A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Virginia Beach vs. Banff for Couples, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Virginia Beach or Banff?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Virginia Beach or Banff, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach is a bustling, fun-filled, and relaxing coastal city. Virginia Beach is a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the nightlife and beaches. See Virginia Beach travel costs.

Banff

Banff is a adventurous, scenic, and outdoorsy town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. The beauty of Banff is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the shopping, skiing, and nightlife. See Banff travel costs.

Virginia Beach and Banff: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Virginia Beach or Banff?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Banff than Virginia Beach, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Banff is better known for its skiing, food, nightlife, hiking, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Virginia Beach is more popular for its resorts and beaches. Banff is more touristy than Virginia Beach and is popular for its stunning beauty, pristine nature, and nearby lakes. Also, Banff is famous for Lake Louise. Virginia Beach is well known for its fun boardwalk, many seafood restaurants, and classic beach town vibe.

How is Virginia Beach different from Banff?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Virginia Beach or Banff Better for Skiing?

Banff is terrific for skiing. However, Virginia Beach is not a skiing destination.

The snow ski experience you'll have in Banff is among the best in the world. The town makes a great base for experiencing the three nearby ski resorts: Banff Sunshine, The Lake Louise Ski Resort, and Mt Norquay. You can purchase a SkiBig3 Lift Ticket and experience the area's best skiing. There's a long ski season and a stunning setting within the Canadian Rockies.

Virginia Beach is not a skiing destination.

Is the Food Better in Virginia Beach or Banff? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Banff is great for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Virginia Beach is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Banff has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The downtown has bistros, taverns, and many casual eateries. For a more fine dining experience, you can go to one of the luxury hotels, which have nice dining areas. Throughout town you'll find classic Canadian food like poutine, as well as pizza and bar food.

Virginia Beach may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Seafood is plentiful around town and there are all-you-can-eat buffets as well as high end, waterfront seafood restaurants. Make sure you try the She Crab Soup, soft shell crabs, and oysters.

Is Virginia Beach or Banff Better for Nightlife?

Banff is great for nightlife and partying. Also, Virginia Beach is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its evening party scene.

Many people head to Banff for the nightlife scene. It's a great town for partying and it's compact and easy to barhop if you want. For the town's size, you'll find a huge number of bars and breweries to choose from, and there's always something going on.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Virginia Beach. While it's a family-friendly beach, there's still a great nightlife scene with many bars and clubs in the area. Popular places to hang out at night include Omega Bar, Peabody's Nightclub, and Sky Bar.

Is Virginia Beach or Banff Better for Resorts?

Virginia Beach is a popular place for its resorts. However, Banff is not a resort destination.

With a selection of resorts, Virginia Beach makes a nice vacation spot. Some of the best resorts in the area include the Historic Cavalier Hotel and Beach Club, the Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront, and The Founders Inn and Spa.

Banff is not a resort destination.

Is Virginia Beach or Banff Better for Beaches?

Virginia Beach is a popular place for the beach. However, Banff is not a beach destination.

Virginia Beach is a good option for a beach vacation. The beaches are long and sandy, but they can get crowded during the summer months. The waves are just the right size for playing in the surf and the water temperature is usually warm enough to swim well into the fall months.

Banff is not a beach destination.

Is Virginia Beach or Banff Better for Hiking?

Banff is terrific for hiking. However, Virginia Beach is not a hiking destination.

Known for its hiking, Banff draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. The town is set within Banff National Park, and is surrounded by world class hiking. There are more than 1,000 miles of trails that wander alongside rivers, lead to waterfalls, or climb mountain peaks. You may also see local wildlife.

Virginia Beach is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Virginia Beach or Banff?

Banff is a nice place to visit for its shopping opportunities. However, Virginia Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Banff. There are tons of downtown shops that sell local items, art, sports gear, or clothing.

Virginia Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Virginia Beach or Banff More Beautiful?

Banff is great for its scenery and beauty. Also, Virginia Beach is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its scenery and beauty.

