A Travel Price Comparison for Canada Calgary vs. Whistler for Families, Food, Nightlife, and Couples

Should you visit Calgary or Whistler?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Calgary and Whistler 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.

Calgary

Calgary is a western, local, and authentic city. It's also known for nightlife, shopping, and museums. See Calgary travel costs.

Whistler

Whistler is a outdoorsy, charming, and adventurous village. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. The beauty of Whistler is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the skiing, nightlife, and food. See Whistler travel costs.

Calgary and Whistler: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Calgary or Whistler?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Whistler. Although Calgary and Whistler are popular destinations, Whistler has more sights and attractions for tourists. Whistler is very popular for its skiing, food, nightlife, resorts, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Calgary attracts visitors for its museums and attractions. Whistler is more touristy than Calgary and is known for its world renowned skiing and snowboarding. It is also well known for Cloudraker Skybridge. Calgary is famous for its farming and oil industries as well as the Calgary Stampede.

How is Calgary different from Whistler?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Calgary or Whistler Better for Skiing?

Whistler is an unbeatable place for winter skiing. However, Calgary is not a skiing destination.

Visitors will find world class skiing in Whistler. Whistler is the largest ski resort in North America. It covers a vast area that includes two peaks - Whistler and Blackcomb. The slopes are connected by lifts and gondolas and there are options for every level, from beginner to expert.

Calgary is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Calgary or Whistler?

Calgary is a nice place to visit for its sights and museums. However, Whistler is not a good village for its museums and history.

Calgary is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. It's worth visiting the Calgary Zoo, Fort Calgary, the Hangar Flight Museum, and Heritage Park, among others.

While most people don't head to Whistler specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. There is a local museum where you can learn about the areas culture and heritage.

Is the Food Better in Calgary or Whistler? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Whistler is well known for its restaurant scene. However, Calgary is not particularly known for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Whistler. There are many great restaurants and pubs that serve local dishes like Whistler herring, meatloaf, and Artic char fish. There are casual eateries as well as fine dining with upscale cuisine.

Calgary may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. The food scene is constantly evolving and you'll find plenty of casual restaurants. The city is known for its beef, so you should definitely sample a local steak.

Is Calgary or Whistler Better for Nightlife?

Whistler is well known for nightlife and partying. Also, Calgary is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

Whistler is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. After a day on the slopes, you can enjoy the lively nightlife that includes après ski bars, nightclubs, and late night parties.

If you're looking for night time activities Calgary has a few options to choose from. Visitors often head to Stephen Avenue Walk for its bars and pubs. There's also a decent theater scene around town.

Is Calgary or Whistler Better for Resorts?

Whistler is well known for its resorts. However, Calgary is not a resort destination.

In Whistler, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. There's a large selection of resorts that you can choose from. Many have pools and hot tubs and range from romantic to family-friendly.

Calgary is not a resort destination.

Is Calgary or Whistler Better for Hiking?

Whistler is an unbeatable place for its hiking experiences. However, Calgary is not a hiking destination.

Around Whistler visitors will find world-class hiking trails. During the warmer seasons there are miles of hiking trails that take you through both Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains. Many trails are accessible by gondola and you'll find great views and stunning vistas. Trails range from short family-friendly options to strenuous and adventurous routes.

Calgary is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Calgary or Whistler?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Whistler and Calgary.

Calgary offers some nice shopping areas. There are plenty of independent shops around town as well as some great shopping neighborhoods. Make sure you check out Fourth Street and 17th Avenue. There are also large shopping malls.

Whistler has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The village offers great shopping where you can pick up local items or any ski gear you may have forgotten.

Is Calgary or Whistler More Beautiful?

Whistler is well known for its scenery and beauty. However, Calgary is not a destination known for its beauty.

The beauty of Whistler is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. The town sits in a valley that is surrounded by stunning mountains and impressive glaciers.

Calgary is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Calgary or Whistler Better for Families?

Whistler is an unbeatable place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Calgary is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Whistler is an extremely popular village to visit for families. Kids will love the winter activities like skiing, dog sledding, and bobsledding. There's also an ice skating rink, climbing gym, and tons of kid-friendly restaurants.

Calgary offers lots of family activities. There are a surprising number of things around town to do with kids such as petting zoos, museums, and even amusement parks. The Calgary Zoo is worth a visit, but also make sure you check out Calaway Park Amusement Park and the Telus Spark science center.

Is Calgary or Whistler Better for Couples?

Whistler is well known for its romantic activities. Also, Calgary is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Couples visit Whistler frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Couples who enjoy an adventure will love the year-round outdoor sports. There are also romantic spas, fine dining, and scenic gondola rides.

Calgary is a good city for couples to visit. You'll find outdoor sports, boat tours, and plenty of great restaurants around town. If you're looking for a low key destination with a great vibe, then this is a great city for a weekend trip.

Is Calgary or Whistler Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Whistler is well known for backpackers. Also, Calgary is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Whistler is a great village to visit for backpackers. There are several hostels in the area that are perfect for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Calgary. A surprising number of backpackers end up passing through town, so you'll find a handful of hostels to choose from.

Is Calgary or Whistler Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Calgary is a nice place to visit for its public transit. However, Whistler is not a good village for times when you don't have a car.

Calgary has a few public transit options. The public transportation system is relatively efficient with both light rail and buses.

Public transit is mostly limited in Whistler. There's a bus system that connects the town to other nearby neighborhoods.

Is Calgary or Whistler a more walkable city?

Whistler is well known for its high level of walkability. However, Calgary is not particularly known for its ease of walking around.

Whistler is a very walkable village. It's a compact town that's easy to explore on foot.

Calgary is generally not a very walkable city. While there are a couple of walkable neighborhood's around town, it's definitely not the most walkable city.

For even more information, also check out Is Calgary Worth Visiting? and Is Whistler Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Whistler or Calgary?

How long in Calgary or Whistler?

In either Calgary or Whistler, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Whistler than Calgary because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Calgary, and 3-5 days is enough time in Whistler.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Whistler than Calgary 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 Whistler.

One day in Calgary or Whistler?

The city of Calgary offers nightlife and shopping. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Whistler, you'll find skiing and nightlife. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This village offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Calgary or Whistler?

Calgary is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Calgary, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

In Whistler, you'll find nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Calgary or Whistler?

Calgary is a popular choice for travelers. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Whistler is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Whistler has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Calgary or Whistler?

Calgary is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Whistler. Many people enjoy the shopping and skiing when visiting Whistler. It's also a relaxing resort destination. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Coach Bus Tours in Canada, The Best Adventure Tours to Canada, The Best Eco Tours in Canada, and The Best Train & Rail Tours in Canada.

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

Which is Bigger, Calgary or Whistler?

Calgary has a larger population, and is about 100 times larger than the population of Whistler. When comparing the sizes of Calgary and Whistler, 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.