Jasper vs Banff: Which Should You Visit in 2025?

Trying to choose between Jasper vs Banff for a trip to the Canadian Rockies? You’re in the right place.

Both Banff and Jasper are two of the most beautiful places in Canada. As a Canadian, I’ve been lucky to visit and spend time both, in different seasons of the year.

If you’re a first-time visitor to this part of Canada, then in general, I would recommend choosing Banff. However, both Banff and Jasper have unique qualities that are worth considering before making your final decision.

Jasper is much smaller than Banff, which means less touristy. (This is especially true after the devastating wildfires from 2024. )

Visiting Jasper feels more like being out in the Canadian wilderness. It’s beautiful, although the landscape isn’t quite as ‘dramatic’ as Banff.

Banff is the (slightly) more beautiful of the two, but its much more touristy. It can get absolutely crazy during the summer, to the point where finding parking at some of the popular sights can be a challenge.

Your decision between Jasper vs Banff might depend on how much time you have, and what you like in a vacation. I would recommend doing both (here is a 7 day itinerary with a car) but if not – let’s figure out which one is best for you.

So, let’s jump in – what to keep in mind when choosing between Banff vs Jasper.

Why is Banff more popular than Jasper?

It goes without saying that Banff is a lot more popular than Jasper is. In 2023, 4.3 million people visited Banff, but only 2.8 million went to Jasper.

When choosing between the two, its helpful to know why Banff is the more popular option.

1. Banff is more accessible

Banff is only a 90-minute drive from the closest major city, which is Calgary.

Jasper on the other hand, is closer to Edmonton. Even when you get to Edmonton, it’s still another 3+ hour drive to reach Jasper. So, Jasper is a lot more remote than Banff and more of a hassle to get to.

Banff’s location in the south of Alberta also makes it a bit more accessible, from places like Vancouver.

2. Banff is slightly prettier

I want to stress that both Jasper and Banff are breathtakingly beautiful, so if you’re looking for scenic beauty, then you can’t go wrong with either.

The mountain peaks in Banff are slightly higher, which creates a more dramatic landscape. Banff also has some of the most iconic Canadian landscapes, like Moraine Lake and Lake Louise.

If you have enough time to visit Jasper and Banff, then I’d recommend taking the time to visit both.

Pro Tip: The drive between Banff and Jasper along Icefields Parkway is incredibly scenic; by far the prettiest drive I’ve ever done.

3. There are more things to do in Banff

There’s a lot to do not just right in Banff, but within a short driving distance too. You could spend a solid week in Banff and easily have activities to fill every day.

There are hiking trails of varying levels, boat cruises, shopping, excursions. There’s lots to do for all ages. I went to Banff with a toddler (which restricted us a little bit, but there was still plenty to do!)

If you’re visiting Banff or Jasper in summer, then there’s lots of hiking in both places, but Banff has more of a variety of trails of varying levels of difficulty.

Banff is also close to Yoho National Park which is across the boarder in British Columbia and is extremely beautiful as well.

There’s more to see and do even just in the small village of Banff.

You could spend a whole afternoon just walking up the street; there are a few museums, art galleries, lots of places to eat, shops, and things to do within walking distance.

Why You Might Prefer Jasper

We’ve established that Banff is larger, with more things to do in and around the area. However, I don’t want to discredit Jasper as being a phenomenal place to visit as well.

Jasper is becoming more recognized as a worthwhile place to visit. According to Parks Canada, tourism to Jasper has increased by 20% over the last decade.

Here are some reasons why for some people, Jasper might be the better choice over Banff.

1. Jasper is more remote, and quieter

If you’re visiting Alberta during high season, and crowds really bother you, then you might prefer Jasper over Banff.

If I’m completely honest, Banff has suffered from over-tourism over the past few years. The influx of vehicles trying to get into the park has lead to thousands being turned away daily, and Parks Canada installing efforts to combat over-tourism in the park.

Jasper is rising in popularity too, but has nowhere near caught up with the tourism levels of Banff.

So, if you want to visit a place that hasn’t been ruined by tourism (yet) then Jasper might be the better option.

2. Jasper is less expensive

Because Banff is the more popular of the two, this also means that the demand for accommodations is higher. This means you can count on it being pricier, too.

When we compare the cost of a 3-night stay in both cities, Banff comes out to be the more expensive of the two.

In Jasper, you can expect to spend around $1,000 for a 3-night stay in a 3 or 4 star hotel, but in Banff, its hard to find a 3-night stay in a similar hotel for less than $2,000.

Pro Tip: In Banff, you can save some money by staying in the town of Canmore instead of Banff. Canmore is a 25 minute drive from Banff, and the prices are more on par with Jasper. I chose to stay in Canmore when I visited Banff because it was a lot less expensive than staying in Banff.

3. It’s easier to see wildlife in Jasper

Both Jasper and Banff have the same species of wildlife – moose, elk and grizzly bears, and mountain goats. However, your chances of seeing these animals are higher in Jasper than they are in Banff.

It’s still very possible to see wildlife in Banff. In fact, one of our most memorable moments in Banff there was posting with a moose on the side of the road.

However, Banff has more people and cars, which generally isn’t conducive to seeing wildlife. You may get lucky and see wildlife; the chances are just lower.

