Which place is cheaper, Whistler or Acadia National Park?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Acadia National Park or Whistler?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Acadia National Park or Whistler, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Where Should I go: Acadia National Park or Whistler?
Acadia National Park
Located in the U.S. state of Maine, Acadia National Park encompasses much of Mount Desert Island, including smaller islands just off the Atlantic Coast. Once inhabited by the Wabanaki people, the region was a hub for seasonal fishing, hunting, and gathering berries, clams, and other shellfish on the coast. Acadia officially became a National Park in 1919, though it wasn't named Acadia until 1929 in honor of the former French colony.
Whistler
Located in the province of British Columbia in Canada, Whistler is most famous as the largest ski area in North America. It is also only a short distance from the city of Vancouver, and offers countless opportunities for snow boarding and other winter sports. The town has a permanent population of almost 10,000 and there is a larger seasonal population of workers that come from all over the world. Whistler is a major travel destination with more than two million people visiting the town yearly. As such, there are countless amenities available to visitors. Hotels can vary dramatically in price and quality. There are some budget options, including a couple of hostels in the area, but most people do not visit Whistler as a budget travel destination. It's usually an expensive vacation, but few would argue that it isn't worth the cost.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage, The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco, The Best Contiki Tours to Canada, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Canada.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAcadia National Park $173Whistler $125
The average daily cost (per person) in Acadia National Park is $173, while the average daily cost in Whistler is $125. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Acadia National Park and Whistler in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAcadia National Park $96Whistler $65
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAcadia National Park $192Whistler $130
Compare Hotels in Acadia National Park and Whistler
Looking for a hotel in Acadia National Park or Whistler? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Whistler Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Acadia National Park $46Whistler $20
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Whistler
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Whistler:
- Vancouver: Seaplane Transfer between Vancouver & Whistler: $161
- Private Transfer from Whistler to Richmond BC: $633
- Private Transfer from Whistler to Downtown Vancouver: $570
Is it cheaper to fly into Acadia National Park or Whistler?
Prices for flights to both Whistler and Acadia National Park change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Food
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Food Meals for one dayAcadia National Park $45Whistler $30
Typical Food Prices in Acadia National Park
For Acadia National Park, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Lunch for 2$32
Typical Food Prices in Whistler
Some typical examples of dining costs in Whistler are as follows:
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Coffee at Starbucks$12
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Tim Hortons Breakfast$12
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Coffee at Timmy's$3.63
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Whistler
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Whistler.
- Finer Things: 4-Course Dinner Tour in Whistler: $131
- Finer Things Dinner Tour in Whistler: $144
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Acadia National Park $33Whistler $78
Typical Entertainment Prices in Whistler
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Whistler are as follows:
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Driving Range$15
Tours and Activities in Whistler
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Whistler are as follows:
- 2 Hour Late Afternoon Winter Zipline Adventure: $111
- Audain Art Museum Admission Ticket: $16
- Call of the Wild ATV Tour: $155
- Callaghan Cruiser Snowmobile Tour : $218
- Fishing Adventure in Whistler: $140
- Full Day Fly Fishing Tour: $249
- Full Day Spin Fishing Tour: $249
- Glacier Sightseeing Experience by Seaplane from Whistler: $183
- Guided Lunch Tour in Whistler: $88
- Half Day Fly Fishing Tour: $196
- Half Day Spin Fishing Tour: $194
- Ice Fishing Adventure in Whistler: $140
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAcadia National Park $11Whistler $8.72
Sample the Local Flavors in Whistler
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Whistler:
- Whistler Distillery Tour & Tasting Experience: $66
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Acadia National Park and Whistler, we can see that Acadia National Park is more expensive. And not only is Whistler much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Whistler would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Whistler and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Acadia National Park would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Acadia National Park than you might in Whistler.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Acadia National Park Expensive? and Is Whistler Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Acadia National Park or Whistler?
Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Acadia National Park or Whistler in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Acadia National Park as well as Whistler. The summer months attract visitors to Acadia National Park because of the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Acadia National Park is a little warmer than Whistler. Typically, the summer temperatures in Acadia National Park in July average around 69°F (21°C), and Whistler averages at about 18°C (64°F).
Acadia National Park usually gets more rain in July than Whistler. Acadia National Park gets 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain, while Whistler receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyAcadia National Park 69°F (21°C)Whistler 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Acadia National Park or Whistler in the Autumn?
Both Whistler and Acadia National Park are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Acadia National Park this time of year.
In October, Acadia National Park is generally cooler than Whistler. Daily temperatures in Acadia National Park average around 48°F (9°C), and Whistler fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Whistler. In October, Acadia National Park usually receives less rain than Whistler. Acadia National Park gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Whistler receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAcadia National Park 48°F (9°C)Whistler 11°C (51°F)
Should I visit Acadia National Park or Whistler in the Winter?
Both Whistler and Acadia National Park during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Acadia National Park for the museums and the cuisine.
Whistler can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Acadia National Park. Acadia National Park is much colder than Whistler in the winter. The daily temperature in Acadia National Park averages around 18°F (-8°C) in January, and Whistler fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).
Whistler gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Acadia National Park usually gets less rain in January than Whistler. Acadia National Park gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while Whistler receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAcadia National Park 18°F (-8°C)Whistler 4°C (40°F)
Should I visit Acadia National Park or Whistler in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Acadia National Park and Whistler. Many visitors come to Acadia National Park in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.
In the spring, Acadia National Park is much colder than Whistler. Typically, the spring temperatures in Acadia National Park in April average around 43°F (6°C), and Whistler averages at about 9°C (49°F).
Whistler receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Acadia National Park usually receives less rain than Whistler. Acadia National Park gets 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain, while Whistler receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilAcadia National Park 43°F (6°C)Whistler 9°C (49°F)
Typical Weather for Whistler and Acadia National Park
| Acadia National Park | Whistler | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 18°F (-8°C) | 3 inches (77 mm) | 4°C (40°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) |
| Feb | 20°F (-6°C) | 2.9 inches (73 mm) | 6°C (42°F) | 179 mm (7.1 in) |
| Mar | 31°F (-1°C) | 3.1 inches (80 mm) | 7°C (45°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) |
| Apr | 43°F (6°C) | 3.3 inches (84 mm) | 9°C (49°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| May | 54°F (12°C) | 3.6 inches (91 mm) | 13°C (55°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Jun | 64°F (18°C) | 3.4 inches (85 mm) | 16°C (60°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Jul | 69°F (21°C) | 3.3 inches (84 mm) | 18°C (64°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Aug | 67°F (20°C) | 3.4 inches (85 mm) | 18°C (64°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Sep | 59°F (15°C) | 3.4 inches (87 mm) | 15°C (59°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) |
| Oct | 48°F (9°C) | 3.4 inches (87 mm) | 11°C (51°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) |
| Nov | 37°F (3°C) | 4.6 inches (116 mm) | 7°C (44°F) | 234 mm (9.2 in) |
| Dec | 24°F (-5°C) | 4 inches (100 mm) | 4°C (40°F) | 198 mm (7.8 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.