Which place is cheaper, Vancouver or Denali National Park?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Denali National Park or Vancouver?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Denali National Park and Vancouver can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Denali National Park or Vancouver?
Denali National Park
There is a place in Alaska, 240 miles wide, where you can be a part of the wild frontier. The expansive and untouched area of Denali National Park welcomes thousands of visitors ever year with stunning natural wonders and incredible wildlife like grizzly bears, wolves, moose, caribou and more.
As home to North America's tallest peak, Denali has attracted nature adventurers from all over the world. Established in 1917 as wildlife refuge, Denali National Park contains areas of tundra and taiga. Taiga zones are covered in evergreen, spruce and aspen trees, while tundra zones are full of miniaturized versions of the plants including flowers, mosses and shrubs.
Remember that the weather changes without warning in Denali. It is a well known to the locals that you can expect sun, wind, rain and clouds in the same day. Pack accordingly.
Vancouver
Vancouver is a beautiful and cosmopolitan city in Western Canada. It is also the largest city in British Columbia, and is dramatically positioned between the coast and mountains. It's a very international city, with a high level of energy and countless activites that you can enjoy while you're in town. In addition to offering all of the activities and entertainment of a modern city, it is also in jumping off distance to any number of outdoor activities.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage, The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco, The Best 10-Day Tours from Vancouver, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Canada.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayDenali National Park $218Vancouver $141
The average daily cost (per person) in Denali National Park is $218, while the average daily cost in Vancouver is $141. 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 Denali National Park and Vancouver in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personDenali National Park $116Vancouver $87
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomDenali National Park $232Vancouver $174
Compare Hotels in Denali National Park and Vancouver
Looking for a hotel in Denali National Park or Vancouver? 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.
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: Vancouver Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Denali National Park $76Vancouver $12
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Denali National Park
Also for Denali National Park, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Shuttle Transfer: Anchorage ↔ Denali National Park: $150
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Vancouver
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Vancouver are as follows:
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SkyTrain from Airport$6.35
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Taxi from Airport to Downtown$21
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15 min Taxi Ride$8.71
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SkyTrain DayPass$6.53
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Vancouver
Also for Vancouver, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Vancouver Airport (YVR) Transfer to Whistler: $611
- Private Transfer from Whistler to Vancouver Airport YVR: $602
- Private Transfer from Downtown Vancouver to Whistler: $570
- Private Transfer from YVR Airport To Whistler: $511
- Vancouver Airport(YVR): Transfer to Canada Place Cruise Port: $425
- Canada Place Cruise Port: Transfer to Vancouver hotels: $425
- Maximize Your Cruise Adventure: Vancouver Tour & Transfer: $292
- Vancouver, BC: Scenic Seaplane Transfer to Seattle, WA: $283
- Private Transfer, Langley, BC to Vancouver International Airport-VIP Sedan: $280
- Vancouver Cruise Transfers/ City Sightseeing Tour Private: $277
- Private Transfer from Vancouver (YVR) Airport to Vancouver City: $270
- Private Transfer, Vancouver Intl. Airport to Vancouver, BC - VIP, SEDAN : $250
Is it cheaper to fly into Denali National Park or Vancouver?
Prices for flights to both Vancouver and Denali National Park 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
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Food Meals for one dayDenali National Park $57Vancouver $31
Typical Food Prices in Vancouver
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Vancouver:
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All You Can Eat Sushi Lunch$8.80
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Vancouver
For Vancouver, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- A Wok Around Food Tour of the Granville Island Public Market: $84
- The Gastown Experience Walking Food Tour: $85
- Gastown Historic Walking Food Tour: $100
- Vancouver Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $100
- North Vancouver Shipyards Food Tour: $108
- Vancouver Authentic Chinese Food Tour: $134
- VIP Granville Island Market Vancouver - Walking Food Tour: $138
- Authentic Asian Eats Walking Food Tour: $142
- 3-Hour Bowen Island Boat Cruise with Dinner: $153
- Vancouver Evening Dinner Cruise: $157
- Granville Island Uncorked Walking Food Tour: $161
- Bowen Island Dinner and Zodiac Boat Tour by Vancouver Water Adventures: $163
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Denali National Park $30Vancouver $36
Tours and Activities in Denali National Park
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Denali National Park.
- 2.5-Hour Denali Wilderness ATV Adventure Tour: $79
- 3 Hour Naturalist Walking Tour in Denali National Park: $119
- 4 Hour Off-Trail Hiking Tour in Denali: $199
- 5-Hour Mountain Hiking Tour in Denali: $169
- Alaskan Back Country Side by Side ATV Adventure with Meal: $150
- Authentical Denali Tour from Denali Park and Fairbanks: $260
- Classic ATV Adventure with Back Country Dining: $150
- Denali ATV Trailblazer 3.5 Hour Tour : $114
- Denali National Park Walking Tour: $125
- Denali Park Zipline Adventure: $165
- Denali Self-Guided Jeep Adventure: $244
- Half-Day Denali River Rafting Experience: $229
Tours and Activities in Vancouver
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Vancouver.
