Comparing the Alberta Mountain Towns of Banff and Jasper

[@strangenorth]

Do you prefer Banff or Jasper? I also forgot to mention the skiing/snowboarding around Jasper - Marmot Basin is a fantastic facility, but I think the skiing/snowboarding is better around Banff. Thanks for watching!

[@Adam.Langton]

Lived in Banff, Jasper, LL, Field, and a bunch of others. When I was young, Banff for sure. By the time I hit my 30s, Jasper, hands down.

[@strangenorth]

Wow not many people have actually lived in all of those places - and it seems like Jasper has definitely developed the better vibe and I prefer hanging out there. Cheers!

[@Fknheck]

Why’d you live in Field?

[@Adam.Langton]

@Fknheck we could rent a house there, and everything in LL was staff accom. Quit a hotel to work construction, and the construction company was renting a house in Banff. Got a place in Field, and then worked on the water treatment plant there after the job in LL was done.

[@randy71646]

Both Banff and Jasper are awesome. The trip from Banff to Jasper is inspiring with sites to see and explore. Columbia Ice Fields comes to mind. Give Vancouver Island a good visit as well some time. This would have to be a 30-day vacation, to say the least. Such fond memories. No cell phones when I last toured that country, so we called the venture a 20-roll trip.....camera film. LOL

[@strangenorth]

Hey thanks for watching and I appreciate when people take the time to comment -Vancouver Island is also a beautiful place but I've actually only been there once. And it's been awhile since people regularly used camera film eh? Cheers mate!

[@aaron_3oh3]

Nice video! I have yet to get out west to these towns. I haven't been west of Ontario. Been everywhere east of Ontario. Some day soon I hope. These towns look amazing! Keep up the great videos. Cheers!

[@strangenorth]

Thanks I appreciate it! I'd definitely recommend heading out west when you get the chance - each province has a ton to offer and the Rocky Mountains are incredible. Both these towns are a lot of fun to visit, whether you want to explore the outdoors or hang out around town. Cheers mate, enjoy the rest of your weekend!

[@user-gz3kp6im9z]

Ignorant Ontario…just like the ppl In MSM ..reporting NEWS..sheech ‼️😩

[@pangdada5208]

Moving from Toronto to Calgary back in 2018 was the best decision I've ever made and going to Banff was our weekend gataway until 2021. Post pandemic, it just exploded to what it is right now. I miss the time when it's very laid back and not very busy. Now we prefer Canmore, but it's becoming more like Banff now.

[@strangenorth]

Hey thanks for watching and I appreciate when people take the time to comment - you're right, it has gotten noticeable busier in Banff! And I also love Canmore, I have fond memories of vacationing there as a kid. Cheers mate, enjoy the rest of your weekend!

[@purelightlove8888]

Awesome info, this area is on my Must See & Do List…!! Many Thanks!

[@strangenorth]

Hey thanks for watching and I appreciate when people take the time to comment - I'm glad the video was helpful, enjoy the rest of your weekend!

[@loreneleniak5880]

Love both. Each have their own separate and different charms and issues

[@strangenorth]

Hey thanks for watching and I appreciate when people take the time to comment - I love both as well. Cheers mate!

[@angelebeauvera]

Great video- thanks! I feel to add: to drive to/from Banff to Jasper on the Icefields Parkway - offers many possible stopping points. Driving in the mountains: I can never get enough of it. I have had the pleasure a handful of times to drive people to the mountains for their first time- magical to witness their awe (while experiencing it for myself over and over). Edmonton is home. I find it hard to choose a favorite between Banff & Jasper. I do visit Banff more often recent years- friends in Cochrane & Banff.

[@strangenorth]

Hey thanks for watching and I appreciate when people take the time to comment - it's really fun taking people to the mountains for the first time. Years ago I took my friend from Israel who had never even been to Canada or seen real mountains and it was neat watching their excitement. Cheers mate, have a great week!

[@StarlieMarly-um9tn]

This was actually super helpful, haven't been to Banff since I was very young and I want to go back soon when I'm in Alberta :)

[@strangenorth]

Glad it was helpful, Banff got noticeably busier but you should go because it has an incredible amount of stuff to offer visitors! And you must try the Vermillion Room brunch! :)

[@Aritul]

Thanks for comparing the two. I'm looking forward to visiting them both. The photos are gorgeous! 2:23, 2:35 is so striking to me. 3:48 the color of the water! 🤩 Also, thanks for including information on the art scene.

