A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Blue Ridge vs. Vancouver for Attractions, Hiking, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Blue Ridge or Vancouver?

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 Blue Ridge and Vancouver. 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.

Blue Ridge

Blue Ridge is a outdoorsy, historic, and quaint town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Blue Ridge is a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include shopping, nightlife, and food. See Blue Ridge travel costs.

Vancouver

Vancouver is a outdoorsy, scenic, and diverse 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. Other reasons to visit include food, hiking, and shopping. See Vancouver travel costs.

Blue Ridge and Vancouver: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Blue Ridge or Vancouver?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Vancouver. Although Blue Ridge 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, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Blue Ridge is known for its small town charm. Vancouver is more touristy than Blue Ridge and is known for its beautiful setting, sweeping views, and welcoming atmosphere. It is also home to Stanley Park. Blue Ridge is popular for its beautiful mountain setting, miles of hiking trails, and small town atmosphere.

How is Blue Ridge different from Vancouver?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Blue Ridge or Vancouver?

Vancouver is an amazing city to visit for its museums and history. However, Blue Ridge is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

Travelers visit Vancouver from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. 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.

Blue Ridge offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. While you don't immediately think of museums in the area, there are a couple. The Dahlonega Gold Museum gives information on the gold rush and mining industry in town. In nearby Tennessee, Ducktown Basin Museum is a historic mine site that is open for tours.

Is the Food Better in Blue Ridge or Vancouver? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Blue Ridge and Vancouver can be difficult as they are each excellent in their own way.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Blue Ridge. You'll find plenty of small town restaurants serving local dishes like barbecue, trout, and biscuits with gravy. Southern food is popular, but you'll also find plenty of breweries and wineries in the area. Head downtown for an assortment of options that include southern, vegan, and even international flavors.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Vancouver. 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 Blue Ridge or Vancouver Better for Nightlife?

Vancouver is a very popular place for nightlife. Also, Blue Ridge is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Vancouver has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

Blue Ridge has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. Head downtown for a mix of breweries, bars, and clubs where you'll find live music and a casual meal.

Is Blue Ridge or Vancouver Better for Hiking?

Vancouver is an amazing city to visit for its hiking trails. Also, Blue Ridge is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

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

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Blue Ridge. There are miles of hiking trails in the area that take you to waterfalls and viewpoints. The starting point of the Appalachian Trail is also nearby, and another popular trail is the Benton MacKaye Trail. Options range from beginner to expert with everything in between.

Is the Shopping Better in Blue Ridge or Vancouver?

Vancouver is an amazing city to visit for shopping. Also, Blue Ridge is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Vancouver. 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.

Blue Ridge is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. You'll find artisan shops, art galleries, and boutique clothing vendors. Many places are concentrated in the charming downtown area, which is fun to explore for a day or two.

Is Blue Ridge or Vancouver More Beautiful?

Vancouver is a very popular place for its scenery and beauty. Also, Blue Ridge is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its scenery and beauty.

Vancouver is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It sits between the Pacific Ocean and high reaching mountains, so the city offers spectacular views.

Blue Ridge is a beautiful place to visit, too. There are plenty of hikes to waterfalls and scenic viewpoints. There's also a scenic railroad as well as places to kayak or go horseback riding.

Is Blue Ridge or Vancouver Better for Families?

Both Blue Ridge and Vancouver are excellent family-friendly destinations.

Blue Ridge is a very family-friendly destination. Kids who enjoy hiking and playing outdoors will have fun here. There are waterfall hikes, fruit picking farms, and plenty of playgrounds. There's also a scenic railway and lots of places to sample treats.

Vancouver is a very kid-friendly town. 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.

Is Blue Ridge or Vancouver Better for Couples?

Vancouver is an amazing city to visit for romance. Also, Blue Ridge is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Vancouver is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. 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.

Couples visit Blue Ridge frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. If you're looking for a cozy retreat where you can relax in a cabin, take long walks through nature, and enjoy local food, then this is your place. There are plenty of bed and breakfasts, vacation rentals, and rustic cabins with fireplaces and simple pleasures. If you want to escape it all then the mountains are the place to be.

Is Blue Ridge or Vancouver Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Blue Ridge and Vancouver are both excellent destinations for backpackers.

Blue Ridge is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are a number of campgrounds in the area as well as plenty of hikes that backpackers will enjoy. Nearby you'll also find the start of the famed Appalachian Trail.

Vancouver is a great town to visit for backpackers. It's a favorite city for backpackers who enjoy the many outdoor activities. There are also many hostels available around town.