4. Japer has more of a foodie scene

One thing that might surprise you about Jasper is that it is more of a foodie destination than Banff is!

This is surprising, since Jasper is a lot smaller with fewer tourists. But, it has great restaurants and coffee shops. There are even food tours in Jasper that allow you to explore the culture and culinary dishes of the town.

The verdict: Both Banff and Jasper are incredible places to visit. As a Canadian who has visited both, I feel that telling people to visit Alberta without seeing Banff is like recommending tourists going to France to see the Eiffel Tower! Yes, its the busiest most touristy part of France, but its something you should see at least once. That’s how I feel about Banff.

After reviewing all the information, you might be leaning more towards one or the other, and of course – the decision is yours.

Let’s chat about the things there are to do in Jasper and Banff so you can get an idea of how to spend a vacation there.

Things to Do in Jasper vs Banff

Both Jasper and Banff are full of things to do, but the list extends a bit longer in Banff. Here are the exciting things you could add to your itinerary in both places.

Pro Tip: There are also a number of things to do in between Banff and Jasper, such as the Columbia Icefields skywalk, Morant Curve, Athabasca Falls and getting views of Payto Lake. I would highly recommend a tour, or a road trip between Banff and Jasper if you have the time. If you drive, be sure to take Icefields Parkway to see all of the above.

How many days to spend in Banff vs Jasper?

Part of making this decision might come down to how much time you have. Here’s how much time you should spend in Banff vs Jasper

You could probably see everything in Jasper in about three full days (two nights.)

In Banff, you need more time to see everything – probably closer to five days, but you could see the highlights in just three days. Check out our 3 and 5 day Banff Itinerary.

Personally, I would recommend seeing both Banff and Jasper while you’re in the area, especially if you live far and aren’t likely to make it out here again.

The driving distance between Banff and Jasper is 180 km (111 miles) and takes just over 2 hours. It’s one of the most beautiful drives in the world!

Here are my suggestions on how to divide or spend your time in Banff vs Jasper:

• Banff only: 3-7 days
• Jasper only: 3-5 days
• Banff and Jasper: 8 – 10+ days

Honestly, I believe you could spend months in either location and still not see anything. But the time frames above give you enough time to experience ‘the best’ of each place.

The verdict: You need a bit more time in Banff than you do in Jasper.

Winter in Jasper vs Banff

Both, Jasper and Banff, are beautiful in the wintertime and are popular winter destinations.

Food options in Jasper and Banff

Both Banff and Jasper have fantastic food options, especially for small towns. Banff, being bigger, inevitably has more – but Jasper has lots of culinary variety too.

The verdict on food: Ultimately, you won’t be disappointed in the food options in either towns. Both Banff and Jasper have great food options. I don’t think your choice should be swayed too much by food, since they both have lots of restaurant options.

Which is best for you – Jasper or Banff?

Here are the highlights of each place to guide you to decide whether Banff or Jasper is the better option for you

You might prefer Banff if…

• You want to see the more famous, iconic Canadian landscapes
• You want to have your breath taken away with spectacular views
• You don’t mind crowds, line ups, or making advance registrations
• You have 3-4 days to spend and want to fill those days with fun activities that allow you to experience the great Canadian rockies

You might prefer Jasper if…

• You want to visit somewhere remote and off the beaten path
• You want to see rugged, more ‘wild’ looking landscapes with untouched beauty
• You’ve already been to Banff, and want to see something different
• You prefer smaller towns with a quieter feel.
• You’re on a budget

Places to Stay in Jasper vs Banff

Banff vs Jasper FAQ

Here are the most commonly asked questions about visiting Banff or Jasper, and choosing between the two

What is better Banff or Jasper?

Neither Banff or Jasper is better, but they are a little bit different. Banff has more of the spectacular, iconic and famous Canadian landscapes. Banff is like the “Paris” of the Canadian Rockies. Jasper is

Is Jasper worth seeing?

Jasper National Park is definitely worth seeing. The town of Jasper is quiet compared to its counterpart, Banff. But it has a more relaxed feeling that some may be looking for in a Canadian Rockies getaway. There are is a lot of incredible scenery to experience just a short drive from the town of Jasper.

Are there more bears in Jasper or Banff?

Jasper has more grizzly bears than Banff, but it is a larger park. There are 109 grizzly bears in Jasper, and 65 in Banff. Relative to their size, it works out to that Banff and Jasper have a similar number of grizzly bears.

Is Jasper cheaper than Banff?

Jasper is a little bit cheaper than Banff, but the price difference isn’t too big. In Banff, you can stay in a village called Canmore (25 minutes away) for prices that are similar to staying in the town of Jasper. Banff also has some budget options that

Final Thoughts on Jasper vs Banff

Regardless of which you choose between Banff vs Jasper, you can’t go wrong. They are both among the most beautiful places in Canada, and maybe in the world.

As someone who has visited both Banff and Jasper, I would choose to return to Jasper. However, I really love the activities and scenery that you can enjoy in Banff and I would highly recommend a visit there for those who haven’t been.

You could skip Banff and visit Jasper only, and would not be disappointed in your choice at all – Jasper is beautiful. I would recommend adding Banff to your plans despite how busy it is, because of those famous post-card perfect Canadian landscapes. Ultimately though, they are both very special.

I hope that this article has helped make your decision between Banff and Jasper a bit easier.