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

Should you visit Clearwater or Whistler?

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 Clearwater and Whistler. 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.

Clearwater

Clearwater is a relaxing, beautiful, and outdoorsy coastal city. It's also known for nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling. See Clearwater travel costs.

Whistler

Whistler is a adventurous, outdoorsy, and charming village. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. Whistler is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, food, and hiking. See Whistler travel costs.

Clearwater and Whistler: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Clearwater or Whistler?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Whistler. Although Clearwater and Whistler are both popular with visitors, Whistler has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Whistler is more popular for its skiing, nightlife, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Clearwater is known for its museums and attractions, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches. Whistler is more touristy than Clearwater and is known for its world renowned skiing and snowboarding. It is also home to Cloudraker Skybridge. Clearwater is popular for its beautiful white sand beaches, laid back atmosphere, and watersports.

How is Clearwater different from Whistler?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Clearwater or Whistler Better for Skiing?

Whistler is a world-class destination for snow skiing. However, Clearwater is not a skiing destination.

Whistler is a top destination for snow skiing, and it attracts visitors from around the world. 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.

Clearwater is not a skiing destination.

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

Clearwater is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Whistler is not a good village for its museums and history.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Clearwater can be an interesting and educational experience. Perhaps most well known is the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, but there are also a surprising number of museums nearby such as the Dalí Museum, the impressive Chihuly Glass Museum, and the Museum of Fine Arts.

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 Clearwater or Whistler? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Clearwater and Whistler both to be great destinations.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Clearwater makes for a great culinary experience. Head to the waterfront for some of the best seafood. Unfortunately this is also where you'll find the highest prices. Shrimp, crab, and a fresh catch of the day are common on many menus.

Whistler has a huge number of terrific 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.

Is Clearwater or Whistler Better for Nightlife?

Whistler is notable for nightlife. Also, Clearwater is not as famous, but is still a good coastal city to visit for nightlife and partying.

Whistler has plenty to do after the sun goes down. After a day on the slopes, you can enjoy the lively nightlife that includes après ski bars, nightclubs, and late night parties.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Clearwater. You'll find laid back beach clubs, glitzy wine bars, and relaxed bars where you can spend a nice night out.

Is Clearwater or Whistler Better for Resorts?

There are great resorts to choose from in both Clearwater and Whistler.

There are plenty of resorts in Clearwater to choose from. You'll find a number of nice resorts along the coastline. Some of the most popular are the Sandpearl Resort, the Opal Sands Resort, and the Clearwater Beach Marriott.

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.

Is Clearwater or Whistler Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Clearwater is a nice place to visit for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Whistler is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Clearwater has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. There's both snorkeling and diving nearby. Some of the best dive spots are within and hour of the shore and you'll find diving shops that offer trips.

Whistler is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Clearwater or Whistler Better for Beaches?

Clearwater is renowned for its beaches. However, Whistler is not a beach destination.

The beaches in Clearwater are among the best in the world. Clearwater Beach is on many lists as one of the best beaches in America. It's the most popular beach in the area and it spreads out over 2.5 miles. Sand Key Beach is another popular destination as is the pristine Caladesi Island State Park.

Whistler is not a beach destination.

Is Clearwater or Whistler Better for Hiking?

Whistler is a world-class destination for the nearby hiking options. However, Clearwater is not a hiking destination.

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

Clearwater is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Clearwater or Whistler?

Both Clearwater and Whistler are good shopping destinations.

Clearwater is a great destination for shopping. You'll find all of the standard shopping options in the area such as malls, shopping centers, and outlets. Westfield Countryside Mall is a popular destination as is the Cleveland Street District.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Whistler. The village offers great shopping where you can pick up local items or any ski gear you may have forgotten.

Is Clearwater or Whistler More Beautiful?

Whistler is notable for its scenery and beauty. However, Clearwater is not a destination known for its beauty.

Whistler is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. The town sits in a valley that is surrounded by stunning mountains and impressive glaciers.

Clearwater is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Clearwater or Whistler Better for Families?

Whistler is a world-class destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Clearwater is not as famous, but is still a good coastal city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Whistler is very family-friendly. 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.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Clearwater is very family-friendly. Check out the playground and activities around Pier 60. Less crowded and family-friendly Sand Key Park is another favorite spot and the playgrounds at New Coachman Park and Crest Lake Park are also fun. Clearwater Marine Aquarium is another popular attraction for visitors with kids.

