A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Death Valley National Park vs. Vancouver for Attractions, Hiking, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Death Valley National Park or Vancouver?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Death Valley National Park and Vancouver can help you decide which place is right for you.

Death Valley National Park

Death Valley National Park is a vast, dramatic, and striking national park. Many visitors also come to Death Valley National Park because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include hiking. See Death Valley National Park travel costs.

Vancouver

Vancouver is a friendly, outdoorsy, and scenic city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. With stunning beauty, Vancouver attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Vancouver travel costs.

Death Valley National Park and Vancouver: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Nice resorts
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
  • Big city activities
  • Impressive beauty


Is there more to do in Death Valley National Park or Vancouver?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Vancouver than Death Valley National Park, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Vancouver is better known for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, hiking, shopping, and big city activities, while Death Valley National Park is more popular for its resorts and impressive beauty. Death Valley National Park is well known for being the hottest, driest, and lowest national park in the U.S. Vancouver is well known for its beautiful setting, sweeping views, and welcoming atmosphere. Also, Vancouver is famous for Stanley Park.

How is Death Valley National Park different from Vancouver?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Vancouver and Death Valley National Park. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Death Valley National Park or Vancouver?

Death Valley National Park
Vancouver

Vancouver is renowned for its sights and museums. However, Death Valley National Park is not a good national park for its museums and history.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Vancouver on the map. There are tons of museums and sights around town such as the Vancouver Aquarium, the Museum of Anthropology, the Museum of Vancouver, and Science World. Also make sure you take a walk over the Capilano Suspension Bridge.

While most people don't head to Death Valley National Park specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. There are ghost towns and visitor centers with informational exhibits, but visitors spend most of their time exploring the outdoor environment.


Is the Food Better in Death Valley National Park or Vancouver? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Death Valley National Park
Vancouver

Vancouver is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Death Valley National Park is not a good national park for its restaurants.

Dining out in Vancouver is an experience not to be missed. You'll find diverse restaurants and fresh ingredients. Local seafood is a staple in many restaurants so make sure you try the prawns, salmon, and even sea urchin. Asian food is also excellent around town. Sushi, Japanese hot dogs, and dim sum are all worth sampling.

Death Valley National Park offers some easy restaurants to choose from. There are restaurants at Furnace Creek, Stovepipe Wells, and Panamint Springs, but most visitors prefer to bring their own food so that they can enjoy picnicking in a beautiful setting.

Is Death Valley National Park or Vancouver Better for Nightlife?

Death Valley National Park
Vancouver

Vancouver is a well-known place for its evening party scene. However, Death Valley National Park is not a good national park for nightlife.

Vancouver offers plenty to do in the evening. The city has a vibrant nightlife scene. Most of the activity is centered around The Granville Entertainment District in the downtown area. It runs along Granville Street between Robson Street and Davie Street. In the area you'll find a high concentration of bars and nightclubs.

Death Valley National Park doesn't offer many options. Beyond stargazing and relaxing around a campfire, there is no real nightlife in the area.

Is Death Valley National Park or Vancouver Better for Resorts?

Death Valley National Park
Vancouver

Death Valley National Park is adequate for its luxury resorts. However, Vancouver is not a resort destination.

Death Valley National Park has a few resort options worth checking out. There are historical inns and lodges in and around the park. The privately owned Inn at Death Valley is a popular option in Furnace Creek. If you stay outside the park, you can expect long drives to get most places.

Vancouver is not a resort destination.


Is Death Valley National Park or Vancouver Better for Hiking?

Death Valley National Park
Vancouver

Vancouver is renowned for the nearby hiking options. Also, Death Valley National Park is not as famous, but is still a good national park to visit for its hiking trails.

Many people visit Vancouver specifically for its hiking. The city is surrounded by water and mountains, making it one of the best hiking cities in the world. You don't have to go far to enjoy spectacular vistas, serene rainforests, and rugged coastline. The trails range from casual strolls to more strenuous day long hikes.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Death Valley National Park. Hikes will take you past desert landscapes, through canyons, and along sand dunes. The views are spectacular and the setting is other-worldly. Hiking is best between the months of November and March, as temperatures can be high other times of the year, particularly during the summer months.

Is the Shopping Better in Death Valley National Park or Vancouver?

Death Valley National Park
Vancouver

Vancouver is renowned for its shopping areas. However, Death Valley National Park is not a good national park for shopping.

Vancouver is a world class destination for shoppers. The shopping is as diverse as the city itself. You can enjoy strolling through Chinatown, hitting up a public market, or wandering around a large shopping mall.

Shopping in Death Valley National Park can be found for those interested. There are a couple of general stores where you can pick up items that you may need.

Is Death Valley National Park or Vancouver More Beautiful?

