A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Zion National Park vs. Calgary for Backpackers, Families, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Zion National Park or Calgary?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Zion National Park or Calgary, 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.

Zion National Park

Zion National Park is a breathtaking, stunning, and world-renowned park. The famous beauty of Zion National Park is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the hiking. See Zion National Park travel costs.

Calgary

Calgary is a western, local, and authentic city. It's also known for nightlife, shopping, and museums. See Calgary travel costs.

Zion National Park and Calgary: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Zion National Park or Calgary?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Zion National Park. Although Zion National Park and Calgary are popular destinations, Zion National Park has more sights and attractions for tourists. Zion National Park is very popular for its resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Calgary attracts visitors for its museums and attractions, nightlife, and shopping. Zion National Park is more touristy than Calgary and is known for its iconic hiking trails, dramatic canyon, and world-class rock climbing. It is also well known for Angels Landing. Calgary is famous for its farming and oil industries as well as the Calgary Stampede.

How is Zion National Park different from Calgary?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Zion National Park or Calgary?

Calgary is a nice place to visit for its museums and landmarks. However, Zion National Park is not particularly known for its historical sights.

Calgary is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. It's worth visiting the Calgary Zoo, Fort Calgary, the Hangar Flight Museum, and Heritage Park, among others.

While most people don't head to Zion National Park specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. The best museum in the area is the Zion Human History Museum.

Is the Food Better in Zion National Park or Calgary? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Zion National Park and Calgary offer a number of reasonable restaurants to choose from.

Zion National Park offers some easy restaurants to choose from. Within the park there are a couple of restaurants, but it's far better to bring your own food that you can enjoy as a picnic or meal by a campfire.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Calgary. The food scene is constantly evolving and you'll find plenty of casual restaurants. The city is known for its beef, so you should definitely sample a local steak.

Is Zion National Park or Calgary Better for Nightlife?

Calgary is a nice place to visit for nightlife. However, Zion National Park is not particularly known for nightlife and partying.

Calgary has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. Visitors often head to Stephen Avenue Walk for its bars and pubs. There's also a decent theater scene around town.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Zion National Park Stargazing and relaxing by a campfire is how most visitors enjoy the evening hours.

Is Zion National Park or Calgary Better for Resorts?

Zion National Park is a park with a few options for its resorts. However, Calgary is not a resort destination.

Not known for its high-end resorts, Zion National Park offers a few options. There's a lodge within the park and many hotel options outside of the park.

Calgary is not a resort destination.

Is Zion National Park or Calgary Better for Hiking?

Zion National Park is an unbeatable place for its hiking experiences. However, Calgary is not a hiking destination.

Around Zion National Park visitors will find world-class hiking trails. This park is known for its iconic hikes, which include Angels Landing, the Narrows, and the Emerald Pools Trail. There are hikes that range from easy to incredibly difficult, and many visits see this destination as a bucket list hiking opportunity.

Calgary is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Zion National Park or Calgary?

Calgary is a nice place to visit for shopping. However, Zion National Park is not particularly known for its shopping opportunities.

Calgary is a great destination for shopping. There are plenty of independent shops around town as well as some great shopping neighborhoods. Make sure you check out Fourth Street and 17th Avenue. There are also large shopping malls.

Shopping in Zion National Park can be found for those interested. There are park stores, but few other shopping opportunities in the area.

Is Zion National Park or Calgary More Beautiful?

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

The famous beauty of Zion National Park is one of the main draws. This park will have you feeling as if you're in a painting. There are spectacular views and a stunning natural beauty that will take your breath away.

Calgary is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Zion National Park or Calgary Better for Families?

Zion National Park is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Calgary is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Zion National Park is a very kid-friendly park. One of the most kid-friendly hikes is the Watchman Trail, which starts conveniently near the Visitor Center. Other favorites include the Lower Emerald Pool Trail, the Pa'rus Trail, and the Riverside Walk.

Calgary offers lots of family activities. There are a surprising number of things around town to do with kids such as petting zoos, museums, and even amusement parks. The Calgary Zoo is worth a visit, but also make sure you check out Calaway Park Amusement Park and the Telus Spark science center.

Is Zion National Park or Calgary Better for Couples?

Zion National Park is well known for its romantic activities. Also, Calgary is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Couples visit Zion National Park frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. There are world-class hiking trails, spectacular views, and many opportunities for a romantic moment in this well-known park. While the crowds can be intense, particularly during peak seasons, the park is large enough that you should be able to find a moment of solitude.

Calgary is a good park for couples to visit. You'll find outdoor sports, boat tours, and plenty of great restaurants around town. If you're looking for a low key destination with a great vibe, then this is a great city for a weekend trip.

Is Zion National Park or Calgary Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Zion National Park is an unbeatable place for backpackers. Also, Calgary is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Zion National Park. This is a world-famous rock climbing, hiking, and backpacking destination. There are many opportunities for backcountry camping, but you are required to purchase a permit.

Plenty of backpackers visit Calgary. A surprising number of backpackers end up passing through town, so you'll find a handful of hostels to choose from.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Zion National Park and Calgary.

You'll find some public transit in Zion National Park, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are free shuttles that travel around the park. They operate during the most popular seasons but the service isn't available during most of the winter months.

While Calgary offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The public transportation system is relatively efficient with both light rail and buses.

Is Zion National Park or Calgary a more walkable city?

Calgary is a city with a few options for its walkability. However, Zion National Park is not particularly known for its high level of walkability.

Calgary is generally not very walkable. While there are a couple of walkable neighborhood's around town, it's definitely not the most walkable city.

Zion National Park is not a very walkable park. The park is large, and most trailheads are spread out and require a vehicle to access.

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

Should I spend more time in Calgary or Zion National Park?

How long in Zion National Park or Calgary?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Zion National Park than Calgary 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 Zion National Park.

One day in Zion National Park or Calgary?

In Zion National Park, you'll find . Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. This park offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the local destination of Calgary. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Zion National Park or Calgary?

In Zion National Park, you'll find . The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Calgary is a popular place to visit. Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the western city of Calgary. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Calgary has to offer.

Five days in Zion National Park or Calgary?

Zion National Park is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Zion National Park has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Many people enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting Calgary. Anyone can find something fun to do here. 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.

A week in Zion National Park or Calgary?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Zion National Park. In Zion National Park, you'll find . One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Calgary is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. It offers something for everyone. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Canada, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Canada.

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

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