Is Clearwater or Whistler Better for Couples?

Clearwater and Whistler both great destinations for a couple.

Clearwater is a very popular place to visit for couples. There are beautiful parks and beaches as well as romantic activities like sunset cruises and dolphin spotting tours. Couples will also enjoy dining on local seafood and shopping at the local venues.

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.

Is Clearwater or Whistler Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Whistler is notable for backpackers. However, Clearwater is a mediocre coastal city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Whistler. There are several hostels in the area that are perfect for backpackers and budget travelers.

Clearwater is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There is a hostel in town, and you'll find more affordable prices than in some nearby beach destinations.

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

Both Clearwater and Whistler offer decent public transit options.

Public transit is generally limited in Clearwater. The Clearwater Jolley Trolley connects some of the area's highlights. There are also public buses that run several routes through town.

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

Is Clearwater or Whistler a more walkable city?

Whistler is notable for its walkability. Also, Clearwater is not as famous, but is still a good coastal city to visit for its high level of walkability.

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

Clearwater is a somewhat walkable place. The waterfront and downtown areas are surprisingly walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Whistler or Clearwater?

How long in Clearwater or Whistler?

In either Clearwater or Whistler, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. In our opinion, Whistler has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Whistler than Clearwater. However, 3-5 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

The coastal city of Clearwater offers museums and nightlife. Most people come for the beaches. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

With shopping and skiing around the adventurous village of Whistler, there's plenty to do. 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 Clearwater or Whistler?

Clearwater is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

With skiing and nightlife around the destination of Whistler, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Five days in Clearwater or Whistler?

Clearwater is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Clearwater, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Whistler, a popular village, 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 village. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Clearwater or Whistler?

Clearwater is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This coastal city offers something for everyone.

Whistler 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 Wildlife Tours to United States of America, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours 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 Clearwater and Whistler, we can see that Clearwater 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 Clearwater would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Clearwater 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 Clearwater Expensive? and Is Whistler Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Clearwater or Whistler?

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

When is the best time to visit Clearwater or Whistler?

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 Clearwater or Whistler in the Summer?

Both Whistler and Clearwater are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Clearwater in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Whistler for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Clearwater is much warmer than Whistler in the summer. The daily temperature in Clearwater averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Whistler fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

It's quite sunny in Whistler. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Clearwater. Clearwater usually receives less sunshine than Whistler during summer. Clearwater gets 265 hours of sunny skies, while Whistler receives 296 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Clearwater. In July, Clearwater usually receives more rain than Whistler. Clearwater gets 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain, while Whistler receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Clearwater or Whistler in the Autumn?

Both Whistler and Clearwater during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Clearwater for the shopping scene during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Whistler because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Clearwater is much warmer than Whistler. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Clearwater in October average around 75°F (24°C), and Whistler averages at about 11°C (51°F).

It's quite sunny in Clearwater. In the autumn, Clearwater often gets more sunshine than Whistler. Clearwater gets 234 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Whistler receives 124 hours of full sun.

Whistler gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Clearwater usually gets less rain in October than Whistler. Clearwater gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while Whistler receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Clearwater is June to November.

Should I visit Clearwater or Whistler in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Clearwater and Whistler. The winter months attract visitors to Clearwater because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Whistler this time of year.

It's quite cold in Whistler in the winter. In January, Clearwater is generally much warmer than Whistler. Daily temperatures in Clearwater average around 60°F (15°C), and Whistler fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).

In Clearwater, it's very sunny this time of the year. Clearwater usually receives more sunshine than Whistler during winter. Clearwater gets 200 hours of sunny skies, while Whistler receives 55 hours of full sun in the winter.

Whistler receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Clearwater usually receives less rain than Whistler. Clearwater gets 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain, while Whistler receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Clearwater or Whistler in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Clearwater as well as Whistler. The beaches are the main draw to Clearwater this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Whistler for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

Clearwater is much warmer than Whistler in the spring. The daily temperature in Clearwater averages around 71°F (22°C) in April, and Whistler fluctuates around 9°C (49°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Clearwater this time of the year. In the spring, Clearwater often gets more sunshine than Whistler. Clearwater gets 299 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Whistler receives 172 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Whistler. Clearwater usually gets less rain in April than Whistler. Clearwater gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while Whistler receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Clearwater.

Typical Weather for Whistler and Clearwater