A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Columbia River Gorge vs. Halifax for Food, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Columbia River Gorge or Halifax?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Columbia River Gorge or Halifax, 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.

Columbia River Gorge

Columbia River Gorge is a scenic, natural, and beautiful region. Columbia River Gorge is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include food, hiking, and shopping. See Columbia River Gorge travel costs.

Halifax

Halifax is a cultural, historical, and friendly city. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping. See Halifax travel costs.

Columbia River Gorge and Halifax: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Columbia River Gorge or Halifax?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Columbia River Gorge. Although Columbia River Gorge and Halifax are both popular with visitors, Columbia River Gorge has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Columbia River Gorge is more popular for its food, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Halifax is known for its museums and attractions. Columbia River Gorge is more touristy than Halifax and is popular for its hiking, biking, and high number of waterfalls. It is also home to Vista House at Crown Point. Halifax is popular for its maritime past.

How is Columbia River Gorge different from Halifax?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Columbia River Gorge or Halifax?

Halifax is a nice place to visit for its sights and museums. However, Columbia River Gorge is not a good region for its museums and history.

Halifax is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. You should head to Pier 21, where you'll find the Canadian Museum of Immigration. The Discovery Center is a great spot for kids, as is the Natural History Museum. Finally, check out the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic and the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site.

While most people don't head to Columbia River Gorge specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. There are a couple of local museums in the area, but most visitors spend their time exploring the region's natural beauty.

Is the Food Better in Columbia River Gorge or Halifax? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Columbia River Gorge is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Halifax is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Columbia River Gorge. You'll find many great restaurants in the area that serve local dishes that make use of the region's agricultural scene.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Halifax. You'll find lobster rolls and other seafood around town, but also make sure you try the Halifax donair, which is a shaved beef sandwich wrap that can be found a many pizza restaurants.

Is Columbia River Gorge or Halifax Better for Nightlife?

Both Columbia River Gorge and Halifax are good when it comes to partying.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Columbia River Gorge. Local breweries, wineries, and bars offer a relaxing setting with a local vibe.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Halifax. There's a laid back atmosphere to the nightlife scene. There are casual bars and pubs where you can meet the locals and a few nightclubs where there's a relaxed but fun atmosphere.

Is Columbia River Gorge or Halifax Better for Hiking?

Columbia River Gorge is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Halifax is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Columbia River Gorge. There are world-class hikes that take you to iconic waterfalls, breathtaking viewpoints, and along scenic waterways.

Halifax is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Columbia River Gorge or Halifax?

Both Columbia River Gorge and Halifax are good shopping destinations.

Columbia River Gorge is a great destination for shopping. Art galleries feature local artwork and artisan crafts. There are photography shops and other venues that sell items highlighting the region's beauty.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Halifax. You'll find a mix of boutiques, artisan shops, large malls, and shopping centers.

Is Columbia River Gorge or Halifax More Beautiful?

Columbia River Gorge is a very popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Halifax is not a destination known for its beauty.

Columbia River Gorge is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Impressive waterfalls and breathtaking mountain vistas make this a truly beautiful place to visit.

Halifax is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Columbia River Gorge or Halifax Better for Families?

Columbia River Gorge is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Halifax is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Columbia River Gorge is a very family-friendly destination. Kids will love exploring the waterfalls and mountains as much as the adults do. There are kid-friendly hikes as well as bakeries and restaurants with many kid options.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Halifax. There are a handful of kid-friendly museums like the Museum of Natural History. Kids will also appreciate a visit to the Discovery Center or stretching their legs at Point Pleasant Park. History lovers should go see the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site.

Is Columbia River Gorge or Halifax Better for Couples?

Columbia River Gorge is a very popular place for romance. Also, Halifax is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Columbia River Gorge makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples will love the romantic hikes and waterfalls. There are also beautiful scenic viewpoints and wonderful restaurants.

Halifax makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples can wander down the waterfront or take a stroll through Point Pleasant Park. The city also has number of romantic restaurants and hotels.

Is Columbia River Gorge or Halifax Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Columbia River Gorge is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Halifax is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Columbia River Gorge is very popular with the backpacker crowd. You'll find hostels and campgrounds in the area that are perfect for backpackers and budget travelers.

Halifax is a good region to visit for backpackers. There's actually a decent number of hostels around town for backpackers and budget travelers.

Is Columbia River Gorge or Halifax Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Halifax is a nice place to visit for its public transit. However, Columbia River Gorge is not a good region for times when you don't have a car.

