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

Should you visit Columbia River Gorge or Whistler?

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 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: Columbia River Gorge or Whistler?

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.

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 Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, The Best Historical Tours in United States of America, The Best Contiki Tours to Canada, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Canada.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Columbia River Gorge and Whistler, we can see that Columbia River Gorge 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 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 Whistler.

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 Whistler Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Columbia River Gorge or Whistler?

Columbia River Gorge has a larger population, and is about 9% larger than the population of Whistler. When comparing the sizes of Columbia River Gorge 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 Columbia River Gorge 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 Columbia River Gorge or Whistler in the Summer?

Both Whistler 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.

Columbia River Gorge is a little warmer than Whistler in the summer. The daily temperature in Columbia River Gorge averages around 68°F (20°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 Columbia River Gorge. Columbia River Gorge usually receives more sunshine than Whistler during summer. Columbia River Gorge gets 338 hours of sunny skies, while Whistler receives 296 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Columbia River Gorge usually receives less rain than Whistler. Columbia River Gorge gets 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain, while Whistler receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

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

Both Whistler 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.

In the autumn, Columbia River Gorge is a little warmer than Whistler. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Columbia River Gorge in October average around 55°F (13°C), and Whistler averages at about 11°C (51°F).

In the autumn, Columbia River Gorge often gets more sunshine than Whistler. Columbia River Gorge gets 155 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. Columbia River Gorge usually gets less rain in October than Whistler. Columbia River Gorge gets 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain, while Whistler receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

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

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Columbia River Gorge and Whistler. Many travelers come to Columbia River Gorge 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 Columbia River Gorge. In January, Columbia River Gorge is generally around the same temperature as Whistler. Daily temperatures in Columbia River Gorge average around 40°F (4°C), and Whistler fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).

Columbia River Gorge usually receives more sunshine than Whistler during winter. Columbia River Gorge gets 86 hours of sunny skies, while Whistler receives 55 hours of full sun in the winter.

Whistler receives a lot of rain in the winter. Columbia River Gorge gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Columbia River Gorge usually receives less rain than Whistler. Columbia River Gorge gets 5.2 inches (132 mm) of rain, while Whistler receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

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

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

Columbia River Gorge is a little warmer than Whistler in the spring. The daily temperature in Columbia River Gorge averages around 51°F (11°C) in April, and Whistler fluctuates around 9°C (49°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Columbia River Gorge this time of the year. In the spring, Columbia River Gorge often gets more sunshine than Whistler. Columbia River Gorge gets 231 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Whistler receives 172 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Whistler. Columbia River Gorge usually gets less rain in April than Whistler. Columbia River Gorge gets 2.4 inches (61 mm) of rain, while Whistler receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Whistler and Columbia River Gorge