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

Should you visit Juneau or Vernon?

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

Should I visit Juneau 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: Juneau or Vernon?

Juneau

Juneau, Alaska is the capital city of the state, and it is also one of the most beautiful cities. Juneau is surrounded by two large mountains and a channel, so it is the only state capital not accessible by train or car. It is lined with small streets, including what is locally known as "stair streets" which can only be accessed by foot and include walking up 100-300 stairs, depending on which level you're going to. Luckily, most of the sights and stores are on the lower level, though. The only real structures located on the stair streets are residential buildings. Juneau is the most visited city in Alaska, but its population is just over 33,000. Its economy is based mostly on government, tourism, fishing, and mining.

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.


Which place is cheaper, Vernon or Juneau?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Juneau is $160, while the average daily cost in Vernon is $30. 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 Juneau and Vernon in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Juneau $88
    Vernon $4.82
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Juneau $176
    Vernon $9.64
Compare Hotels in Juneau and Vernon

Looking for a hotel in Juneau or Vernon? 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 Juneau


Hotels in Vernon


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: Juneau Hotel Prices and Vernon Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Juneau $38
    Vernon -

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Juneau

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Juneau:

  • Private Arrival Transfer from Juneau Airport (JNU): $48
  • Private Departure Transfer to Juneau Airport (JNU): $48

Is it cheaper to fly into Juneau or Vernon?

Prices for flights to both Vernon and Juneau 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
    Juneau $49
    Vernon $25

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Juneau $17
    Vernon -
Typical Entertainment Prices in Juneau

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


  • 1 Day Bike Rental
    $25
  • Admission to Alaska State Museum
    $5.00
  • Glacier Gardens
    $22

Tours and Activities in Juneau

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

  • Juneau, The Last Frontier Self Guided (Smart Phone App/GPS) Audio Walking Tour: $6.75
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: $14
  • Juneau City Tour: $52
  • Juneau Underground Gold Mine and Panning Experience: $79
  • Historic Gold Mining and Panning Adventure: $99
  • Whale Watching Adventure in Juneau: $123
  • From Whale Watching Cruise with Snacks: $132
  • Historic Gold Panning Adventure & Salmon Bake: $139
  • eBikes Alaska - Rainforest Adventure: $160
  • Whale Watching and Wildlife Cruise with Local Guide: $177
  • 3.5 Hour Crowd-Skipping Whale Tour in Juneau Alaska: $189
  • Juneau Whale Watching Adventure: $189

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Juneau $16
    Vernon $13


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Juneau and Vernon, we can see that Juneau 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 Juneau would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Juneau 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 Juneau Expensive? and Is Vernon Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Juneau or Vernon?

Vernon has a larger population, and is about 54% larger than the population of Juneau. When comparing the sizes of Juneau 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 Juneau 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 Juneau or Vernon in the Summer?

Both Vernon and Juneau are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Juneau for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Juneau is much colder than Vernon. Typically, the summer temperatures in Juneau in July average around 56°F (13°C), and Vernon averages at about 23°C (73°F).

It's quite rainy in Juneau. In July, Juneau usually receives more rain than Vernon. Juneau gets 4.2 inches (106 mm) of rain, while Vernon receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Juneau 56°F (13°C) 
    Vernon 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Juneau or Vernon in the Autumn?

Both Vernon and Juneau during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Juneau in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Juneau is generally much colder than Vernon. Daily temperatures in Juneau average around 42°F (6°C), and Vernon fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Juneau. Juneau usually gets more rain in October than Vernon. Juneau gets 7.8 inches (199 mm) of rain, while Vernon receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Juneau 42°F (6°C) 
    Vernon 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Juneau or Vernon in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Juneau and Vernon. Most visitors come to Juneau for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

The weather in Vernon can be very cold. Juneau can be very cold during winter. Juneau is much colder than Vernon in the winter. The daily temperature in Juneau averages around 24°F (-4°C) in January, and Vernon fluctuates around -3°C (27°F).

Juneau gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Juneau usually receives more rain than Vernon. Juneau gets 4.6 inches (116 mm) of rain, while Vernon receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Juneau 24°F (-4°C) 
    Vernon -3°C (27°F)

Should I visit Juneau or Vernon in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Juneau as well as Vernon. The spring months attract visitors to Juneau because of the natural beauty.

The weather in Juneau can be very cold. In the spring, Juneau is much colder than Vernon. Typically, the spring temperatures in Juneau in April average around 40°F (4°C), and Vernon averages at about 12°C (53°F).

Juneau usually gets more rain in April than Vernon. Juneau gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Vernon receives 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Juneau 40°F (4°C) 
    Vernon 12°C (53°F)

Typical Weather for Vernon and Juneau

Juneau Vernon
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 24°F (-4°C) 4.6 inches (116 mm) -3°C (27°F) 26 mm (1 in)
Feb 28°F (-2°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm) 2°C (35°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Mar 33°F (0°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 7°C (44°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Apr 40°F (4°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 12°C (53°F) 15 mm (0.6 in)
May 47°F (8°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm) 16°C (61°F) 22 mm (0.9 in)
Jun 53°F (12°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm) 21°C (69°F) 29 mm (1.1 in)
Jul 56°F (13°C) 4.2 inches (106 mm) 23°C (73°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Aug 55°F (13°C) 5.3 inches (135 mm) 23°C (73°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Sep 49°F (10°C) 7 inches (179 mm) 17°C (63°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Oct 42°F (6°C) 7.8 inches (199 mm) 11°C (51°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Nov 32°F (-0°C) 4.9 inches (123 mm) 4°C (39°F) 22 mm (0.9 in)
Dec 27°F (-3°C) 4.4 inches (113 mm) -1°C (30°F) 33 mm (1.3 in)