A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Cherokee vs. Whistler for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Cherokee or Whistler?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Cherokee 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: Cherokee or Whistler?

Cherokee

The town of Cherokee is the center of Cherokee Native American culture in North Carolina and the eastern United States. Many natives refer to this area as home and the Cherokee language is also spoken by many people in the area. The town was established by the Cherokee people who were able to stay behind when the US Government forced the majority of the Cherokee people west (ultimately to Oklahoma) in what is known as the Trail of Tears. Those who were able to stay behind were able to hide in the mountains that now comprise the Great Smokey Mountains National Park. The Cherokee people at one point lived in houses made of woven grass and mud, and later, log cabins.

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 in United States of America, The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best Contiki Tours to Canada, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Canada.


Which place is cheaper, Whistler or Cherokee?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Cherokee is $174, 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 Cherokee and Whistler in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cherokee $158
    Whistler $65
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cherokee $316
    Whistler $130
Compare Hotels in Cherokee and Whistler

Looking for a hotel in Cherokee 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.

Hotels in Cherokee


Hotels in Whistler


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: Cherokee Hotel Prices and Whistler Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cherokee -
    Whistler $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 Downtown Vancouver: $570
  • Private Transfer from Whistler to Richmond BC: $633

Is it cheaper to fly into Cherokee or Whistler?

Prices for flights to both Whistler and Cherokee 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
    Cherokee $16
    Whistler $30

Typical Food Prices in Whistler

Some typical examples of dining costs in Whistler are as follows:


  • Coffee at Starbucks
    $12
  • Tim Hortons Breakfast
    $12
  • 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
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cherokee -
    Whistler $78

Typical Entertainment Prices in Whistler

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


  • Driving Range
    $15

Tours and Activities in Whistler

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

  • Sea to Sky Highway: a Smartphone Audio Driving Tour: $6.31
  • Audain Art Museum Admission Ticket: $16
  • One Hour Axe Throwing Guided Experience in Whistler: $33
  • Vallea Lumina Multimedia Experience: $35
  • The Great Whistler Walking Tour: Discover Whistler's Sights, History & Culture!: $49
  • Whistler Sightseeing Tour: Discover all of Whistler Year-Round!: $78
  • Guided Lunch Tour in Whistler: $88
  • Rock Climbing Beginner Experience: $94
  • Whistler Valley Tour by Seaplane: 20-Minute Flight: $102
  • Sky-Walk Mountain Climbing Tour: $102
  • Whistler Glacier Discovery Tour: $103
  • Guided eBike Adventure: $106

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cherokee -
    Whistler $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 Cherokee and Whistler, we can see that Cherokee 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 Cherokee would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cherokee 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 Cherokee Expensive? and Is Whistler Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Cherokee or Whistler?

Whistler has a larger population, and is about 65% larger than the population of Cherokee. When comparing the sizes of Cherokee 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.


When is the best time to visit Cherokee or Whistler?

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 Cherokee or Whistler in the Summer?

Both Whistler and Cherokee are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Cherokee because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

Cherokee is much warmer than Whistler in the summer. The daily temperature in Cherokee averages around 81°F (27°C) in July, and Whistler fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

It's quite sunny in Whistler. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cherokee. Cherokee usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Whistler during summer. Cherokee gets 294 hours of sunny skies, while Whistler receives 296 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Cherokee. In July, Cherokee usually receives more rain than Whistler. Cherokee gets 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain, while Whistler receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Cherokee 81°F (27°C) 
    Whistler 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Cherokee or Whistler in the Autumn?

Both Whistler and Cherokee during the autumn are popular places to visit. The hiking trails and the shopping scene are the main draw to Cherokee this time of year.

In the autumn, Cherokee is much warmer than Whistler. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cherokee in October average around 63°F (17°C), and Whistler averages at about 11°C (51°F).

It's quite sunny in Cherokee. In the autumn, Cherokee often gets more sunshine than Whistler. Cherokee gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Whistler receives 124 hours of full sun.

Whistler gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Cherokee usually gets less rain in October than Whistler. Cherokee gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Whistler receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Cherokee 63°F (17°C) 
    Whistler 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Cherokee or Whistler in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Cherokee and Whistler. Many travelers come to Cherokee for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Whistler can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Cherokee. In January, Cherokee is generally around the same temperature as Whistler. Daily temperatures in Cherokee average around 40°F (5°C), and Whistler fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).

Cherokee usually receives more sunshine than Whistler during winter. Cherokee gets 134 hours of sunny skies, while Whistler receives 55 hours of full sun in the winter.

Whistler receives a lot of rain in the winter. Cherokee gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Cherokee usually receives less rain than Whistler. Cherokee gets 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain, while Whistler receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Cherokee 40°F (5°C) 
    Whistler 4°C (40°F)

Should I visit Cherokee or Whistler in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Cherokee as well as Whistler.

Cherokee is much warmer than Whistler in the spring. The daily temperature in Cherokee averages around 62°F (17°C) in April, and Whistler fluctuates around 9°C (49°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cherokee this time of the year. In the spring, Cherokee often gets more sunshine than Whistler. Cherokee gets 263 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Whistler receives 172 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Whistler. Cherokee usually gets less rain in April than Whistler. Cherokee gets 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain, while Whistler receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Cherokee 62°F (17°C) 
    Whistler 9°C (49°F)

Typical Weather for Whistler and Cherokee

Cherokee Whistler
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 40°F (5°C) 4.7 inches (119 mm) 4°C (40°F) 167 mm (6.6 in)
Feb 44°F (7°C) 4.7 inches (120 mm) 6°C (42°F) 179 mm (7.1 in)
Mar 54°F (12°C) 4.8 inches (123 mm) 7°C (45°F) 142 mm (5.6 in)
Apr 62°F (17°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm) 9°C (49°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
May 70°F (21°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 13°C (55°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Jun 78°F (25°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm) 16°C (60°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Jul 81°F (27°C) 4.7 inches (119 mm) 18°C (64°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Aug 80°F (27°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 18°C (64°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Sep 74°F (24°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm) 15°C (59°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Oct 63°F (17°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 11°C (51°F) 164 mm (6.5 in)
Nov 53°F (12°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm) 7°C (44°F) 234 mm (9.2 in)
Dec 44°F (7°C) 4.5 inches (114 mm) 4°C (40°F) 198 mm (7.8 in)