A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Bar Harbor vs. Vancouver for Hiking, Couples, Food, and Families

Should you visit Bar Harbor or Vancouver?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Bar Harbor and Vancouver can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Bar Harbor

Bar Harbor is a picturesque, relaxed, and quaint coastal town. Since it offers so much small town charm with a variety of activities, it attracts plenty of visitors, too. Bar Harbor is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It also has that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. Other reasons to visit include shopping, food, and beaches. See Bar Harbor travel costs.

Vancouver

Vancouver is a friendly, outdoorsy, and scenic city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. Vancouver is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, food, and hiking. See Vancouver travel costs.

Bar Harbor and Vancouver: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bar Harbor or Vancouver?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Vancouver. Although Bar Harbor and Vancouver are both popular with visitors, Vancouver has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Vancouver is more popular for its museums and attractions, nightlife, hiking, shopping, and big city activities, while Bar Harbor is known for its resorts, beaches, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere. Bar Harbor is popular for its small town vibe, picturesque setting, whale watching tours, and convenient location near Acadia National Park. Vancouver is popular for its beautiful setting, sweeping views, and welcoming atmosphere. It is also home to Stanley Park.

How is Bar Harbor different from Vancouver?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Bar Harbor or Vancouver?

Vancouver is terrific for its sights and museums. However, Bar Harbor does not have museums and landmarks.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Vancouver that are not to be missed. There are tons of museums and sights around town such as the Vancouver Aquarium, the Museum of Anthropology, the Museum of Vancouver, and Science World. Also make sure you take a walk over the Capilano Suspension Bridge.

Bar Harbor does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Bar Harbor or Vancouver? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Bar Harbor and Vancouver.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Bar Harbor makes for a great culinary experience. The town is famous for its Maine lobster, but there are also countless other types of fresh seafood available. You'll find waterfront restaurants with beautiful views and fresh ingredients.

Vancouver has a huge number of terrific restaurants. You'll find diverse restaurants and fresh ingredients. Local seafood is a staple in many restaurants so make sure you try the prawns, salmon, and even sea urchin. Asian food is also excellent around town. Sushi, Japanese hot dogs, and dim sum are all worth sampling.

Is Bar Harbor or Vancouver Better for Nightlife?

Vancouver is a well-known place for nightlife. However, Bar Harbor is not a good coastal town for nightlife and partying.

Vancouver offers plenty to do in the evening. The city has a vibrant nightlife scene. Most of the activity is centered around The Granville Entertainment District in the downtown area. It runs along Granville Street between Robson Street and Davie Street. In the area you'll find a high concentration of bars and nightclubs.

Bar Harbor doesn't offer many options. It's a peaceful and sleepy town, so you wont find much in the way of nightlife.

Is Bar Harbor or Vancouver Better for Resorts?

Bar Harbor is a good destination for its luxury resorts. However, Vancouver is not a resort destination.

Bar Harbor has a handful of resorts to choose from. The town is all about the cute hotel. Several favorites include Sand Bar Cottage Inn, Bluenose Inn, and Bar Harbor Inn and Spa.

Vancouver is not a resort destination.

Is Bar Harbor or Vancouver Better for Beaches?

Bar Harbor is a good destination for its beaches. However, Vancouver is not a beach destination.

Bar Harbor offers a nice beach destination. A nice beach is close by but do note that the sand is very shelly and there is a big difference between high and low tides.

Vancouver is not a beach destination.

Is Bar Harbor or Vancouver Better for Hiking?

Vancouver is terrific for the nearby hiking options. Also, Bar Harbor is not as famous, but is still a good coastal town to visit for its hiking trails.

Around Vancouver visitors will find world-class hiking trails. The city is surrounded by water and mountains, making it one of the best hiking cities in the world. You don't have to go far to enjoy spectacular vistas, serene rainforests, and rugged coastline. The trails range from casual strolls to more strenuous day long hikes.

Bar Harbor offers some nice hiking trails. Nearby Acadia National Park has plenty of hiking options. There's also the Bar Harbor Shore Path that wanders along the coastline and offers beautiful views.

Is the Shopping Better in Bar Harbor or Vancouver?

Vancouver is terrific for shopping. Also, Bar Harbor is not as famous, but is still a good coastal town to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Vancouver is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. The shopping is as diverse as the city itself. You can enjoy strolling through Chinatown, hitting up a public market, or wandering around a large shopping mall.

Bar Harbor is well-known for its shopping. Filled with plenty of local boutique shops, its fun to enjoy some shopping around town.

Is Bar Harbor or Vancouver More Beautiful?

Bar Harbor and Vancouver both are comparable with their very good scenery and beauty.

Bar Harbor is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Surrounded by the water and beautiful landscaping, the town offers visitors plenty of beauty.

The beauty of Vancouver is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. It sits between the Pacific Ocean and high reaching mountains, so the city offers spectacular views.

Is Bar Harbor or Vancouver Better for Families?

Vancouver is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Bar Harbor is not as famous, but is still a good coastal town to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Vancouver is a very family-friendly place to visit. There are great kid-friendly museums like the Science Museum, as well as outdoor markets, public parks, and easy access to the nearby nature. A visit to Grouse Mountain is a must for many families. You can see the bears, take a gondola, and see the a lumberjack show.