[@strangenorth]

Hey thanks for watching and I appreciate when people take the time to comment - still can't believe anyone is watching my little videos but I'm glad you got some value out of this one. I love both towns! Cheers mate

[@TheKnowledge19]

Thanks for doing these videos. Its handy being a guy from Regina that is living in Edmonton.

[@strangenorth]

Hey thanks for watching and I appreciate when people take the time to comment - glad it provided some value, cheers mate!

[@integralmalfunction]

I usually go to Banff to ski, but find myself staying in Canmore for the amenities. I'd love to give Jasper a try for once.

[@strangenorth]

Canmore is a great town too, I have great memories of staying there with my family when I was a kid. Jasper is worth visiting if you've never been, same basic amenities as Banff but a lot quieter and no insane traffic jams. Cheers mate, have a great week!

[@shelleygiesbrecht4759]

Jasper is my favourite, mostly for the laid back atmosphere, but my favourite part of Banff (not counting the breathtaking view) is the huge candy store. 🙂

[@strangenorth]

I appreciate the feedback, and I prefer the vibes in Jasper lately too - that candy store is great though and I always visit when I'm there!

[@dcslye8330]

Gotta say, I prefer Jasper but both are such beautiful places. Congrats on the growth of your channel and subscribers! So happy for you that people are finding your great videos!

[@strangenorth]

Jasper is great, I actually haven't been there in awhile and I wanna go back soon. And thank you very much - I don't use social media other than this channel and I'm very inexperienced with video production so it's been pretty surprising to have so many views on the videos. I'm glad they're useful to people out there and I look forward to slowly improving and making more. Cheers mate!

[@dcslye8330]

@@strangenorth Video production is great! It’s your unique style. I wouldn’t change a thing.

[@Alexis-ey4kp]

This is exactly the video I was looking for. I just visited Banff and really want to go back and see Jasper too next time. Thank you 😊

[@strangenorth]

Hey thanks for watching and I appreciate when people take the time to comment - Both towns are so beautiful and I'd definitely recommend visiting Jasper too. Cheers mate, have a great week!

[@VoodooChild2000]

Like always, very fair comparison between towns. Great job on your channel.

[@strangenorth]

I appreciate it, thanks for watching!

[@Komainu959]

Nice video. For me I love Canmore. It might be considerably bigger than Jasper and Banff but it doesn't feel congested like Banff can be. The mountains are still right on top of you (Google Street view random streets in all three and you'll see what I mean), It's cheaper than either of the others...gas, food, shopping are all cheaper. There are also a huge amount of accommodations with various price ranges. Banff is considerably more expensive and Jasper is considerably more limited in options...although I really enjoy the many cabin style locations they have. Wildlife- Jasper wins hands down. I saw more bears and moose up there than during all my time in Banff / Canmore / Radium combined. I've also stayed in Radium (awesome but very tiny...2 nights is all you need) and close to Field in Emerald Lake Lodge...the lodge itself while kind of run down offers the perfect place to stay on the lake for early morning and evening without any drive.

[@strangenorth]

Hey thanks for watching and I appreciate when people take the time to comment - fair points, and Canmore is a fantastic town. I'd like to possibly do a video there down the road when I visit the mountains again. Radium is great too, I haven't been there since a was a kid. Cheers mate!

[@aftabhingora7856]

Thanks a lot for very good compereason

[@strangenorth]

Thanks for watching, glad you got some value out of this one - cheers mate!

[@Xxryan88xX]

Love this channel.

[@strangenorth]

I appreciate it thank you, still can't believe anyone is watching my little videos! Cheers mate

[@burntumber]

I've lived and worked seasons in both places. Jasper is more of a small town vibe. There are 3 classes of people in Jasper. The people who grew up there, the seasonal staff, and the tourists. The real local people give the cold shoulder to seasonal staff. While both hate the tourists that provide their paycheques. Jasper is best for the summer. Winter is a lot slower compared to Banff. Banff is good year round for working, living, outdoor activities. As a seasonal worker you won't really run into so many people who grew up there as Jasper. I didn't feel the snobbery from Banff locals as I did in Jasper. The downtown tourist shops are pretty tacky and it seems like the whole town is for sale.

[@strangenorth]

Hey thanks for watching and I appreciate when people take the time to comment - interesting perspective as well given the fact that you spent time living and working in both places. It's actually been a couple years since I've spent a lot of time in the Rockies and I'm looking forward to visiting again soon. Cheers mate, have a great week!

