Both Banff National Park and Reykjavik offer unique travel experiences. Banff is ideal for those seeking outdoor adventures and wildlife viewing within a stunning natural landscape, while Reykjavik is better suited for travelers interested in cultural experiences, geothermal pools, and city life with access to unique wildlife tours. Both destinations have accessibility considerations and seasonal limitations to keep in mind.
| Attribute | Banff National Park, Canada | Reykjavik, Iceland |
|---|---|---|
| Accessibility for different mobility levels | Relatively disability-friendly. Many major attractions have accessible restrooms, and most roads for viewing are paved and easy to navigate. The towns of Banff and Lake Louise have good parking for the disabled. The Banff Gondola is wheelchair accessible, including the shop and restaurant at the top. Some shorter trails are suitable for wheelchairs, with asphalt or crushed gravel surfaces and level or gentle grades. | Increasingly accessible, with initiatives like 'Rampa Upp Reykjavík' adding ramps and removing barriers. Many businesses on Laugavegur are wheelchair accessible. Buses are wheelchair accessible, but independent entry/exit is required. Some older buildings may present challenges. The National Museum, the Settlement Exhibition, and Hafnarhus Art Museum have good accessibility. The Blue Lagoon and Sky Lagoon are also wheelchair accessible. However, some older buildings and historical sites may have limited accessibility. |
| Average cost of a week-long trip (excluding flights) | A week-long trip to Banff for two people averages around $1,482 (CA$2,030). | Not available |
| Availability of guided tours and excursions | There are many guided tours and excursions available in Banff National Park. These include horseback riding tours (from $97), bus sightseeing tours (from $69), and summer adventure tours like guided hikes (from $181). Wildlife tours are also popular. | A wide variety of guided tours and excursions are available, including food walks, small-group walking tours, full-day excursions to the Golden Circle and the South Coast, whale watching, puffin tours, and Northern Lights hunts. Prices for top-rated tours range from US$50 to US$150 per person. |
| Busiest travel season and crowd levels | Summer (July and August) is the busiest season in Banff. Popular attractions can be very crowded during this time. | The busiest months are June, July, and August. For fewer crowds, consider visiting in May or September to mid-October. |
| Daylight hours during winter months | Daylight hours in Banff are limited during the winter. In December, daylight can last as little as eight hours. The shortest day of the year, December 21, has about 7 hours and 49 minutes of daylight. | Daylight hours are limited during the winter. In December, the sun rises after 11:00 AM, and dusk arrives well before dinner. November starts with nearly eight hours of daylight and ends with just five. |
| Ease of transportation within the destination | It is easy to get around Banff National Park using various transportation options. Roam Transit operates year-round routes in the Banff area. Parks Canada Shuttles provide access to Lake Louise and Moraine Lake. Many hotels offer complimentary shuttle service within the Banff townsite. Taxis and commercial shuttles are also available. | Reykjavik offers several transportation options. Public transportation is available via Strætó buses, which operate frequently during peak hours. Travelers can also rent cars, bikes, or electric scooters. Taxis are available 24/7 but can be expensive. |
| Family-friendliness and availability of kids' activities | Banff is generally considered family-friendly, with various activities suitable for children. Some options include gondola rides, wildlife tours, and stargazing. | Reykjavik is a family-friendly destination with many activities for kids of all ages. There are interactive museums like Perlan and Whales of Iceland, as well as outdoor adventures like bird watching at Lake Tjörnin. The city also has playgrounds, parks, and geothermal pools with kiddie pools. |
| Hiking trail difficulty and scenic views | Banff National Park offers a wide range of hiking trails, from easy strolls to difficult climbs. The park has over 1,600 kilometers (994 miles) of trails. Popular trails include the Plain of Six Glaciers Teahouse Trail, Larch Valley & Sentinel Pass, and Johnston Canyon. | There are hiking opportunities with scenic views around Reykjavik. Mount Esja offers views of Reykjavik. |
| Likelihood of seeing the Northern Lights | While Banff is not a primary destination for viewing the Northern Lights, it is sometimes possible. | The best time to see the Northern Lights is between September and March. It's best to get away from city lights. |
| Number of natural hot springs or geothermal pools | Banff is known for its hot springs, which are heated geothermally. The Banff Upper Hot Springs is a commercially developed hot spring. | There are 18 thermal pools in and around Reykjavik. |
| Opportunities for wildlife viewing | Banff National Park is home to diverse wildlife, offering many viewing opportunities. Popular spots include the Bow Valley Parkway, Icefields Parkway, and Lake Minnewanka. | Opportunities for wildlife viewing include whale watching and puffin spotting tours from the Old Harbour. |
| Proximity to major international airports | The closest major international airport to Banff National Park is Calgary International Airport (YYC), approximately 144 km (90 minutes drive) east of the park. | Keflavik International Airport (KEF) is the closest major international airport. It's about a 45-minute trip from the airport to Reykjavik. Transportation options include airport shuttles, taxis, and rental cars. |