A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Vail vs. Saskatoon for Families, Couples, Nightlife, and Food

Should you visit Vail or Saskatoon?

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

Should I visit Vail or Saskatoon? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Vail

Vail is a upscale, resort-filled, and charming ski town. It also offers plenty of small town charm and also has plenty of sights and activities. The beauty of Vail is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and skiing. See Vail travel costs.

Saskatoon

Saskatoon is a friendly, authentic, and cultural city. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food. See Saskatoon travel costs.

Vail and Saskatoon: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Vail or Saskatoon?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Vail than Saskatoon, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Vail is better known for its skiing, nightlife, music, resorts, hiking, shopping, christmas markets, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Saskatoon is more popular for its museums and attractions. Vail is more touristy than Saskatoon and is popular for its world-class skiing, charming mountain town atmosphere, and adventurous outdoor activities. Also, Vail is famous for The Vail Ski Resort. Saskatoon is well known for its agriculture and outdoor spaces.

How is Vail different from Saskatoon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Vail or Saskatoon Better for Skiing?

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

Vail is a top destination for snow skiing, and it attracts visitors from around the world. This ski town has produced its share of Olympians. Vail is the third largest ski resort in the US and it has 31 lifts and 195 runs. There are five different bowls that offer beautiful views.

Saskatoon is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Vail or Saskatoon?

Saskatoon is a popular place for its historical sights. However, Vail does not have museums and landmarks.

Saskatoon offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. 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.

Vail does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Vail or Saskatoon? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Vail and Saskatoon offer a number of notable restaurants to choose from.

Vail has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. The town has a diverse sampling of restaurants that include different ethnic options as well as taverns with comfort food. It's easy to find mountain-friendly restaurants where you can refuel during your ski vacation.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Saskatoon area. 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 Vail or Saskatoon Better for Nightlife?

Vail is a well-known place for nightlife and partying. Also, Saskatoon is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its evening party scene.

Vail offers plenty to do in the evening. Happy Hours start early, and then the partying can go late into the night. There are bars, lounges, breweries and live music that keep the atmosphere light and offer entertainment after your long day on the slopes. Do keep in mind that many places close or dramatically reduce their hours during the off-peak fall and spring months.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Saskatoon. 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 Vail or Saskatoon Better for Music?

Vail is a good destination for its live music scene. However, Saskatoon is not a live music destination.

You don't have to look far to find a unique music venue in Vail. You can often find live music at Shakedown Bar, Bridge Street Bar, and the Red Lion.

Saskatoon is not a live music destination.

Is Vail or Saskatoon Better for Resorts?

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

There are plenty of resorts in Vail to choose from. Designed as a resort town, Vail offers great accommodation. Nice resorts include Four Seasons Resort and Residences, the Ritz Carlton Club, and the Grand Hyatt.

Saskatoon is not a resort destination.

Is Vail or Saskatoon Better for Hiking?

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

Vail is a popular spot for hiking. During the warmer months, this resort town is surrounded by world-class hiking trails. You can enjoy the wildflowers, search for wildlife, or take in the sweeping mountain views. Popular hikes near Vail include Booth Falls, Davos Trail, and Shrine Ridge.

Saskatoon is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Vail or Saskatoon?

Vail is a well-known place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Saskatoon is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping areas.

Vail is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The cobblestone streets are lined with boutiques and ski shops that sell everything from evening dresses to outdoor gear. It's easy to pop into the many shops around downtown Vail and find anything you might need.

Saskatoon has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. A number of brands have opened stores in the downtown area in recent years, so the shopping scene continues to grow and diversify.

Is Vail or Saskatoon More Beautiful?

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

The beauty of Vail is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. It is a beautiful town that has stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

Saskatoon is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Vail or Saskatoon Better for Families?

Vail 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, Vail is very family-friendly. With its world class skiing, rock climbing, ice skating, and ice cream, kids love this ski resort. The resort town has two terrain parks - Golden Peak and Avanti. Avanti is perfect for kids. It has small jumps, wide rails, and kid-friendly amenities. Golden Peak is designed for more advanced athletes. Vail also has nice beginner slopes that are great for kids.

Saskatoon is a family-friendly ski 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 Vail or Saskatoon Better for Couples?

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

Vail is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. Couples who enjoy skiing and outdoor adventure will appreciate everything that this ski town has to offer. There are nice restaurants, beautiful gardens, and plenty of romantic activities to choose from.

Saskatoon is a good ski 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 Vail or Saskatoon Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Vail is a good destination for backpackers. However, Saskatoon is not a good city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Vail. This ski town isn't completely closed off to budget travelers as there are a couple of hostels around town.

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

Vail is a good destination for its public transit. However, Saskatoon is not a good city for times when you don't have a car.

Vail has a few public transit options. There is a free bus service through the area.

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

Is Vail or Saskatoon a more walkable city?

Vail 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 Vail on foot. The main downtown is pedestrian-only and perfect for popping in shops and restaurants.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Saskatoon or Vail?

How long in Vail or Saskatoon?

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

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

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

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

One day in Vail or Saskatoon?

Even though Vail is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. 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.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Saskatoon. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Vail or Saskatoon?

Vail is a small town where visitors enjoy the nightlife and live music. 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 ski town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Saskatoon is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Vail or Saskatoon?

Vail is a small town with plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this ski 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 ski town has to offer.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the cultural destination of Saskatoon. This city offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Vail or Saskatoon?

Vail 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 Vail, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

The friendly city of Saskatoon offers nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Camping Tours in United States of America, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples 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 Vail and Saskatoon, we can see that Vail 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 Vail would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Vail 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 Vail Expensive? and Is Saskatoon Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Vail or Saskatoon?

Saskatoon has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Vail. When comparing the sizes of Vail 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.