A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Glacier National Park vs. Vernon for Backpackers, Hiking, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Glacier National Park or Vernon?

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

Should I visit Glacier National Park or Vernon? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park is a gorgeous, stunning, and breathtaking park. You'll find world class beauty in Glacier National Park as well. Other popular activities here include hiking. See Glacier National Park travel costs.

Vernon

Vernon is a peaceful, relaxing, and quiet town. It's also known for food, hiking, and shopping. See Vernon travel costs.

Glacier National Park and Vernon: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Glacier National Park or Vernon?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Glacier National Park than Vernon, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Glacier National Park is better known for its resorts and impressive beauty, while Vernon is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, and shopping. Glacier National Park is more touristy than Vernon and is known for its miles of hiking trails, impressive glaciers, and pristine lakes. Also, Glacier National Park is famous for Going-to-the-Sun Road. Vernon is well known for its surrounding valley with lakes and hiking trails.

How is Glacier National Park different from Vernon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Glacier National Park or Vernon?

Vernon is a popular place for its sights and museums. However, Glacier National Park is a mediocre park for its museums and history.

Vernon is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. 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.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Glacier National Park. There are a couple of local museums in the area, but most people head straight for the park.

Is the Food Better in Glacier National Park or Vernon? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Vernon is a popular place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Glacier National Park is a mediocre park for its restaurants.

Vernon offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Glacier National Park. You'll find several restaurants and cafes both within and near the park, but this is an incredibly crowded park so you'll want to make reservations well in advance.

Is Glacier National Park or Vernon Better for Nightlife?

Vernon is a moderate town for nightlife. However, Glacier National Park is a mediocre park for nightlife and partying.

Most people don't head to Vernon specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. The town gets very quiet in the evenings, so you won't find much of a nightlife scene.

Glacier National Park doesn't offer many options. People visit for the scenery, not the nightlife scene.

Is Glacier National Park or Vernon Better for Resorts?

Glacier National Park is a nice place to visit for its resorts. However, Vernon is not a resort destination.

Glacier National Park has a few great resort options. There are several lodges, cabins, and inns near or within the park, but reservations are recommended well in advance.

Vernon is not a resort destination.

Is Glacier National Park or Vernon Better for Hiking?

If you're looking to go hiking, Glacier National Park and Vernon both have very good trails.

Glacier National Park is a popular spot for hiking. There are more than 700 miles of trails in the park. For the best experience, you should purchase a permit and explore the parks backcountry. Other popular trails include Highline Trail, Grinnell Glacier Trail, and Avalanche Lake Trail. It's best to start in the early morning as this is a popular park and the trails get busier as the day progresses.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Vernon. 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Glacier National Park or Vernon?

Vernon is a popular place for shopping. However, Glacier National Park is a mediocre park for its shopping opportunities.

Vernon is a great destination for shopping. There are a number of boutique shops that are fun to explore in the downtown area.

If you're looking to go shopping, Glacier National Park has some nice offerings. There are park stores where you can pick up books, souvenirs, and gifts.

Is Glacier National Park or Vernon More Beautiful?

Glacier National Park is terrific for its scenery and beauty. However, Vernon is not a destination known for its beauty.

You'll find world class beauty in Glacier National Park as well. This is one of the most stunning national parks in the United States with its many pristine lakes, striking mountain peaks, and breathtaking views.

Vernon is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Glacier National Park or Vernon Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Glacier National Park or Vernon.

Glacier National Park is a family-friendly place to visit. The landscapes are spectacular, but the crowds can be intense, which means it can be hard to find places to pull over and park during the peak seasons. Keep this in mind when you're traveling with kids because you may end up spending more time in the car than you'd expected.

Vernon is a family-friendly park. 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 Glacier National Park or Vernon Better for Couples?

Glacier National Park is a well-known place for couples. Also, Vernon is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for romance.

Glacier National Park is a very popular place to visit for couples. Drive along the scenic Going-to-the-Sun-Road and take in the truly breathtaking scenery. Many people consider this to be a top destination for a honeymoon and couples will appreciate the impressive hikes, dramatic waterfalls, and adventure-filled activities.

Vernon is a nice destination for couples. 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 Glacier National Park or Vernon Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Glacier National Park is terrific for backpackers. However, Vernon is not a good town for backpackers and budget travelers.

Glacier National Park is a very popular park to visit for backpackers. The backcountry is truly pristine, and obtaining a Wilderness Permit and getting off-the-beaten-path will help you escape some of the crowds that the park is known for.

Vernon is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There is a hostel in town, but this isn't a popular destination for backpackers.

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

Both Glacier National Park and Vernon offer respectable public transit options.

Public transit is generally limited in Glacier National Park. There's a free shuttle along Going-to-the-Sun Road that's available on a first-come, first-served basis, but expect crowds. The road can get quite congested during peak times. There are also tours that take you along the road so you can enjoy the scenery without having to focus on driving.

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

Is Glacier National Park or Vernon a more walkable city?

Vernon is a moderate town for its walkability. However, Glacier National Park is a mediocre park for its high level of walkability.

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

Glacier National Park is not a very walkable park. You'll need a car to get almost anywhere in the park.

For even more information, also check out Is Glacier National Park Worth Visiting? and Is Vernon Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Vernon or Glacier National Park?

How long in Glacier National Park or Vernon?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Glacier National Park and Vernon. In our opinion, Vernon has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Vernon than Glacier National Park. In general, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Glacier National Park, and 1-3 days is enough time in Vernon.

Families should spend more time in Vernon than Glacier National Park. 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.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Vernon than Glacier National Park 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 Vernon.

One day in Glacier National Park or Vernon?

Many travelers enjoy the when visiting the destination of Glacier National Park. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Vernon, you'll find shopping and museums. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Vernon, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Glacier National Park or Vernon?

Glacier National Park 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Vernon. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this town. It offers something for everyone.

Five days in Glacier National Park or Vernon?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Glacier National Park. 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.

Vernon is a fun place to experience. 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. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Glacier National Park or Vernon?

Travelers enjoy the when visiting the breathtaking destination of Glacier National Park. This park 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.

You'll find shopping and museums around the quiet destination of Vernon. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. 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 3-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best Bicycle 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 Glacier National Park and Vernon, we can see that Glacier National Park 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 Glacier National Park would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Glacier National Park 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 Glacier National Park Expensive? and Is Vernon Expensive?.