A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Alexandria vs. Whistler for Families, Attractions, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Alexandria or Whistler?

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 Alexandria and Whistler. 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.

Alexandria

Alexandria is a quaint, historic, and charming city. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. Alexandria is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping. See Alexandria travel costs.

Whistler

Whistler is a charming, adventurous, and outdoorsy village. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. With stunning beauty, Whistler attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the nightlife, food, and hiking. See Whistler travel costs.

Alexandria and Whistler: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Alexandria or Whistler?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Whistler than Alexandria, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Whistler is better known for its skiing, nightlife, resorts, and hiking, while Alexandria is more popular for its museums and attractions, historical sights, and shopping. Whistler is more touristy than Alexandria and is popular for its world renowned skiing and snowboarding. Also, Whistler is famous for Cloudraker Skybridge. Alexandria is well known for its long-running history, beautiful architecture, and small town atmosphere.

How is Alexandria different from Whistler?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Alexandria or Whistler Better for Skiing?

Whistler is an unbeatable place for skiing. However, Alexandria is not a skiing destination.

Whistler is a top destination for snow skiing, and it attracts visitors from around 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.

Alexandria is not a skiing destination.

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

Alexandria is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Whistler is not a good village for its museums and history.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Alexandria can be an interesting and educational experience. George Washington's Mount Vernon home is an iconic destination in Alexandria. There are also many other museums in town that focus on the region's history. The Alexandria History Museum at the Lyceum and the Gadsby's Tavern Museum are both interesting. There's Gunston Hall and the Carlyle House, as well as an archeology museum and many historic landmarks around town.

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 Alexandria or Whistler? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dining out at restaurants in both Alexandria and Whistler can be an enjoyable experience.

Alexandria has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The food, like the city itself, reflects the area's history. There are many southern classic dishes as well as a lot of seafood. You'll find lots of local restaurants that serve high quality dishes and a quaint atmosphere.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Whistler makes for a great culinary experience. 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.

Is Alexandria or Whistler Better for Nightlife?

Whistler is great for its evening party scene. Also, Alexandria is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife.

Many people head to Whistler for the nightlife scene. After a day on the slopes, you can enjoy the lively nightlife that includes après ski bars, nightclubs, and late night parties.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Alexandria. There's a great bar scene, as well as tons of restaurants that make for a relaxing night out.

Is Alexandria or Whistler Better for Resorts?

Whistler is great for its luxury resorts. However, Alexandria is not a resort destination.

There are plenty of resorts in Whistler to choose from. 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.

Alexandria is not a resort destination.

Is Alexandria or Whistler Better for its Old Town?

Alexandria is renowned for its historic old town. However, Whistler does not have a historic old town.

The old town of Alexandria is one of the most recognized in the world. At the heart of the city is the historic old town. Its lined with townhomes that date back to the 18th century. There are many historic sights that have stories from the early days of the country. There are also cobblestone streets and a great waterfront.

Whistler does not have a historic old town.

Is Alexandria or Whistler Better for Hiking?

Whistler is an unbeatable place for hiking. However, Alexandria is not a hiking destination.

Whistler is well-known for its hiking and trekking. 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.

Alexandria is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Alexandria or Whistler?

Alexandria is a well-known place for shopping. Also, Whistler is not as famous, but is still a good village to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Alexandria is an extremely popular place for shoppers. King Street is the main shopping street in town and it offers the largest concentration of independently owned boutiques in the Washington D.C. area. It's the perfectly place to spend an afternoon shopping.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Whistler. The village offers great shopping where you can pick up local items or any ski gear you may have forgotten.

Is Alexandria or Whistler More Beautiful?

You'll find a similar quality of great scenery and beauty in both Alexandria and Whistler.

With stunning beauty, Alexandria attracts visitors from all around. The historic architecture and beautiful waterfront make this an iconic destination.

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 Alexandria or Whistler Better for Families?

Whistler is an unbeatable place for its kid-friendly activities. However, Alexandria is not a good destination for its family-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Whistler is very family-friendly. 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.