- Guided Bike /E-bike Tour in Whistler From Vancouver: $219
- Sunshine Coast Escape (Around Vancouver) Small Group Tour: $145
- $99 Vancouver 2 Hours City Tour Private: $102
- 2 Days Leavenworth Christmastown Tour from Vancouver (Chn&Eng): $192
- 2-in-1 Vancouver city Tour: $234
- 3-Day Vancouver City Tour Package With Whistler & Victoria: $2,411
- 3hr Private Sightseeing Tour Vancouver (from Vancouver City): $456
- 3hr Private Sightseeing Tour-Vancouver City (fr YVR/Cruise): $583
- 4-Hour Private Tour of Vancouver's Gardens: $334
- 5 Days in Vancouver Multiactivity Adventure Tour: $2,411
- 5hr Private Sightseeing Tour-Vancouver (from Vancouver City): $709
- 5hr Private Sightseeing Tour-Vancouver City (fr YVR/Cruise): $836
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayDenali National Park $12Vancouver $16
Sample the Local Flavors in Vancouver
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Vancouver:
- Vancouver - Granville Pub Crawl ROUTE B: $18
- Gastown Pub Crawl: $22
- Vancouver - Granville Pub Crawl: $26
- 3.5-Hour Craft Brewery Tour: $84
- Fraser Valley Wine Tour with a light Lunch from Vancouver: $134
- Vancouver Wine Tour (Fraser Valley): $134
- From Half-Day Fraser Valley Wine Tour: $138
- Taste of the Valley Wine Tour: $148
- Stawamus Chief Hike and Local Brewery Tasting: $164
- Fraser Valley & White Rock Premium Public Wine Tour: $166
- Stawamus Chief Hike & Local Brewery Tasting : $167
- Full-Day Private Fraser Valley Wine Tour from Vancouver: $189
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Denali National Park and Vancouver, we can see that Denali National Park is more expensive. And not only is Vancouver much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Vancouver would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Vancouver 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 Denali National Park would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Denali National Park than you might in Vancouver.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Denali National Park Expensive? and Is Vancouver Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Denali National Park or Vancouver?
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 Denali National Park or Vancouver in the Summer?
Both Vancouver and Denali National Park are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Denali National Park in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Denali National Park is generally cooler than Vancouver. Daily temperatures in Denali National Park average around 60°F (15°C), and Vancouver fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).
In July, Denali National Park usually receives more rain than Vancouver. Denali National Park gets 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain, while Vancouver receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyDenali National Park 60°F (15°C)Vancouver 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Denali National Park or Vancouver in the Autumn?
Both Vancouver and Denali National Park during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Denali National Park for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
Denali National Park can be very cold during autumn. Denali National Park is much colder than Vancouver in the autumn. The daily temperature in Denali National Park averages around 32°F (0°C) in October, and Vancouver fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).
Vancouver gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Denali National Park usually gets less rain in October than Vancouver. Denali National Park gets 3.1 inches (79 mm) of rain, while Vancouver receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberDenali National Park 32°F (0°C)Vancouver 11°C (51°F)
Should I visit Denali National Park or Vancouver in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Denali National Park and Vancouver. The winter months attract visitors to Denali National Park because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
It's quite cold in Vancouver in the winter. The weather in Denali National Park can be very cold. In the winter, Denali National Park is much colder than Vancouver. Typically, the winter temperatures in Denali National Park in January average around 11°F (-12°C), and Vancouver averages at about 4°C (40°F).
Vancouver receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Denali National Park usually receives less rain than Vancouver. Denali National Park gets 1.3 inches (33 mm) of rain, while Vancouver receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryDenali National Park 11°F (-12°C)Vancouver 4°C (40°F)
Should I visit Denali National Park or Vancouver in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Denali National Park as well as Vancouver. The natural beauty are the main draw to Denali National Park this time of year.
It's quite cold in Denali National Park in the spring. In April, Denali National Park is generally much colder than Vancouver. Daily temperatures in Denali National Park average around 34°F (1°C), and Vancouver fluctuates around 9°C (49°F).
It's quite rainy in Vancouver. Denali National Park usually gets less rain in April than Vancouver. Denali National Park gets 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain, while Vancouver receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilDenali National Park 34°F (1°C)Vancouver 9°C (49°F)
Typical Weather for Vancouver and Denali National Park
| Denali National Park | Vancouver | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 11°F (-12°C) | 1.3 inches (33 mm) | 4°C (40°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) |
| Feb | 16°F (-9°C) | 1.4 inches (37 mm) | 6°C (42°F) | 179 mm (7.1 in) |
| Mar | 23°F (-5°C) | 1.5 inches (37 mm) | 7°C (45°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) |
| Apr | 34°F (1°C) | 1.6 inches (41 mm) | 9°C (49°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| May | 46°F (8°C) | 1.7 inches (42 mm) | 13°C (55°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Jun | 56°F (13°C) | 2.6 inches (67 mm) | 16°C (60°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Jul | 60°F (15°C) | 3.6 inches (92 mm) | 18°C (64°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Aug | 56°F (14°C) | 4.5 inches (115 mm) | 18°C (64°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Sep | 47°F (9°C) | 4.2 inches (108 mm) | 15°C (59°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) |
| Oct | 32°F (0°C) | 3.1 inches (79 mm) | 11°C (51°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) |
| Nov | 18°F (-8°C) | 1.8 inches (45 mm) | 7°C (44°F) | 234 mm (9.2 in) |
| Dec | 13°F (-11°C) | 1.9 inches (49 mm) | 4°C (40°F) | 198 mm (7.8 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.