A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Acadia National Park vs. Whistler for Hiking, Families, Food, and Couples

Should you visit Acadia National Park or Whistler?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Acadia National Park 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.

Acadia National Park

Acadia National Park is a picturesque, beautiful, and scenic national park. Acadia National Park is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for beaches and hiking. See Acadia National Park travel costs.

Whistler

Whistler is a charming, adventurous, and outdoorsy village. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. With stunning beauty, Whistler attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the shopping, skiing, and nightlife. See Whistler travel costs.

Acadia National Park and Whistler: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Acadia National Park or Whistler?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Whistler than Acadia National Park, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Whistler is better known for its skiing, food, nightlife, resorts, hiking, shopping, and small town charm, while Acadia National Park is more popular for its beaches. Whistler is more touristy than Acadia National Park and is popular for its world renowned skiing and snowboarding. Also, Whistler is famous for Cloudraker Skybridge. Acadia National Park is well known for its scenic drives, beautiful fall foliage, and cross country skiing in the winter.

How is Acadia National Park different from Whistler?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Acadia National Park or Whistler Better for Skiing?

Whistler is a world-class destination for skiing and snowboarding. However, Acadia National Park 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.

Acadia National Park is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Acadia National Park or Whistler?

You'll find a number of respectable museums and attractions in both Whistler and Acadia National Park.

While most people don't head to Acadia National Park specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. There are educational centers and Ranger Programs at the visitor centers in the park.

Whistler offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. There is a local museum where you can learn about the areas culture and heritage.

Is the Food Better in Acadia National Park or Whistler? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Whistler is a very popular place for its restaurants. However, Acadia National Park is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

Whistler has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. 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.

Acadia National Park offers some easy restaurants to choose from. There's one restaurant in the park, the Jordan Pond House Restaurant, which serves lunch and dinner between mid-May and October. Many visitors prefer to bring their own food and enjoy meals at one of the six picnic areas.

Is Acadia National Park or Whistler Better for Nightlife?

Whistler is a very popular place for its evening party scene. However, Acadia National Park is lacking in good options for nightlife.

Whistler has a large number of nightlife venues. After a day on the slopes, you can enjoy the lively nightlife that includes après ski bars, nightclubs, and late night parties.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Acadia National Park. The park is more about sunsets and stargazing than lively nightlife parties.

Is Acadia National Park or Whistler Better for Resorts?

Whistler is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Acadia National Park 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.

Acadia National Park is not a resort destination.

Is Acadia National Park or Whistler Better for Beaches?

Acadia National Park is a nice place to visit for its beaches. However, Whistler is not a beach destination.

Acadia National Park has a beach worth visiting. There is one oceanside beach in the park, Sand Beach, as well as two lakefront beaches, Echo Lake Beach and Lake Wood. Many visitors enjoy swimming during the warmer months.

Whistler is not a beach destination.

Is Acadia National Park or Whistler Better for Hiking?

Whistler is a world-class destination for its hiking trails. Also, Acadia National Park is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

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.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Acadia National Park. With 158 miles of hiking trails, this is a favorite activity for visitors to the park. There are diverse habitats that trails pass through including forests, estuaries, and coastal settings.

Is the Shopping Better in Acadia National Park or Whistler?

Whistler is a nice place to visit for its shopping areas. However, Acadia National Park is lacking in good options for shopping.

Whistler has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The village offers great shopping where you can pick up local items or any ski gear you may have forgotten.

Acadia National Park has some shopping areas for those that seek them out. There are several park stores near visitor centers and campgrounds.

Is Acadia National Park or Whistler More Beautiful?

You'll find a similar quality of superb scenery and beauty in both Acadia National Park and Whistler.

With stunning beauty, Acadia National Park attracts visitors from all around. The dramatic ocean views and beautiful hiking trails make this a popular and scenic national park.

Whistler is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. The town sits in a valley that is surrounded by stunning mountains and impressive glaciers.

Is Acadia National Park or Whistler Better for Families?

Whistler is a world-class destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Acadia National Park is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-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.

