Which place is cheaper, Whistler or Olympic National Park?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Olympic National Park or Whistler?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Olympic National Park 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: Olympic National Park or Whistler?
Olympic National Park
Olympic National Park is in Washington State and was originally established as a national monument in 1909. The area is known for its large Sitka spice and Douglas fir trees, which can be found in the Hoh and Queets rainforest valleys on the western side of the park. The area's temperate rainforest climate creates lush thick moss and dense vegetation that gives the setting a fairytale quality.
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 Bicycle Tours in United States of America, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America, The Best Contiki Tours to Canada, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Canada.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayOlympic National Park $124Whistler $125
The average daily cost (per person) in Olympic National Park is $124, 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 Olympic National Park and Whistler in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personOlympic National Park $49Whistler $65
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomOlympic National Park $98Whistler $130
Compare Hotels in Olympic National Park and Whistler
Looking for a hotel in Olympic National Park 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: Whistler Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Olympic National Park $68Whistler $20
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 Olympic National Park or Whistler?
Prices for flights to both Whistler and Olympic 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 dayOlympic National Park $35Whistler $30
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.Olympic National Park $26Whistler $78
Tours and Activities in Olympic National Park
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Olympic National Park are as follows:
- Olympic Audio Driving Tour: $15
- Olympic Full Day Small Group Tour: $299
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 dayOlympic National Park $5.57Whistler $8.72
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 Olympic National Park 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 Olympic National Park Expensive? and Is Whistler Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Olympic National Park 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 Olympic National Park or Whistler in the Summer?
Both Whistler and Olympic National Park are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Olympic National Park for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Olympic National Park is generally cooler than Whistler. Daily temperatures in Olympic National Park average around 60°F (15°C), 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 Olympic National Park. Olympic National Park usually receives less sunshine than Whistler during summer. Olympic National Park gets 210 hours of sunny skies, while Whistler receives 296 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Olympic National Park usually receives more rain than Whistler. Olympic National Park gets 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain, while Whistler receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyOlympic National Park 60°F (15°C)Whistler 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Olympic National Park or Whistler in the Autumn?
Both Whistler and Olympic National Park during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Olympic National Park in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
Olympic National Park is around the same temperature as Whistler in the autumn. The daily temperature in Olympic National Park averages around 51°F (10°C) in October, and Whistler fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).
In the autumn, Olympic National Park often gets less sunshine than Whistler. Olympic National Park gets 113 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. It rains a lot this time of the year in Olympic National Park. Olympic National Park usually gets more rain in October than Whistler. Olympic National Park gets 10.4 inches (263 mm) of rain, while Whistler receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberOlympic National Park 51°F (10°C)Whistler 11°C (51°F)
Should I visit Olympic National Park or Whistler in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Olympic National Park and Whistler. Most visitors come to Olympic National Park for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
The weather in Whistler can be very cold. Olympic National Park can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Olympic National Park is around the same temperature as Whistler. Typically, the winter temperatures in Olympic National Park in January average around 41°F (5°C), and Whistler averages at about 4°C (40°F).
Olympic National Park usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Whistler during winter. Olympic National Park gets 56 hours of sunny skies, while Whistler receives 55 hours of full sun in the winter.
Whistler receives a lot of rain in the winter. Olympic National Park gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Olympic National Park usually receives more rain than Whistler. Olympic National Park gets 13.7 inches (349 mm) of rain, while Whistler receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryOlympic National Park 41°F (5°C)Whistler 4°C (40°F)
Should I visit Olympic National Park or Whistler in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Olympic National Park as well as Whistler. The spring months attract visitors to Olympic National Park because of the natural beauty.
In April, Olympic National Park is generally cooler than Whistler. Daily temperatures in Olympic National Park average around 47°F (8°C), and Whistler fluctuates around 9°C (49°F).
In the spring, Olympic National Park often gets less sunshine than Whistler. Olympic National Park gets 148 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Whistler receives 172 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Whistler. Olympic National Park receives a lot of rain in the spring. Olympic National Park usually gets more rain in April than Whistler. Olympic National Park gets 7.4 inches (189 mm) of rain, while Whistler receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilOlympic National Park 47°F (8°C)Whistler 9°C (49°F)
Typical Weather for Whistler and Olympic National Park
| Olympic National Park | Whistler | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 41°F (5°C) | 13.7 inches (349 mm) | 4°C (40°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) |
| Feb | 43°F (6°C) | 12.2 inches (311 mm) | 6°C (42°F) | 179 mm (7.1 in) |
| Mar | 44°F (7°C) | 11.6 inches (294 mm) | 7°C (45°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) |
| Apr | 47°F (8°C) | 7.4 inches (189 mm) | 9°C (49°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| May | 52°F (11°C) | 5.6 inches (142 mm) | 13°C (55°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Jun | 56°F (13°C) | 3.3 inches (85 mm) | 16°C (60°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Jul | 60°F (15°C) | 2.8 inches (70 mm) | 18°C (64°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Aug | 60°F (16°C) | 2.4 inches (60 mm) | 18°C (64°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Sep | 58°F (14°C) | 5 inches (126 mm) | 15°C (59°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) |
| Oct | 51°F (10°C) | 10.4 inches (263 mm) | 11°C (51°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) |
| Nov | 45°F (7°C) | 14 inches (355 mm) | 7°C (44°F) | 234 mm (9.2 in) |
| Dec | 41°F (5°C) | 15 inches (380 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.