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

Should you visit Denver or Vernon?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Denver or Vernon, 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.

Denver

Denver is a sprawling, park-filled, and suburban city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include skiing, nightlife, and hiking. See Denver travel costs.

Vernon

Vernon is a relaxing, quiet, and peaceful town. And you can't forget about the food, hiking, and shopping. See Vernon travel costs.

Denver and Vernon: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Denver or Vernon?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Denver. Although Denver and Vernon are both popular with visitors, Denver has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Denver is more popular for its skiing, nightlife, and big city activities, while Vernon is known for its museums and attractions, food, and hiking. Vernon is more touristy than Denver and is known for its surrounding valley with lakes and hiking trails. Denver is popular for serving as a gateway to the Rocky Mountains and the many national parks that are in the area. It is also home to Red Rocks Park.

How is Denver different from Vernon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Denver or Vernon Better for Skiing?

Denver is a nice place to visit for snow skiing. However, Vernon is not a skiing destination.

Head to Denver for some great skiing and other winter activities. Although there's no skiing in the immediate area, there is a huge list of world class ski resorts within an hour or two of town. Two of the closest are Echo Mountain Resort and Loveland Ski Area.

Vernon is not a skiing destination.

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

Vernon is a nice place to visit for its sights and museums. However, Denver is not a good city for its museums and history.

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.

While most people don't head to Denver specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. Many people use Denver as a starting or ending point for their mountain and national park trip, but those who linger can visit some of the city's museums and sights. Popular museums include the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, the History Colorado Center, and the Forney Museum of Transportation.

Is the Food Better in Denver or Vernon? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Vernon is a nice place to visit for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Denver is not a good city for its restaurants.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in 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.

Denver may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. It's a pretty large city, so you'll find some nice local restaurants, but the foodie scene is still emerging in many neighborhoods. A number of restaurants offer outdoor seating, which is nice. You'll also find a growing selection of international restaurants. For something uniquely local, you should try the Bison steak and fried pickles.

Is Denver or Vernon Better for Nightlife?

Denver 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 Denver. The city has come a long way with its nightlife. There's a great craft beer scene and the downtown area has really come to life. Popular bars and clubs in town include the Grizzly Rose and 54Thirty Rooftop. Many places are concentrated in the Soco Nightlife District.

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 Denver or Vernon Better for Hiking?

Vernon is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. Also, Denver is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its hiking trails.

Vernon is a popular spot for hiking. 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.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Denver. The city is very close to many beautiful parks and hiking areas in the Rocky Mountains. It's not hard to make a day trip from town and enjoy some great hiking. Nice options include the Trading Post Trail in Red Rocks Mountain Park, Bergen Peak near Evergreen, and Chimney Gulch Trail near the town of Golden.

Is the Shopping Better in Denver or Vernon?

Both Denver and Vernon are good shopping destinations.

Denver offers some nice shopping areas. The city has many outlet malls that budget shoppers appreciate. There are also weekend farmer's markets, boutique shopping areas, and all of the major chains that you'll find in most larger cities.

Vernon has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are a number of boutique shops that are fun to explore in the downtown area.

Is Denver or Vernon Better for Families?

Denver and Vernon are both good destinations for the whole family.

Denver is a family-friendly place to visit. It is a family-friendly city with museums, playgrounds, and plenty of outdoor activities. There are also a few ropes courses near town that kids and adults alike will enjoy. Popular activities include the Denver Zoo, the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, and Children's Museum of Denver at Marsico Campus.

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 Denver or Vernon Better for Couples?

Denver and Vernon are both good to visit as a couple.

Denver makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are many beautiful and romantic outdoor activities in the area such as parks and botanical gardens. There are also spas, including the impressive Spa at the Brown Palace, as well as upscale restaurants and fun bars and clubs to explore.

Vernon is a good city for couples to visit. 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.

Is Denver or Vernon Better for Students?

Denver is a nice place to visit for students. However, Vernon is not popular with students.

Denver is a good city to visit for students. There are a few students in the city, but there isn't a college town vibe that you'd get at other nearby university areas.

Vernon is not popular with students.

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

Denver is a nice place to visit for its public transit. However, Vernon is not a good town for times when you don't have a car.

Denver has a few public transit options. If you're not planning to leave town, the light rail and bus systems offer good access to much of Denver.

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

Is Denver or Vernon a more walkable city?

Vernon is a moderate town for its high level of walkability. However, Denver is not a good city for its ease of walking around.

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

Denver is not a very walkable city. While the downtown area is generally walkable, this is still a sprawling city where you'll really want to have a car to access areas outside of town.

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

Should I spend more time in Vernon or Denver?

How long in Denver or Vernon?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Denver and Vernon. You can spend similar amounts of time exploring each one. In general, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Denver, and 1-3 days is enough time in Vernon.

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

Couples should spend more time in Vernon than Denver. 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 Denver or Vernon?

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting the destination of Denver. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Vernon. Hikers are also drawn to this area. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Denver or Vernon?

Denver 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 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.

Five days in Denver or Vernon?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Denver. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Vernon. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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.

A week in Denver or Vernon?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting the park-filled destination of Denver. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the relaxing destination of Vernon. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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 Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, The Best Walking Tours in 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 Denver and Vernon, we can see that Denver 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 Denver would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Denver 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 Denver Expensive? and Is Vernon Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Denver or Vernon?

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