A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Wisconsin Dells vs. Edmonton for Families, Attractions, Nightlife, and Food

Should you visit Wisconsin Dells or Edmonton?

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

Should I visit Wisconsin Dells or Edmonton? 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.

Wisconsin Dells

Wisconsin Dells is a fun-filled, lighthearted, and high energy city. It's also known for nightlife, food, and hiking. See Wisconsin Dells travel costs.

Edmonton

Edmonton is a authentic, friendly, and cultural city. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Edmonton travel costs.

Wisconsin Dells and Edmonton: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Wisconsin Dells or Edmonton?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Wisconsin Dells. Although Wisconsin Dells and Edmonton are popular destinations, Wisconsin Dells has more sights and attractions for tourists. Wisconsin Dells is very popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, and hiking, while Edmonton attracts visitors for its museums and attractions and shopping. Wisconsin Dells is more touristy than Edmonton and is known for its many waterparks and unapologetically playful atmosphere. It is also well known for Noah's Ark Water Park. Edmonton is famous for its many festivals and lively personality.

How is Wisconsin Dells different from Edmonton?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Wisconsin Dells or Edmonton?

Edmonton is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Wisconsin Dells is a city with minimal options for its historical sights.

Edmonton offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. You'll find a number of good museums around town such as the Royal Alberta Museum, Muttart Conservatory, the Alberta Aviation Museum, and the Art Gallery of Alberta.

While most people don't head to Wisconsin Dells specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. There are a couple of art galleries in the area, but most visitors spend the majority of their time at the theme parks and waterparks.

Is the Food Better in Wisconsin Dells or Edmonton? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Wisconsin Dells is very good for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Edmonton is not a good city for its restaurants.

Wisconsin Dells offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. Pizza, pasta, burgers, and steak in a family-friendly atmosphere are the most common options in the area. There are also a few fine dining restaurants as well as pubs and brunch places to choose from.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Edmonton. You'll find a mix of casual cafes, international eateries, and more upscale dining options.

Is Wisconsin Dells or Edmonton Better for Nightlife?

Wisconsin Dells is a well-known place for nightlife. Also, Edmonton is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife and partying.

Wisconsin Dells offers plenty to do in the evening. In the evening the fun-filled atmosphere takes on a different vibe. There are bars, clubs, casinos, and shows that keep things lively throughout the evening.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Edmonton. There's a mix of nightclubs, bars, and breweries around town. Head to Jasper Avenue for the high end clubs or check out a live show at one of the active theaters around town.

Is Wisconsin Dells or Edmonton Better for Resorts?

Wisconsin Dells is very good for its resorts. However, Edmonton is not a resort destination.

Wisconsin Dells has a handful of resorts to choose from. Many of the waterparks in the area have affiliated resorts that offer family-friendly entertainment.

Edmonton is not a resort destination.

Is Wisconsin Dells or Edmonton Better for Hiking?

Wisconsin Dells is very good for the nearby hiking options. However, Edmonton is not a hiking destination.

Many people include a hike when visiting Wisconsin Dells. Visitors often forget that this was originally a destination for its natural beauty. There are still many hiking trails in the area with some of the favorites found at Mirror Lake State Park, Rocky Arbor State Park, and Chimney Rock Private Park.

Edmonton is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Wisconsin Dells or Edmonton?

Edmonton is a great destination for its shopping opportunities. However, Wisconsin Dells is a city with minimal options for its shopping areas.

Edmonton is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city is home to the West Edmonton Mall, which is the largest shopping mall in Canada, and among the largest in the world. The mall includes hundreds of shops, restaurants, a hotel, ice rink, movie theaters, an aquarium, and Galaxyland, which is one of the largest indoor amusement parks in the world. The mall is divided into themed sections that represent iconic places from around the world such as Europa Boulevard and Bourbon Street.

Wisconsin Dells has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. You'll find shopping malls and shopping centers, as well as gift shops in the area.

Is Wisconsin Dells or Edmonton Better for Families?

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

Wisconsin Dells is one of the most popular family destinations. While it used to be known for its impressive sandstone formations along the Wisconsin River, today it has a more touristy atmosphere with theme parks and amusement parks. It's also become known as the "Water Park Capital of the World", and it won't disappoint. There are both indoor and outdoor waterparks as well as train rides, boat rides, and plenty of family-friendly restaurants.

Edmonton is a family-friendly city. Many families live in town so if you're visiting for a few days you'll find plenty to do with kids. Most of the activities are concentrated in the downtown areas and along the south side of the North Saskatchewan River. The whole family will enjoy a visit to Telus World of Science. There's also the Edmonton Valley Zoo, the Alberta Aviation Museum, and Galaxyland, as well as many other activities.

Is Wisconsin Dells or Edmonton Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Wisconsin Dells and Edmonton make for a nice place to visit.

Wisconsin Dells makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are a number of resorts with spas and romantic atmospheres. There are also wineries and plenty of entertainment options in the area.

Edmonton is a good city for couples to visit. There's a good theater scene, so you can enjoy dinner and a show. There are also quaint cafes, mellow breweries, and plenty of cultural activities like art museums.

Is Wisconsin Dells or Edmonton Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Edmonton is a popular place for its public transit. However, Wisconsin Dells is a city with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Edmonton, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The city has both bus and light rail systems.

Public transit is quite limited in Wisconsin Dells. There's no real public transportation in the area.

Is Wisconsin Dells or Edmonton a more walkable city?

Edmonton is a popular place for its high level of walkability. However, Wisconsin Dells is a city with minimal options for its ease of walking around.

Edmonton is a somewhat walkable place. There are parts of the city that are very walkable.

Wisconsin Dells is generally not a very walkable city. While the downtown area is walkable, you really need a car to access everything that the area has to offer.

For even more information, also check out Is Wisconsin Dells Worth Visiting? and Is Edmonton Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Edmonton or Wisconsin Dells?

How long in Wisconsin Dells or Edmonton?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Wisconsin Dells or Edmonton to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Wisconsin Dells than Edmonton because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Wisconsin Dells, and 1-2 days is enough time in Edmonton.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Edmonton than Wisconsin Dells 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 Edmonton.

One day in Wisconsin Dells or Edmonton?

The city of Wisconsin Dells offers food and nightlife. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

The authentic destination of Edmonton offers shopping and museums. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Wisconsin Dells or Edmonton?

Wisconsin Dells is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Wisconsin Dells, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

The city of Edmonton offers museums and nightlife. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

Five days in Wisconsin Dells or Edmonton?

Wisconsin Dells is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Edmonton is a great place to explore. This city offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Wisconsin Dells or Edmonton?

Wisconsin Dells is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

Many people enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting Edmonton. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, The Best Contiki Tours to Canada, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Canada.

When comparing the travel costs between Wisconsin Dells and Edmonton, we can see that Edmonton is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Wisconsin Dells or Edmonton?

Edmonton has a larger population, and is about 290 times larger than the population of Wisconsin Dells. When comparing the sizes of Wisconsin Dells and Edmonton, 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.