Comparison · Calgary vs Vancouver · Canada
Calgary vs Vancouver
Two great trips, different strengths. Here is how they compare on the things that decide it.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: AceYYC, CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick answer
Choose Calgary for Calgary Stampede, Gateway to the Rockies and a short break; choose Vancouver for Stanley Park, Mountains and ocean, beaches and a milder winter. Calgary is generally less expensive, and the two are about 673 km apart.
Key facts
- Distance apart
- 673 km
- Less expensive
- Calgary
- Best time for Calgary
- June–September
- Best time for Vancouver
- June–September
Side by side
| Calgary | Vancouver | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Canada | Canada |
| Known for | Calgary Stampede, Gateway to the Rockies and Alberta beef | Stanley Park, Mountains and ocean and Seafood and sushi |
| Best time to visit | June–September | June–September |
| Ideal stay | 2 days | 4 days |
| Mid-range budget per day | $170–$300 | $200–$350 |
| Cost level | Moderately priced | Expensive |
| Warmest month | July, 23°C (73°F) | July, 22°C (72°F) |
| Coldest month | January, -1°C (30°F) | January, 7°C (45°F) |
| Free sights in our guide | 7 | 9 |
| Day trips in our guide | 7 | 5 |
| Beaches | — | English Bay Beach |
| Airports | YYC | YVR |
Which one is right for you?
Choose Calgary for…
Calgary Stampede, Gateway to the Rockies and a short break. Calgary is Alberta's largest city, spread along the Bow and Elbow rivers on the prairie with the Rocky Mountains visible on the western horizon. Most visitors pass through on the way to Banff, but the city repays a day or two: the Calgary Stampede every…
Choose Vancouver for…
Stanley Park, Mountains and ocean, beaches and a milder winter. Vancouver sits on a peninsula between Burrard Inlet and False Creek, with the North Shore mountains rising across the water and Stanley Park's forest at the end of downtown. Visitors come for the seawall, beaches and mountain trails within minutes of the…
Top sights compared
| # | Calgary | Vancouver |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Calgary Stampede | Stanley Park and the seawall |
| 2 | Studio Bell, National Music Centre | Vancouver Aquarium |
| 3 | Calgary Central Library | Granville Island |
| 4 | Calgary Tower | Capilano Suspension Bridge Park |
| 5 | Peace Bridge and Prince's Island Park | Lynn Canyon Park |
Food compared
| Calgary | Vancouver |
|---|---|
| Alberta beef | Sushi and the BC roll |
| Ginger beef | Wild Pacific salmon |
| Caesar | Spot prawns |
| Bison | Japadog |
Which is cheaper?
Calgary is usually the less expensive of the two: a mid-range day costs about $170–$300 per person there, against $200–$350 in Vancouver (AMZBooking estimates, excluding flights). Calgary on a budget.
Can you visit both?
Yes. Calgary and Vancouver are about 673 km apart, so they combine well in one trip: allow 2 days in Calgary and 4 in Vancouver.
Questions travellers ask
+Is Calgary or Vancouver cheaper?
Calgary is usually less expensive: about $170–$300 a day mid-range against $200–$350 (estimates).
+Is Calgary or Vancouver better for a first trip?
Pick Calgary for Calgary Stampede, Gateway to the Rockies and a short break, or Vancouver for Stanley Park, Mountains and ocean, beaches and a milder winter.
+How far is Calgary from Vancouver?
About 673 km in a straight line.