A Travel Price Comparison for Canada Niagara Falls vs. Vernon for Families, Hiking, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Niagara Falls or Vernon?

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

Should I visit Niagara Falls 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.

Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls is a impressive, iconic, and breathtaking city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and hiking.

Vernon

Vernon is a relaxing, quiet, and peaceful town. And you can't forget about the food, hiking, and shopping.

Niagara Falls and Vernon: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Niagara Falls or Vernon?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Niagara Falls. Although Niagara Falls and Vernon are both popular with visitors, Niagara Falls has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Niagara Falls is more popular for its nightlife and impressive beauty, while Vernon is known for its museums & sights. Niagara Falls is more touristy than Vernon and is known for the large volume of water that flows over it. It is also home to the Journey Behind the Falls. Vernon is popular for its surrounding valley with lakes and hiking trails.

How is Niagara Falls different from Vernon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Vernon and Niagara Falls. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Niagara Falls or Vernon?

Vernon is a popular place for its sights and museums. However, Niagara Falls is a mediocre city for its museums and history.

Vernon offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are local galleries and museums that offer information on the region's history and culture. You can visit the Canadian Wildlife Museum, the Caetani Center, the Museum and Archives of Vernon, the Paddlewheel Park Stationhouse Museum, and the Vernon Public Art Gallery.

While most people don't head to Niagara Falls specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. The Niagara Falls History Museum is one of the best museums in the area. There are also more touristy museums and attractions that you can visit as well. There's also a butterfly conservancy that is worth checking out.

Is the Food Better in Niagara Falls or Vernon? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Niagara Falls and Vernon can be difficult as they are each good in their own way.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Niagara Falls. It's an iconic Canadian destination so, of course, you should try all things Canadian while you're in town. Maple syrup, poutine, butter tart, and beavertail (fried dough) are all things that should be on your list. Also make sure you sample some of the local game meat.

Vernon is becoming an appealing option for foodies. The region is known for its vineyards and wineries and many of the local restaurants have been around for generations. The food is often locally produced and prepared with traditional recipes.

Is Niagara Falls or Vernon Better for Nightlife?

Niagara Falls is a nice place to visit for its evening party scene. However, Vernon is not a good town for nightlife.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Niagara Falls. There's a decent concentration of clubs, pubs, and bars around town that keep things fun late into the evening.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Vernon. The town gets very quiet in the evenings, so you won't find much of a nightlife scene.

Is Niagara Falls or Vernon Better for Hiking?

If you're looking to go hiking, Niagara Falls and Vernon both have very good trails.

Niagara Falls is a popular spot for hiking. The nearby area is filled with hiking trails that let you escape into nature and enjoy impressive views.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Vernon. The surrounding valley has more than 300 kilometers of hiking trails. They run along pristine lakes, pass by granite rock formations, and take you to impressive viewpoints.

Is the Shopping Better in Niagara Falls or Vernon?

Both Niagara Falls and Vernon are good shopping destinations.

Niagara Falls offers some nice shopping areas. You'll find touristy souvenir shops as well as outlets and malls nearby.

Vernon has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are a number of boutique shops that are fun to explore in the downtown area.

Is Niagara Falls or Vernon Better for Families?

Niagara Falls is terrific for its family-friendly activities. Also, Vernon is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Niagara Falls is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. The views and setting are spectacular, and kids will love the boat tours or taking a ride on the Whirlpool Aero Car. There's also an indoor waterpark, a butterfly conservatory, and plenty of nature to explore.

Vernon is a family-friendly city. There are biking and hiking trails as well as other outdoor activities. You can also visit the Allan Brooks Nature Center or the Rock Garden Climbing Center.

Is Niagara Falls or Vernon Better for Couples?

Niagara Falls is a well-known place for couples. Also, Vernon is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for romance.

Niagara Falls is a very popular place to visit for couples. The setting has long brought to mind romance, and to this day couples still honeymoon at this iconic destination. There are boat tours, nature trails, luxury hotels, and even wineries to explore.

