A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Gatlinburg vs. Vancouver for Attractions, Nightlife, Hiking, and Couples

Should you visit Gatlinburg 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 Gatlinburg and Vancouver can help you decide which place is right for you.

Gatlinburg

Gatlinburg is a flashy, high energy, and wild city. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, hiking, and shopping. See Gatlinburg travel costs.

Vancouver

Vancouver is a diverse, friendly, and outdoorsy city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. Vancouver is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Vancouver travel costs.

Gatlinburg and Vancouver: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Gatlinburg or Vancouver?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Vancouver. Although Gatlinburg and Vancouver are both popular with visitors, Vancouver has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Vancouver is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, hiking, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Gatlinburg is known for its skiing, nightlife, and resorts. Gatlinburg is more touristy than Vancouver and is known for its countless entertainment venues as well as its easy access to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Vancouver is popular for its beautiful setting, sweeping views, and welcoming atmosphere. It is also home to Stanley Park.

How is Gatlinburg different from Vancouver?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Gatlinburg or Vancouver Better for Skiing?

Gatlinburg is a good destination for skiing. However, Vancouver is not a skiing destination.

Gatlinburg is a great destination for skiing with plenty areas to explore. Ober Gatlinburg is the only ski area in Tennessee. The winter activities open after Thanksgiving and include snow skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, and tubing.

Vancouver is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Gatlinburg or Vancouver?

Vancouver is renowned for its historical sights. Also, Gatlinburg is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

Travelers visit Vancouver from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. 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.

Gatlinburg offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Museums range from gaudy to quirky. Check out the Hollywood Star Cars Museum, the Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum, Ripley's Believe It or Not, the Hollywood Wax Museum, and the Titanic Museum. There's also the Gatlinburg Space Needle and the Gatlinburg SkyBridge.

Is the Food Better in Gatlinburg or Vancouver? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Vancouver is great for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Gatlinburg is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Vancouver. 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Gatlinburg. Staying true to form, restaurants in Gatlinburg cater to the tourist scene and serve up burgers, pizza, pancakes, and other classic favorites.

Is Gatlinburg or Vancouver Better for Nightlife?

Gatlinburg is a must-visit destination for nightlife. Also, Vancouver is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife and partying.

Gatlinburg is a world class party destination. Live music, theatrical shows, as well as bars and clubs that stay open late into the night give this town a huge party atmosphere. During the peak season the town is packed with people looking to have a good time and you'll find tons of things to do by simply walking down the main drag.

Vancouver has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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.

Is Gatlinburg or Vancouver Better for Resorts?

Gatlinburg is great for its luxury resorts. However, Vancouver is not a resort destination.

There are plenty of resorts in Gatlinburg to choose from. There are plenty of resorts and vacation clubs near town. Many have pools, waterslides, or hot tubs.

Vancouver is not a resort destination.

Is Gatlinburg or Vancouver Better for Hiking?

Vancouver is renowned for hiking. Also, Gatlinburg is not as popular, but is still a nice city for the nearby hiking options.

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.

Gatlinburg is a popular spot for hiking. You'll need to head out of town into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, but once you're there the hiking is impressive. There are waterfall hikes, trails to viewpoints, and loops that take you through wildflowers. Some of the most popular trails include Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, Middle Prong Trail, and the Gatlinburg Trail.

Is the Shopping Better in Gatlinburg or Vancouver?

Vancouver is renowned for shopping. Also, Gatlinburg is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its shopping opportunities.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Vancouver. 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.

Gatlinburg offers some nice shopping areas. There are tourist traps and souvenir shops around town, but you can also head to the Great Smoky Arts and Crafts Community where you can meet local artists and learn about their work.

Is Gatlinburg or Vancouver More Beautiful?

Vancouver is great for its scenery and beauty. However, Gatlinburg is not a destination known for its beauty.

Vancouver is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It sits between the Pacific Ocean and high reaching mountains, so the city offers spectacular views.

Gatlinburg is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Gatlinburg or Vancouver Better for Families?

Vancouver is great for its kid-friendly activities. However, Gatlinburg is not a family-friendly destination.

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.

Gatlinburg is not a family-friendly destination. Ober Gatlinburg is a combination ski resort and amusement park that is a highlight for many families. During the warmer season, horseback riding and waterparks are popular. There's also a Ripley's Aquarium, minigolf, and Gatlin's Fun Center. Nearby you'll find Dollywood and Pigeon Forge.

Is Gatlinburg or Vancouver Better for Couples?

Vancouver is renowned for romance. Also, Gatlinburg is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its romantic activities.

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.

Gatlinburg is a very popular place to visit for couples. If you're looking for a flashy and ostentatious experience, then there are all the typical activities around town - Ripley's Believe It or Not, the Gatlinburg Space Needle, or Ober Gatlinburg. For a bit more nature, you can head out of town and enjoy one of the many hiking trails. There are also breweries and wineries in the area, as well as a range of resorts.