[@claytonberg721]

As a Banff local I can say that you got this more or less right. The biggest thing you got wrong is shopping. Sure in Banff you can spend $2k on a Canada Goose parka but essentials like a cheap frying pan is tough, especially since they forced out the dollar store in favour of a weed shop. Thankfully there's a new dollar store coming in soon. That said if you're new to town you can jump on the roam bus and go to canmore where there's a crappy tire and a dollar store. Also IMHO the restaurant scene is not a tie, generally speaking the restaurants in Jasper give better service and quality. There's such an influx of visitors in banff, they're all held captive and all of the restaurants in banff are pretty mediocre as a result. There's no real reason to improve because people keep coming back anyway. The restaurants in jasper don't get that influx of 3000 or so calgarians storming the gates every friday through sunday so they rely on good word of mouth. And banff may have more nightclubs, but jasper still has a 7 day a week night club scene. I would say that Jasper wins the nightlife/restaurant scene. And just to add on to your point about the arts scene, it was even more vibrant before COVID. The Banff Centre lost a great deal of their staff when they shut down. The sound engineers/lighting/others who were some of the best in the world at their jobs left for jobs in the film industry in toronto, calgary, vancouver, LA, and Atlanta. That talent hasn't really been replaced yet. It used to be blue rodeo would play on or around canada day every year, and they would sell out within days. The vinyl cafe christmas show would sell out the day it went on sale. Most of these tickets are snatched up by Calgarians. The vinyl cafe especially so, even though stuart mclean would do two shows at the jubilee there were still hundreds of calgarians who made the vinyl cafe in banff a part of their christmas tradition. Shows like that used to bring tens of thousands of visitors to the town every year. It will be awhile until that returns again.

[@strangenorth]

Thanks for your feedback man I appreciate it, especially because I don't know these towns as well as a local. I'm still learning and it seems a lot of people really prefer the restaurants in Jasper, and I didn't really know Jasper had much of a nightlife scene (beyond their excellent bars/pubs). Too bad about Banff not having enough cheaper shopping options - seriously, who is waiting until they arrive in Banff to but their Canada Goose parka?? I love both towns though, haven't been to the mountains in a couple years and I'm looking forward to visiting again soon. Cheers mate!

[@claytonberg721]

@@strangenorth You would be shocked at the money some people have. I talked to someone who worked at the pro shop at the banff springs and someone bought a brand new set of calloway golf clubs. At the end of his round he dropped them off thinking that he rented them. Louis Vuitton used to be in Banff roughly where Canada Goose is now, but Canada Goose is doing a lot better. In the summer time when temps are averaging 30C people from australia will first thing they do go to an outdoor shop to buy a big jacket thinking they'll need it. People from the south and from australia don't really have the selection of parkas we do, and people from australia especially think they're gonna freeze here for some reason. Also Canada Goose has some of that same brand cache that LV and other have. Canada Goose stores are often side by side with other high end retailers like Burrberry. For some reason I'll never understand Canada Goose has a store in the Wynn in Las Vegas. I poked my head in there and it was actually very busy. I think this was a very well done video. The only thing you didn't touch on is safety, the condition of the forest around Jasper is so bad that it is an actual concern. Pre-Covid when I was still working as a guide there were a few times where there were lightening strikes that if the fire department were 10 minutes later the town would have been at serious risk.

[@strangenorth]

@@claytonberg721 lmao to the guy buying the clubs and then returning them. It's funny how people from other countries often assume it's always freezing here and then you see them sweating their balls off in turtlenecks - it's like, calm down papa you see us all in shorts and sandals because we have summer here. Yeah I didn't really touch on that fire risk issue - seems like that could be a bad problem waiting for Jasper. It would be a huge loss if Jasper ever really did ever go up in flames and I really hope that never happens. Thanks again for watching and I appreciate your input, cheers dude!

[@claytonberg721]

@@strangenorth I hate to say it but Jasper is under evacuation.

[@strangenorth]

@@claytonberg721 Really sad, I'm wondering how much of the town was actually burned down. That whole situation seemed to happy pretty quick, glad no one was hurt!

[@ArtistryOfAdventure]

Great overview! Banff and Jasper have their own beauty, benefits, and styles. It really depends on your needs, interests and age.

[@strangenorth]

Hey thanks for watching! I hoped it was a decent comparison and I love both towns. Cheers mate, have a great week!

[@ArtistryOfAdventure]

@@strangenorth As someone who has lived in the province his whole life, and experienced all that those two towns have to offer, I can say you made a solid comparison. Keep it up!

