A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Cherokee vs. Vernon for Hiking, Families, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Cherokee or Vernon?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Cherokee or Vernon, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Cherokee

Cherokee is a fascinating, cultural, and genuine town. Other popular activities here include food, hiking, and shopping. See Cherokee travel costs.

Vernon

Vernon is a peaceful, relaxing, and quiet town. It's also known for food, hiking, and shopping. See Vernon travel costs.

Cherokee and Vernon: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Cherokee or Vernon?

Both Vernon and Cherokee have plenty of things to do for visitors. Both offer a variety of sights, activities, and attractions for tourists. Cherokee is well known for its cultural experiences and nearby hiking trails. Vernon is well known for its surrounding valley with lakes and hiking trails.

How is Cherokee different from Vernon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Cherokee
Vernon

Both Cherokee and Vernon have notable landmarks and museums for visitors.

Cherokee is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Many of the museums educate visitors on the Native American culture. Oconaluftee Indian Village, the Museum of the Cherokee People, and the Mountain Farm Museum each offer a unique and interesting perspective.

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.


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

Cherokee
Vernon

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Cherokee and Vernon can be difficult as they are each notable in their own way.

Cherokee offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. There are casual sandwich shops as well as several places that offer traditional Cherokee foods such as fry bread.

Vernon has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. 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 Cherokee or Vernon Better for Nightlife?

Cherokee
Vernon

Evening events are respectable in both Cherokee and Vernon.

Most people don't head to Cherokee specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. The town is generally quiet but you can head to Harrah's Cherokee Casino for drinks and entertainment.

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 Cherokee or Vernon Better for Hiking?

Cherokee
Vernon

Cherokee and Vernon are both places where visitors can find superb hiking trails.

Cherokee is a popular spot for hiking. There are many trails in the area that pass through forests, wander by waterfalls, and take you to spectacular viewpoints. The fall foliage is particularly nice during the autumn months.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Vernon. 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.


Is the Shopping Better in Cherokee or Vernon?

Cherokee
Vernon

Both Cherokee and Vernon are notable shopping destinations.

Cherokee is a great destination for shopping. There are craft shops and artisan vendors in the downtown area. It's fun to wander around for a few hours.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Vernon. There are a number of boutique shops that are fun to explore in the downtown area.

Is Cherokee or Vernon Better for Families?

Cherokee
Vernon

Cherokee 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.

Cherokee is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. It's proximity to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park make this a fun destination for families. There are countless outdoor adventure activities. The town is also filled with Cherokee history and culture, so it offers educational experiences as well.

Vernon is a family-friendly town. 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 Cherokee or Vernon Better for Couples?

Cherokee
Vernon

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

Cherokee is a very popular place to visit for couples. Nearby there are many outdoor activities and adventure experiences. Couples who enjoy nature and exploring will appreciate a stay here.

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 Cherokee or Vernon Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cherokee
Vernon

Cherokee 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 Cherokee. There are several great campgrounds in the area as well as plenty of hiking opportunities.

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

Cherokee
Vernon

Both Cherokee and Vernon offer respectable public transit options.

Public transit is generally limited in Cherokee. There are some bus and shuttle routes, but a private vehicle is important if you want to make the most of your visit.

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

Is Cherokee or Vernon a more walkable city?

Cherokee
Vernon

Cherokee and Vernon both are respectable when exploring on foot.

Cherokee is generally not very walkable. If you want to explore the area, you'll need a car to reach most places.

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


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

Should I spend more time in Vernon or Cherokee?

How long in Cherokee or Vernon?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Cherokee and Vernon. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Cherokee than in Vernon. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Cherokee, and 1-3 days is enough time in Vernon.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Cherokee 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 Cherokee.


  • How many days in Cherokee or Vernon? Ideal Length of Stay
    Cherokee 2-4 
    Vernon 1-3

One day in Cherokee or Vernon?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Cherokee. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

The town of Vernon offers food and shopping. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Cherokee or Vernon?

Cherokee is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Vernon 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. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Vernon, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Cherokee or Vernon?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cherokee. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Vernon 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.