Is Gatlinburg or Vancouver Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Vancouver is great for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Gatlinburg is not a good destination for backpackers.

Vancouver is very popular with the backpacker crowd. It's a favorite city for backpackers who enjoy the many outdoor activities. There are also many hostels available around town.

Gatlinburg is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's a touristy town with plenty of cheap motels in the area. There are also campgrounds and hiking not far away.

Is Gatlinburg or Vancouver Better for Students?

Vancouver is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Gatlinburg 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.

Gatlinburg is not popular with students.

Is Gatlinburg or Vancouver Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Vancouver is renowned for times when you don't have a car. Also, Gatlinburg is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

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.

Gatlinburg has a few public transit options. There's a free trolley service that offers a convenient way to get around town.

Is Gatlinburg or Vancouver a more walkable city?

Vancouver is renowned for its walkability. Also, Gatlinburg is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its high level of walkability.

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

Gatlinburg is a very walkable city. The downtown area is pedestrian-friendly and most of the attractions in town can be reached on foot. If you want to leave town, a car is a must, but in town traffic and parking can be frustrating, so walk when you can.

For even more information, also check out Is Gatlinburg Worth Visiting? and Is Vancouver Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Vancouver or Gatlinburg?

How long in Gatlinburg or Vancouver?

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

Families should spend more time in Vancouver than Gatlinburg. 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 Gatlinburg. 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 Gatlinburg 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.

One day in Gatlinburg or Vancouver?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Gatlinburg. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.

When visiting Vancouver, people usually allow for lots of time. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Gatlinburg or Vancouver?

You'll find museums and skiing around the high energy destination of Gatlinburg. 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 city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

When visiting Vancouver, people usually allow for lots of time. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Five days in Gatlinburg or Vancouver?

Travelers enjoy the skiing and nightlife when visiting the flashy city of Gatlinburg. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Most people head to the area for the nightlife. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Vancouver, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Gatlinburg or Vancouver?

Gatlinburg is a popular choice for travelers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.

Vancouver is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

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.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Gatlinburg or Vancouver?

Vancouver has a larger population, and is about 440 times larger than the population of Gatlinburg. When comparing the sizes of Gatlinburg and Vancouver, 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 Gatlinburg or Vancouver?

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 Gatlinburg or Vancouver in the Summer?

Both Vancouver and Gatlinburg are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Gatlinburg in the summer for the hiking. Also, most visitors come to Vancouver for the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Gatlinburg is much warmer than Vancouver in the summer. The daily temperature in Gatlinburg averages around 81°F (27°C) in July, and Vancouver fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

It's quite sunny in Vancouver. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Gatlinburg. Gatlinburg usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Vancouver during summer. Gatlinburg gets 294 hours of sunny skies, while Vancouver receives 296 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Gatlinburg. In July, Gatlinburg usually receives more rain than Vancouver. Gatlinburg gets 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain, while Vancouver receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Gatlinburg or Vancouver in the Autumn?

Both Vancouver and Gatlinburg during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Gatlinburg for the hiking trails and the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Vancouver because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Gatlinburg is much warmer than Vancouver. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Gatlinburg in October average around 63°F (17°C), and Vancouver averages at about 11°C (51°F).

It's quite sunny in Gatlinburg. In the autumn, Gatlinburg often gets more sunshine than Vancouver. Gatlinburg gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vancouver receives 124 hours of full sun.

Vancouver gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Gatlinburg usually gets less rain in October than Vancouver. Gatlinburg gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Vancouver receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Gatlinburg or Vancouver in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Gatlinburg and Vancouver. The winter months attract visitors to Gatlinburg because of the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Vancouver this time of year.

It's quite cold in Vancouver in the winter. The weather in Gatlinburg can be very cold. In January, Gatlinburg is generally around the same temperature as Vancouver. Daily temperatures in Gatlinburg average around 40°F (5°C), and Vancouver fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).

Gatlinburg usually receives more sunshine than Vancouver during winter. Gatlinburg gets 134 hours of sunny skies, while Vancouver receives 55 hours of full sun in the winter.

Vancouver receives a lot of rain in the winter. Gatlinburg gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Gatlinburg usually receives less rain than Vancouver. Gatlinburg gets 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain, while Vancouver receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Gatlinburg or Vancouver in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Gatlinburg as well as Vancouver. Also, many travelers come to Vancouver for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

Gatlinburg is much warmer than Vancouver in the spring. The daily temperature in Gatlinburg averages around 62°F (17°C) in April, and Vancouver fluctuates around 9°C (49°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Gatlinburg this time of the year. In the spring, Gatlinburg often gets more sunshine than Vancouver. Gatlinburg gets 263 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vancouver receives 172 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Vancouver. Gatlinburg usually gets less rain in April than Vancouver. Gatlinburg gets 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain, while Vancouver receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Vancouver and Gatlinburg