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

Should you visit Boise or Whistler?

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

Should I visit Boise or Whistler? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Boise

Boise is a friendly, welcoming, and authentic city. It's also known for nightlife, shopping, and museums. See Boise 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 food, hiking, and shopping. See Whistler travel costs.

Boise and Whistler: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Boise or Whistler?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Whistler than Boise, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Whistler is better known for its skiing, food, nightlife, resorts, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Boise is more popular for its museums and attractions. Whistler is more touristy than Boise and is popular for its world renowned skiing and snowboarding. Also, Whistler is famous for Cloudraker Skybridge. Boise is well known for its many outdoor and recreational activities.

How is Boise different from Whistler?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Boise or Whistler Better for Skiing?

Whistler is a must-visit destination for skiing and snowboarding. However, Boise is not a skiing destination.

If you're an avid snow skiier, Whistler should be on your list. 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.

Boise is not a skiing destination.

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

Boise is a nice place to visit for its sights and museums. However, Whistler is not a good village for its museums and history.

Boise is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. As the state capital, there's a nice selection of local museums around town. Favorites include the Boise Art Museum, the Basque Museum & Cultural Center, the Idaho Black History Museum, and Discovery 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 Boise or Whistler? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Whistler is an excellent place to visit for its restaurants. However, Boise is lacking in options for its restaurant scene.

Whistler has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. 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.

Boise offers some easy restaurants to choose from. While Idaho has long been associated with the potato, the locals usually think of "finger steaks" when describing local food. These are deep-friend beef strips that are as good as they sound.

Is Boise or Whistler Better for Nightlife?

Whistler is an excellent place to visit for its evening party scene. Also, Boise is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife.

Whistler has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. After a day on the slopes, you can enjoy the lively nightlife that includes après ski bars, nightclubs, and late night parties.

Boise has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. In downtown Boise you'll find a selection of bars, lounges, and breweries. There's enough around town to keep the nightlife scene interesting.

Is Boise or Whistler Better for Resorts?

Whistler is an excellent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Boise is not a resort destination.

Whistler is known as a popular and fun resort destination. 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.

Boise is not a resort destination.

Is Boise or Whistler Better for Hiking?

Whistler is a must-visit destination for its hiking trails. However, Boise is not a hiking destination.

People visit Whistler specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. 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.

Boise is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Boise or Whistler?

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

Boise has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find a mix of local boutiques, independent vendors, and suburban shopping centers where you'll find anything that you might need.

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 Boise or Whistler More Beautiful?

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

Boise is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Boise or Whistler Better for Families?

Whistler is a must-visit destination for its kid-friendly activities. However, Boise is lacking in options for its family-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Whistler is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

Boise doesn't usually come to mind when thinking about kid-friendly destinations. You'll find parks, playgrounds, and the Discovery Center which will help keep kids entertained.

Is Boise or Whistler Better for Couples?

Whistler is an excellent place to visit for couples. However, Boise is lacking in options 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.

Boise is not the best destination for a couple to visit. Date night activities include dining at a nice restaurants and seeing a show at the theater.

Is Boise or Whistler Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Whistler is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Boise is lacking in options 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.

Boise is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. Backpackers rarely make their way to this town.

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

Visitors will find respectable public transit in both Boise and Whistler.

Public transit is mostly limited in Boise. There are infrequent buses around town, but visitors usually have a car to get around town efficiently.

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

Is Boise or Whistler a more walkable city?

Whistler is an excellent place to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Boise is lacking in options for its walkability.

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

Boise is generally not very walkable. There are a couple of walkable neighborhoods but, in general, the town isn't very walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Whistler or Boise?

How long in Boise or Whistler?

In either Boise or Whistler, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Whistler than Boise because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Boise, and 3-5 days is enough time in Whistler.

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

The city of Boise offers nightlife and shopping. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Whistler, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this outdoorsy destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This village offers a variety 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.

A weekend in Boise or Whistler?

Boise 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 Boise, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Whistler. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Boise or Whistler?

Boise 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 is a fun place to experience. In Whistler, many people enjoy the skiing and nightlife that this destination offers. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Boise or Whistler?

Boise 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.

You'll find nightlife and food around the adventurous destination of Whistler. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Camping Tours in United States of America, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples 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 Boise and Whistler, we can see that Boise 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 Boise would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Boise 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 Boise Expensive? and Is Whistler Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Boise or Whistler?

Boise has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Whistler. When comparing the sizes of Boise 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.