A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Bangor vs. Vernon for Attractions, Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Bangor 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 Bangor 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.

Bangor

Bangor is a friendly, laid back, and welcoming town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. Other popular activities here include museums, food, and shopping.

Vernon

Vernon is a quiet, peaceful, and relaxing town. Other popular activities here include food, hiking, and shopping.

Bangor and Vernon: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Family-friendly
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Bangor or Vernon?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Vernon. Although Bangor and Vernon are popular destinations, Vernon has more sights and attractions for tourists. Vernon is very popular for its hiking, while Bangor attracts visitors for its small town charm. Vernon is more touristy than Bangor and is known for its surrounding valley with lakes and hiking trails. It is also well known for Davison Orchards Country Village. Bangor is famous for its history as a lumber town.

How is Bangor different from Vernon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Bangor
Vernon

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Bangor or Vernon.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Bangor. There are a couple of museums around town that focus on culture and daily life in Maine.

Vernon is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. 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.


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

Bangor
Vernon

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Bangor and Vernon can be difficult as they are each nice in their own way.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Bangor area. For a small town, there are a range of dining options in the area such as seafood, international cuisine, and quick eats.

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 Bangor or Vernon Better for Nightlife?

Bangor
Vernon

Both Bangor and Vernon are reasonable when it comes to partying.

Most people don't head to Bangor specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. There are breweries and bars with laid back vibes and a casual atmosphere.

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 Bangor or Vernon Better for Hiking?

Bangor
Vernon

Vernon is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Bangor is not a hiking destination.

Vernon is a popular spot for hiking. 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.

Bangor is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Bangor or Vernon?

Bangor
Vernon

Both Bangor and Vernon are nice shopping destinations.

Many visitors go to Bangor to go shopping. Head downtown for the widest selection of locally own shops and boutiques.

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 Bangor or Vernon Better for Families?

Bangor
Vernon

Both Bangor and Vernon are nice to visit with kids.

Bangor is a family-friendly place to visit. You'll find a number of parks and walking trails nearby. There's also fruit picking and playgrounds to explore.

Vernon is a family-friendly town. 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 Bangor or Vernon Better for Couples?

Bangor
Vernon

Vernon is a town with good options for couples. However, Bangor is not a good town for romance.

Vernon is a good town for couples to visit. 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.

Bangor is not the best destination for a couple to visit. There are local restaurants and several museums in town that couples will enjoy.


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

Bangor
Vernon

Both Bangor and Vernon offer reasonable public transit options.

Public transit is generally limited in Bangor. There's a bus system, but visitors usually use their own car to get around.

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

Is Bangor or Vernon a more walkable city?

Bangor
Vernon

Bangor is a nice place to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Vernon is not a good town for its walkability.

Bangor is a somewhat walkable town. The downtown is compact and easy to explore on foot.

Vernon is generally not a very walkable 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 Bangor Worth Visiting? and Is Vernon Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Vernon or Bangor?

How long in Bangor or Vernon?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Bangor and Vernon. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Vernon than in Bangor. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Bangor, and 1-3 days is enough time in Vernon.

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

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


  • How many days in Bangor or Vernon? Ideal Length of Stay
    Bangor 1-2 
    Vernon 1-3

One day in Bangor or Vernon?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Bangor. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Vernon. Hikers are also drawn to this area. One day is often enough time to do most activities.


A weekend in Bangor or Vernon?

Bangor is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Vernon is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Bangor or Vernon?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bangor. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Vernon. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Bangor or Vernon?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the laid back destination of Bangor. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the peaceful destination of Vernon. This 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.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Canada, and The Best Adventure Tours to Canada.


Which place is cheaper, Vernon or Bangor?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Bangor is $197, while the average daily cost in Vernon is $31. 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 Bangor and Vernon in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Bangor $114
    Vernon $4.89
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Bangor $228
    Vernon $9.78
Compare Hotels in Bangor and Vernon

Looking for a hotel in Bangor or Vernon? 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.

