A Travel Price Comparison for Canada Vernon vs. Whistler for Hiking, Families, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Vernon or Whistler?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Vernon or Whistler, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Vernon

Vernon is a peaceful, relaxing, and quiet town. It's also known for food, hiking, and shopping. See Vernon travel costs.

Whistler

Whistler is a charming, adventurous, and outdoorsy village. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. With stunning beauty, Whistler attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include shopping, skiing, and nightlife. See Whistler travel costs.

Vernon and Whistler: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Vernon or Whistler?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Whistler than Vernon, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Whistler is better known for its skiing, food, nightlife, resorts, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Vernon is more popular for its museums and attractions. Whistler is more touristy than Vernon and is known for its world renowned skiing and snowboarding. Also, Whistler is famous for Cloudraker Skybridge. Vernon is well known for its surrounding valley with lakes and hiking trails.

How is Vernon different from Whistler?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Vernon or Whistler Better for Skiing?

Whistler is terrific for snow skiing. However, Vernon is not a skiing destination.

The snow ski experience you'll have in Whistler is among the best in the world. Whistler is the largest ski resort in North America. It covers a vast area that includes two peaks - Whistler and Blackcomb. The slopes are connected by lifts and gondolas and there are options for every level, from beginner to expert.

Vernon is not a skiing destination.

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

Vernon is a nice place to visit for its sights and museums. However, Whistler is not a good village for its museums and history.

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.

While most people don't head to Whistler specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. There is a local museum where you can learn about the areas culture and heritage.

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

Whistler 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 Whistler is an experience not to be missed. There are many great restaurants and pubs that serve local dishes like Whistler herring, meatloaf, and Artic char fish. There are casual eateries as well as fine dining with upscale cuisine.

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 Vernon or Whistler Better for Nightlife?

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

Whistler offers plenty to do in the evening. After a day on the slopes, you can enjoy the lively nightlife that includes après ski bars, nightclubs, and late night parties.

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 Vernon or Whistler Better for Resorts?

Whistler is a well-known place for its resorts. However, Vernon is not a resort destination.

Whistler is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. There's a large selection of resorts that you can choose from. Many have pools and hot tubs and range from romantic to family-friendly.

Vernon is not a resort destination.

Is Vernon or Whistler Better for Hiking?

Whistler 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, Whistler draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. During the warmer seasons there are miles of hiking trails that take you through both Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains. Many trails are accessible by gondola and you'll find great views and stunning vistas. Trails range from short family-friendly options to strenuous and adventurous routes.

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 Vernon or Whistler?

Both Vernon and Whistler are notable shopping destinations.

Many visitors go to Vernon to go shopping. There are a number of boutique shops that are fun to explore in the downtown area.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Whistler. The village offers great shopping where you can pick up local items or any ski gear you may have forgotten.

Is Vernon or Whistler More Beautiful?

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

With stunning beauty, Whistler attracts visitors from all around. The town sits in a valley that is surrounded by stunning mountains and impressive glaciers.

Vernon is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Vernon or Whistler Better for Families?

Whistler 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.

Whistler is an amazing family-friendly village to visit. Kids will love the winter activities like skiing, dog sledding, and bobsledding. There's also an ice skating rink, climbing gym, and tons of kid-friendly restaurants.

Vernon is a family-friendly town. 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 Vernon or Whistler Better for Couples?

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

Whistler is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples who enjoy an adventure will love the year-round outdoor sports. There are also romantic spas, fine dining, and scenic gondola rides.

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 Vernon or Whistler Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Whistler is a very popular village for backpackers and budget travelers. There are several hostels in the area that are perfect for backpackers and budget 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 Vernon or Whistler Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Both Vernon and Whistler offer respectable public transit options.

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

Public transit is mostly limited in Whistler. There's a bus system that connects the town to other nearby neighborhoods.

Is Vernon or Whistler a more walkable city?

Whistler is a well-known place for its ease of walking around. However, Vernon is not a good town for its walkability.

Whistler is a very walkable destination. It's a compact town that's easy to explore on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Whistler or Vernon?

How long in Vernon or Whistler?

In either Vernon or Whistler, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Whistler than Vernon because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Vernon, and 3-5 days is enough time in Whistler.

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

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

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

One day in Vernon or Whistler?

The town of Vernon offers food and shopping. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and skiing when visiting the destination of Whistler. 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.

A weekend in Vernon or Whistler?

Vernon is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Vernon, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Whistler 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.

Five days in Vernon or Whistler?

Vernon is a popular choice for travelers. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Whistler. 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.

A week in Vernon or Whistler?

Vernon is a great place to explore. 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. This town offers something for everyone.

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the outdoorsy destination of Whistler. This village 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Coach Bus Tours in Canada, The Best Adventure Tours to Canada, The Best Eco Tours in Canada, and The Best Train & Rail Tours in Canada.

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

Which is Bigger, Vernon or Whistler?

Vernon has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Whistler. When comparing the sizes of Vernon 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 Vernon 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 Vernon or Whistler in the Summer?

Both Whistler and Vernon are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Vernon because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Whistler this time of year.

In the summer, Vernon is a little warmer than Whistler. Typically, the summer temperatures in Vernon in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Whistler averages at about 18°C (64°F).

In July, Vernon usually receives less rain than Whistler. Vernon gets 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Whistler receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Vernon or Whistler in the Autumn?

Both Whistler and Vernon during the autumn are popular places to visit. The hiking trails and the shopping scene are the main draw to Vernon this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Whistler for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Vernon is generally around the same temperature as Whistler. Daily temperatures in Vernon average around 11°C (51°F), and Whistler fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Whistler gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Vernon usually gets less rain in October than Whistler. Vernon gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Whistler receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Vernon or Whistler in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Vernon and Whistler. Many travelers come to Vernon for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Whistler in the winter for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Whistler can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Vernon. Vernon is much colder than Whistler in the winter. The daily temperature in Vernon averages around -3°C (27°F) in January, and Whistler fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).

Whistler receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Vernon usually receives less rain than Whistler. Vernon gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Whistler receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Vernon or Whistler in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Vernon as well as Whistler. Also, most visitors come to Whistler for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Vernon is a little warmer than Whistler. Typically, the spring temperatures in Vernon in April average around 12°C (53°F), and Whistler averages at about 9°C (49°F).

It's quite rainy in Whistler. Vernon usually gets less rain in April than Whistler. Vernon gets 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Whistler receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Whistler and Vernon