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

Should you visit Glacier National Park or Whistler?

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

Should I visit Glacier National Park or Whistler? 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 stunning, breathtaking, and gorgeous park. You'll find world class beauty in Glacier National Park as well. It's also known for hiking. See Glacier National Park travel costs.

Whistler

Whistler is a adventurous, outdoorsy, and charming village. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. Whistler is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for food, hiking, and shopping. See Whistler travel costs.

Glacier National Park and Whistler: Pros and Cons

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

Tourists will generally find more to do in Whistler. Although Glacier National Park and Whistler are both popular with visitors, Whistler has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Whistler is more popular for its skiing, museums and attractions, food, nightlife, resorts, hiking, shopping, and small town charm, while Glacier National Park is known for its impressive beauty. Glacier National Park is popular for its miles of hiking trails, impressive glaciers, and pristine lakes. Whistler is popular for its world renowned skiing and snowboarding. It is also home to Cloudraker Skybridge.

How is Glacier National Park different from Whistler?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Glacier National Park or Whistler Better for Skiing?

Whistler is very popular for snow skiing. However, Glacier National Park is not a skiing destination.

If you're an avid snow skiier, Whistler should be on your list. 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.

Glacier National Park is not a skiing destination.

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

Whistler is a moderate village for its sights and museums. However, Glacier National Park is a mediocre park for its museums and history.

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.

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 Whistler? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Whistler is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Glacier National Park is a mediocre park for its restaurants.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Whistler makes for a great culinary experience. 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.

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 Whistler Better for Nightlife?

Whistler is notable for nightlife. However, Glacier National Park is a mediocre park for nightlife and partying.

Whistler has plenty to do after the sun goes down. After a day on the slopes, you can enjoy the lively nightlife that includes après ski bars, nightclubs, and late night parties.

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

Is Glacier National Park or Whistler Better for Resorts?

Whistler is notable for its resorts. Also, Glacier National Park is not as famous, but is still a good park to visit for its luxury resorts.

Whistler is known as a popular and fun resort destination. 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.

With a selection of resorts, Glacier National Park makes a nice vacation spot. There are several lodges, cabins, and inns near or within the park, but reservations are recommended well in advance.

Is Glacier National Park or Whistler Better for Hiking?

Whistler is very popular for the nearby hiking options. Also, Glacier National Park is not as famous, but is still a good park to visit for its hiking trails.

People visit Whistler specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. 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.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Glacier National Park. 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Glacier National Park or Whistler?

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

Whistler is a great destination for shopping. The village offers great shopping where you can pick up local items or any ski gear you may have forgotten.

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 Whistler More Beautiful?

Glacier National Park is renowned for its scenery and beauty. Also, Whistler is not as famous, but is still a good village to visit for its scenery and 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.

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 Glacier National Park or Whistler Better for Families?

Whistler is very popular for its family-friendly activities. Also, Glacier National Park is not as famous, but is still a good park to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Whistler is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

Glacier National Park is a family-friendly park. 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.

Is Glacier National Park or Whistler Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Glacier National Park and Whistler make for a very good place to visit.

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.

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 Glacier National Park or Whistler Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Glacier National Park is renowned for backpackers. Also, Whistler is not as famous, but is still a good village to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Glacier National Park is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

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

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

Both Glacier National Park and Whistler offer decent 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 Whistler. There's a bus system that connects the town to other nearby neighborhoods.

Is Glacier National Park or Whistler a more walkable city?

Whistler is notable for its walkability. However, Glacier National Park is a mediocre park for its high level of walkability.

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

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 Whistler Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Glacier National Park or Whistler?

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

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

One day in Glacier National Park or Whistler?

The beautiful park of Glacier National Park offers . Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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.

In Whistler, you'll find food and shopping. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Glacier National Park or Whistler?

Glacier National Park is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this park makes for a great vacation. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Glacier National Park, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Whistler. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. It offers something for everyone.

Five days in Glacier National Park or Whistler?

Glacier National Park 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 fun place to experience. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this village. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Glacier National Park or Whistler?

Glacier National Park is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This park offers something for everyone.

You'll find nightlife and food around the adventurous destination of Whistler. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. 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 Contiki Tours to Canada, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Canada.

When comparing the travel costs between Glacier National Park and Whistler, we can see that Glacier National Park 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 Glacier National Park Expensive? and Is Whistler Expensive?.