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

Should you visit Columbia or Whistler?

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

Should I visit Columbia 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.

Columbia

Columbia is a suburban, friendly, and welcoming city. It's also known for nightlife, shopping, and museums. See Columbia travel costs.

Whistler

Whistler is a outdoorsy, charming, and adventurous village. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. The beauty of Whistler is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the food, hiking, and shopping. See Whistler travel costs.

Columbia and Whistler: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Columbia or Whistler?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Whistler. Although Columbia and Whistler are popular destinations, Whistler has more sights and attractions for tourists. Whistler is very popular for its skiing, food, nightlife, resorts, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Columbia attracts visitors for its museums and attractions. Whistler is more touristy than Columbia and is known for its world renowned skiing and snowboarding. It is also well known for Cloudraker Skybridge. Columbia is famous for its southern hospitality and friendly people.

How is Columbia different from Whistler?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Columbia or Whistler Better for Skiing?

Whistler is renowned for snow skiing. However, Columbia 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.

Columbia is not a skiing destination.

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

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

Columbia is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. As the state capital, there are some decent museums around town like the Columbia Museum of Art, the South Carolina Military Museum, the South Carolina State Museum, and the U.S. Army Basic Combat Training Museum.

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 Columbia or Whistler? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Whistler is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Columbia is not a good city for its restaurants.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Whistler. 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.

Columbia may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Barbecue and other southern favorites are among the more local dishes, but the city is also filled with fast food joints and other major chain restaurants.

Is Columbia or Whistler Better for Nightlife?

Whistler is a well-known place for nightlife and partying. Also, Columbia is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its evening party scene.

Whistler offers plenty to do in the evening. 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 Columbia. You'll find live music venues as well as low key bars and more trendy cocktail lounges.

Is Columbia or Whistler Better for Resorts?

Whistler is a well-known place for its resorts. However, Columbia 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.

Columbia is not a resort destination.

Is Columbia or Whistler Better for Hiking?

Whistler is renowned for the nearby hiking options. However, Columbia 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.

Columbia is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Columbia or Whistler?

Both Columbia and Whistler are nice shopping destinations.

Columbia offers some nice shopping areas. You'll find independent and locally owned shops along Devine Street and in the Five Points area. Also interesting are the Vista, which is a warehouse district, and Trenholm Plaza.

Whistler has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The village offers great shopping where you can pick up local items or any ski gear you may have forgotten.

Is Columbia or Whistler More Beautiful?

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

The beauty of Whistler is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. The town sits in a valley that is surrounded by stunning mountains and impressive glaciers.

Columbia is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Columbia or Whistler Better for Families?

Whistler is renowned for its family-friendly activities. Also, Columbia is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-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.

Columbia is a family-friendly city. Around town you'll find parks, playgrounds, and kid-friendly restaurants. There's a zoo in the area as well as a nice state park - Sesquicentennial State Park. There's also EdVenture Children's Museum, which is filled with hands-on exhibits.

Is Columbia or Whistler Better for Couples?

Whistler is a well-known place for its romantic activities. However, Columbia is not a good city for couples.

Whistler is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples who enjoy an adventure will love the year-round outdoor sports. There are also romantic spas, fine dining, and scenic gondola rides.

Columbia is not always the best place to visit for a couple. You'll find parks to explore and some nice restaurants that make for a good date night.

Is Columbia or Whistler Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Whistler is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Columbia is not a good city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Whistler is a great village to visit for backpackers. There are several hostels in the area that are perfect for backpackers and budget travelers.

Columbia is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. While it's not an expensive place to visit, there is little in the area to attract backpackers.

Is Columbia or Whistler Better for Students?

Columbia is a nice place to visit for students. However, Whistler is not popular with students.

Columbia is a good city to visit for students. The University of South Carolina, and other nearby colleges all bring in a decent student population.

Whistler is not popular with students.

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

Both Columbia and Whistler offer reasonable public transit options.

Public transit is generally limited in Columbia. The COMET is the bus system through town, but you really must have your own car to enjoy the city.

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

Is Columbia or Whistler a more walkable city?

Whistler is a well-known place for its high level of walkability. However, Columbia is not a good city for its ease of walking around.

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

Columbia is not a very walkable city. It's filled with suburban-style development and is generally very car dependent.

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

Should I spend more time in Whistler or Columbia?

How long in Columbia or Whistler?

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

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

The city of Columbia 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.

The beautiful village of Whistler offers nightlife and food. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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.

A weekend in Columbia or Whistler?

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

Whistler 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.

Five days in Columbia or Whistler?

Columbia 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 popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Whistler, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Columbia or Whistler?

Columbia 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.

Whistler 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 village offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, The Best Sightseeing 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 Columbia and Whistler, we can see that Whistler is more expensive. And not only is Columbia much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Columbia would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Columbia 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 Whistler would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Whistler than you might in Columbia.

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

Which is Bigger, Columbia or Whistler?

Columbia has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Whistler. When comparing the sizes of Columbia 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 Columbia 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 Columbia or Whistler in the Summer?

Both Whistler and Columbia are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Columbia for the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Whistler in the summer for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Columbia is generally much warmer than Whistler. Daily temperatures in Columbia average around 82°F (28°C), 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 Columbia. Columbia usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Whistler during summer. Columbia gets 293 hours of sunny skies, while Whistler receives 296 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Columbia. In July, Columbia usually receives more rain than Whistler. Columbia gets 4.6 inches (116 mm) of rain, while Whistler receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Columbia or Whistler in the Autumn?

Both Whistler and Columbia during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Columbia in the autumn for the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Whistler for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Columbia is much warmer than Whistler in the autumn. The daily temperature in Columbia averages around 64°F (18°C) in October, and Whistler fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

It's quite sunny in Columbia. In the autumn, Columbia often gets more sunshine than Whistler. Columbia gets 230 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. Columbia usually gets less rain in October than Whistler. Columbia gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Whistler receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Columbia or Whistler in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Columbia and Whistler. Most visitors come to Columbia for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Whistler because of the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Whistler can be very cold. In the winter, Columbia is much warmer than Whistler. Typically, the winter temperatures in Columbia in January average around 45°F (7°C), and Whistler averages at about 4°C (40°F).

Columbia usually receives more sunshine than Whistler during winter. Columbia gets 171 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, Columbia usually receives less rain than Whistler. Columbia gets 3.7 inches (93 mm) of rain, while Whistler receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Columbia or Whistler in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Columbia as well as Whistler. Also, the small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Whistler this time of year.

In April, Columbia is generally much warmer than Whistler. Daily temperatures in Columbia average around 64°F (18°C), and Whistler fluctuates around 9°C (49°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Columbia this time of the year. In the spring, Columbia often gets more sunshine than Whistler. Columbia gets 273 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Whistler receives 172 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Whistler. Columbia usually gets less rain in April than Whistler. Columbia gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Whistler receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Whistler and Columbia