Which place is cheaper, Whistler or Shenandoah National Park?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Shenandoah National Park or Whistler?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Shenandoah National Park and Whistler can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Where Should I go: Shenandoah National Park or Whistler?
Shenandoah National Park
One of the most visited destinations in the eastern part of the United States, Shenandoah National Park attracts over a million people each year for its beautiful mountain scenery, abundant wildlife, and vibrant colors in the autumn months. Established in 1935, it is the largest fully protected area in the mid-Appalachian region.
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 United States of America, The Best Cruise Tours and Packages 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 dayShenandoah National Park $125Whistler $125
The average daily cost (per person) in Shenandoah National Park is $125, 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 Shenandoah National Park and Whistler in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personShenandoah National Park $53Whistler $65
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomShenandoah National Park $106Whistler $130
Compare Hotels in Shenandoah National Park and Whistler
Looking for a hotel in Shenandoah 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.Shenandoah National Park $70Whistler $20
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Whistler
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Whistler:
- Private Transfer from Whistler to Richmond BC: $633
- Private Transfer from Whistler to Downtown Vancouver: $570
- Vancouver: Seaplane Transfer between Vancouver & Whistler: $161
Is it cheaper to fly into Shenandoah National Park or Whistler?
Prices for flights to both Whistler and Shenandoah 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 dayShenandoah National Park $28Whistler $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.Shenandoah National Park $34Whistler $78
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:
- 2 Hour Late Afternoon Winter Zipline Adventure: $111
- Audain Art Museum Admission Ticket: $16
- Call of the Wild ATV Tour: $155
- Callaghan Cruiser Snowmobile Tour : $218
- Fishing Adventure in Whistler: $140
- Full Day Fly Fishing Tour: $249
- Full Day Spin Fishing Tour: $249
- Glacier Sightseeing Experience by Seaplane from Whistler: $183
- Guided Lunch Tour in Whistler: $88
- Half Day Fly Fishing Tour: $196
- Half Day Spin Fishing Tour: $194
- Ice Fishing Adventure in Whistler: $140
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayShenandoah National Park $7.14Whistler $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 Shenandoah National Park and Whistler, we can see that Shenandoah National Park 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 Shenandoah National Park Expensive? and Is Whistler Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Shenandoah National Park or Whistler?
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 Shenandoah National Park or Whistler in the Summer?
Both Whistler and Shenandoah National Park during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Shenandoah National Park for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In the summer, Shenandoah National Park is a little warmer than Whistler. Typically, the summer temperatures in Shenandoah National Park in July average around 77°F (25°C), and Whistler averages at about 18°C (64°F).
Shenandoah National Park usually gets more rain in July than Whistler. Shenandoah National Park gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Whistler receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyShenandoah National Park 77°F (25°C)Whistler 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Shenandoah National Park or Whistler in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Shenandoah National Park and Whistler. The autumn months attract visitors to Shenandoah National Park because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Shenandoah National Park is generally a little warmer than Whistler. Daily temperatures in Shenandoah National Park average around 56°F (13°C), and Whistler fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).
Whistler receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Shenandoah National Park usually receives less rain than Whistler. Shenandoah National Park gets 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain, while Whistler receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberShenandoah National Park 56°F (13°C)Whistler 11°C (51°F)
Should I visit Shenandoah National Park or Whistler in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Shenandoah National Park as well as Whistler. The skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Shenandoah National Park this time of year.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Whistler. It's quite cold in Shenandoah National Park in the winter. Shenandoah National Park is much colder than Whistler in the winter. The daily temperature in Shenandoah National Park averages around 32°F (-0°C) in January, and Whistler fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).
It's quite rainy in Whistler. Shenandoah National Park usually gets less rain in January than Whistler. Shenandoah National Park gets 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain, while Whistler receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryShenandoah National Park 32°F (-0°C)Whistler 4°C (40°F)
Should I visit Shenandoah National Park or Whistler in the Spring?
Both Whistler and Shenandoah National Park are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Shenandoah National Park for the natural beauty.
In the spring, Shenandoah National Park is a little warmer than Whistler. Typically, the spring temperatures in Shenandoah National Park in April average around 54°F (12°C), and Whistler averages at about 9°C (49°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Whistler. In April, Shenandoah National Park usually receives less rain than Whistler. Shenandoah National Park gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Whistler receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilShenandoah National Park 54°F (12°C)Whistler 9°C (49°F)
Typical Weather for Whistler and Shenandoah National Park
| Shenandoah National Park | Whistler | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 32°F (-0°C) | 2.8 inches (70 mm) | 4°C (40°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) |
| Feb | 35°F (1°C) | 2.8 inches (71 mm) | 6°C (42°F) | 179 mm (7.1 in) |
| Mar | 44°F (7°C) | 3.1 inches (79 mm) | 7°C (45°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) |
| Apr | 54°F (12°C) | 3.1 inches (78 mm) | 9°C (49°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| May | 63°F (17°C) | 4 inches (102 mm) | 13°C (55°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Jun | 72°F (22°C) | 3.9 inches (100 mm) | 16°C (60°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Jul | 77°F (25°C) | 3.4 inches (87 mm) | 18°C (64°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Aug | 75°F (24°C) | 3.9 inches (99 mm) | 18°C (64°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Sep | 68°F (20°C) | 3.4 inches (87 mm) | 15°C (59°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) |
| Oct | 56°F (13°C) | 3.3 inches (84 mm) | 11°C (51°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) |
| Nov | 47°F (8°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) | 7°C (44°F) | 234 mm (9.2 in) |
| Dec | 36°F (2°C) | 3.2 inches (82 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.