Alexandria is not the most family-friendly destination. The waterfront area is nice to walk around. You can break up the history with an ice cream shop and kids will also enjoy taking a boat tour.

Is Alexandria or Whistler Better for Couples?

Alexandria and Whistler both great destinations for a couple.

Alexandria is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. The charm of the old town makes this a quaint and romantic destination. There's a waterfront area and many historic buildings. There are also romantic restaurants and plenty of places to grab brunch.

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.

Is Alexandria or Whistler Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Whistler is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Alexandria is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Alexandria. There aren't any true hostels in town, but you will find some cheap motels.

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

Alexandria is renowned for its public transit. However, Whistler is not a good village for times when you don't have a car.

Alexandria has a great public transit system. DASH is the local bus system, but the city is also connected into the Washington DC metro system.

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

Is Alexandria or Whistler a more walkable city?

Alexandria is renowned for its walkability. Also, Whistler is not as famous, but is still a good village to visit for its high level of walkability.

It is easy to get around Alexandria on foot. It's a very easy city to walk around, particularly in the historic heart where most tourists spend their time.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Whistler or Alexandria?

How long in Alexandria or Whistler?

In either Alexandria or Whistler, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Whistler than Alexandria because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Alexandria, and 3-5 days is enough time in Whistler.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Whistler than Alexandria 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 Alexandria or Whistler?

The beautiful city of Alexandria offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

With shopping and skiing around the adventurous village of Whistler, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Alexandria or Whistler?

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

With skiing and nightlife around the destination of Whistler, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Five days in Alexandria or Whistler?

Alexandria 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.

Whistler, a popular village, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this village. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Alexandria or Whistler?

Alexandria is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

Whistler is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Photography Tours in United States of America, The Best Camping Tours in United States of America, The Best Contiki Tours to Canada, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Canada.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Alexandria and Whistler, we can see that Whistler is more expensive. And not only is Alexandria much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Alexandria would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Alexandria 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 Alexandria.

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

Which is Bigger, Alexandria or Whistler?

Alexandria has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Whistler. When comparing the sizes of Alexandria 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 Alexandria 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 Alexandria or Whistler in the Summer?

Both Whistler and Alexandria during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Alexandria in the summer for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Whistler for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Alexandria is a little warmer than Whistler. Typically, the summer temperatures in Alexandria in July average around 79°F (26°C), and Whistler averages at about 18°C (64°F).

In Whistler, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Alexandria. In the summer, Alexandria often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Whistler. Alexandria gets 278 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Whistler receives 296 hours of full sun.

Alexandria usually gets more rain in July than Whistler. Alexandria gets 3.5 inches (88 mm) of rain, while Whistler receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Alexandria or Whistler in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Alexandria and Whistler. Most visitors come to Alexandria for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Whistler because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Alexandria is generally a little warmer than Whistler. Daily temperatures in Alexandria average around 60°F (15°C), and Whistler fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Alexandria usually receives more sunshine than Whistler during autumn. Alexandria gets 197 hours of sunny skies, while Whistler receives 124 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Whistler receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Alexandria usually receives less rain than Whistler. Alexandria gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Whistler receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Alexandria or Whistler in the Winter?

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

It's quite cold in Whistler in the winter. The weather in Alexandria can be very cold. Alexandria is much colder than Whistler in the winter. The daily temperature in Alexandria averages around 35°F (1°C) in January, and Whistler fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).

In the winter, Alexandria often gets more sunshine than Whistler. Alexandria gets 139 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Whistler receives 55 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Whistler. Alexandria usually gets less rain in January than Whistler. Alexandria gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Whistler receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Alexandria or Whistler in the Spring?

Both Whistler and Alexandria are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Alexandria this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Whistler for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Alexandria is a little warmer than Whistler. Typically, the spring temperatures in Alexandria in April average around 56°F (14°C), and Whistler averages at about 9°C (49°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Alexandria. Alexandria usually receives more sunshine than Whistler during spring. Alexandria gets 228 hours of sunny skies, while Whistler receives 172 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Whistler. In April, Alexandria usually receives less rain than Whistler. Alexandria gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Whistler receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Whistler and Alexandria