A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Fort Lauderdale vs. Whistler for Resorts, Families, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Fort Lauderdale or Whistler?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Fort Lauderdale and Whistler. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale is a spirited, luxury, and high energy coastal city. Fort Lauderdale is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for shopping, nightlife, and food. See Fort Lauderdale travel costs.

Whistler

Whistler is a adventurous, outdoorsy, and charming village. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. Whistler is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, food, and hiking. See Whistler travel costs.

Fort Lauderdale and Whistler: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Fort Lauderdale or Whistler?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Fort Lauderdale. Although Fort Lauderdale and Whistler are both popular with visitors, Fort Lauderdale has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Fort Lauderdale is more popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches, while Whistler is known for its skiing, museums and attractions, hiking, and small town charm. Fort Lauderdale is popular for its canals, beaches, walkable waterfront, and luxury resorts. It is also home to The Local Beaches. Whistler is popular for its world renowned skiing and snowboarding.

How is Fort Lauderdale different from Whistler?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Fort Lauderdale or Whistler Better for Skiing?

Whistler is a must-visit destination for winter skiing. However, Fort Lauderdale is not a skiing destination.

Whistler is a top destination for snow skiing, and it attracts visitors from around 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.

Fort Lauderdale is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Fort Lauderdale or Whistler?

Whistler is a village with a few options for its museums and landmarks. However, Fort Lauderdale does not have museums and landmarks.

Whistler offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. There is a local museum where you can learn about the areas culture and heritage.

Fort Lauderdale does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Fort Lauderdale or Whistler? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Fort Lauderdale and Whistler offer a number of great restaurants to choose from.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Fort Lauderdale makes for a great culinary experience. Seafood is the obvious option with popular dishes being fish tacos, sea bass, and scallop risotto. There are many waterfront restaurants or you could head to Las Olas Boulevard, which has many bistros, cafes, and restaurants.

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.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Whistler Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Fort Lauderdale or Whistler has a better nightlife scene.

The people in Fort Lauderdale know how to have a good time. Trendy and upscale partying is the name of the game in this Florida city. Most people head to the beach, Las Olas Blvd, River Front and The New Hard Rock Seminole Hotel Complex for the best bars and clubs. You'll find the most activity around the weekends, but there really is something going on any night of the week.

The nightlife in Whistler has something for everybody. After a day on the slopes, you can enjoy the lively nightlife that includes après ski bars, nightclubs, and late night parties.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Whistler Better for Resorts?

Fort Lauderdale is renowned for its resorts. Also, Whistler is not as famous, but is still a good village to visit for its luxury resorts.

Fort Lauderdale offers an unforgettable resort vacation. Luxury beachfront resorts are plentiful in the area. Several of the most impressive include the Ritz-Carlton, W Fort Lauderdale, and the Dalmar. Most resorts have a beachfront pool, hot tubs, and depending on the resort, a kid's club.

In Whistler, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. 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.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Whistler Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Fort Lauderdale is a nice place to visit for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Whistler is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Fort Lauderdale has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. Although the snorkeling doesn't compare to what you'll find further south around the Florida Keys, there are some great places to pull your mask and fins out in the area. Popular snorkeling spots nearby include the Vista Park Reef, Pompano Beach, and Hollywood North Beach Park.

Whistler is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Whistler Better for Beaches?

Fort Lauderdale is renowned for its beaches. However, Whistler is not a beach destination.

The beaches in Fort Lauderdale are among the best in the world. With seven miles of beautiful sandy beaches, a fun boardwalk, and impressive views, the beaches here are among the best in the area. They are surprisingly walkable and, while there can be crowds, there's still a laid-back and relaxing atmosphere.

Whistler is not a beach destination.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Whistler Better for Hiking?

Whistler is a must-visit destination for its hiking experiences. However, Fort Lauderdale is not a hiking destination.

Whistler is well-known for its hiking and trekking. 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.

Fort Lauderdale is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Fort Lauderdale or Whistler?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Whistler and Fort Lauderdale.

Fort Lauderdale is a great destination for shopping. For interesting local boutiques head to Las Olas Boulevard and for name brand stores you'll want to visit Sawgrass Mills Mall.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Whistler. The village offers great shopping where you can pick up local items or any ski gear you may have forgotten.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Whistler More Beautiful?

Fort Lauderdale and Whistler both are comparable with their great scenery and beauty.

Fort Lauderdale is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Seven miles of scenic coastline with a boardwalk to explore make this a beautiful Florida beach destination.

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.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Whistler Better for Families?

Whistler is a must-visit destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Fort Lauderdale is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Whistler is very family-friendly. 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.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Fort Lauderdale is very family-friendly. With seven miles of beautiful sandy beaches and a number of kid-oriented activities, the kids will love it here. Fun activities include Bluefoot Pirate Adventures, Butterfly World, and Funderdome. On sunny days there are many outdoor recreation areas and when the weather isn't cooperating, there are hands-on museums.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Whistler Better for Couples?

Fort Lauderdale is renowned for romance. Also, Whistler is not as famous, but is still a good village to visit for its romantic activities.