[@poser_disposer]

One thing about banff compared to jasper is that things are more expensive in banff in my experience. Banff is only like 30 mins from calgary though, so if you want to visit for a weekend, you can get a cheap hotel on the outskirts of calgary and save a lot there compared to jasper, where you pretty much have to stay in the surrounding area.

[@strangenorth]

Yeah fair point I have personally stayed in Calgary to visit the mountains because it's cheaper than the jacked up rates around Banff. Cheers mate

[@CanadianThor]

I worked out in jasper for almost a year and at first it was really nice, but it became very plain and boring. But the views in Jasper are amazing, like Maligne canyon. Banff is a much better view imo and the shopping is nice but it’s way too busy for my liking. But you can also just head over to Canmore cu it’s close to Banff

[@strangenorth]

Thanks for watching, and I appreciate the feedback - I was thinking of covering some more mountain towns in a future video, Canmore in particular has a lot to offer. Cheers mate

[@theburningtankman9411]

We made need an updated version...

[@kingkrimson8771]

I've always preferred Jasper for its more laid-back vibe and less touristy feel. Plus it's closer to my home in Edmonton. I like to stay in a chalet-style motel that's right by the Athabasca River. Maligne Canyon, Pyramid Lake, Valley of the Five Lakes, and the trails around Jasper Park Lodge are all within a short drive. Have to say though, after living in Alberta for more than fifty years, four years ago I finally visited the Waterton Lakes area and it's now my favourite Alberta destination.

[@strangenorth]

I appreciate your input, cheers - a lot of people seem to be preferring the vibe in Jasper over Banff and I tend to agree. And the Waterton Lakes area is unreal, epic vibes and a great place to explore. I'm grateful we have so many cool mountain destinations just within Alberta!

[@hoboonwheels9289]

I worked Chateau Lake Louise, summer after high school grad running the cord board phone system and the manually operated elevator, it was like a castle then, red carpets, brass railings. Jasper is my pic as Banff is too congested.

[@strangenorth]

Thanks for watching - Chateau Lake Louise is a great place but I haven't had the opportunity to stay there yet! Cheers mate

[@davidedwards3838]

I lived in Canmore. The first time I saw the rockies was insane. You can't recreate the feeling of the first time you see them.

[@strangenorth]

Oh no way, must have been cool to live there - beautiful town. I remember that feeling as a kid and I still get it, drove from Edmonton to Vancouver for the first time a couple years ago and the drive is mainly going through the mountains. Cheers man, have a great week!

[@davidedwards3838]

@strangenorth yeah was back in the late 90"s early 2000s. It was really fun. Young people from all over the country. Working and living in the Canmore Banff area. It was great. We rented a condo on elkrun Blvd. It was a 2 bedroom view of the 3 sisters. I think back then we paid 600 a month. I would hate to see the price for that sane condo now.

[@strangenorth]

@@davidedwards3838Damn sounds like a blast, being young and living with other young people in the mountains with a view - makes me yearn for my younger years lol

[@Tash-001]

went on the gondola and had lunch at the grizzly house, yesterday

[@strangenorth]

Hey thanks for watching and I appreciate when people take the time to comment - that sounds great, I'm grateful we have places like that to enjoy in Alberta. Cheers!

[@Tash-001]

@@strangenorth 10 bucks off gondola tickets for Albertans :)

[@strangenorth]

@@Tash-001 good to know, cheers!

[@TheAlfredo_way6699]

Banff is number one for me

[@strangenorth]

Hey thanks for watching and I appreciate when people take the time to comment - it's a really great place and I enjoy visiting! Cheers mate

[@CanadaLifts]

You nailed it imo

[@strangenorth]

I appreciate it, thanks for watching!

[@Xyy2387]

If you're under 30, Banff. One underappreciated aspect is what's directly west. Jasper has Mt Robson and Wells Gray. Banff has the Kootenays. It is all very beautiful, but the towns and various attractions are built up differently. I personally prefer Jasper due to the amount of time I've spent working up north, but I always recommend out of province/country friends to hit up the Okanagan valley, Kootenays, and onto Banff.

[@strangenorth]

Hey thanks for watching and I appreciate when people take the time to comment - great points, and I could have included many more of the surrounding features of both towns. I'm grateful that living in Alberta allows for relatively quick access to some of the most scenic mountains on earth. Cheers mate, have a great week!

[@TalentlessCooking]

I worked in the Lauheed house, didn't get to see much other than the basement. Elevators not working in Alberta isn't anything supernatural, they legally only have to be inspected once. Next time you're in an elevator open the call box and it will tell you the same.

