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

Should you visit Hood River or Vernon?

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

Should I visit Hood River or Vernon? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Where Should I go: Hood River or Vernon?

Hood River

The city of Hood River is the seat of Hood River County, Oregon, United States. It is a port on the Columbia River, and is named for the nearby Hood River. The dynamic town of Hood River is one of the best windsurfing and kiteboarding destinations in the world. Strong river currents, prevailing westerly winds and a vast body of water provide the perfect conditions for these wind sports, attracting sometimes hundreds of photogenic enthusiasts who zip back and forth across the wide Columbia River.

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 Tours for Seniors to United States of America, The Best Contiki Tours to 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 Hood River and Vernon, we can see that Hood River 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 Hood River would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Hood River 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 Hood River Expensive? and Is Vernon Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Hood River or Vernon?

Vernon has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Hood River. When comparing the sizes of Hood River 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 Hood River or Vernon?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Hood River or Vernon in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Hood River as well as Vernon. Many travelers come to Hood River for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Hood River is cooler than Vernon. Typically, the summer temperatures in Hood River in July average around 68°F (20°C), and Vernon averages at about 23°C (73°F).

Hood River usually gets less rain in July than Vernon. Hood River gets 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain, while Vernon receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hood River or Vernon in the Autumn?

Both Vernon and Hood River are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Hood River in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Hood River is generally a little warmer than Vernon. Daily temperatures in Hood River average around 55°F (13°C), and Vernon fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In October, Hood River usually receives more rain than Vernon. Hood River gets 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain, while Vernon receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Hood River or Vernon in the Winter?

Both Vernon and Hood River during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Hood River for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

The weather in Vernon can be very cold. Hood River can be very cold during winter. Hood River is much warmer than Vernon in the winter. The daily temperature in Hood River averages around 40°F (4°C) in January, and Vernon fluctuates around -3°C (27°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Hood River. Hood River usually gets more rain in January than Vernon. Hood River gets 5.2 inches (132 mm) of rain, while Vernon receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hood River or Vernon in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Hood River and Vernon. The spring months attract visitors to Hood River because of the natural beauty.

In the spring, Hood River is around the same temperature as Vernon. Typically, the spring temperatures in Hood River in April average around 51°F (11°C), and Vernon averages at about 12°C (53°F).

In April, Hood River usually receives more rain than Vernon. Hood River gets 2.4 inches (61 mm) of rain, while Vernon receives 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Vernon and Hood River