A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Aspen vs. Vernon for Food, Nightlife, Hiking, and Couples

Should you visit Aspen or Vernon?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Aspen and Vernon can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Aspen

Aspen is a quaint, vibrant, and artsy ski town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. With stunning beauty, Aspen attracts visitors from all around. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. Other popular activities here include live music, food, and hiking. See Aspen travel costs.

Vernon

Vernon is a quiet, peaceful, and relaxing town. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and food. See Vernon travel costs.

Aspen and Vernon: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Aspen or Vernon?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Aspen. Although Aspen and Vernon are popular destinations, Aspen has more sights and attractions for tourists. Aspen is very popular for its skiing, food, nightlife, music, resorts, shopping, christmas markets, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Vernon attracts visitors for its museums and attractions. Aspen is more touristy than Vernon and is known for its world-class skiing, many food, film, and music festivals, and its stunning mountain hikes. It is also well known for The Maroon Bells. Vernon is famous for its surrounding valley with lakes and hiking trails.

How is Aspen different from Vernon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Vernon and Aspen. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Aspen or Vernon Better for Skiing?

Aspen is terrific for snow skiing. However, Vernon is not a skiing destination.

The snow ski experience you'll have in Aspen is among the best in the world. Near the town, there are 4 separate ski resorts. In town you'll find Aspen Mountain, which is known for it's black-diamond runs. Aspen Highlands, a couple miles away, has a mix of slopes and is less crowded. Buttermilk attracts many freestyle skiers and Aspen Snowmass is considered one of the best family-friendly ski areas.

Vernon is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Aspen or Vernon?

Vernon is a town with good options for its museums and landmarks. However, Aspen does not have museums and landmarks.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Vernon. There are local galleries and museums that offer information on the region's history and culture. You can visit the Canadian Wildlife Museum, the Caetani Center, the Museum and Archives of Vernon, the Paddlewheel Park Stationhouse Museum, and the Vernon Public Art Gallery.

Aspen does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Aspen or Vernon? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Aspen is terrific for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Vernon is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Aspen is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. The town hosts many food festivals and there is a growing selection of diverse restaurants. In town you'll find cafes and restaurants that cater to both the local crowd and the travelers who flock to the area during peak seasons.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Vernon. The region is known for its vineyards and wineries and many of the local restaurants have been around for generations. The food is often locally produced and prepared with traditional recipes.

Is Aspen or Vernon Better for Nightlife?

Aspen is a well-known place for its evening party scene. However, Vernon is not a good town for nightlife.

Aspen offers plenty to do in the evening. The people in Aspen know how to have a good time. The nightlife scene includes craft beer, live music, and dancing. There's a local vibe, particularly during the off-season times when the tourist crowds are less.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Vernon. The town gets very quiet in the evenings, so you won't find much of a nightlife scene.

Is Aspen or Vernon Better for Music?

Aspen is a well-known place for its music scene. However, Vernon is not a live music destination.

The music scene in Aspen is very popular with diverse venues. Popular music venues in town include Silver City Mountain Saloon and Belly Up Aspen.

Vernon is not a live music destination.

Is Aspen or Vernon Better for Resorts?

Aspen is a well-known place for its resorts. However, Vernon is not a resort destination.

Aspen is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. Popular resorts in the area include The Little Nell, Hotel Jerome, and St. Regis Aspen.

Vernon is not a resort destination.

Is Aspen or Vernon Better for Hiking?

Both Aspen and Vernon are destinations which offer high quality hiking.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Aspen. During the summer and fall seasons, hiking is a great way to explore Aspen's nearby beauty. Popular trails include the Ute Trail, the Lost Man Trail, and the famous Maroon Bells Scenic Trail.

Many visitors go to Vernon for the hiking trails. The surrounding valley has more than 300 kilometers of hiking trails. They run along pristine lakes, pass by granite rock formations, and take you to impressive viewpoints.

Is the Shopping Better in Aspen or Vernon?

Aspen is a well-known place for its shopping areas. Also, Vernon is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Aspen. There are many great local shops and art galleries where you can pick interesting items or fine art.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Vernon. There are a number of boutique shops that are fun to explore in the downtown area.

Is Aspen or Vernon More Beautiful?

Aspen is a well-known place for its scenery and beauty. However, Vernon is not a destination known for its beauty.

With stunning beauty, Aspen attracts visitors from all around. Surrounded by the mountains and set amongst a beautiful natural setting, this town will take your breath away.

Vernon is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Aspen or Vernon Better for Families?

Both Aspen and Vernon are nice to visit with kids.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Aspen. Families that enjoy skiing together, hiking, rock climbing, and having adventures will enjoy a visit to this town. Aspen Mountain is not a great option for beginning skiers, but further away, Aspen Snowmass offers good beginner slopes.

Vernon offers lots of family activities. There are biking and hiking trails as well as other outdoor activities. You can also visit the Allan Brooks Nature Center or the Rock Garden Climbing Center.

Is Aspen or Vernon Better for Couples?

Aspen is a well-known place for couples. Also, Vernon is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for romance.

Aspen is a very popular place to visit for couples. Aspen is both a popular ski destination as well as an established town. There are many great restaurants and activities that couples can enjoy and the setting is cute and very scenic, making it a beautiful and romantic destination.

Vernon is a nice destination for couples. It offers a peaceful getaway for couples. You can visit the Okanagan wineries or enjoy one of the many hiking trails. There are also nice restaurants to try.

Is Aspen or Vernon Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Aspen is a nice place to visit for its public transit. However, Vernon is not a good town for times when you don't have a car.

Aspen has a few public transit options. There are several shuttle buses around the town.

Public transit is mostly limited in Vernon. There is a bus system, but it's better not to rely on it.

Is Aspen or Vernon a more walkable city?

Aspen is a well-known place for its ease of walking around. However, Vernon is not a good town for its walkability.

Aspen is a very walkable destination. The town is compact enough that it can be explored on foot. If you're planning to head into the mountains to hike, you'll likely need a car.

Vernon is generally not a very walkable ski town. You'll really want to have a car to make the most of your time here.

For even more information, also check out Is Aspen Worth Visiting? and Is Vernon Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Vernon or Aspen?

How long in Aspen or Vernon?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Aspen and Vernon. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Aspen than in Vernon. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Aspen, and 1-3 days is enough time in Vernon.

Families should spend more time in Aspen than Vernon. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Aspen, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Aspen than Vernon. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Aspen that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Aspen than Vernon if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Aspen.

One day in Aspen or Vernon?

Aspen might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Vernon, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this quiet destination offers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

A weekend in Aspen or Vernon?

Aspen is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Vernon. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Aspen or Vernon?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Aspen. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Vernon is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Vernon. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Aspen or Vernon?

Aspen is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. This ski town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

You'll find food and shopping around the relaxing destination of Vernon. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Canada, and The Best Adventure Tours to Canada.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Aspen and Vernon, we can see that Aspen is more expensive. And not only is Vernon much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Vernon would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Vernon 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 Aspen would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Aspen than you might in Vernon.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Aspen Expensive? and Is Vernon Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Aspen or Vernon?

Vernon has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Aspen. When comparing the sizes of Aspen and Vernon, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.