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

Should you visit Wisconsin Dells or Saskatoon?

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

Should I visit Wisconsin Dells 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.

Wisconsin Dells

Wisconsin Dells is a lighthearted, high energy, and fun-filled city. And you can't forget about the food, hiking, and nightlife. See Wisconsin Dells travel costs.

Saskatoon

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

Wisconsin Dells and Saskatoon: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Wisconsin Dells or Saskatoon?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Wisconsin Dells than Saskatoon, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Wisconsin Dells is better known for its nightlife, resorts, and hiking, while Saskatoon is more popular for its museums and attractions and shopping. Wisconsin Dells is more touristy than Saskatoon and is known for its many waterparks and unapologetically playful atmosphere. Also, Wisconsin Dells is famous for Noah's Ark Water Park. Saskatoon is well known for its agriculture and outdoor spaces.

How is Wisconsin Dells different from Saskatoon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Saskatoon 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 Saskatoon?

Wisconsin Dells
Saskatoon

Saskatoon is a popular place for its museums and landmarks. However, Wisconsin Dells is a city with minimal options for its historical sights.

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.

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 Saskatoon? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Wisconsin Dells
Saskatoon

Foodies will find both Wisconsin Dells and Saskatoon both to be notable destinations.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Wisconsin Dells. 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.

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 Wisconsin Dells or Saskatoon Better for Nightlife?

Wisconsin Dells
Saskatoon

Wisconsin Dells 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.

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 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 Wisconsin Dells or Saskatoon Better for Resorts?

Wisconsin Dells
Saskatoon

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

With a selection of resorts, Wisconsin Dells makes a nice vacation spot. Many of the waterparks in the area have affiliated resorts that offer family-friendly entertainment.

Saskatoon is not a resort destination.


Is Wisconsin Dells or Saskatoon Better for Hiking?

Wisconsin Dells
Saskatoon

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

Wisconsin Dells offers some nice hiking trails. 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.

Saskatoon is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Wisconsin Dells or Saskatoon?

Wisconsin Dells
Saskatoon

Saskatoon is a popular place for its shopping opportunities. However, Wisconsin Dells is a city with minimal options for its shopping areas.

Saskatoon offers some nice shopping areas. A number of brands have opened stores in the downtown area in recent years, so the shopping scene continues to grow and diversify.

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 Saskatoon Better for Families?

Wisconsin Dells
Saskatoon

Wisconsin Dells 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, Wisconsin Dells is very family-friendly. 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.

Saskatoon is a family-friendly city. 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 Wisconsin Dells or Saskatoon Better for Couples?

Wisconsin Dells
Saskatoon

With fun activities for couples, both Wisconsin Dells and Saskatoon make for a notable 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.

Saskatoon is a good city 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 Wisconsin Dells or Saskatoon Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Wisconsin Dells
Saskatoon

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

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

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

Is Wisconsin Dells or Saskatoon a more walkable city?

Wisconsin Dells
Saskatoon

Saskatoon 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.

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

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 Saskatoon Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Saskatoon or Wisconsin Dells?

How long in Wisconsin Dells or Saskatoon?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Wisconsin Dells and Saskatoon. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Wisconsin Dells than in Saskatoon. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Wisconsin Dells, and 1-3 days is enough time in Saskatoon.

Families should spend more time in Wisconsin Dells than Saskatoon. 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.

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

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


  • How many days in Wisconsin Dells or Saskatoon? Ideal Length of Stay
    Wisconsin Dells 2-4 
    Saskatoon 1-3

One day in Wisconsin Dells or Saskatoon?

You'll find nightlife and food around the city of Wisconsin Dells. 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.

The authentic destination of Saskatoon offers nightlife and food. 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 Saskatoon?

You'll find food and nightlife around the high energy destination of Wisconsin Dells. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

The city of Saskatoon offers food and shopping. 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 Saskatoon?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the lighthearted city of Wisconsin Dells. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Saskatoon 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 Saskatoon?

Wisconsin Dells is a popular choice for travelers. 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Saskatoon. 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 Family-Friendly Tours to Canada, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Canada.


Which place is cheaper, Saskatoon or Wisconsin Dells?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Wisconsin Dells Prices
    USA Prices
    Saskatoon Prices
    Canada Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Wisconsin Dells $174
    Saskatoon $149

The average daily cost (per person) in Wisconsin Dells is $174, while the average daily cost in Saskatoon is $149. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Wisconsin Dells and Saskatoon in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Wisconsin Dells $70
    Saskatoon $54
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Wisconsin Dells $140
    Saskatoon $108
Compare Hotels in Wisconsin Dells and Saskatoon

Looking for a hotel in Wisconsin Dells or Saskatoon? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Wisconsin Dells


Hotels in Saskatoon


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Wisconsin Dells Hotel Prices and Saskatoon Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Wisconsin Dells $35
    Saskatoon $32

Is it cheaper to fly into Wisconsin Dells or Saskatoon?

Prices for flights to both Saskatoon and Wisconsin Dells change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Wisconsin Dells $74
    Saskatoon $54

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Wisconsin Dells $46
    Saskatoon $17

Tours and Activities in Wisconsin Dells

Here are a few actual costs in Wisconsin Dells for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Haunted History Trolley Tour in Wisconsin Dells: $25

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Wisconsin Dells $9.14
    Saskatoon $9.60


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Wisconsin Dells and Saskatoon, we can see that Wisconsin Dells 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 Wisconsin Dells would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Wisconsin Dells 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 Wisconsin Dells Expensive? and Is Saskatoon Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Wisconsin Dells or Saskatoon?

Saskatoon has a larger population, and is about 80 times larger than the population of Wisconsin Dells. When comparing the sizes of Wisconsin Dells 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.

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