[@strangenorth]

Hey thanks for watching and I appreciate when people take the time to comment - I was surprised to see this comment on this video as I didn't mention that location in this one but I covered it in a haunted Calgary video I did last year. I definitely think that often ordinary things are attributed to "ghostly" activity. Cheers mate, have a great week!

[@TalentlessCooking]

@strangenorth this must be a common glitch, I see it on my channel sometimes. I was posting on that video, it was even playing on my phone when I wrote it!

[@strangenorth]

@@TalentlessCooking Oh weird - thanks for pointing that out. I actually think that's happened before. And sometimes I reply to comments and it doesn't show up, super frustrating. Come on KZbin, tighten up lol. Cheers mate, thanks again for watching and engaging with my video!

[@truckermre]

As a trucker, I find Jasper more annoying. Too many animals on the road and cars pulling on and off shoulder in front of you. It can be very dangerous at times. Though, I prefer Jaspers scenery. Great video!

[@strangenorth]

Thanks man I appreciate it - and that's an interesting perspective as a trucker, I imagine driving through the mountains isn't the most enjoyable thing in the world. Cheers!

[@CanadaLifts]

Great vid man

[@strangenorth]

Cheers!

[@missbillie6097]

Banff has gone woke. The average Calgarian could not afford to go there 🤨 Jasper is a much lovelier town . I lived in Banff when it was run by Parks Canada. There was no "town" government to ruin it. I am glad I got to experience living there before all the shopping malls went up and they tore down all the old houses that lined Banff Avenue. I left after The Macdonalds went in, such a shame

[@strangenorth]

Hey thanks for watching and I appreciate when people take the time to comment - yeah Banff has gotten way more touristy, even in the past 5 years or so it seems. I still love both towns but I think Jasper has a more pleasant vibe overall. Cheers mate, have a great week!

[@Beardinc]

Where can I get Canadian historical posters like those in the background?

[@strangenorth]

I got those at a store on Whyte Avenue in Edmonton called Vivid Print. I'd highly recommend that place, a bunch of old Canadian prints and they feature some great local artists as well.

[@thatisartnotpffft6368]

WheelieMan of Banff (apparently that's me now, but not by choice) needs Costco and likes many MTB shops within about an hour. So Banff/Calgary. Jasper is a nice place to visit too though.

[@strangenorth]

Thanks for watching - Banff definitely has better access to services, but I love both towns! Cheers mate

[@AliAhmadi-hq9pj]

❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@strangenorth]

Thanks for watching!

[@margysfavourites8444]

Definitely prefer Jasper

[@strangenorth]

It's got a great vibe and I want to go back soon - it's been a few years!

[@margysfavourites8444]

@@strangenorth yes for sure ,used to live in Kitimat BC so coming to Alberta we always looked forward to the stop in Jasper !

[@RAKKAD]

For me I prefer Canmore but I can describe the difference between Banff and Jasper it’s like the difference between Calgary and Edmonton. Banff to Jasper is just like Calgary compared to Edmonton

[@strangenorth]

Thanks for watching, fair point!

[@F417H]

Dinosaur & Elkwater 🐾

[@strangenorth]

You talking about Drumheller?

[@ryandvernychuk7033]

Haha I live in Canmore

[@strangenorth]

Canmore is a great town, I sometimes feel a little envious of people who live in those mountain towns. Cheers mate!

[@ryandvernychuk7033]

@@strangenorth funny though.. it’s becoming Banff overflow.. I wanna find another diamond in the rough and I have but won’t say lol

[@strangenorth]

@@ryandvernychuk7033 come on now don't hold out on us

[@outlawm1]

I prefer Canmore over both

[@strangenorth]

Hey thanks for watching and I appreciate when people take the time to comment - Canmore is a great town! Cheers

[@elizabethwaterfield922]

there is nothing left compare.....

[@mjor6406]

Banff has better looking mountains, lakes and town. That's all i have to say.

[@strangenorth]

It's definitely a bit prettier overall but each town has advantages over the other. Cheers mate, thanks for watching!

[@traderz4788]

Banff is definitely way more ]bougie than Jasper.

[@strangenorth]

Hey thanks for watching and I appreciate when people take the time to comment - and I'd have to agree with that. Cheers mate!

[@buckwrabbit9276]

Neither… too many tourists

[@strangenorth]

they're not for everyone, any places in the mountains you prefer?