Death Valley National Park
Vancouver

Death Valley National Park is a must-visit destination for its scenery and beauty. Also, Vancouver is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its scenery and beauty.

Many visitors also come to Death Valley National Park because of it's amazing beauty. The striking desert setting offers stunning beauty and breathtaking viewpoints. The park is at its most beautiful when the sun is low during sunrise and sunset.

The beauty of Vancouver is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. It sits between the Pacific Ocean and high reaching mountains, so the city offers spectacular views.


Is Death Valley National Park or Vancouver Better for Families?

Death Valley National Park
Vancouver

You'll find high quality kid-friendly activities in either Death Valley National Park or Vancouver.

Death Valley National Park is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will love hiking and exploring the vast desert. There are also ghost towns and abandoned mines that will fascinate kids and adults alike. Junior programs, operated by the National Park Service, also offer interesting and educational programming for kids.

Vancouver is a very family-friendly destination. There are great kid-friendly museums like the Science Museum, as well as outdoor markets, public parks, and easy access to the nearby nature. A visit to Grouse Mountain is a must for many families. You can see the bears, take a gondola, and see the a lumberjack show.

Is Death Valley National Park or Vancouver Better for Couples?

Death Valley National Park
Vancouver

Vancouver is renowned for couples. Also, Death Valley National Park is not as famous, but is still a good national park to visit for romance.

For those traveling as a couple, Vancouver has plenty to offer. Most of the activities take advantage of the beautiful outdoor setting. You can take a carriage ride in Stanley Park or visit the Sun Yat Sen Chinese Garden. Eat dim sum in Chinatown and then wander through the diverse neighborhood. End the day with a show at Orpheum Theater.

Death Valley National Park makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The stunning desert landscape will take your breathe away, particularly during sunrise and sunset, when the colors are dramatic and striking. In the evening, the sky fills with stars and couples can enjoy a bit of stargazing.

Is Death Valley National Park or Vancouver Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Death Valley National Park
Vancouver

Death Valley National Park is a must-visit destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Vancouver is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent Death Valley National Park. Backpackers will enjoy hiking and camping in a unique desert environment. There are several campgrounds in the area that range from primitive to developed.

Vancouver is a great national park to visit for backpackers. It's a favorite city for backpackers who enjoy the many outdoor activities. There are also many hostels available around town.


Is Death Valley National Park or Vancouver Better for Students?

Death Valley National Park
Vancouver

Vancouver is a well-known place for students. However, Death Valley National Park is not popular with students.

Vancouver is very popular with students. The cities friendly personality and fun energy make it a great place to study.

Death Valley National Park is not popular with students.

Is Death Valley National Park or Vancouver Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Death Valley National Park
Vancouver

Vancouver is renowned for its public transit. However, Death Valley National Park is not a good national park for times when you don't have a car.

Vancouver has a great public transit system. Public transit is efficient and comfortable. The Translink system includes buses, the SeaBus ferry, and the SkyTrain light rail system.

Public transit is quite limited in Death Valley National Park. There is no public transportation within the park.

Is Death Valley National Park or Vancouver a more walkable city?

Death Valley National Park
Vancouver

Vancouver is renowned for its ease of walking around. However, Death Valley National Park is not a good national park for its walkability.

It is easy to get around Vancouver on foot. The downtown area is very compact and fun to explore on foot.

Death Valley National Park is not a very walkable national park. This is a huge national park that requires a car to get around.


For even more information, also check out Is Death Valley National Park Worth Visiting? and Is Vancouver Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Vancouver or Death Valley National Park?

How long in Death Valley National Park or Vancouver?

In either Death Valley National Park or Vancouver, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Vancouver than Death Valley National Park because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Death Valley National Park, and 3-5 days is enough time in Vancouver.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Vancouver than Death Valley National Park 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 Vancouver.


  • How many days in Death Valley National Park or Vancouver? Ideal Length of Stay
    Death Valley National Park 2-4 
    Vancouver 3-5

One day in Death Valley National Park or Vancouver?

You'll find around the national park of Death Valley National Park. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Each neighborhood in Vancouver has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. 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.

A weekend in Death Valley National Park or Vancouver?

You'll find around the vast destination of Death Valley National Park. Hikers are also drawn to this area. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this national park has to offer. This national park offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Each neighborhood in Vancouver has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Five days in Death Valley National Park or Vancouver?

Travelers enjoy the when visiting the vast national park of Death Valley National Park. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Each neighborhood in Vancouver has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. This is a popular place to visit for five days.Five days is often enough time to do most activities. This city offers something for everyone.


A week in Death Valley National Park or Vancouver?

Death Valley National Park is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the beautiful city of Vancouver. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco, The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, The Best 10-Day Tours from Vancouver, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Canada.


Which place is cheaper, Vancouver or Death Valley National Park?

