A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Bar Harbor vs. Vernon for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Bar Harbor 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 Bar Harbor 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.

Where Should I go: Bar Harbor or Vernon?

Bar Harbor

Bar Harbor is a seafront town located on Mount Desert Island just off the coast of Maine. The Wabanaki Indians who seasonally fished, hunted and gathered berries, clams, and other shellfish in the area, called it the ‘clam-gathering' or ‘clambake' place. Eventually the area was settled by Europeans who established industries in fishing, lumbering, shipbuilding, and agriculture. Its maritime scenery even attracted artists of the Hudson River School like Thomas Cole, and the area soon became a seasonal resort for the affluent, comparable to that of Newport, Rhode Island.

Vernon

Vernon is located in British Columbia, Canada. It's in the Okanagan region of the Southern Interior and dates back to 1892. The city has a population of about 40,000 and the Greater Vernon area has a population of about 58,584. It's the largest city in the North Okanagan Regional District. In many ways Vernon feels like most other towns around North America, but if you find yourself here with some time to spare, you can find a handful of activities that will help you see it's unique personality and interesting qualities. The town is most popular for its lakes and beaches during the summer monts, and its skiing and hockey during the winter months.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, The Best Polar Tours & Cruises 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 Bar Harbor and Vernon, we can see that Bar Harbor 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 Bar Harbor would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bar Harbor 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 Bar Harbor Expensive? and Is Vernon Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Bar Harbor or Vernon?

Vernon has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Bar Harbor. When comparing the sizes of Bar Harbor 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 Bar Harbor 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 Bar Harbor or Vernon in the Summer?

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

In July, Bar Harbor is generally cooler than Vernon. Daily temperatures in Bar Harbor average around 69°F (21°C), and Vernon fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

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

Should I visit Bar Harbor or Vernon in the Autumn?

Both Vernon and Bar Harbor during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Bar Harbor because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

Bar Harbor is cooler than Vernon in the autumn. The daily temperature in Bar Harbor averages around 48°F (9°C) in October, and Vernon fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

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

Should I visit Bar Harbor or Vernon in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Bar Harbor and Vernon. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Bar Harbor this time of year.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Vernon. It's quite cold in Bar Harbor in the winter. In the winter, Bar Harbor is much colder than Vernon. Typically, the winter temperatures in Bar Harbor in January average around 18°F (-8°C), and Vernon averages at about -3°C (27°F).

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

Should I visit Bar Harbor or Vernon in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Bar Harbor as well as Vernon. Many travelers come to Bar Harbor for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

In April, Bar Harbor is generally much colder than Vernon. Daily temperatures in Bar Harbor average around 43°F (6°C), and Vernon fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

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

Typical Weather for Vernon and Bar Harbor