A Travel Price Comparison for Canada Vancouver vs. Vernon for Attractions, Hiking, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Vancouver or Vernon?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Vancouver and Vernon. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Vancouver

Vancouver is a friendly, outdoorsy, and scenic city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. With stunning beauty, Vancouver attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and food. See Vancouver travel costs.

Vernon

Vernon is a peaceful, relaxing, and quiet town. Other reasons to visit include museums, food, and hiking. See Vernon travel costs.

Vancouver and Vernon: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Vancouver or Vernon?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Vancouver than Vernon, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Vancouver is more touristy than Vernon and is popular for its beautiful setting, sweeping views, and welcoming atmosphere. Also, Vancouver is famous for Stanley Park. Vernon is well known for its surrounding valley with lakes and hiking trails.

How is Vancouver different from Vernon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Vancouver or Vernon?

Vancouver is terrific for its sights and museums. Also, Vernon is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its museums and history.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Vancouver on the map. There are tons of museums and sights around town such as the Vancouver Aquarium, the Museum of Anthropology, the Museum of Vancouver, and Science World. Also make sure you take a walk over the Capilano Suspension Bridge.

Vernon is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. 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.

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

Vancouver is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Vernon is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

Dining out in Vancouver is an experience not to be missed. You'll find diverse restaurants and fresh ingredients. Local seafood is a staple in many restaurants so make sure you try the prawns, salmon, and even sea urchin. Asian food is also excellent around town. Sushi, Japanese hot dogs, and dim sum are all worth sampling.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Vernon. 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 Vancouver or Vernon Better for Nightlife?

Vancouver is a well-known place for its evening party scene. However, Vernon is not a good town for nightlife.

Vancouver offers plenty to do in the evening. The city has a vibrant nightlife scene. Most of the activity is centered around The Granville Entertainment District in the downtown area. It runs along Granville Street between Robson Street and Davie Street. In the area you'll find a high concentration of bars and nightclubs.

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 Vancouver or Vernon Better for Hiking?

Vancouver is terrific for the nearby hiking options. Also, Vernon is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its hiking trails.

Known for its hiking, Vancouver draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. The city is surrounded by water and mountains, making it one of the best hiking cities in the world. You don't have to go far to enjoy spectacular vistas, serene rainforests, and rugged coastline. The trails range from casual strolls to more strenuous day long hikes.

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 Vancouver or Vernon?

Vancouver is terrific for its shopping areas. Also, Vernon is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for shopping.

Vancouver is a world class destination for shoppers. The shopping is as diverse as the city itself. You can enjoy strolling through Chinatown, hitting up a public market, or wandering around a large shopping mall.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Vernon. There are a number of boutique shops that are fun to explore in the downtown area.

Is Vancouver or Vernon More Beautiful?

Vancouver is a well-known place for its scenery and beauty. However, Vernon is not a destination known for its beauty.

With stunning beauty, Vancouver attracts visitors from all around. It sits between the Pacific Ocean and high reaching mountains, so the city offers spectacular views.

Vernon is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Vancouver or Vernon Better for Families?

Vancouver is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Vernon is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Vancouver is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. There are great kid-friendly museums like the Science Museum, as well as outdoor markets, public parks, and easy access to the nearby nature. A visit to Grouse Mountain is a must for many families. You can see the bears, take a gondola, and see the a lumberjack show.

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 Vancouver or Vernon Better for Couples?

Vancouver is terrific for couples. Also, Vernon is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for romance.

Vancouver has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. Most of the activities take advantage of the beautiful outdoor setting. You can take a carriage ride in Stanley Park or visit the Sun Yat Sen Chinese Garden. Eat dim sum in Chinatown and then wander through the diverse neighborhood. End the day with a show at Orpheum Theater.

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 Vancouver or Vernon Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Vancouver is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Vernon is not a good town for backpackers and budget travelers.

Vancouver is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. It's a favorite city for backpackers who enjoy the many outdoor activities. There are also many hostels available around town.

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 Vancouver or Vernon Better for Students?

Vancouver is a well-known place for students. However, Vernon is not popular with students.

Vancouver is a great city to visit as a student. The cities friendly personality and fun energy make it a great place to study.

Vernon is not popular with students.

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

Vancouver is terrific for its public transit. However, Vernon is not a good town for times when you don't have a car.

The thorough and effecient public transit system of Vancouver can take you anywhere. Public transit is efficient and comfortable. The Translink system includes buses, the SeaBus ferry, and the SkyTrain light rail system.

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

Is Vancouver or Vernon a more walkable city?

Vancouver is terrific for its ease of walking around. However, Vernon is not a good town for its walkability.

It is easy to get around Vancouver on foot. The downtown area is very compact and fun to explore on foot.

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 Vancouver Worth Visiting? and Is Vernon Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Vernon or Vancouver?

How long in Vancouver or Vernon?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Vancouver and Vernon. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Vancouver than in Vernon. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Vancouver, and 1-3 days is enough time in Vernon.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Vancouver 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 Vancouver.

One day in Vancouver or Vernon?

Vancouver is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. 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.

You'll find shopping and museums around the town of Vernon. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Vernon has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Vancouver or Vernon?

Vancouver is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

You'll find museums and food around the relaxing destination of Vernon. Hikers are also drawn to this area. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Vancouver or Vernon?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Vancouver. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the relaxing town of Vernon. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Vancouver or Vernon?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the outdoorsy big city of Vancouver. 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.

Vernon is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from Vancouver, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Canada, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Canada, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Canada.

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

Which is Bigger, Vancouver or Vernon?

Vancouver has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Vernon. When comparing the sizes of Vancouver 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 Vancouver or Vernon?

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 Vancouver or Vernon in the Summer?

Both Vernon and Vancouver during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Vancouver in the summer for the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Vernon for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Vancouver is generally cooler than Vernon. Daily temperatures in Vancouver average around 18°C (64°F), and Vernon fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

Vancouver usually gets more rain in July than Vernon. Vancouver gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Vernon receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Vancouver or Vernon in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Vancouver and Vernon. Most visitors come to Vancouver for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Vernon because of the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

Vancouver is around the same temperature as Vernon in the autumn. The daily temperature in Vancouver averages around 11°C (51°F) in October, and Vernon fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Vancouver gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Vancouver usually receives more rain than Vernon. Vancouver gets 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Vernon receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Vancouver or Vernon in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Vancouver as well as Vernon. The winter months attract visitors to Vancouver because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Vernon this time of year.

It's quite cold in Vernon in the winter. The weather in Vancouver can be very cold. In the winter, Vancouver is much warmer than Vernon. Typically, the winter temperatures in Vancouver in January average around 4°C (40°F), and Vernon averages at about -3°C (27°F).

Vancouver receives a lot of rain in the winter. Vancouver usually gets more rain in January than Vernon. Vancouver gets 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain, while Vernon receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Vancouver or Vernon in the Spring?

Both Vernon and Vancouver are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Vancouver this time of year.

In April, Vancouver is generally cooler than Vernon. Daily temperatures in Vancouver average around 9°C (49°F), and Vernon fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

It's quite rainy in Vancouver. In April, Vancouver usually receives more rain than Vernon. Vancouver gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Vernon receives 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Vernon and Vancouver