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

Should you visit Arlington or Whistler?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Arlington 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.

Arlington

Arlington is a international, historical, and educational city. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping. See Arlington 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.

Arlington and Whistler: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Arlington or Whistler?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Whistler than Arlington, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Whistler is better known for its skiing, resorts, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Arlington is more popular for its museums and attractions. Whistler is more touristy than Arlington and is popular for its world renowned skiing and snowboarding. Also, Whistler is famous for Cloudraker Skybridge. Arlington is well known for its international connections, its biking and walking trails, and being the location of the Pentagon.

How is Arlington different from Whistler?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Arlington or Whistler Better for Skiing?

Whistler is terrific for skiing and snowboarding. However, Arlington 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.

Arlington is not a skiing destination.

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

Arlington 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 Arlington can be an interesting and educational experience. Arlington National Cemetery is where you'll find the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier as well as the tomb of John F. Kennedy Jr. There are many memorials around town, with the most famous being the U.S. Marine Corps Memorial. There are also several museums like the DEA Museum and the Museum of Contemporary Art.

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 Arlington or Whistler? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Arlington and Whistler.

Arlington has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. It's a global city, and the restaurants reflect that. You'll find amazing Thai, Japanese, and Mexican restaurants. There are also less common cuisines to choose from such as Ethiopian, Moroccan, and Peruvian.

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 Arlington or Whistler Better for Nightlife?

Both Arlington and Whistler have superb vibes after the sun sets.

Arlington has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The city has a huge young population that drives the nightlife scene. There are clubs, bars, and lounges in many neighborhoods. There are also comedy clubs and plenty of live music.

The people in Whistler know how to have a good time. After a day on the slopes, you can enjoy the lively nightlife that includes après ski bars, nightclubs, and late night parties.

Is Arlington or Whistler Better for Resorts?

Whistler is an excellent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Arlington 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.

Arlington is not a resort destination.

Is Arlington or Whistler Better for Hiking?

Whistler is terrific for its hiking trails. However, Arlington is not a hiking destination.

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.

Arlington is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Arlington or Whistler?

Shoppers can find a variety of notable stores in both Arlington and Whistler.

Arlington has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Many neighborhoods have local shops or farmer's markets. There are also shopping centers and malls such as Ballston Quarter, The Crossing Clarendon, and The Village at Shirlington.

Whistler is a great destination for shopping. The village offers great shopping where you can pick up local items or any ski gear you may have forgotten.

Is Arlington or Whistler More Beautiful?

Whistler is an excellent place to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Arlington 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.

Arlington is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Arlington or Whistler Better for Families?

Whistler is terrific for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Arlington 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Arlington. Kids will enjoy seeing the planes talk off from Gravelly Point park. There are also plenty of outdoor spaces and educational opportunities in the area, including world class museums.

Is Arlington or Whistler Better for Couples?

Whistler is an excellent place to visit for couples. Also, Arlington 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.

Arlington is a nice destination for couples. There's a vibrant cultural scene and many international restaurants that couples can enjoy. It's also a great place to take in a show or concert.

Is Arlington or Whistler Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Arlington and Whistler are both superb destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Arlington. There are a couple of hostels and many free activities nearby. There's also great public transportation that makes for a convenient backpacker destination.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Whistler. There are several hostels in the area that are perfect for backpackers and budget travelers.

Is Arlington or Whistler Better for Students?

Arlington is a well-known place for students. However, Whistler is not popular with students.

Arlington is a great city to visit as a student. There are a huge number of colleges and museums in the area as well as many great internship and educational opportunities.

Whistler is not popular with students.

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

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

Arlington has a great public transit system. There is a reliable bus system around town as well as many metro connections.

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

Is Arlington or Whistler a more walkable city?

Arlington and Whistler are superb when it comes to walkability.

Arlington is a very walkable destination. There are many pedestrian-friendly areas around town, particularly in the neighborhoods that are concentrated around metro stations.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Whistler or Arlington?

How long in Arlington or Whistler?

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

Families should spend more time in Whistler than Arlington. 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 Arlington. 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 Arlington than Whistler 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 Arlington.

One day in Arlington or Whistler?

The city of Arlington offers food and shopping. 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.

You'll find food and shopping around the village of Whistler. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Arlington or Whistler?

Arlington 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. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Arlington, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

You'll find shopping and skiing around the adventurous destination of Whistler. Hikers are also drawn to this area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This village offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Arlington or Whistler?

Arlington 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.

You'll find skiing and nightlife around the outdoorsy village of Whistler. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this village makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this village has to offer.

A week in Arlington or Whistler?

Arlington is a great place to explore. 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 choice for travelers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America, The Best One Week (7-Day) 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 Arlington and Whistler, we can see that Arlington 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 Arlington would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Arlington 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 Arlington Expensive? and Is Whistler Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Arlington or Whistler?

Arlington has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Whistler. When comparing the sizes of Arlington 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 Arlington 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 Arlington or Whistler in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Arlington as well as Whistler. The summer months attract visitors to Arlington because of 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, Arlington is a little warmer than Whistler. Typically, the summer temperatures in Arlington in July average around 79°F (26°C), and Whistler averages at about 18°C (64°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Whistler. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Arlington this time of the year. In the summer, Arlington often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Whistler. Arlington gets 278 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Whistler receives 296 hours of full sun.

Arlington usually gets more rain in July than Whistler. Arlington 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 Arlington or Whistler in the Autumn?

Both Whistler and Arlington are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The shopping scene are the main draw to Arlington 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, Arlington is generally a little warmer than Whistler. Daily temperatures in Arlington average around 60°F (15°C), and Whistler fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

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

It rains a lot this time of the year in Whistler. In October, Arlington usually receives less rain than Whistler. Arlington 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 Arlington or Whistler in the Winter?

Both Whistler and Arlington during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Arlington for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, 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 Arlington. Arlington is much colder than Whistler in the winter. The daily temperature in Arlington averages around 35°F (1°C) in January, and Whistler fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).

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

Whistler gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Arlington usually gets less rain in January than Whistler. Arlington 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 Arlington or Whistler in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Arlington and Whistler. Furthermore, most visitors come to Whistler for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months.

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

In Arlington, it's very sunny this time of the year. Arlington usually receives more sunshine than Whistler during spring. Arlington gets 228 hours of sunny skies, while Whistler receives 172 hours of full sun in the spring.

Whistler receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Arlington usually receives less rain than Whistler. Arlington 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 Arlington