Which place is cheaper, Whistler or Vernon?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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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.
Where Should I go: Vernon or Whistler?
Vernon
Vernon is located in British Columbia, Canada. It's in the Okanagan region of the Southern Interior and dates back to 1892. The city has a population of about 40,000 and the Greater Vernon area has a population of about 58,584. It's the largest city in the North Okanagan Regional District. In many ways Vernon feels like most other towns around North America, but if you find yourself here with some time to spare, you can find a handful of activities that will help you see it's unique personality and interesting qualities. The town is most popular for its lakes and beaches during the summer monts, and its skiing and hockey during the winter months.
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 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.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayVernon $31Whistler $125
The average daily cost (per person) in Vernon is $31, 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 Vernon and Whistler in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personVernon $4.82Whistler $65
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomVernon $9.64Whistler $130
Compare Hotels in Vernon and Whistler
Looking for a hotel in Vernon 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: Vernon Hotel Prices and Whistler Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Vernon -Whistler $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 Vernon or Whistler?
Prices for flights to both Whistler and Vernon 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 dayVernon $25Whistler $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: $145
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Vernon -Whistler $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:
- Sea to Sky Highway: a Smartphone Audio Driving Tour: $6.34
- Audain Art Museum Admission Ticket: $16
- Vallea Lumina Multimedia Experience: $30
- One Hour Axe Throwing Guided Experience in Whistler: $34
- Whistler Sightseeing Tour: Discover all of Whistler Year-Round!: $78
- Guided Lunch Tour in Whistler: $89
- Rock Climbing Beginner Experience: $94
- Whistler Valley Tour by Seaplane: 20-Minute Flight: $102
- Sky-Walk Mountain Climbing Tour: $102
- Guided eBike Adventure: $106
- Medicine Trail Snowshoe Tour : $109
- Whistler Snowshoeing Adventure : $111
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayVernon $13Whistler $8.72
Sample the Local Flavors in Whistler
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Whistler:
- Whistler Distillery Tour & Tasting Experience: $66
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.
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.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyVernon 23°C (73°F)Whistler 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Vernon or Whistler in the Autumn?
Both Whistler and Vernon during the autumn are popular places to visit.
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.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberVernon 11°C (51°F)Whistler 11°C (51°F)
Should I visit Vernon or Whistler in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Vernon and Whistler.
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.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryVernon -3°C (27°F)Whistler 4°C (40°F)
Should I visit Vernon or Whistler in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Vernon as well as Whistler.
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.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilVernon 12°C (53°F)Whistler 9°C (49°F)
Typical Weather for Whistler and Vernon
| Vernon | Whistler | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -3°C (27°F) | 26 mm (1 in) | 4°C (40°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) |
| Feb | 2°C (35°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 179 mm (7.1 in) |
| Mar | 7°C (44°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) |
| Apr | 12°C (53°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 9°C (49°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| May | 16°C (61°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (69°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Jul | 23°C (73°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Aug | 23°C (73°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Sep | 17°C (63°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) |
| Oct | 11°C (51°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) |
| Nov | 4°C (39°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 234 mm (9.2 in) |
| Dec | -1°C (30°F) | 33 mm (1.3 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.