Which place is cheaper, Whistler or Niagara Falls?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Niagara Falls or Whistler?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Niagara Falls or Whistler? 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: Niagara Falls or Whistler?
Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls, Ontario sits on the Canadian side of Niagara Falls, across the border from Niagara Falls, New York. Together these cities have claimed themselves to be the "Honeymoon Capital of the World" a status that is probably little more than a marketing ploy. That said, Niagara Falls, Ontario, is perhaps a quainter and more natural version of its American counterpart. The town has existed as a tourist destination for hundreds of years, with its main attraction, obviously, being Niagara Falls. Today, millions of visitors come to see the falls every year. It's truly an impressive sight, and there is no shortage of entertainment options while you're in the area.
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 Sightseeing Tours in Canada, The Best Camping Tours in Canada, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Canada, and The Best Northern Lights Tours in Canada.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayNiagara Falls $122Whistler $125
The average daily cost (per person) in Niagara Falls is $122, while the average daily cost in Whistler is $125. 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 Niagara Falls and Whistler in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personNiagara Falls $74Whistler $65
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomNiagara Falls $148Whistler $130
Compare Hotels in Niagara Falls and Whistler
Looking for a hotel in Niagara Falls or Whistler? 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: Niagara Falls Hotel Prices and Whistler Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Niagara Falls $16Whistler $20
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Niagara Falls
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Niagara Falls:
- Buffalo to Buffalo Niagara Airport (BUF) - Departure Private Transfer: $41
- Buffalo Niagara Airport (BUF) to Buffalo - Arrival Private Transfer: $42
- Niagara Buffalo Airport Departure: Private Transfer to Buffalo Niagara Airport: $79
- Niagara Buffalo Airport Arrival: Private Transfer to Niagara Falls Ontario: $80
- Buffalo Niagara Airport (BUF) to Buffalo - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $83
- Private Departure Transfer: Niagara Falls, Ontario to Buffalo Niagara International Airport: $87
- Private Arrival Transfer: Buffalo Niagara Airport to Niagara Falls, Ontario: $88
- Private Arrival Transfer from Buffalo Airport (BUF): $96
- Private Transfer: Niagara Int’l Airport (IAG) USA to Niagara Falls, ON: $97
- Shared Airport Transfer: Buffalo Niagara International Airport to Niagara Falls NY: $99
- Transfer Buffalo Niagara International Airport BUF to Niagara Falls,Canada: $103
- Private Departure Transfer to Buffalo Airport (BUF): $104
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Whistler
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Whistler:
- Vancouver: Seaplane Transfer between Vancouver & Whistler: $161
- Private Transfer from Whistler to Downtown Vancouver: $570
- Private Transfer from Whistler to Richmond BC: $633
Is it cheaper to fly into Niagara Falls or Whistler?
Prices for flights to both Whistler and Niagara Falls 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 dayNiagara Falls $28Whistler $30
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Niagara Falls
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Niagara Falls.
- The Wing Ride: The Hidden History of Chicken Wings Food Tour: $105
- Walking Food Tour in Niagara Falls: $108
- Niagara Falls Sightseeing Tour with Lunch or Dinner: $130
- Sunset Wine Tour with Dinner Niagara On The Lake: $146
- Guided Night Tour w/ Dinner & Hotel Transfer: $149
- Light up The Falls Small Group Tour with Fallsview Dinner: $155
- Evening Lights Tour with Skylon Tower Dinner: $177
- Sunset Niagara-on-the-Lake Small Group Wine Tour with Dinner: $178
- Niagara Wine Tasting and three courses Dinner: $192
- Niagara Falls Evening Lights Tour With Skylon Tower Dinner: $192
- Night on Niagara Walking Tour with Fireworks Cruise + Dinner: $200
- Small Group Night Tour w/ Dinner & Light Show: $204
Typical Food Prices in Whistler
Some typical examples of dining costs in Whistler are as follows:
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Coffee at Starbucks$12
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Tim Hortons Breakfast$12
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Coffee at Timmy's$3.63
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Whistler
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Whistler.
