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

Should you visit El Paso or Whistler?

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 El Paso and Whistler can help you decide which place is right for you.

El Paso

El Paso is a laid-back, low-key, and undiscovered city. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping. See El Paso travel costs.

Whistler

Whistler is a adventurous, outdoorsy, and charming village. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. Whistler is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and skiing. See Whistler travel costs.

El Paso and Whistler: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in El Paso or Whistler?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Whistler. Although El Paso and Whistler are both popular with visitors, Whistler has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Whistler is more popular for its skiing, food, nightlife, resorts, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while El Paso is known for its museums and attractions. Whistler is more touristy than El Paso and is popular for its world renowned skiing and snowboarding. It is also home to Cloudraker Skybridge. El Paso is popular for its Spanish missions and its outstanding Mexican food.

How is El Paso different from Whistler?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is El Paso or Whistler Better for Skiing?

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

Whistler is among the world's best ski destinations. 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.

El Paso is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in El Paso or Whistler?

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

El Paso is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Visitors can learn about local art, culture, and history at the El Paso Museum of Art, the El Paso Museum of History, the 1st Armored Division and Fort Bliss Museum, and the Eduardo Pedregón Memorial Veterans 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 El Paso or Whistler? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in 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.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in El Paso. Mexican food and barbecue are popular around town but you'll also find burgers, pizza, and other American favorites.

Is El Paso or Whistler Better for Nightlife?

Whistler is a very popular place for nightlife. Also, El Paso is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Whistler has a large number of nightlife venues. After a day on the slopes, you can enjoy the lively nightlife that includes après ski bars, nightclubs, and late night parties.

El Paso has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There are a number of bars, nightclubs, and lounges around town where you can enjoy a fun night out.

Is El Paso or Whistler Better for Resorts?

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

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Whistler. 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.

El Paso is not a resort destination.

Is El Paso or Whistler Better for Hiking?

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

Many people visit Whistler specifically for its hiking. 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.

El Paso is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in El Paso or Whistler?

Shoppers can find a variety of good stores in both El Paso and Whistler.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in El Paso. There are a number of malls and outlet centers around town. One of the most well known is Bassett Place, but other options include Cielo Vista Mall and the Fountains at Farah.

Whistler offers some nice shopping areas. The village offers great shopping where you can pick up local items or any ski gear you may have forgotten.

Is El Paso or Whistler More Beautiful?

Whistler is a very popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, El Paso is not a destination known for its beauty.

Whistler is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. The town sits in a valley that is surrounded by stunning mountains and impressive glaciers.

El Paso is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is El Paso or Whistler Better for Families?

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

Whistler is one of the most popular family destinations. 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 El Paso. There are adventure parks, playgrounds, outdoor centers and nature activities that families can enjoy.

Is El Paso or Whistler Better for Couples?

Whistler is a very popular place for romance. However, El Paso is lacking in good options for its romantic activities.

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.

Most people don't think of El Paso as a couple's destination. Couples can enjoy dinner and a show or taking a romantic drive up to the overlook.

Is El Paso or Whistler Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Whistler is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are several hostels in the area that are perfect for backpackers and budget travelers.

El Paso is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There's little in the area that appeals to backpackers.

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

Visitors will find decent public transit in both El Paso and Whistler.

Public transit is mostly limited in El Paso. While there are some bus routes in town, you shouldn't rely on them and must have a private vehicle to efficiently visit the city.

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

Is El Paso or Whistler a more walkable city?

Whistler is a very popular place for its walkability. However, El Paso is lacking in good options for its high level of walkability.

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

El Paso is generally not very walkable. You really need a car to get around town.

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

Should I spend more time in Whistler or El Paso?

How long in El Paso or Whistler?

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

Families should spend more time in Whistler than El Paso. 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 El Paso. 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 El Paso 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 El Paso or Whistler?

The city of El Paso offers food and shopping. 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 El Paso or Whistler?

El Paso 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 El Paso, 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 El Paso or Whistler?

El Paso 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 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 El Paso or Whistler?

El Paso 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.

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 The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, The Best Tours for Seniors to 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 El Paso and Whistler, we can see that El Paso is more expensive. And not only is Whistler much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Whistler would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Whistler 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 El Paso would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in El Paso than you might in Whistler.

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

Which is Bigger, El Paso or Whistler?

El Paso has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Whistler. When comparing the sizes of El Paso 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.