Banff and Jasper are two of Canada’s most popular destinations, but which offers the experience you’re looking for? We compare the pros and the major differences between Jasper vs. Banff so you can choose the winner of this mountain town showdown for yourself.

See what makes each of these destinations unique, and read on for things to do in Jasper and Banff, the best places to stay, and more.

Banff and Jasper are both popular Canadian mountain destinations, and choosing between these spots depends on what you want to do. Though they're both in the Rockies and share many characteristics, each offers a distinctive experience.

Go to Banff if you’re looking for:

• Skiing 🎿

• Winter activities ⛄️

• Nightlife and restaurants🕺🏽

• Easy access to Calgary International Airport ✈️

Go to Jasper if you’re looking for:

• Relaxation 🛀🏼

• Rugged, untouched nature ⛰️

• Smaller crowds 💆🏻‍♀️

• Small town vibes 🏡

If you’re travelling for winter sports, particularly skiing or snowboarding, both Banff and Jasper are great picks.

When it comes to Jasper vs. Banff for better ski hills, Banff is generally the more popular pick. Banff offers three ski hills to choose from, each with a different vibe:

• Sunshine Village: Multiple terrain parks and 134 named runs with varying difficulty for all-mountain ski and snowboard days.

• Lake Louise: Varied terrain and more than 170 runs with long descents.

• Norquay: Cheaper day passes, short runs, and fewer crowds.

In Jasper, your best bet for skiing is Marmot Basin. It has the highest base of elevation in Canada, which means that even if it doesn't snow as much as Sunshine, the snow is reliably powdery. There are 91 runs, with plenty to do for riders at any level. Plus, unlike some of Marmot Basin's fellow top-ranked ski hills in Canada, you'll spend little to no time waiting in line for the chair.

Both Jasper and Banff offer accommodations ranging from luxury hotels to budget-friendly hostels and campgrounds. The best places to stay in Banff and Jasper offer easy access to mountain experiences, whether hikes or hot spring dips. Accommodations book up quickly at either spot, so make sure to snag a room or campsite well in advance.

The Fairmont Banff Springs is an icon of the Banff area. Known for once hosting King George and Queen Elizabeth, the Fairmont Banff Springs is a luxury hotel, complete with a spa, golf course, ski packages, and even traditional high tea. For more affordable spots, check out one of several ski-bum-friendly hostels or a family-friendly lodge.

In Jasper, the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge offers similar luxury in the rugged mountains, but usually at slightly less premium rates. The hotel also has a quieter, chalet-like feel, with cozy suites and cabins along Beauvert Lake. Jasper also offers several hostels and hotels for solo and group travellers, plus a scattering of rustic campgrounds just outside of town.

When it comes to Banff vs. Jasper for food, Banff’s popularity gives it a head start. As a major international tourist destination, downtown Banff offers plenty of dining options, from casual burgers to high-end fine dining. Banff also tends to attract a mix of general tourists and outdoor sports enthusiasts, all of whom keep the nightlife industry thriving.

Here are some of the best places to dine or dance for a night out in Banff:

• Bear Street Tavern

• Three Bears Brewery & Restaurant

• Magpie & Stump

• Aurora Nightclub

• Elk and Oarsman pub

• Rundle Bar at the Fairmont

• High Rollers (beers and bowling!)

Although Jasper is on the quieter side, it still has plenty of local favourites, including:

• The Maligne Range

• The Raven

• Bear Paw

• Evil Dave's

The scenery is where Jasper really shines, making it one of the best places to visit in Canada. While both places are set within the Canadian Rockies, Jasper National Park features more than 10,000 square kilometres of preserved land. From the Athabasca Falls and Glacier to Maligne Lake and Canyon, there's so much to see, do, and hike in Jasper. Just outside Jasper, the Icefields Parkway, on Highway 93, travels through the mountains and offers views of jagged peaks and the ancient glaciers at the Columbia Icefields.

As beautiful as Jasper is, many outdoor activities are closed during the winter. If you're travelling in the winter, Banff may be your preferred destination for sightseeing and skiing.

If you're visiting in the summer, both destinations offer tons of day hikes and backpacking. For an easy hike in Banff, hit up Johnson’s Canyon, or spend a relaxing afternoon at the Banff Hot Springs or with a trip up the gondola. Parks Canada also invests a lot in trail building and nature conservation in the Kananaskis Valley, which means there are lots of well-marked trails and guided tours available. For a hike in Jasper, some of the local favourites include the Lake Annette Trail, Athabasca Falls, and the Sulphur Skyline Trail.

How to get to Jasper or Banff

There are several ways you can travel to either Jasper or Banff.

If you're travelling to Banff, most major airlines fly directly to Calgary. From there, you can rent a car and travel about 130km west down the well-maintained Trans-Canada Highway, spotting the jagged peaks of the Rockies along the way. Alternatively, there are also shuttles that regularly travel between Calgary and Banff, many of which can pick you up from the airport.

Though it's well-worth the journey, Jasper is a little tougher to get to. If you fly into Edmonton International Airport, you can take the VIA Rail Canada train and enjoy a unique journey winding through the Rocky Mountains National Park. There are also bus options available from Edmonton and Calgary, or you can rent a vehicle and stop to take in the views along the journey—it's 365km from Edmonton along the Yellowhead Highway, and 413km from Calgary on the Trans-Canada Highway.

Looking for hot springs? Here are the ones you need to go to!

Get inspired for your mountain vacation

If you're between Jasper and Banff for your next holiday, the ideal solution is to visit both. Start planning your mountain town trip with Skyscanner.

Need some more mountain inspiration?

• Whistler Blackcomb and Whistler Village Guide

• Hit the Slopes at These Undiscovered Ski Resorts in Canada

• The Ultimate Guide to Mont-Tremblant Quebec