A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Columbia River Gorge vs. Vernon for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Columbia River Gorge or Vernon?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Columbia River Gorge or Vernon, 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: Columbia River Gorge or Vernon?

Columbia River Gorge

Columbia River Gorge is a popular destination in the Cascade Mountains in the Pacific Northwest. The region's close proximity to Portland, which is just 30 minutes away, makes it a popular weekend destination.

The gorge is formed by the Columbia River, with an 80 mile stretch designated as a National Scenic Area. The area has many beautiful cliffs with a number of tall waterfalls and its protected status means that most new development must occur within one of the already established towns.

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 Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, The Best Historical 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 Columbia River Gorge and Vernon, we can see that Columbia River Gorge 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 Columbia River Gorge would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Columbia River Gorge 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 Columbia River Gorge Expensive? and Is Vernon Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Columbia River Gorge or Vernon?

Vernon has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Columbia River Gorge. When comparing the sizes of Columbia River Gorge 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 Columbia River Gorge 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 Columbia River Gorge or Vernon in the Summer?

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

In July, Columbia River Gorge is generally cooler than Vernon. Daily temperatures in Columbia River Gorge average around 68°F (20°C), and Vernon fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

In July, Columbia River Gorge usually receives less rain than Vernon. Columbia River Gorge gets 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain, while Vernon receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Columbia River Gorge or Vernon in the Autumn?

Both Vernon and Columbia River Gorge during the autumn are popular places to visit. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Columbia River Gorge this time of year.

Columbia River Gorge is a little warmer than Vernon in the autumn. The daily temperature in Columbia River Gorge averages around 55°F (13°C) in October, and Vernon fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Columbia River Gorge usually gets more rain in October than Vernon. Columbia River Gorge gets 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain, while Vernon receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Columbia River Gorge or Vernon in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Columbia River Gorge and Vernon. Many travelers come to Columbia River Gorge for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Vernon can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Columbia River Gorge. In the winter, Columbia River Gorge is much warmer than Vernon. Typically, the winter temperatures in Columbia River Gorge in January average around 40°F (4°C), and Vernon averages at about -3°C (27°F).

Columbia River Gorge gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Columbia River Gorge usually receives more rain than Vernon. Columbia River Gorge gets 5.2 inches (132 mm) of rain, while Vernon receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Columbia River Gorge or Vernon in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Columbia River Gorge as well as Vernon. Many visitors come to Columbia River Gorge in the spring for the natural beauty.

In April, Columbia River Gorge is generally around the same temperature as Vernon. Daily temperatures in Columbia River Gorge average around 51°F (11°C), and Vernon fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

Columbia River Gorge usually gets more rain in April than Vernon. Columbia River Gorge gets 2.4 inches (61 mm) of rain, while Vernon receives 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Vernon and Columbia River Gorge