- Finer Things: 4-Course Dinner Tour in Whistler: $131
- Finer Things Dinner Tour in Whistler: $144
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Niagara Falls $20Whistler $78
Typical Entertainment Prices in Niagara Falls
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Niagara Falls are as follows:
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Maid of the Mist$37
Tours and Activities in Niagara Falls
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Niagara Falls are as follows:
- Visit Niagara Falls with bus ticket from/to Hamilton Airport: $3.65
- Niagara Peninsula Smartphone Audio Driving Tour: $6.21
- Niagara Falls, Canada: Niagara Adventure Theater: $11
- Niagara Falls, Canada: Niagara SkyWheel Ticket: $12
- Niagara SkyWheel Admission Ticket: $13
- Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site Admission and Guided Tour: $13
- Niagara's Fury 4D Experience Entry Ticket: $14
- Niagara Falls USA Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour: $15
- Niagara Falls, Canada: White Water Walk Entry Ticket: $16
- Niagara Falls, Canada: Skylon Tower Observation Deck Ticket: $16
- Niagara Falls, Canada: Bird Kingdom Entry Ticket: $16
- Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Buffalo by Zombie Scavengers: $20
Typical Entertainment Prices in Whistler
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Whistler are as follows:
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Driving Range$15
Tours and Activities in Whistler
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Whistler are as follows:
- Sea to Sky Highway: a Smartphone Audio Driving Tour: $6.31
- Audain Art Museum Admission Ticket: $16
- One Hour Axe Throwing Guided Experience in Whistler: $33
- Vallea Lumina Multimedia Experience: $35
- The Great Whistler Walking Tour: Discover Whistler's Sights, History & Culture!: $49
- Whistler Sightseeing Tour: Discover all of Whistler Year-Round!: $78
- Guided Lunch Tour in Whistler: $88
- Rock Climbing Beginner Experience: $94
- Whistler Valley Tour by Seaplane: 20-Minute Flight: $102
- Sky-Walk Mountain Climbing Tour: $102
- Whistler Glacier Discovery Tour: $103
- Guided eBike Adventure: $106
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayNiagara Falls $11Whistler $8.72
Sample the Local Flavors in Niagara Falls
Also in Niagara Falls, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Niagara Wine Tour and Tastings with Included Transportation : $56
- Small Group Niagara-on-the-Lake Wine Tasting Tour: $96
- Sip, Swirl and Savour Chocolate & Wine Tour : $103
- Niagara Craft Brewery Tour Niagara Falls: $110
- 3.5 Hours NOTL E-Bike Wine Tour: $111
- Niagara All American All inclusive Boutique Wine Tour : $114
- Half Day Wine & Cheese Tour - Niagara On The Lake Wine Tour: $119
- Full-Day Group Wine Tour (with cheese and charcuterie) in Niagara-on-the-Lake: $141
- myWineCountry Experience Premium Wine Tours and Tastings: $148
- Relaxing three courses Lunch & Wine Tour through Niagara's Wine Country: $148
- Niagara-on-the-Lake Small Group Wine Tour with Picnic Lunch: $149
- Luxury Buffalo Brewery Tour: $149
Sample the Local Flavors in Whistler
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Whistler:
- Whistler Distillery Tour & Tasting Experience: $66
When comparing the travel costs between Niagara Falls and Whistler, we can see that Whistler is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
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 Whistler Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Niagara Falls or Whistler?
Niagara Falls has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Whistler. When comparing the sizes of Niagara Falls 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 Niagara Falls 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 Niagara Falls or Whistler in the Summer?
Both Whistler and Niagara Falls are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities.
In July, Niagara Falls is generally a little warmer than Whistler. Daily temperatures in Niagara Falls average around 23°C (74°F), 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 Niagara Falls. Niagara Falls usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Whistler during summer. Niagara Falls gets 306 hours of sunny skies, while Whistler receives 296 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Niagara Falls usually receives more rain than Whistler. Niagara Falls gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Whistler receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyNiagara Falls 23°C (74°F)Whistler 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Niagara Falls or Whistler in the Autumn?
Both Whistler and Niagara Falls during the autumn are popular places to visit.
Niagara Falls is a little warmer than Whistler in the autumn. The daily temperature in Niagara Falls averages around 12°C (54°F) in October, and Whistler fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).
In the autumn, Niagara Falls often gets more sunshine than Whistler. Niagara Falls gets 148 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. Niagara Falls usually gets less rain in October than Whistler. Niagara Falls gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Whistler receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberNiagara Falls 12°C (54°F)Whistler 11°C (51°F)
Should I visit Niagara Falls or Whistler in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Niagara Falls and Whistler.
The weather in Whistler can be very cold. Niagara Falls can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Niagara Falls is much colder than Whistler. Typically, the winter temperatures in Niagara Falls in January average around -4°C (26°F), and Whistler averages at about 4°C (40°F).
Niagara Falls usually receives more sunshine than Whistler during winter. Niagara Falls gets 89 hours of sunny skies, while Whistler receives 55 hours of full sun in the winter.
Whistler receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Niagara Falls usually receives less rain than Whistler. Niagara Falls gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Whistler receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryNiagara Falls -4°C (26°F)Whistler 4°C (40°F)
Should I visit Niagara Falls or Whistler in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Niagara Falls as well as Whistler.
In April, Niagara Falls is generally around the same temperature as Whistler. Daily temperatures in Niagara Falls average around 10°C (49°F), and Whistler fluctuates around 9°C (49°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Niagara Falls this time of the year. In the spring, Niagara Falls often gets more sunshine than Whistler. Niagara Falls gets 203 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Whistler receives 172 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Whistler. Niagara Falls usually gets less rain in April than Whistler. Niagara Falls gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Whistler receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilNiagara Falls 10°C (49°F)Whistler 9°C (49°F)
Typical Weather for Whistler and Niagara Falls
| Niagara Falls | Whistler | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -4°C (26°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 4°C (40°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) |
| Feb | -3°C (28°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 179 mm (7.1 in) |
| Mar | 2°C (36°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) |
| Apr | 10°C (49°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 9°C (49°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| May | 15°C (59°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Jun | 20°C (68°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Jul | 23°C (74°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Aug | 22°C (72°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Sep | 18°C (65°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) |
| Oct | 12°C (54°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) |
| Nov | 6°C (43°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 234 mm (9.2 in) |
| Dec | -0°C (31°F) | 75 mm (2.9 in) | 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.