Vernon is a nice destination for couples. It offers a peaceful getaway for couples. You can visit the Okanagan wineries or enjoy one of the many hiking trails. There are also nice restaurants to try.

Is Niagara Falls or Vernon Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Niagara Falls is a nice place to visit for backpackers. However, Vernon is not a good town for backpackers and budget travelers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Niagara Falls. There's a hostel or two where you can stay for cheap and meet other travelers.

Vernon is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There is a hostel in town, but this isn't a popular destination for backpackers.

Is Niagara Falls or Vernon Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Niagara Falls is a nice place to visit for its public transit. However, Vernon is not a good town for times when you don't have a car.

Niagara Falls has a few public transit options. There is a bus system through town.

Public transit is mostly limited in Vernon. There is a bus system, but it's better not to rely on it.

Is Niagara Falls or Vernon a more walkable city?

Niagara Falls is a nice place to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Vernon is not a good town for its walkability.

Niagara Falls is a somewhat walkable city. Most of the attractions and close together by the falls, so it's relatively walkable.

Vernon is generally not a very walkable city. You'll really want to have a car to make the most of your time here.

For even more information, also check out Is Niagara Falls Worth Visiting? and Is Vernon Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Vernon or Niagara Falls?

How long in Niagara Falls or Vernon?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Niagara Falls and Vernon. In our opinion, Niagara Falls has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Niagara Falls than Vernon. In general, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Niagara Falls, and 1-3 days is enough time in Vernon.

Families should spend more time in Niagara Falls than Vernon. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Niagara Falls, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Niagara Falls than Vernon. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Niagara Falls that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Niagara Falls than Vernon if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Niagara Falls.

One day in Niagara Falls or Vernon?

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Niagara Falls. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and food when visiting the relaxing destination of Vernon. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A weekend in Niagara Falls or Vernon?

Niagara Falls is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Vernon. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Five days in Niagara Falls or Vernon?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Niagara Falls. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the relaxing destination of Vernon. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

A week in Niagara Falls or Vernon?

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the impressive destination of Niagara Falls. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

You'll find museums and food around the town of Vernon. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Canada, The Best Contiki Tours to Canada, The Best G Adventures Tours to Canada, and The Best 3-Day Tours from Vancouver.

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

Which is Bigger, Niagara Falls or Vernon?

Niagara Falls has a larger population, and is about 73% larger than the population of Vernon. When comparing the sizes of Niagara Falls 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 Niagara Falls 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 Niagara Falls or Vernon in the Summer?

Both Vernon and Niagara Falls are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Niagara Falls for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Vernon in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Niagara Falls is around the same temperature as Vernon. Typically, the summer temperatures in Niagara Falls in July average around 23°C (74°F), and Vernon averages at about 23°C (73°F).

In July, Niagara Falls usually receives more rain than Vernon. Niagara Falls gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Vernon receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Niagara Falls or Vernon in the Autumn?

Both Vernon and Niagara Falls during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Niagara Falls in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, most visitors come to Vernon for the hiking trails and the shopping scene during these months.

In October, Niagara Falls is generally a little warmer than Vernon. Daily temperatures in Niagara Falls average around 12°C (54°F), and Vernon fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Niagara Falls usually gets more rain in October than Vernon. Niagara Falls gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Vernon receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Niagara Falls or Vernon in the Winter?

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

The weather in Vernon can be very cold. Niagara Falls can be very cold during winter. Niagara Falls is cooler than Vernon in the winter. The daily temperature in Niagara Falls averages around -4°C (26°F) in January, and Vernon fluctuates around -3°C (27°F).

In January, Niagara Falls usually receives more rain than Vernon. Niagara Falls gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Vernon receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Niagara Falls or Vernon in the Spring?

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

In the spring, Niagara Falls is cooler than Vernon. Typically, the spring temperatures in Niagara Falls in April average around 10°C (49°F), and Vernon averages at about 12°C (53°F).

Niagara Falls usually gets more rain in April than Vernon. Niagara Falls gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Vernon receives 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Vernon and Niagara Falls