A week in Cherokee or Vernon?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the genuine destination of Cherokee. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Vernon is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Canada, and The Best Adventure Tours to Canada.


Which place is cheaper, Vernon or Cherokee?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Cherokee Prices
    USA Prices
    Vernon Prices
    Canada Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Cherokee $186
    Vernon $49

The average daily cost (per person) in Cherokee is $186, while the average daily cost in Vernon is $49. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Cherokee and Vernon in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cherokee $158
    Vernon $4.81
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cherokee $316
    Vernon $9.62
Compare Hotels in Cherokee and Vernon

Looking for a hotel in Cherokee or Vernon? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Cherokee


Hotels in Vernon


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Cherokee Hotel Prices and Vernon Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cherokee -
    Vernon -

Is it cheaper to fly into Cherokee or Vernon?

Prices for flights to both Vernon and Cherokee change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Cherokee $27
    Vernon $43

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cherokee -
    Vernon -

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cherokee -
    Vernon $13


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


Which is Bigger, Cherokee or Vernon?

Vernon has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Cherokee. When comparing the sizes of Cherokee 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.


When is the best time to visit Cherokee or Vernon?

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 Cherokee or Vernon in the Summer?

Both Vernon and Cherokee are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Cherokee because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Vernon this time of year.

In July, Cherokee is generally a little warmer than Vernon. Daily temperatures in Cherokee average around 81°F (27°C), and Vernon fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

It's quite rainy in Cherokee. In July, Cherokee usually receives more rain than Vernon. Cherokee gets 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain, while Vernon receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Cherokee 81°F (27°C) 
    Vernon 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Cherokee or Vernon in the Autumn?

Both Vernon and Cherokee during the autumn are popular places to visit. The hiking trails and the shopping scene are the main draw to Cherokee this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Vernon for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

Cherokee is much warmer than Vernon in the autumn. The daily temperature in Cherokee averages around 63°F (17°C) in October, and Vernon fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Cherokee usually gets more rain in October than Vernon. Cherokee gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Vernon receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Cherokee 63°F (17°C) 
    Vernon 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Cherokee or Vernon in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Cherokee and Vernon. Many travelers come to Cherokee for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Vernon in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Vernon can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Cherokee. In the winter, Cherokee is much warmer than Vernon. Typically, the winter temperatures in Cherokee in January average around 40°F (5°C), and Vernon averages at about -3°C (27°F).

Cherokee gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Cherokee usually receives more rain than Vernon. Cherokee gets 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain, while Vernon receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Cherokee 40°F (5°C) 
    Vernon -3°C (27°F)

Should I visit Cherokee or Vernon in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Cherokee as well as Vernon.

In April, Cherokee is generally a little warmer than Vernon. Daily temperatures in Cherokee average around 62°F (17°C), and Vernon fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

Cherokee usually gets more rain in April than Vernon. Cherokee gets 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain, while Vernon receives 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Cherokee 62°F (17°C) 
    Vernon 12°C (53°F)

Typical Weather for Vernon and Cherokee

Cherokee Vernon
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 40°F (5°C) 4.7 inches (119 mm) -3°C (27°F) 26 mm (1 in)
Feb 44°F (7°C) 4.7 inches (120 mm) 2°C (35°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Mar 54°F (12°C) 4.8 inches (123 mm) 7°C (44°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Apr 62°F (17°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm) 12°C (53°F) 15 mm (0.6 in)
May 70°F (21°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 16°C (61°F) 22 mm (0.9 in)
Jun 78°F (25°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm) 21°C (69°F) 29 mm (1.1 in)
Jul 81°F (27°C) 4.7 inches (119 mm) 23°C (73°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Aug 80°F (27°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 23°C (73°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Sep 74°F (24°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm) 17°C (63°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Oct 63°F (17°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 11°C (51°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Nov 53°F (12°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm) 4°C (39°F) 22 mm (0.9 in)
Dec 44°F (7°C) 4.5 inches (114 mm) -1°C (30°F) 33 mm (1.3 in)