A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Avon vs. Whistler for Skiing, Hiking, Families, and Food

Should you visit Avon 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 Avon 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.

Avon

Avon is a outdoorsy, scenic, and active town. It's also known for skiing, nightlife, and food. See Avon travel costs.

Whistler

Whistler is a adventurous, outdoorsy, and charming village. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. Whistler is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, food, and hiking. See Whistler travel costs.

Avon and Whistler: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Avon or Whistler?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Whistler. Although Avon and Whistler are both popular with visitors, Whistler has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Whistler is more touristy than Avon and is known for its world renowned skiing and snowboarding. It is also home to Cloudraker Skybridge. Avon is popular for it's affordable accommodation options and its access to Beaver Creek Ski Resort.

How is Avon different from Whistler?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Avon or Whistler Better for Skiing?

Whistler is a must-visit destination for snow skiing. Also, Avon is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for skiing and snowboarding.

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.

Visitors travel far to experience snow skiing in Avon. Beaver Creek is the main ski area near town and it's about a mile away. The town of Avon is below Beaver Creek and is located beside an interstate.

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

Both Avon and Whistler have decent landmarks and museums for visitors.

Avon offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. While there aren't a ton of museums in the area, it's worth checking out the Walking Mountains Science Center.

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 Avon or Whistler? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Whistler is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Avon is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

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.

Avon has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There are casual eateries where you can grab a bite to eat, whether you're in the mood for Chinese, pizza, or burgers.

Is Avon or Whistler Better for Nightlife?

Whistler is notable for nightlife. Also, Avon is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for nightlife and partying.

Whistler has plenty to do after the sun goes down. After a day on the slopes, you can enjoy the lively nightlife that includes après ski bars, nightclubs, and late night parties.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Avon. It's a small town but there are some bars and lively pubs where you can enjoy cold drinks.

Is Avon or Whistler Better for Resorts?

Whistler is notable for its resorts. Also, Avon is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its luxury resorts.

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.

With a selection of resorts, Avon makes a nice vacation spot. There are the typical chain resort options, many with beautiful mountain views.

Is Avon or Whistler Better for Hiking?

Whistler is a must-visit destination for the nearby hiking options. Also, Avon is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its hiking trails.

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.

Avon is a good destination for hiking. There are paved trails and recreational paths through town that are great for both hiking and biking. The main ones are Eagle Valley Trail and the trails in West Avon Preserve.

Is the Shopping Better in Avon or Whistler?

Whistler is a good destination for shopping. However, Avon is a mediocre town for its shopping opportunities.

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.

If you're looking to go shopping, Avon has some nice offerings. There aren't a ton of shopping opportunities in town, but there are enough shops around in case you need to pick up necessities or buy a gift.

Is Avon or Whistler More Beautiful?

Whistler is notable for its scenery and beauty. However, Avon is not a destination known for its beauty.

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.

Avon is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Avon or Whistler Better for Families?

Whistler is a must-visit destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Avon is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its kid-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.

Avon is a family-friendly town. There are parks and playgrounds around town and there's easy access to the Beaver Creek Ski Resort. There's also plenty of hiking in the area.

Is Avon or Whistler Better for Couples?

Whistler is notable for romance. Also, Avon is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its romantic activities.

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.

Avon makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. While avid skiers prefer to stay at nearby Beaver Creek, the town of Avon offers a good alternative.

Is Avon or Whistler Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Whistler is notable for backpackers. However, Avon is a mediocre town for backpackers and budget travelers.

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

Avon is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Most backpackers prefer to stay closer to the ski facilities.

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

Avon is a nice place to visit for its public transit. However, Whistler is not a good village for times when you don't have a car.

Avon has a few public transit options. There are shuttles and buses that travel through town and to Beaver Creek.

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

Is Avon or Whistler a more walkable city?

Whistler is notable for its walkability. Also, Avon is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its high level of walkability.

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

Avon is a somewhat walkable place. The town center is small and there are paved walking trails that you can use. It's possible to walk to restaurants or the recreation center, depending on where you're staying.

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

Should I spend more time in Whistler or Avon?

How long in Avon or Whistler?

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

Families should spend more time in Whistler than Avon. 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 Avon. 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 Avon 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 Avon or Whistler?

The town of Avon offers skiing and nightlife. 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.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Whistler. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Avon or Whistler?

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

Whistler is a fun place to experience. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Avon or Whistler?

Avon 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.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and skiing when visiting the adventurous destination of Whistler. This village offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

A week in Avon or Whistler?

Avon 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 town offers something for everyone.

The outdoorsy village of Whistler offers skiing and nightlife. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage, The Best Contiki Tours to Canada, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Canada.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Avon and Whistler, we can see that Avon 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 Avon would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Avon 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 Avon Expensive? and Is Whistler Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Avon or Whistler?

Whistler has a larger population, and is about 51% larger than the population of Avon. When comparing the sizes of Avon 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.