The beauty of Banff is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. The dramatic Rocky Mountains and stunning natural beauty make this an iconic and beautiful destination.

Virginia Beach offers plenty of beauty for visitors. As a developed beach town, the city has its share of hotels along the beach, but it is still a beautiful setting to explore.

Is Virginia Beach or Banff Better for Families?

Virginia Beach and Banff are both very good destinations for the whole family.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Virginia Beach is very family-friendly. This is a popular family-friendly beach with a nice boardwalk, a fun waterpark, aquarium, and nice beaches. It attracts families in the area for its long beaches and fun atmosphere. Most restaurants have kid's menus and there are ice cream shops and minigolf around.

Banff is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will enjoy the low key hikes like Tunnel Mountain hike. There's also the Banff Gondola and several playgrounds in downtown Banff. For adventure activities, check out the Golden Skybridge or Lake Louise.

Is Virginia Beach or Banff Better for Couples?

Banff is terrific for its romantic activities. Also, Virginia Beach is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for couples.

Banff has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. It's a beautiful destination for a honeymoon or anniversary trip. There are countless hikes and stunning natural beauty. There are also spas, horseback riding, and many great restaurants.

Virginia Beach is a good coastal city for couples to visit. Couples will enjoy a nice escape to the beaches and boardwalk. There are many great seafood restaurants, some with waterfront settings. There's also a variety of activities ranging from many golf to dance clubs.

Is Virginia Beach or Banff Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Banff is great for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Virginia Beach is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Many backpackers visit Banff. There are a couple of hostels around town and plenty of natural beauty that appeals to backpackers.

Virginia Beach is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Virginia Beach or Banff Better for Students?

Virginia Beach is a popular place for students. However, Banff is not popular with students.

Virginia Beach is a good coastal city to visit for students. It's not as popular as more southern beach towns, but you'll still find students heading here for the spring break holidays.

Banff is not popular with students.

Is Virginia Beach or Banff Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Banff is a nice place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Virginia Beach is not a good destination for its public transit.

While Banff offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's a bus system, Roam, that connects the towns of Canmore, Banff, and Lake Louise.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Virginia Beach. There is very limited public transit in the area so you'll need to have a car to get around.

Is Virginia Beach or Banff a more walkable city?

Banff is great for its high level of walkability. However, Virginia Beach is not a good destination for its ease of walking around.

Banff is a very walkable town. The downtown is very walkable and there are trailheads nearby as well.

Virginia Beach is generally not very walkable. Most people prefer to have a car but do note that parking can be a nightmare, particularly during the summer season.

For even more information, also check out Is Virginia Beach Worth Visiting? and Is Banff Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Banff or Virginia Beach?

How long in Virginia Beach or Banff?

In either Virginia Beach or Banff, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Virginia Beach than Banff because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Virginia Beach, and 2-5 days is enough time in Banff.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Banff than Virginia Beach 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 Banff.

One day in Virginia Beach or Banff?

In Virginia Beach, many people enjoy the nightlife that this relaxing destination offers. This coastal city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

Banff might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Virginia Beach or Banff?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Virginia Beach. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Banff is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Five days in Virginia Beach or Banff?

Virginia Beach is a fun place to experience. In Virginia Beach, many people enjoy the nightlife that this destination offers. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Banff. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. It offers something for everyone. Because of this, five days is usually enough time for a trip here.

A week in Virginia Beach or Banff?

In Virginia Beach, many people enjoy the nightlife that this bustling destination offers. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

Banff is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Your budget might influence how long you stay. 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 10-Day Tours in United States of America, The Best One Week (7-Day) 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 Virginia Beach and Banff, we can see that Virginia Beach is more expensive. And not only is Banff much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Banff would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Banff 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 Virginia Beach would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Virginia Beach than you might in Banff.

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

Which is Bigger, Virginia Beach or Banff?

Virginia Beach has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Banff. When comparing the sizes of Virginia Beach and Banff, 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.