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

Should you visit Detroit or Whistler?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Detroit or Whistler, 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.

Detroit

Detroit is a under-rated, hardworking, and overlooked city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for museums, nightlife, and live music. See Detroit travel costs.

Whistler

Whistler is a outdoorsy, charming, and adventurous village. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. The beauty of Whistler is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the shopping, skiing, and nightlife. See Whistler travel costs.

Detroit and Whistler: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Detroit or Whistler?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Detroit. Although Detroit and Whistler are popular destinations, Detroit has more sights and attractions for tourists. Detroit is very popular for its museums and attractions, music, and big city activities, while Whistler attracts visitors for its skiing, food, resorts, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Whistler is more touristy than Detroit and is popular for its world renowned skiing and snowboarding. Detroit is famous for its Motown music, blue collar atmosphere, and influential auto industry. It is also well known for the Henry Ford Experience.

How is Detroit different from Whistler?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Detroit or Whistler Better for Skiing?

Whistler is an unbeatable place for skiing and snowboarding. However, Detroit is not a skiing destination.

The snow ski experience you'll have in Whistler is among the best in the world. 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.

Detroit is not a skiing destination.

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

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

Detroit is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Popular museums around town include the Detroit Institute of Arts, the Detroit Historical Museum, and the Michigan Science Center.

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 Detroit or Whistler? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Whistler is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Detroit is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Whistler has a huge number of terrific restaurants. 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.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Detroit area. There's a local flavor to the food with a number of classic dishes that are popular like square pizza, Coney dogs, and corned beef egg rolls.

Is Detroit or Whistler Better for Nightlife?

The superb nightlife scene is relatively similar in Detroit and Whistler.

Detroit has a large number of nightlife venues. It's long history in music still influences the nightlife scene. You'll find bars, clubs, and other activities around town. Greektown and Midtown are both popular neighborhoods during the evening.

Whistler is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. After a day on the slopes, you can enjoy the lively nightlife that includes après ski bars, nightclubs, and late night parties.

Is Detroit or Whistler Better for Music?

Detroit is renowned for live music. However, Whistler is not a live music destination.

Detroit is a world class music destination. Few cities have such an influential music industry. It's home to Motown and is well known for its soul music, jazz, blues, and rap.

Whistler is not a live music destination.

Is Detroit or Whistler Better for Resorts?

Whistler is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Detroit is not a resort destination.

Whistler is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. 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.

Detroit is not a resort destination.

Is Detroit or Whistler Better for Hiking?

Whistler is an unbeatable place for its hiking trails. However, Detroit is not a hiking destination.

Known for its hiking, Whistler draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. 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.

Detroit is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Detroit or Whistler?

Shoppers can find a variety of nice stores in both Detroit and Whistler.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Detroit. There are several shopping streets like Woodward Avenue. There are also outlet malls, shopping centers, and Eastern Market.

Many visitors go to Whistler to go shopping. The village offers great shopping where you can pick up local items or any ski gear you may have forgotten.

Is Detroit or Whistler More Beautiful?

Whistler is a very popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Detroit 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.

Detroit is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Detroit or Whistler Better for Families?

Whistler is an unbeatable place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Detroit is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Whistler is an amazing family-friendly village to visit. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Detroit. Head to the Detroit Zoo or check out one of the amusement parks in the area. Kids will enjoy a visit to Legoland and there's also the Sea Life Michigan Aquarium. You could also spend some time visiting the unique museums in the area.

Is Detroit or Whistler Better for Couples?

Whistler is a very popular place for its romantic activities. However, Detroit is lacking in good options for couples.

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

Detroit is not always the best place to visit for a couple. It's not a city that usually brings to mind romance, but if you find yourself here for a couple of days, there's a RiverWalk area and some interesting local neighborhoods.

Is Detroit or Whistler Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Whistler is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Detroit is lacking in good options for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Whistler. There are several hostels in the area that are perfect for backpackers and budget travelers.

Detroit is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a couple of hostels in the area, but this is still an often overlooked city.

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

Visitors will find reasonable public transit in both Detroit and Whistler.

Public transit is mostly limited in Detroit. There's a streetcar and bus system, but the car is still king in Motor City.

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

Is Detroit or Whistler a more walkable city?

Whistler is a very popular place for its high level of walkability. Also, Detroit is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

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

Detroit is a somewhat walkable city. There are parts of downtown Detroit that are walkable, but most people need a car to get around.

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

Should I spend more time in Whistler or Detroit?

How long in Detroit or Whistler?

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

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

The city of Detroit offers museums and nightlife. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Whistler, you'll find skiing and nightlife. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This village offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Detroit or Whistler?

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

In Whistler, you'll find nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Detroit or Whistler?

Detroit is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that live music is why people visit. 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 great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Whistler has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Detroit or Whistler?

Detroit is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that live music is why people visit. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Whistler. Many people enjoy the shopping and skiing when visiting Whistler. It's also a relaxing resort destination. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America, The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America, The Best Contiki Tours to Canada, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Canada.

When comparing the travel costs between Detroit and Whistler, we can see that Detroit is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Detroit or Whistler?

Detroit has a larger population, and is about 90 times larger than the population of Whistler. When comparing the sizes of Detroit 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 Detroit or Whistler?

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 Detroit or Whistler in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Detroit as well as Whistler. The summer months attract visitors to Detroit because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Whistler this time of year.

In July, Detroit is generally a little warmer than Whistler. Daily temperatures in Detroit average around 74°F (24°C), and Whistler fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Whistler. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Detroit this time of the year. In the summer, Detroit often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Whistler. Detroit gets 319 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Whistler receives 296 hours of full sun.

Detroit usually gets more rain in July than Whistler. Detroit gets 3.4 inches (85 mm) of rain, while Whistler receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Detroit or Whistler in the Autumn?

Both Whistler and Detroit are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene are the main draw to Detroit this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Whistler for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

Detroit is a little warmer than Whistler in the autumn. The daily temperature in Detroit averages around 54°F (12°C) in October, and Whistler fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Detroit usually receives more sunshine than Whistler during autumn. Detroit gets 172 hours of sunny skies, while Whistler receives 124 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Whistler. In October, Detroit usually receives less rain than Whistler. Detroit gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Whistler receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Detroit or Whistler in the Winter?

Both Whistler and Detroit during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Detroit for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Whistler in the winter for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Whistler can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Detroit. In the winter, Detroit is much colder than Whistler. Typically, the winter temperatures in Detroit in January average around 25°F (-4°C), and Whistler averages at about 4°C (40°F).

In the winter, Detroit often gets more sunshine than Whistler. Detroit gets 120 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Whistler receives 55 hours of full sun.

Whistler gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Detroit usually gets less rain in January than Whistler. Detroit gets 2 inches (50 mm) of rain, while Whistler receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Detroit or Whistler in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Detroit and Whistler. Many visitors come to Detroit in the spring for the activities around the city. Also, most visitors come to Whistler for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Detroit is generally around the same temperature as Whistler. Daily temperatures in Detroit average around 49°F (9°C), and Whistler fluctuates around 9°C (49°F).

In Detroit, it's very sunny this time of the year. Detroit usually receives more sunshine than Whistler during spring. Detroit gets 223 hours of sunny skies, while Whistler receives 172 hours of full sun in the spring.

Whistler receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Detroit usually receives less rain than Whistler. Detroit gets 3.2 inches (80 mm) of rain, while Whistler receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Whistler and Detroit