Halifax has a few public transit options. There are buses around town as well as a ferry to Dartmouth.

Public transit is mostly limited in Columbia River Gorge. There are some buses, but don't rely on them to efficiently explore.

Is Columbia River Gorge or Halifax a more walkable city?

Halifax is a nice place to visit for its walkability. However, Columbia River Gorge is not a good region for its high level of walkability.

Halifax is somewhat walkable. It's a compact town that's relatively easy to explore on foot.

Columbia River Gorge is not a very walkable region. You really need a car to explore the area, but some visitors rely on a bike.

For even more information, also check out Is Columbia River Gorge Worth Visiting? and Is Halifax Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Halifax or Columbia River Gorge?

How long in Columbia River Gorge or Halifax?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Columbia River Gorge and Halifax. In our opinion, Columbia River Gorge has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Columbia River Gorge than Halifax. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Columbia River Gorge than Halifax 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 Columbia River Gorge.

One day in Columbia River Gorge or Halifax?

In Columbia River Gorge, you'll find shopping and nightlife. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This region offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Halifax. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Columbia River Gorge or Halifax?

In Columbia River Gorge, you'll find nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Columbia River Gorge has to offer.

Halifax is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Columbia River Gorge or Halifax?

Columbia River Gorge is a great place to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Many people visit Halifax for five days. You'll find museums and nightlife around the city of Halifax. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Columbia River Gorge or Halifax?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Columbia River Gorge. Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Columbia River Gorge. 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 historical destination of Halifax offers nightlife and food. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, The Best G Adventures Tours to Canada, and The Best 3-Day Tours from Vancouver.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Columbia River Gorge or Halifax?

Halifax has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Columbia River Gorge. When comparing the sizes of Columbia River Gorge and Halifax, 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 Columbia River Gorge or Halifax?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Columbia River Gorge or Halifax in the Summer?

Both Halifax and Columbia River Gorge during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Columbia River Gorge because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Halifax this time of year.

Columbia River Gorge is a little warmer than Halifax in the summer. The daily temperature in Columbia River Gorge averages around 68°F (20°C) in July, and Halifax fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

In Halifax, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Columbia River Gorge. In the summer, Columbia River Gorge often gets more sunshine than Halifax. Columbia River Gorge gets 338 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Halifax receives 230 hours of full sun.

Columbia River Gorge usually gets less rain in July than Halifax. Columbia River Gorge gets 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain, while Halifax receives 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Columbia River Gorge or Halifax in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Columbia River Gorge and Halifax. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Columbia River Gorge this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Halifax for the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Columbia River Gorge is a little warmer than Halifax. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Columbia River Gorge in October average around 55°F (13°C), and Halifax averages at about 10°C (49°F).

Columbia River Gorge usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Halifax during autumn. Columbia River Gorge gets 155 hours of sunny skies, while Halifax receives 148 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Halifax receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Columbia River Gorge usually receives less rain than Halifax. Columbia River Gorge gets 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain, while Halifax receives 121 mm (4.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Columbia River Gorge or Halifax in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Columbia River Gorge as well as Halifax. Many travelers come to Columbia River Gorge for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Halifax in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Halifax can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Columbia River Gorge. In January, Columbia River Gorge is generally much warmer than Halifax. Daily temperatures in Columbia River Gorge average around 40°F (4°C), and Halifax fluctuates around -4°C (24°F).

In the winter, Columbia River Gorge often gets less sunshine than Halifax. Columbia River Gorge gets 86 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Halifax receives 111 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Halifax. Columbia River Gorge receives a lot of rain in the winter. Columbia River Gorge usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Halifax. Columbia River Gorge gets 5.2 inches (132 mm) of rain, while Halifax receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Columbia River Gorge or Halifax in the Spring?

Both Halifax and Columbia River Gorge are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Columbia River Gorge in the spring for the natural beauty.

Halifax can be very cold during spring. Columbia River Gorge is much warmer than Halifax in the spring. The daily temperature in Columbia River Gorge averages around 51°F (11°C) in April, and Halifax fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Columbia River Gorge. Columbia River Gorge usually receives more sunshine than Halifax during spring. Columbia River Gorge gets 231 hours of sunny skies, while Halifax receives 148 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Halifax. In April, Columbia River Gorge usually receives less rain than Halifax. Columbia River Gorge gets 2.4 inches (61 mm) of rain, while Halifax receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Halifax and Columbia River Gorge