Fort Lauderdale has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. Fine dining, beautiful beaches, and great shopping make for a great romantic getaway. Couples and honeymooners love relaxing at the beaches in Fort Lauderdale. A sunset walk on the beach and a stay at a romantic resort will make for an unforgettable trip.

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.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Whistler Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Whistler is a great destination for backpackers. However, Fort Lauderdale is a coastal city with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Whistler. There are several hostels in the area that are perfect for backpackers and budget travelers.

Fort Lauderdale is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. You'll find few backpackers heading to the high end city.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Fort Lauderdale and Whistler.

Public transit is generally limited in Fort Lauderdale. Transportation options include a water taxi and the Sun Trolley Hop-on Bus.

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

Is Fort Lauderdale or Whistler a more walkable city?

Fort Lauderdale and Whistler both are great when exploring on foot.

Fort Lauderdale is very walkable. It is one of the most walkable Florida communities with a boardwalk and several pedestrian areas that are fun to wander around.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Whistler or Fort Lauderdale?

How long in Fort Lauderdale or Whistler?

In either Fort Lauderdale or Whistler, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Fort Lauderdale than Whistler because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Fort Lauderdale, and 3-5 days is enough time in Whistler.

Families should spend more time in Whistler than Fort Lauderdale. 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 Fort Lauderdale than Whistler. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Fort Lauderdale that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Whistler than Fort Lauderdale 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 Fort Lauderdale or Whistler?

The beautiful coastal city of Fort Lauderdale offers food and scuba diving and snorkeling. Most people come for the beaches. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

The adventurous destination of Whistler offers skiing and nightlife. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Fort Lauderdale or Whistler?

Fort Lauderdale is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

The village of Whistler offers nightlife and food. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Fort Lauderdale or Whistler?

Fort Lauderdale is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Fort Lauderdale, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Whistler is a great place to explore. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This village offers something for everyone. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

A week in Fort Lauderdale or Whistler?

Fort Lauderdale is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. It is common to spend one week here. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Fort Lauderdale has to offer. This coastal city offers something for everyone.

Many people enjoy the shopping and skiing when visiting Whistler. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage, The Best Contiki Tours to Canada, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Canada.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Fort Lauderdale and Whistler, we can see that Fort Lauderdale 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 Fort Lauderdale would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Fort Lauderdale 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 Fort Lauderdale Expensive? and Is Whistler Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Fort Lauderdale or Whistler?

Fort Lauderdale has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Whistler. When comparing the sizes of Fort Lauderdale 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 Fort Lauderdale or Whistler?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Fort Lauderdale or Whistler in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Fort Lauderdale and Whistler. Many visitors come to Fort Lauderdale in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Whistler for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Fort Lauderdale is much warmer than Whistler in the summer. The daily temperature in Fort Lauderdale averages around 83°F (28°C) in July, and Whistler fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Whistler this time of the year. In Fort Lauderdale, it's very sunny this time of the year. Fort Lauderdale usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Whistler during summer. Fort Lauderdale gets 316 hours of sunny skies, while Whistler receives 296 hours of full sun in the summer.

Fort Lauderdale gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Fort Lauderdale usually receives more rain than Whistler. Fort Lauderdale gets 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain, while Whistler receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Fort Lauderdale or Whistler in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Fort Lauderdale as well as Whistler. Most visitors come to Fort Lauderdale for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Whistler because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Fort Lauderdale is much warmer than Whistler. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Fort Lauderdale in October average around 78°F (26°C), and Whistler averages at about 11°C (51°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Fort Lauderdale this time of the year. In the autumn, Fort Lauderdale often gets more sunshine than Whistler. Fort Lauderdale gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Whistler receives 124 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Whistler. Fort Lauderdale receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Fort Lauderdale usually gets less rain in October than Whistler. Fort Lauderdale gets 5.6 inches (143 mm) of rain, while Whistler receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Fort Lauderdale or Whistler in the Winter?

Both Whistler and Fort Lauderdale are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Fort Lauderdale because of the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Whistler this time of year.

It's quite cold in Whistler in the winter. In January, Fort Lauderdale is generally much warmer than Whistler. Daily temperatures in Fort Lauderdale average around 67°F (20°C), and Whistler fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Fort Lauderdale. Fort Lauderdale usually receives more sunshine than Whistler during winter. Fort Lauderdale gets 243 hours of sunny skies, while Whistler receives 55 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Whistler. In January, Fort Lauderdale usually receives less rain than Whistler. Fort Lauderdale gets 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain, while Whistler receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Fort Lauderdale or Whistler in the Spring?

Both Whistler and Fort Lauderdale during the spring are popular places to visit. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Fort Lauderdale this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Whistler for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

Fort Lauderdale is much warmer than Whistler in the spring. The daily temperature in Fort Lauderdale averages around 75°F (24°C) in April, and Whistler fluctuates around 9°C (49°F).

It's quite sunny in Fort Lauderdale. In the spring, Fort Lauderdale often gets more sunshine than Whistler. Fort Lauderdale gets 300 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Whistler receives 172 hours of full sun.

Whistler gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Fort Lauderdale usually gets less rain in April than Whistler. Fort Lauderdale gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Whistler receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Whistler and Fort Lauderdale