A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Yellowstone National Park vs. Hope for Hiking, Backpackers, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Yellowstone National Park or Hope?

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

Should I visit Yellowstone National Park or Hope? 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.

Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park is a breathtaking, vast, and world-famous national park. Many visitors also come to Yellowstone National Park because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include hiking. See Yellowstone National Park travel costs.

Hope

Hope is a local, small, and friendly town. Other popular activities here include hiking. See Hope travel costs.

Yellowstone National Park and Hope: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Nice resorts
  • Good for hiking
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to Old Faithful
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers


Is there more to do in Yellowstone National Park or Hope?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Yellowstone National Park than Hope, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Yellowstone National Park is better known for its resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Hope is more popular for its museums and attractions, nightlife, and shopping. Yellowstone National Park is more touristy than Hope and is popular for its iconic geysers, breathtaking waterfalls, world-class hikes, and diverse wildlife. Also, Yellowstone National Park is famous for Old Faithful. Hope is well known for its chainsaw carvings and being the filming location of "Rambo."

How is Yellowstone National Park different from Hope?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Yellowstone National Park or Hope?

Yellowstone National Park
Hope

Hope is a town with a few options for its museums and landmarks. However, Yellowstone National Park does not have museums and landmarks.

Hope offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. You can check out Hopes Art Gallery, The Sunshine Valley Tashme Museum, or the Hope Museum.

Yellowstone National Park does not have museums and landmarks.


Is the Food Better in Yellowstone National Park or Hope? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Yellowstone National Park
Hope

Both Yellowstone National Park and Hope offer respectable local cuisine and restaurants.

Yellowstone National Park may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. This is a large park and there are a number of dining options available both inside and just outside of the park. Many places are seasonal so your options will be highest during the summer months. Like most national park venues, prices can be high and the quality is variable. It's recommended that you pack your own food and plan to picnic.

Hope offers some easy restaurants to choose from. There's a decent selection of casual restaurants with basic dishes and local cuisine.

Is Yellowstone National Park or Hope Better for Nightlife?

Yellowstone National Park
Hope

Hope is a town with a few options for its evening party scene. However, Yellowstone National Park is not particularly known for nightlife.

Hope is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. It's a small town but there are some local pubs and bars.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Yellowstone National Park Things quiet down quickly at night and you won't find many places to go in the evening.

Is Yellowstone National Park or Hope Better for Resorts?

Yellowstone National Park
Hope

Yellowstone National Park is a great national park for its luxury resorts. However, Hope is not a resort destination.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Yellowstone National Park. It is a large national park, and there are several impressive lodges nearby. Reservations are recommended well in advance. Within the park, Old Faithful Inn, Roosevelt Lodge, Lake Yellowstone Hotel, and Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel are all nice options.

Hope is not a resort destination.


Is Yellowstone National Park or Hope Better for Hiking?

Yellowstone National Park
Hope

Yellowstone National Park is a world-class destination for hiking. Also, Hope is not as popular, but is still a nice town for the nearby hiking options.

Many people visit Yellowstone National Park specifically for its hiking. The park is huge, and there are countless hikes throughout. From short strolls to lengthy endeavors, there really is something for everyone. If you want to see the geysers, some of the best hikes are Grand Prismatic Overlook Trail, the Upper Geyser Basin and Old Faithful Observation Point Loop, and the Lone Star Geyser Trail. For waterfalls you can check out Brink of the Lower Falls Trail, the North Rim Trail, and Fairy Falls Trail.

Hope is a popular spot for hiking. There are a range of hikes in the area, like more challenging routes such as Hope Mountain and Wells Peak. For a more casual hike you can check out Rotary Trail, Thacker Marsh Trail, and the Othello Tunnels.

Is the Shopping Better in Yellowstone National Park or Hope?

Yellowstone National Park
Hope

Hope is a town with a few options for its shopping areas. However, Yellowstone National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Hope has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. It's a small town, but there are places to peak up anything you may have forgotten.

Yellowstone National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Yellowstone National Park or Hope More Beautiful?

Yellowstone National Park
Hope

Yellowstone National Park is a world-class destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Hope is not a destination known for its beauty.

Many visitors also come to Yellowstone National Park because of it's amazing beauty. With its spectacular geysers, colorful springs, and unique wildlife, the park really is a beautiful place to visit.

Hope is not a destination known for its beauty.


Is Yellowstone National Park or Hope Better for Families?

Yellowstone National Park
Hope

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Yellowstone National Park or Hope.

Yellowstone National Park is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids who enjoy the outdoors and exploring new environments will appreciate a visit to this park. The geysers are fascinating for everyone and the waterfalls are breathtaking. There are ranger shows and other activities that are great for kids as well. Make sure you stop by the Visitor's Centers.

Hope is a very family-friendly destination. Kids will love enjoying the outdoors just as much as the adults. You can also visit the Hope Museum or the Coquihalla Gorge.

Is Yellowstone National Park or Hope Better for Couples?

Yellowstone National Park
Hope

With fun activities for couples, both Yellowstone National Park and Hope make for a great place to visit.