Acadia National Park is a very family-friendly place to visit. There are campgrounds and games that kids will enjoy. There are also Ranger Programs and hiking trails that are great for kids of all ages.

Is Acadia National Park or Whistler Better for Couples?

Whistler is a very popular place for couples. Also, Acadia National Park is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

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

Acadia National Park is a nice destination for couples. The natural beauty and scenic trails make this a romantic destination for couples.

Is Acadia National Park or Whistler Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Whistler is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Acadia National Park is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Whistler. There are several hostels in the area that are perfect for backpackers and budget travelers.

Acadia National Park is a good national park to visit for backpackers. There are campgrounds and hiking trails that attracts hikers and backpackers who enjoy the beautiful natural setting.

Is Acadia National Park or Whistler Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Visitors will find respectable public transit in both Acadia National Park and Whistler.

Public transit is mostly limited in Acadia National Park. The Island Explorer Shuttle Bus operates between late June and early October.

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

Is Acadia National Park or Whistler a more walkable city?

Whistler is a very popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Acadia National Park is lacking in good options for its walkability.

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

Acadia National Park is generally not very walkable. There are countless hiking trails, but having a car allows more efficient access to everything that the park has to offer.

For even more information, also check out Is Acadia National Park Worth Visiting? and Is Whistler Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Whistler or Acadia National Park?

How long in Acadia National Park or Whistler?

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

Families should spend more time in Whistler than Acadia National Park. 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 Acadia National Park. 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 Acadia National Park 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 Acadia National Park or Whistler?

The beautiful national park of Acadia National Park offers . 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 nightlife and food when visiting the beautiful destination of Whistler. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Acadia National Park or Whistler?

Acadia National Park is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this national park 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 Acadia National Park, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Whistler is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. This village offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Acadia National Park or Whistler?

Acadia National Park 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.

Many people visit Whistler for five days. Many travelers enjoy the shopping and skiing when visiting the beautiful village of Whistler. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this village has to offer.

A week in Acadia National Park or Whistler?

Acadia National Park 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 national park offers something for everyone.

The charming destination of Whistler offers skiing and nightlife. Hikers are also drawn to this area. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, The Best Contiki Tours to Canada, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Canada.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Acadia National Park and Whistler, we can see that Acadia National Park is more expensive. And not only is Whistler much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Whistler would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Whistler 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 Acadia National Park would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Acadia National Park than you might in Whistler.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Acadia National Park Expensive? and Is Whistler Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Acadia 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 Acadia National Park or Whistler in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Acadia National Park as well as Whistler. The summer months attract visitors to Acadia National Park because of the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Whistler this time of year.

In the summer, Acadia National Park is a little warmer than Whistler. Typically, the summer temperatures in Acadia National Park in July average around 69°F (21°C), and Whistler averages at about 18°C (64°F).

Acadia National Park usually gets more rain in July than Whistler. Acadia National Park gets 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain, while Whistler receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Acadia National Park or Whistler in the Autumn?

Both Whistler and Acadia National Park are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Acadia National Park 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, Acadia National Park is generally cooler than Whistler. Daily temperatures in Acadia National Park average around 48°F (9°C), and Whistler fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Whistler. In October, Acadia National Park usually receives less rain than Whistler. Acadia National Park gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Whistler receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Acadia National Park or Whistler in the Winter?

Both Whistler and Acadia National Park during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Acadia National Park for the museums 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 Acadia National Park. Acadia National Park is much colder than Whistler in the winter. The daily temperature in Acadia National Park averages around 18°F (-8°C) in January, and Whistler fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).

Whistler gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Acadia National Park usually gets less rain in January than Whistler. Acadia National Park gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while Whistler receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Acadia National Park or Whistler in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Acadia National Park and Whistler. Many visitors come to Acadia National Park in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Whistler for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Acadia National Park is much colder than Whistler. Typically, the spring temperatures in Acadia National Park in April average around 43°F (6°C), and Whistler averages at about 9°C (49°F).

Whistler receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Acadia National Park usually receives less rain than Whistler. Acadia National Park gets 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain, while Whistler receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Whistler and Acadia National Park