A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Breckenridge vs. Vernon for Hiking, Families, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Breckenridge or Vernon?

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

Should I visit Breckenridge or Vernon? 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.

Breckenridge

Breckenridge is a charming, breathtaking, and adventurous ski resort. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. With stunning beauty, Breckenridge attracts visitors from all around. This is an attractive and quaint destination worth visiting as well. Other popular activities here include shopping, skiing, and nightlife. See Breckenridge travel costs.

Vernon

Vernon is a relaxing, quiet, and peaceful town. And you can't forget about the food, hiking, and shopping. See Vernon travel costs.

Breckenridge and Vernon: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Breckenridge or Vernon?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Breckenridge. Although Breckenridge and Vernon are both popular with visitors, Breckenridge has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Breckenridge is more popular for its skiing, nightlife, resorts, historical sights, shopping, christmas markets, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Vernon is known for its museums and attractions and hiking. Breckenridge is more touristy than Vernon and is known for its world-class ski resorts, its charming small town atmosphere, and its family-friendly environment. It is also home to The Family-Friendly Ski Resort. Vernon is popular for its surrounding valley with lakes and hiking trails.

How is Breckenridge different from Vernon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Breckenridge or Vernon Better for Skiing?

Breckenridge is terrific for snow skiing. However, Vernon is not a skiing destination.

The snow ski experience you'll have in Breckenridge is among the best in the world. This is one of the most recognizable ski destinations in the world. It has diverse terrain that is good for all levels including beginners, intermediate, and expert skiers. The resort also has the tallest chairlift in North America.

Vernon is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Breckenridge or Vernon?

Vernon is a popular place for its sights and museums. However, Breckenridge does not have museums and landmarks.

Vernon offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are local galleries and museums that offer information on the region's history and culture. You can visit the Canadian Wildlife Museum, the Caetani Center, the Museum and Archives of Vernon, the Paddlewheel Park Stationhouse Museum, and the Vernon Public Art Gallery.

Breckenridge does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Breckenridge or Vernon? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Breckenridge and Vernon both to be good destinations.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Breckenridge. There are a number of restaurants around town serving everything from casual to fine dining. There are bistros, pubs, and luxury options where you can enjoy international or local dishes including elk and buffalo.

Vernon is becoming an appealing option for foodies. The region is known for its vineyards and wineries and many of the local restaurants have been around for generations. The food is often locally produced and prepared with traditional recipes.

Is Breckenridge or Vernon Better for Nightlife?

Breckenridge is a nice place to visit for its evening party scene. However, Vernon is not a good town for nightlife.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Breckenridge. The town comes to life in the winter and there are plenty of bars, breweries, and a wide selection of craft beer that you can try. Live music also brings the town to life in the evening.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Vernon. The town gets very quiet in the evenings, so you won't find much of a nightlife scene.

Is Breckenridge or Vernon Better for Resorts?

Breckenridge is a nice place to visit for its resorts. However, Vernon is not a resort destination.

Breckenridge has a few great resort options. The resorts often have pools or hot tubs where you can unwind after a day on the slopes. Many have condos that include a kitchen and separate bedrooms.

Vernon is not a resort destination.

Is Breckenridge or Vernon Better for its Old Town?

Breckenridge is a nice place to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Vernon does not have a historic old town.

Breckenridge offers a nice historic old town area. Originating as a mining town, there is a historic Main Street that is filled with character.

Vernon does not have a historic old town.

Is Breckenridge or Vernon Better for Hiking?

Vernon is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. Also, Breckenridge is not as famous, but is still a good ski resort to visit for its hiking trails.

Vernon is a popular spot for hiking. The surrounding valley has more than 300 kilometers of hiking trails. They run along pristine lakes, pass by granite rock formations, and take you to impressive viewpoints.

Many people include a hike when visiting Breckenridge. During the summer months there are plenty of beautiful hikes nearby, but you'll likely need a car to reach most trailheads. Popular trails include Hoosier Pass Loop, Blue Lakes Trail, and McCullough Gulch.

Is the Shopping Better in Breckenridge or Vernon?

Breckenridge is a well-known place for its shopping areas. Also, Vernon is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Breckenridge. Quaint shops and galleries are throughout the town where you can by gear, artwork, or souvenirs.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Vernon. There are a number of boutique shops that are fun to explore in the downtown area.

Is Breckenridge or Vernon More Beautiful?

Breckenridge is a well-known place for its scenery and beauty. However, Vernon is not a destination known for its beauty.

With stunning beauty, Breckenridge attracts visitors from all around. The beautiful mountains make a great backdrop for one of the area's best ski resorts.

Vernon is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Breckenridge or Vernon Better for Families?

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

Breckenridge is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. It is a fun, family-friendly ski resort town with skiing for all levels. There are lessons for kids starting at the age of three, and slopes that are perfect for all skill levels. The town also has ice skating, sledding, and white water rafting.

Vernon is a family-friendly ski resort. There are biking and hiking trails as well as other outdoor activities. You can also visit the Allan Brooks Nature Center or the Rock Garden Climbing Center.

Is Breckenridge or Vernon Better for Couples?

Breckenridge is a well-known place for couples. Also, Vernon is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for romance.

Breckenridge is a very popular place to visit for couples. For couples who enjoy skiing, outdoor activities, beautiful hikes, and a charming small town atmosphere, this is the perfect romantic getaway.

Vernon is a nice destination for couples. It offers a peaceful getaway for couples. You can visit the Okanagan wineries or enjoy one of the many hiking trails. There are also nice restaurants to try.

Is Breckenridge or Vernon Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Breckenridge is a nice place to visit for backpackers. However, Vernon is not a good town for backpackers and budget travelers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Breckenridge. The town has a hostel or two for skiers who want a social setting at an affordable price.

Vernon is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There is a hostel in town, but this isn't a popular destination for backpackers.

Is Breckenridge or Vernon Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Both Breckenridge and Vernon offer decent public transit options.

Public transit is generally limited in Breckenridge. There is a free shuttle service around town.

Public transit is mostly limited in Vernon. There is a bus system, but it's better not to rely on it.

Is Breckenridge or Vernon a more walkable city?

Breckenridge is terrific for its ease of walking around. However, Vernon is not a good town for its walkability.

It is easy to get around Breckenridge on foot. The town is designed to be pedestrian-friendly.

Vernon is generally not a very walkable ski resort. You'll really want to have a car to make the most of your time here.

For even more information, also check out Is Breckenridge Worth Visiting? and Is Vernon Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Vernon or Breckenridge?

How long in Breckenridge or Vernon?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Breckenridge and Vernon. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Breckenridge than in Vernon. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Breckenridge, and 1-3 days is enough time in Vernon.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Breckenridge than Vernon 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 Breckenridge.

One day in Breckenridge or Vernon?

Breckenridge might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Vernon, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this quiet town offers. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this town.

A weekend in Breckenridge or Vernon?

Breckenridge is a great place to explore. Don't miss the skiing, as that's what most people do. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Vernon is a fun place to experience. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Breckenridge or Vernon?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Breckenridge. Don't miss the skiing, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

You'll find food and shopping around the quiet destination of Vernon. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

A week in Breckenridge or Vernon?

Breckenridge is a small town with plenty to do. This ski resort offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Vernon is a popular place to visit. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Canada, and The Best Adventure Tours to Canada.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Breckenridge or Vernon?

Vernon has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Breckenridge. When comparing the sizes of Breckenridge and Vernon, 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.