Couples visit Yellowstone National Park frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. This park is a beautiful and romantic destination for couples who enjoy the outdoors. There are world-renowned hikes and breathtaking views. There are also lodges in the area that make for a romantic stay.

Hope is a great national park if you're traveling as a couple. Couples who enjoy adventures and nature will love a few days in this beautiful area.

Is Yellowstone National Park or Hope Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Yellowstone National Park
Hope

Yellowstone National Park is a world-class destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Hope is not as popular, but is still a nice town for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent Yellowstone National Park. Backpackers will appreciate the campgrounds and affordable facilities that are found around the park. Reservations are recommended well in advance, particularly if you're hoping to stay inside the park.

Hope is a great national park to visit for backpackers. There are many camping and backpacking opportunities in the area.


Is Yellowstone National Park or Hope Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Yellowstone National Park
Hope

Neither Yellowstone National Park or Hope offer decent public transit.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Yellowstone National Park. There is no public transportation service available in the park. There are private tour options available.

Public transit is quite limited in Hope. There is no public transit in town.

Is Yellowstone National Park or Hope a more walkable city?

Yellowstone National Park
Hope

Hope is a town with a few options for its ease of walking around. However, Yellowstone National Park is not particularly known for its walkability.

Hope is generally not very walkable. The town is relatively walkable, but you'll likely want to get into the surrounding area where most of the activities are.

Yellowstone National Park is not a very walkable national park. This is among the largest national parks and a car is an absolute must if you hope to experience the different landscapes.

For even more information, also check out Is Yellowstone National Park Worth Visiting? and Is Hope Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Hope or Yellowstone National Park?

How long in Yellowstone National Park or Hope?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Yellowstone National Park and Hope. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Yellowstone National Park than in Hope. Usually, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Yellowstone National Park, and 2-3 days is enough time in Hope.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Yellowstone National Park than Hope 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 Yellowstone National Park.


  • How many days in Yellowstone National Park or Hope? Ideal Length of Stay
    Yellowstone National Park 5-7 
    Hope 2-3

One day in Yellowstone National Park or Hope?

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the destination of Yellowstone National Park. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the small town of Hope. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.


A weekend in Yellowstone National Park or Hope?

Yellowstone National Park is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the hiking. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the destination of Hope. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Five days in Yellowstone National Park or Hope?

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the breathtaking destination of Yellowstone National Park. This national park offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

Hope is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. It offers something for everyone.

A week in Yellowstone National Park or Hope?

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the stunning national park of Yellowstone National Park. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Many people spend one week here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

Hope is a popular choice for travelers. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. Your budget might influence how long you stay.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, The Best 10-Day Tours from Vancouver, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Canada.


Which place is cheaper, Hope or Yellowstone National Park?

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

  • Yellowstone National Park Prices
    USA Prices
    Hope Prices
    Canada Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Yellowstone National Park $181
    Hope $47

The average daily cost (per person) in Yellowstone National Park is $181, while the average daily cost in Hope is $47. 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 Yellowstone National Park and Hope in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Yellowstone National Park $74
    Hope $8.89
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Yellowstone National Park $148
    Hope $18
Compare Hotels in Yellowstone National Park and Hope

Looking for a hotel in Yellowstone National Park or Hope? 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 Yellowstone National Park


Hotels in Hope


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: Yellowstone National Park Hotel Prices and Hope Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Yellowstone National Park $37
    Hope -

Is it cheaper to fly into Yellowstone National Park or Hope?

Prices for flights to both Hope and Yellowstone National Park 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
    Yellowstone National Park $80
    Hope $38

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Yellowstone National Park $34
    Hope -

Tours and Activities in Yellowstone National Park

Here are a few actual costs in Yellowstone National Park for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 6-Mile Geyser Hiking Tour in Yellowstone with Lunch: $182
  • E-Bike Tours in Yellowstone National Park: $250
  • Early Morning Guided Kayak Tour: $125
  • Full-Day Guided Yellowstone Day Tour: $299
  • Grand Teton and Yellowstone Self-Guided Driving Tours Bundle: $35
  • Lake Yellowstone Half Day Kayak Tours Past Geothermal Features : $120
  • Lamar Valley Safari Hiking Tour with Lunch: $182
  • Salt Lake City: Yellowstone 4-day Tour with Airport Pickup: $918
  • Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Yellowstone National Park: $20
  • Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Yellowstone and Grand Teton: $33
  • Small-Group Sunset Kayaking Tour on Lake Yellowstone : $125
  • Ultimate Audio Tours: Yellowstone, Glacier, Grand Teton & Banff: $36

Tours and Activities in Hope

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Hope.

  • From Vancouver: 2-Day Kelowna Wine, Lake, and Farm Tour: $296
  • From Vancouver: 3-Day Tour to Manning Park, Nelson & Osoyoos: $379

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Yellowstone National Park $19
    Hope $10


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Yellowstone National Park and Hope, we can see that Yellowstone National Park is more expensive. And not only is Hope much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Hope would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Hope 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 Yellowstone National Park would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Yellowstone National Park than you might in Hope.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Yellowstone National Park Expensive? and Is Hope Expensive?.


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