Is Blue Ridge or Vancouver Better for Students?

Vancouver is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Blue Ridge is not popular with students.

Many students visit Vancouver. The cities friendly personality and fun energy make it a great place to study.

Blue Ridge is not popular with students.

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

Vancouver is an amazing city to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Blue Ridge is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Public transit in Vancouver is top-notch. Public transit is efficient and comfortable. The Translink system includes buses, the SeaBus ferry, and the SkyTrain light rail system.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Blue Ridge. There's no real public transportation system in the area.

Is Blue Ridge or Vancouver a more walkable city?

Vancouver is an amazing city to visit for its walkability. Also, Blue Ridge is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

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

Blue Ridge is a somewhat walkable place. While the downtown area is relatively walkable, if you want to hike and get out in nature, you'll need to have a car.

For even more information, also check out Is Blue Ridge Worth Visiting? and Is Vancouver Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Vancouver or Blue Ridge?

How long in Blue Ridge or Vancouver?

In either Blue Ridge or Vancouver, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. In our opinion, Vancouver has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Vancouver than Blue Ridge. In general, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Blue Ridge, and 3-5 days is enough time in Vancouver.

Families should spend more time in Vancouver than Blue Ridge. 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 Blue Ridge. 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 Blue Ridge 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 Blue Ridge or Vancouver?

Even though Blue Ridge is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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 Blue Ridge or Vancouver?

Blue Ridge is a small town where visitors enjoy the shopping and nightlife. Hikers are also drawn to this area. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This 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 Blue Ridge or Vancouver?

Blue Ridge is a small town with plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this town makes for a great vacation. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer.

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 Blue Ridge or Vancouver?

Blue Ridge is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 2-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best 10-Day Tours from Vancouver, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Canada.

When comparing the travel costs between Blue Ridge and Vancouver, we can see that Vancouver is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Blue Ridge or Vancouver?

Vancouver has a larger population, and is about 1560 times larger than the population of Blue Ridge. When comparing the sizes of Blue Ridge 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 Blue Ridge or Vancouver?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Blue Ridge or Vancouver in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Blue Ridge and Vancouver. The summer months attract visitors to Blue Ridge because of the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Vancouver this time of year.

Blue Ridge is much warmer than Vancouver in the summer. The daily temperature in Blue Ridge averages around 81°F (27°C) in July, and Vancouver fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Vancouver this time of the year. In Blue Ridge, it's very sunny this time of the year. Blue Ridge usually receives less sunshine than Vancouver during summer. Blue Ridge gets 265 hours of sunny skies, while Vancouver receives 296 hours of full sun in the summer.

Blue Ridge gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Blue Ridge usually receives more rain than Vancouver. Blue Ridge gets 5.2 inches (131 mm) of rain, while Vancouver receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Blue Ridge or Vancouver in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Blue Ridge as well as Vancouver. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Blue Ridge this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Vancouver for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Blue Ridge is much warmer than Vancouver. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Blue Ridge in October average around 63°F (17°C), and Vancouver averages at about 11°C (51°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Blue Ridge this time of the year. In the autumn, Blue Ridge often gets more sunshine than Vancouver. Blue Ridge gets 211 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vancouver receives 124 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Vancouver. Blue Ridge usually gets less rain in October than Vancouver. Blue Ridge gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Vancouver receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Blue Ridge or Vancouver in the Winter?

Both Vancouver and Blue Ridge are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Blue Ridge for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Vancouver in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Vancouver can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Blue Ridge. In January, Blue Ridge is generally around the same temperature as Vancouver. Daily temperatures in Blue Ridge average around 40°F (5°C), and Vancouver fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).

Blue Ridge usually receives more sunshine than Vancouver during winter. Blue Ridge gets 145 hours of sunny skies, while Vancouver receives 55 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Vancouver. It's quite rainy in Blue Ridge. In January, Blue Ridge usually receives less rain than Vancouver. Blue Ridge gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Vancouver receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Blue Ridge or Vancouver in the Spring?

Both Vancouver and Blue Ridge during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Blue Ridge in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Vancouver for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

Blue Ridge is much warmer than Vancouver in the spring. The daily temperature in Blue Ridge averages around 62°F (17°C) in April, and Vancouver fluctuates around 9°C (49°F).

It's quite sunny in Blue Ridge. In the spring, Blue Ridge often gets more sunshine than Vancouver. Blue Ridge gets 243 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vancouver receives 172 hours of full sun.

Vancouver gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Blue Ridge. Blue Ridge usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Vancouver. Blue Ridge gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Vancouver receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Vancouver and Blue Ridge