Bar Harbor is a family-friendly coastal town. It is a small town with a lot of outdoor activities that kids will enjoy. Whale watching, kayaking, and wildlife spotting are all fun activities for all ages.

Is Bar Harbor or Vancouver Better for Couples?

Vancouver is terrific for romance. Also, Bar Harbor is not as famous, but is still a good coastal town to visit for its romantic activities.

Vancouver is a great city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. Most of the activities take advantage of the beautiful outdoor setting. You can take a carriage ride in Stanley Park or visit the Sun Yat Sen Chinese Garden. Eat dim sum in Chinatown and then wander through the diverse neighborhood. End the day with a show at Orpheum Theater.

Bar Harbor makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It is a quaint coastal town that is perfect for a couple's getaway or a short honeymoon. There are romantic restaurants, scenic walks, and beautiful views that make this a wonderful retreat.

Is Bar Harbor or Vancouver Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Vancouver is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Bar Harbor is not a good coastal town for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Vancouver. It's a favorite city for backpackers who enjoy the many outdoor activities. There are also many hostels available around town.

Bar Harbor is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. It's a small town with mostly high end accommodation so budget travelers and backpackers will struggle to find a place to stay.

Is Bar Harbor or Vancouver Better for Students?

Vancouver is a well-known place for students. However, Bar Harbor is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in Vancouver. The cities friendly personality and fun energy make it a great place to study.

Bar Harbor is not popular with students.

Is Bar Harbor or Vancouver Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Vancouver is terrific for its public transit. However, Bar Harbor is not a good coastal town for times when you don't have a car.

The thorough and effecient public transit system of Vancouver can take you anywhere. Public transit is efficient and comfortable. The Translink system includes buses, the SeaBus ferry, and the SkyTrain light rail system.

Public transit is mostly limited in Bar Harbor. There is a free shuttle bus that will help you get around town if needed.

Is Bar Harbor or Vancouver a more walkable city?

Vancouver is terrific for its walkability. Also, Bar Harbor is not as famous, but is still a good coastal town to visit for its high level of walkability.

It is easy to get around Vancouver on foot. The downtown area is very compact and fun to explore on foot.

Bar Harbor is a very walkable coastal town. The town is small enough that it's easily explored on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Bar Harbor Worth Visiting? and Is Vancouver Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Vancouver or Bar Harbor?

How long in Bar Harbor or Vancouver?

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

Families should spend more time in Vancouver than Bar Harbor. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Vancouver, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Vancouver than Bar Harbor. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Vancouver that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Vancouver than Bar Harbor 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 Vancouver.

One day in Bar Harbor or Vancouver?

Even though Bar Harbor is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. 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.

When visiting Vancouver, people usually allow for lots of time. 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 Bar Harbor or Vancouver?

Bar Harbor is a small town where visitors enjoy the shopping and food. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this coastal town has to offer. This coastal town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

When visiting Vancouver, people usually allow for lots of time. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Five days in Bar Harbor or Vancouver?

Bar Harbor is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Vancouver, a popular city, 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 city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Bar Harbor or Vancouver?

Bar Harbor is a popular choice for travelers. 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.

Vancouver 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 Contiki Tours to United States of America, The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America, The Best 10-Day Tours from Vancouver, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Canada.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Bar Harbor or Vancouver?

Vancouver has a larger population, and is about 300 times larger than the population of Bar Harbor. When comparing the sizes of Bar Harbor and Vancouver, 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 Bar Harbor or Vancouver?

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 Bar Harbor or Vancouver in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Bar Harbor as well as Vancouver. The beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Bar Harbor this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Vancouver for the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

Bar Harbor is a little warmer than Vancouver in the summer. The daily temperature in Bar Harbor averages around 69°F (21°C) in July, and Vancouver fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

Bar Harbor usually gets more rain in July than Vancouver. Bar Harbor gets 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain, while Vancouver receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bar Harbor or Vancouver in the Autumn?

Both Vancouver and Bar Harbor are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Bar Harbor for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Vancouver in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Bar Harbor is cooler than Vancouver. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Bar Harbor in October average around 48°F (9°C), and Vancouver averages at about 11°C (51°F).

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

Should I visit Bar Harbor or Vancouver in the Winter?

Both Vancouver and Bar Harbor during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Bar Harbor in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Vancouver for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Vancouver can be very cold during winter. Bar Harbor can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Bar Harbor is generally much colder than Vancouver. Daily temperatures in Bar Harbor average around 18°F (-8°C), and Vancouver fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).

Vancouver gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Bar Harbor usually gets less rain in January than Vancouver. Bar Harbor gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while Vancouver receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bar Harbor or Vancouver in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Bar Harbor and Vancouver. Most visitors come to Bar Harbor for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Vancouver because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

Bar Harbor is much colder than Vancouver in the spring. The daily temperature in Bar Harbor averages around 43°F (6°C) in April, and Vancouver fluctuates around 9°C (49°F).

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

Typical Weather for Vancouver and Bar Harbor