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

  • Death Valley National Park Prices
    USA Prices
    Vancouver Prices
    Canada Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Death Valley National Park $101
    Vancouver $165

The average daily cost (per person) in Death Valley National Park is $101, while the average daily cost in Vancouver is $165. 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 Death Valley National Park and Vancouver in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Death Valley National Park $37
    Vancouver $87
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Death Valley National Park $74
    Vancouver $174
Compare Hotels in Death Valley National Park and Vancouver

Looking for a hotel in Death Valley National Park or Vancouver? 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 Death Valley National Park


Hotels in Vancouver


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: Vancouver Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Death Valley National Park $41
    Vancouver $15

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Vancouver

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Vancouver are as follows:


  • SkyTrain from Airport
    $6.35
  • Taxi from Airport to Downtown
    $21
  • 15 min Taxi Ride
    $8.71
  • SkyTrain DayPass
    $6.53

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Vancouver

Also for Vancouver, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Bus Transfer from/to Squamish: $26
  • Bus Transfer from/to Whistler: $26
  • Vancouver Airport Transfer to Vancouver/Whistler (Special Offer): $27
  • Private Departure Transfer to Vancouver Airport (YVR): $32
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Vancouver Airport (YVR): $32
  • Group Transfer to/from Vancouver International Airport (YVR): $33
  • Private Transfer to Vancouver Airport (YVR): $40
  • Private Transfer from Vancouver Airport (YVR): $40
  • Private Airport Transfer to/from YVR Airport: $45
  • Private Transfer from Vancouver Airport (YVR) to Vancouver hotels: $47
  • Private Transfer from Vancouver Hotels to Vancouver Airport (YVR): $47
  • Vancouver hotel/address to Vancouver Airport (YVR) - Departure Private Transfer: $61

Is it cheaper to fly into Death Valley National Park or Vancouver?

Prices for flights to both Vancouver and Death Valley National Park 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
    Death Valley National Park $35
    Vancouver $54

Typical Food Prices in Vancouver

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Vancouver:


  • All You Can Eat Sushi Lunch
    $8.79

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Vancouver

For Vancouver, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Vancouver Delicious Donut Adventure & Walking Food Tour: $75
  • Mt Pleasant Food Tour from Vancouver: $82
  • A Wok Around Food Tour of the Granville Island Public Market: $83
  • Experience Gastown Vancouver's Elite Walking Food Tour: $96
  • Food Tours Gastown & Downtown with 6+ tastings: $98
  • Experience Gastown Vancouver's Elite Walking Food Tour: $99
  • Vancouver Local Taste Trail Food Tour: $100
  • Gastown Historic Walking Food Tour: $115
  • Granville Island Market VIP Walking Food Tour : $115
  • Hidden Vancouver Tour with Dinner: $118
  • Private Granville Island Vancouver's Elite Walking Food Tour: $132
  • Vancouver Chinatown Tour and Dumpling-Making Cooking Class : $135

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Death Valley National Park $36
    Vancouver $36

Tours and Activities in Death Valley National Park

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Death Valley National Park are as follows:

  • Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Death Valley National Park: $20

Tours and Activities in Vancouver

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Vancouver.

  • Stanley Park Self Guided Bike Tour: $3.58
  • Gratuity-Based Vancouver City Highlights 3 Hour Walking Tour: $4.00
  • Self-Guided Smartphone Walking Tour of Gastown: $4.66
  • Stanley Park Self Guided Walking Tour: $5.32
  • Discover Stanley Park: A Smartphone Audio Walking Tour: $6.65
  • Self-Guided Smartphone Tour of Stanley Park: $7.17
  • Spy Escape in Outdoor Puzzle Adventure: $7.20
  • Self-Guided Smartphone Walking Tours of Stanley Park: $7.39
  • Ticket to Immersive Museum in Chinatown: $8.87
  • Vancouver Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
  • Underground Comedy Club Entry Ticket: $11
  • Vancouver to Kamloops Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $12

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Death Valley National Park $8.57
    Vancouver $16

Sample the Local Flavors in Vancouver

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Vancouver:

  • Vancouver British Columbia Bar Crawl: $15
  • Gastown Pub Crawl: $22
  • Vancouver Craft Brewery Neighbourhood Walking Tour: $65
  • 3.5-Hour Craft Brewery Tour: $86
  • Vancouver Craft Brewery Tour: $89
  • Vancouver Behind-the-Scenes Brewery Tour: $92
  • North Vancouver Elite Walking Brewery Tour: $95
  • Vancouver Wine Tour (Fraser Valley): $122
  • From Fraser Valley Wine Tour with Local Tastings: $129
  • From Half-Day Fraser Valley Wine Tour: $135
  • Fraser Valley Wine Tour with Tastings: $161
  • Stawamus Chief Hike and Local Brewery Tasting: $169


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

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Death Valley National Park Expensive? and Is Vancouver Expensive?.