its skiing, food, resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Saskatoon attracts visitors for its museums and attractions. Sun Valley is more touristy than Saskatoon and is known for its ski resorts as well as being the home of Ernest Hemingway. It is also well known for Sawtooth National Recreation Area. Saskatoon is famous for its agriculture and outdoor spaces.

How is Sun Valley different from Saskatoon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Sun Valley or Saskatoon Better for Skiing?

Sun Valley is an unbeatable place for snow skiing. However, Saskatoon is not a skiing destination.

Sun Valley is a top destination for snow skiing, and it attracts visitors from around 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.

Saskatoon is not a skiing destination.

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

Saskatoon is a good destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Sun Valley is a town with minimal options for its historical sights.

Saskatoon is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are some museums and historical sites to check out such as Fort Battleford National Historic Site, Batoche National Historic Site, and the Saskatchewan Indigenous Cultural Centre.

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 Saskatoon? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Sun Valley is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Saskatoon 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.

Saskatoon is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There's a great food scene around town with diverse restaurants and cuisines to choose from. You can sample dim sum, Mexican, Middle Eastern, Indian, and many more.

Is Sun Valley or Saskatoon Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Sun Valley or Saskatoon 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 Saskatoon has a few options to choose from. There are enough clubs and bars around town to keep things entertaining. Most cater to a younger crowd, but the vibe is fun and full of energy.

Is Sun Valley or Saskatoon Better for Resorts?

Sun Valley is a well-known place for its resorts. However, Saskatoon is not a resort destination.

There are plenty of resorts in Sun Valley to choose from. The most popular place to stay is Sun Valley Lodge, but there are also other small lodges and hotels in the area.

Saskatoon is not a resort destination.

Is Sun Valley or Saskatoon Better for Hiking?

Sun Valley is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Saskatoon is not a hiking destination.

Sun Valley is a popular spot for hiking. 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.

Saskatoon is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Sun Valley or Saskatoon?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Saskatoon 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 Saskatoon. A number of brands have opened stores in the downtown area in recent years, so the shopping scene continues to grow and diversify.

Is Sun Valley or Saskatoon More Beautiful?

Sun Valley is a well-known place for its scenery and beauty. However, Saskatoon is not a destination known for its beauty.

The beauty of Sun Valley is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. The resort town is surrounded by impressive mountains and pristine natural beauty.

Saskatoon is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Sun Valley or Saskatoon Better for Families?

Sun Valley is an unbeatable place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Saskatoon is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

Saskatoon is a family-friendly town. It's filled with indoor and outdoor play areas. Make sure you check out the Nutrien Wonderhub as well as the countless playgrounds around town.

Is Sun Valley or Saskatoon Better for Couples?

Sun Valley is an unbeatable place for its romantic activities. Also, Saskatoon is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

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.

Saskatoon is a good town for couples to visit. There are plenty of evening activities like dining out at a nice restaurant or taking in a show at the Persephone Theatre.

Is Sun Valley or Saskatoon Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Sun Valley is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Saskatoon is not a good city 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.

Saskatoon is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Most backpackers skip this town in favor of more popular destinations.

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

Sun Valley is a well-known place for its public transit. However, Saskatoon is not a good city for times when you don't have a car.

Sun Valley has some very good public transit options. 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.

Public transit is mostly limited in Saskatoon. There is a bus system around town.

Is Sun Valley or Saskatoon a more walkable city?

Sun Valley is an unbeatable place for its high level of walkability. Also, Saskatoon 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.

Saskatoon is a somewhat walkable town. The downtown is walkable and easy to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Saskatoon or Sun Valley?

How long in Sun Valley or Saskatoon?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Sun Valley and Saskatoon. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Sun Valley than in Saskatoon. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Sun Valley, and 1-3 days is enough time in Saskatoon.

Families should spend more time in Sun Valley than Saskatoon. 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 Saskatoon. 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 Saskatoon 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 Saskatoon?

You'll find food and shopping around the town of Sun Valley. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

With museums and nightlife around the friendly city of Saskatoon, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Saskatoon, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Sun Valley or Saskatoon?

You'll find shopping and skiing around the adventurous destination of Sun Valley. Hikers are also drawn to this area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Saskatoon, there's plenty to do. 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 Saskatoon?

You'll find skiing and nightlife around the active town of Sun Valley. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this town makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Most people head to the area for the skiing. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer.

Saskatoon, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. 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 Saskatoon?

Sun Valley is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Sun Valley, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Saskatoon 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 Family-Friendly Tours to Canada, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Canada.

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

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 Saskatoon Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Sun Valley or Saskatoon?

Saskatoon has a larger population, and is about 140 times larger than the population of Sun Valley. When comparing the sizes of Sun Valley and Saskatoon, 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.