Which place is cheaper, Quebec City or Whistler?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Whistler or Quebec City?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Whistler or Quebec City, 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: Whistler or Quebec City?
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.
Quebec City
Quebec City is the capital of the Quebec province. It has a dramatic location on the cliffs by St. Lawrence Seaway and the city's Old Town has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Quebec is a mid sized city with a population of about 700,000. Most of the economy is administrative and bureaucratic, but the city has a very impressive history as the fortress capital of New France. French is the official language of the entire province, but most people in the tourist areas of Quebec City speak English.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Contiki Tours to Canada, The Best G Adventures Tours to Canada, The Best 3-Day Tours from Vancouver, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Vancouver.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayWhistler $126Quebec City $127
The average daily cost (per person) in Whistler is $126, while the average daily cost in Quebec City is $127. 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 Whistler and Quebec City in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personWhistler $66Quebec City $73
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomWhistler $132Quebec City $146
Compare Hotels in Whistler and Quebec City
Looking for a hotel in Whistler or Quebec City? 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 and Quebec City Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Whistler $20Quebec City $16
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Whistler
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Whistler:
- From Scenic Seaplane transfer to Vancouver : $182
- From Scenic Seaplane transfer to Victoria : $240
- Private Departure Transfer from Whistler to Vancouver Airport YVR: $78
- Private Transfer from Whistler hotels to Vancouver Airport (YVR): $169
- Private Transfer from Whistler to Downtown Vancouver: $567
- Private Transfer from Whistler to Richmond BC: $630
- Whistler to Vancouver Private Transfer: $180
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Quebec City
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Quebec City are as follows:
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Parking in Quebec City$3.67
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Quebec City
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Quebec City:
- Québec city to Québec Jean Lesage Airport (YQB) - Departure Private Transfer: $52
- Québec Airport (YQB) to Le Terminal Quebec Cruise Port- Arrival Private Transfer: $58
- Le Terminal Quebec Port to Québec Airport (YQB) - Departure Private Transfer: $58
- Transfer in Private Vehicle from Quebec City Center - Quebec Airport (YQB): $71
- Transfer in private Minivan from Quebec Airport (YQB) - Quebec City Center: $88
- From Grosse Île Tour & Cruise w/ Bus Transfer: $95
- Private Transfer from Quebec City Airport (YQB) to Saguenay Port: $95
- Private Transfer from Quebec City Hotels to Saguenay Cruise Port: $95
- Quebec city private transfer: $97
- YQB Airport Transfer: $97
- Private Transfer from Quebec City to YQB airport: $97
- Private transfer from YQB (QUEBEC) Airport to downtown: $97
Is it cheaper to fly into Whistler or Quebec City?
Prices for flights to both Quebec City and Whistler 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 dayWhistler $30Quebec City $37
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$3.67
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: $130
- Finer Things Dinner Tour in Whistler: $145
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Quebec City
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Quebec City.
- 3 or 5 Course Dinner Cruise with DJ & Dancing: $131
- Old Quebec 5-Course Gourmet Food Tour: $188
- Combo Historical and Food Tour of the Old Quebec City: $194
- Evening Gourmet Tour 5 Course Dinner - History and Food in Old Quebec City: $194
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Whistler $79Quebec City $24
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: $6.72
- Audain Art Museum Admission Ticket: $16
- One Hour Axe Throwing Guided Experience in Whistler: $34
- Axe Throwing Experience: $35
- Vallea Lumina Multimedia Experience: $35
- The Great Whistler Walking Tour: Discover Whistler's Sights, History & Culture!: $49
- Whistler Forest Sensory Experience: $54
- Whistler Sightseeing Tour: Discover all of Whistler Year-Round!: $78
- Snowshoe Tours: $89
- Backcountry Snowshoeing Tour with Guide: $91
- Rock Climbing Beginner Experience: $94
- Sky-Walk Mountain Climbing Tour: $101
Tours and Activities in Quebec City
Here are a few actual costs in Quebec City for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Old Québec: First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.27
- Self-Guided Highlights Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $4.36
- City Exploration Game and Tour: $4.36
- Uncover Old Quebec: Fun Walking Tour of the City with Local Guide: $4.49
- Québec City: Artillery Park Tour: $6.55
- Walking Tour - Quebec City - The Heart of New France: $6.72
- Old Quebec Scavenger Hunt Phone Walking Tour: $6.75
- Quebec Old Town: European Charm Quest Experience: $8.16
- Québec City: Saint-Louis Forts and Châteaux Guided Site Tour: $8.73
- APP Self-Guided Tours Quebec with Audioguide: $8.91
- Uncover History of In-App Audio Tour: $11
- Uncover Quebec's Legacy: In-App Audio Tour: $11
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayWhistler $8.81Quebec City $18
Sample the Local Flavors in Whistler
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Whistler:
- Whistler Distillery Tour & Tasting Experience: $66
Sample the Local Flavors in Quebec City
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Quebec City:
- Honey and Distillery Tour with Tasting: $21
- Craft Brewery and Beer Tasting Tour: $50
- Quebec City Craft Brewery and Beer Tasting Small-Group Tour: $61
- Island of Orleans Wine Tour: $90
- Wine Tasting on Ile d'Orleans: $93
When comparing the travel costs between Whistler and Quebec City, we can see that Quebec City 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 Whistler Expensive? and Is Quebec City Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Whistler or Quebec City?
Quebec City has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Whistler. When comparing the sizes of Whistler and Quebec City, 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.
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.