Hotels in Bangor


Hotels in Vernon


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: Bangor Hotel Prices and Vernon Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Bangor $36
    Vernon -

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bangor

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bangor:

  • Private Transfer from Bangor Airport(BGR) to Rockland Cruise Port: $71
  • Private Transfer from Bangor city hotels to Rockland Cruise Port: $71

Is it cheaper to fly into Bangor or Vernon?

Prices for flights to both Vernon and Bangor 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Bangor $54
    Vernon $25

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Bangor $45
    Vernon -
Typical Entertainment Prices in Bangor

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Bangor are as follows:


  • Children's Museum (for 4)
    $32

Tours and Activities in Bangor

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Bangor are as follows:

  • Bangor Blitz Amazing Race & Tour: $22

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Bangor $23
    Vernon $13


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bangor and Vernon, we can see that Bangor 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 Bangor would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bangor 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 Bangor Expensive? and Is Vernon Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Bangor or Vernon?

Vernon has a larger population, and is about 50% larger than the population of Bangor. When comparing the sizes of Bangor 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.


When is the best time to visit Bangor or Vernon?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Bangor or Vernon in the Summer?

Both Vernon and Bangor are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Bangor for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Vernon because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

Bangor is cooler than Vernon in the summer. The daily temperature in Bangor averages around 69°F (21°C) in July, and Vernon fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

In July, Bangor usually receives more rain than Vernon. Bangor gets 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain, while Vernon receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Bangor 69°F (21°C) 
    Vernon 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Bangor or Vernon in the Autumn?

Both Vernon and Bangor during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Bangor because of the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere. Also, the hiking trails and the shopping scene are the main draw to Vernon this time of year.

In the autumn, Bangor is cooler than Vernon. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Bangor in October average around 48°F (9°C), and Vernon averages at about 11°C (51°F).

Bangor usually gets more rain in October than Vernon. Bangor gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Vernon receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Bangor 48°F (9°C) 
    Vernon 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Bangor or Vernon in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Bangor and Vernon. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Bangor this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Vernon for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Vernon. It's quite cold in Bangor in the winter. In January, Bangor is generally much colder than Vernon. Daily temperatures in Bangor average around 18°F (-8°C), and Vernon fluctuates around -3°C (27°F).

In January, Bangor usually receives more rain than Vernon. Bangor gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while Vernon receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Bangor 18°F (-8°C) 
    Vernon -3°C (27°F)

Should I visit Bangor or Vernon in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Bangor as well as Vernon. Many travelers come to Bangor for the small town charm.

Bangor is much colder than Vernon in the spring. The daily temperature in Bangor averages around 43°F (6°C) in April, and Vernon fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

Bangor usually gets more rain in April than Vernon. Bangor gets 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain, while Vernon receives 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Bangor 43°F (6°C) 
    Vernon 12°C (53°F)

Typical Weather for Vernon and Bangor

Bangor Vernon
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 18°F (-8°C) 3 inches (77 mm) -3°C (27°F) 26 mm (1 in)
Feb 20°F (-6°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 2°C (35°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Mar 31°F (-1°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm) 7°C (44°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Apr 43°F (6°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm) 12°C (53°F) 15 mm (0.6 in)
May 54°F (12°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm) 16°C (61°F) 22 mm (0.9 in)
Jun 64°F (18°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm) 21°C (69°F) 29 mm (1.1 in)
Jul 69°F (21°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm) 23°C (73°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Aug 67°F (20°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm) 23°C (73°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Sep 59°F (15°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 17°C (63°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Oct 48°F (9°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 11°C (51°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Nov 37°F (3°C) 4.6 inches (116 mm) 4°C (39°F) 22 mm (0.9 in)
Dec 24°F (-5°C) 4 inches (100 mm) -1°C (30°F) 33 mm (1.3 in)