A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Yosemite National Park vs. Edmonton for Backpackers, Families, Couples, and Nightlife

Should you visit Yosemite National Park or Edmonton?

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

Should I visit Yosemite National Park 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.

Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park is a breathtaking, popular, and world-famous national park. You'll find world class beauty in Yosemite National Park as well. It's also known for hiking. See Yosemite National Park travel costs.

Edmonton

Edmonton is a friendly, cultural, and authentic city. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and shopping. See Edmonton travel costs.

Yosemite National Park and Edmonton: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Yosemite National Park or Edmonton?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Yosemite National Park than Edmonton, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Yosemite National Park is better known for its resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Edmonton is more popular for its museums and attractions, nightlife, and shopping. Yosemite National Park is more touristy than Edmonton and is known for its stunning hikes, giant Sequoias, breathtaking vistas, and the granite cliffs of Half Dome. Also, Yosemite National Park is famous for El Capitan. Edmonton is well known for its many festivals and lively personality.

How is Yosemite National Park different from Edmonton?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Yosemite National Park or Edmonton?

Edmonton is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Yosemite National Park does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Yosemite National Park does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Yosemite National Park or Edmonton? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Yosemite National Park and Edmonton both to be respectable destinations.

Yosemite National Park may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. There are a few varied restaurants in the park that offer casual food or packaged meals that you can take away. The food is generally expensive and not always the best, so you'll likely enjoy packing your own picnic food to enjoy within the park.

Edmonton offers some easy restaurants to choose from. You'll find a mix of casual cafes, international eateries, and more upscale dining options.

Is Yosemite National Park or Edmonton Better for Nightlife?

Edmonton is a popular place for its evening party scene. However, Yosemite National Park is not a good national park for nightlife.

There's a variety of activities in the evening 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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Yosemite National Park. There are some bars near the park that make a nice spot to grab a drink.

Is Yosemite National Park or Edmonton Better for Resorts?

Yosemite National Park is a well-known place for its resorts. However, Edmonton is not a resort destination.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Yosemite National Park. There are several grand hotels and lodges within the park. Reservations are a must, especially if you're traveling during peak seasons.

Edmonton is not a resort destination.

Is Yosemite National Park or Edmonton Better for Hiking?

Yosemite National Park is an unbeatable place for the nearby hiking options. However, Edmonton is not a hiking destination.

Many people visit Yosemite National Park specifically for its hiking. This park has many famous hikes that take you by Half Dome, near Yosemite Falls, and through breathtaking landscapes. Popular hikes in the area include Mist Trail to Vernal Fall and Nevada Fall and Mirror Lake Trail.

Edmonton is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Yosemite National Park or Edmonton?

Edmonton is a well-known place for its shopping areas. However, Yosemite National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Edmonton. 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.

Yosemite National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Yosemite National Park or Edmonton More Beautiful?

Yosemite National Park is an unbeatable place for its scenery and beauty. However, Edmonton is not a destination known for its beauty.

You'll find world class beauty in Yosemite National Park as well. This park has a sense of natural beauty that's hard to find anywhere else in the world. The breathtaking landscapes, surreal waterfalls, and stunning granite rock formations are unlike any other park or setting.

Edmonton is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Yosemite National Park or Edmonton Better for Families?

Yosemite National Park is a well-known 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.

Yosemite National Park is a very family-friendly place to visit. This park has many hikes, climbs, and activities that kids of all ages can enjoy. When the weather's warm the kids will enjoy getting wet in Merced River. They'll also be impressed by the giant sequoias and the beautiful waterfalls. In the evening the staff host ranger programs that are fun and educational for everyone. The park also has kid-friendly camping and lodges.

Edmonton is a family-friendly national park. 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 Yosemite National Park or Edmonton Better for Couples?

Yosemite National Park is a well-known place for romance. Also, Edmonton is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its romantic activities.

Yosemite National Park is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples who enjoy nature, rock climbing, hiking, and being outside will enjoy a visit to this park. There is an endless supply of romantic views and fun-filled activities that are perfect for avid hikers or those looking for a more relaxing travel experience.

Edmonton makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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 Yosemite National Park or Edmonton Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Yosemite National Park is an unbeatable place for backpackers. However, Edmonton is not a good city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Yosemite National Park is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. Campgrounds and back country trails make this area a backpacker's paradise.

Edmonton is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Most backpackers overlook this city, but there is a hostel in town where you can stay.

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

Both Yosemite National Park and Edmonton offer notable public transit options.

Yosemite National Park has a few public transit options. There is a free bus service that travels around Yosemite Valley.

Edmonton has some public transit options. The city has both bus and light rail systems.

Is Yosemite National Park or Edmonton a more walkable city?

Edmonton is a popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Yosemite National Park is not a good national park for its walkability.

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

Yosemite National Park is generally not a very walkable national park. The park is large and a car is necessary to reach many places within the park.

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

Should I spend more time in Edmonton or Yosemite National Park?

How long in Yosemite National Park or Edmonton?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Yosemite National Park or Edmonton to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Yosemite National Park than Edmonton because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Yosemite National Park, and 1-2 days is enough time in Edmonton.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Yosemite National Park than Edmonton 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 Yosemite National Park.

One day in Yosemite National Park or Edmonton?

The beautiful national park of Yosemite National Park offers . Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 city of Edmonton offers museums and nightlife. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

A weekend in Yosemite National Park or Edmonton?

Yosemite National Park is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

The cultural destination of Edmonton offers nightlife and shopping. This city offers something for everyone. It is common to spend a weekend here. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Yosemite National Park or Edmonton?

Yosemite National Park is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Yosemite National Park, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Edmonton. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Yosemite National Park or Edmonton?

Yosemite National Park is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. It is common to spend one week here. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Yosemite National Park has to offer. This national park offers something for everyone.

Edmonton is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Edmonton. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

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

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