A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Columbus vs. Vernon for Families, Attractions, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Columbus or Vernon?

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

Should I visit Columbus 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.

Columbus

Columbus is a authentic, friendly, and welcoming city. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and shopping. See Columbus travel costs.

Vernon

Vernon is a peaceful, relaxing, and quiet town. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums. See Vernon travel costs.

Columbus and Vernon: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Columbus or Vernon?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Vernon than Columbus, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Vernon is better known for its food and hiking, while Columbus is more popular for its nightlife. Vernon is more touristy than Columbus and is popular for its surrounding valley with lakes and hiking trails. Also, Vernon is famous for Davison Orchards Country Village. Columbus is well known for its youthful energy and its growing arts scene.

How is Columbus different from Vernon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Spend time exploring the notable sights and museums in either Columbus or Vernon.

Columbus is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Popular museums around town include the Center of Science and Technology, the Franklin Park Conservatory, the Columbus Museum of Art, and the Ohio History Center.

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 Columbus or Vernon? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Vernon is a popular place for its restaurants. However, Columbus is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Vernon. 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Columbus. Hearty and heavy comfort food is the mainstay in this town. There's pizza, casseroles, sausage, and milkshakes around town.

Is Columbus or Vernon Better for Nightlife?

Columbus 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 Columbus. The live music scene is growing. There are also a growing number of breweries around town.

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 Columbus or Vernon Better for Hiking?

Vernon is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Columbus is not a hiking destination.

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.

Columbus is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Columbus or Vernon?

Shoppers can find a variety of notable stores in both Columbus and Vernon.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Columbus. In addition to the standard shopping malls and retail outlets, there are some interesting shops in the Short North Arts District, German Village, and Easton Town Center.

Vernon offers some nice shopping areas. There are a number of boutique shops that are fun to explore in the downtown area.

Is Columbus or Vernon Better for Families?

Columbus 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.

Columbus is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is a highlight for many families. Right by it is the Zoombezi Bay Waterpark. For hands-on science-based activities check out the Center of Science and Industry. Kids will also love the Legoland Discovery Center or the Anthony-Thomas Candy Factory. There are also many outdoor parks, greenways, and playgrounds to visit.

Vernon is a family-friendly city. 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 Columbus or Vernon Better for Couples?

Vernon is a popular place for romance. However, Columbus is lacking in good options for its romantic activities.

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.

Most people don't think of Columbus as a couple's destination. You'll find restaurants and music venues that make for a nice date night. There are also wine tours and other entertainment options.

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

Visitors will find respectable public transit in both Columbus and Vernon.

Public transit is mostly limited in Columbus. While there's a bus system, you'll really want to have a vehicle to get around town efficiently.

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

Is Columbus or Vernon a more walkable city?

Columbus is a nice place to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Vernon is not a good town for its walkability.

Columbus is a somewhat walkable city. The older neighborhoods are the most walkable, but if you want to get around town, you'll need to have a car.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Vernon or Columbus?

How long in Columbus or Vernon?

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

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

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

One day in Columbus or Vernon?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Columbus. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

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 Columbus or Vernon?

Columbus 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 Columbus or Vernon?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Columbus. 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 Columbus or Vernon?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the authentic destination of Columbus. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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 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 Columbus and Vernon, we can see that Columbus 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 Columbus would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Columbus 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 Columbus Expensive? and Is Vernon Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Columbus or Vernon?

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

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 Columbus or Vernon in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Columbus as well as Vernon. Many travelers come to Columbus for the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, many visitors come to Vernon in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Columbus is generally around the same temperature as Vernon. Daily temperatures in Columbus average around 77°F (25°C), and Vernon fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

Columbus receives a lot of rain in the summer. Columbus usually gets more rain in July than Vernon. Columbus gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Vernon receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Columbus or Vernon in the Autumn?

Both Vernon and Columbus are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Columbus in the autumn for the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Vernon for the hiking trails and the shopping scene during these months.

Columbus is a little warmer than Vernon in the autumn. The daily temperature in Columbus averages around 57°F (14°C) in October, and Vernon fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In October, Columbus usually receives more rain than Vernon. Columbus gets 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain, while Vernon receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Columbus or Vernon in the Winter?

Both Vernon and Columbus during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Columbus for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Vernon because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Vernon can be very cold. Columbus can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Columbus is much warmer than Vernon. Typically, the winter temperatures in Columbus in January average around 30°F (-1°C), and Vernon averages at about -3°C (27°F).

Columbus usually gets more rain in January than Vernon. Columbus gets 2.2 inches (56 mm) of rain, while Vernon receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Columbus or Vernon in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Columbus and Vernon.

In April, Columbus is generally around the same temperature as Vernon. Daily temperatures in Columbus average around 54°F (12°C), and Vernon fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

In April, Columbus usually receives more rain than Vernon. Columbus gets 3.2 inches (81 mm) of rain, while Vernon receives 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Vernon and Columbus