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

Should you visit Grand Canyon National Park or Vernon?

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 Grand Canyon National Park and Vernon. 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.

Grand Canyon National Park

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

Vernon

Vernon is a peaceful, relaxing, and quiet town. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums. See Vernon travel costs.

Grand Canyon National Park and Vernon: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Grand Canyon National Park or Vernon?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Grand Canyon National Park than Vernon, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Grand Canyon National Park is better known for its resorts and impressive beauty, while Vernon is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, and shopping. Grand Canyon National Park is more touristy than Vernon and is popular for its iconic beauty, layers of color, breathtaking sunsets, and world-renowned geological history. Also, Grand Canyon National Park is famous for the sunset views. Vernon is well known for its surrounding valley with lakes and hiking trails.

How is Grand Canyon National Park different from Vernon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Vernon is a good destination for its museums and history. However, Grand Canyon National Park does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Grand Canyon National Park does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Vernon is a good destination for its restaurants. However, Grand Canyon National Park is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Vernon. 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 Grand Canyon National Park. There are several markets, restaurants, and cafes in the park but, in general, the options are expensive and not the best. If possible, bring your own food and plan for a picnic with a view.

Is Grand Canyon National Park or Vernon Better for Nightlife?

The respectable nightlife scene is relatively similar in Grand Canyon National Park and Vernon.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Grand Canyon National Park. There's a couple of bars that aren't too far from the park but you'll do better to bring your own drinks and enjoy the scenic setting.

Vernon is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. The town gets very quiet in the evenings, so you won't find much of a nightlife scene.

Is Grand Canyon National Park or Vernon Better for Resorts?

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

Grand Canyon National Park has a few great resort options. There are several options within and near the park that range from luxury to affordable. Reservations should be made well in advance for most hotels within the park. Bright Angel Lodge, El Tovar Hotel, Grand Canyon Lodge (North Rim) and Phantom Ranch are all unique places to stay.

Vernon is not a resort destination.

Is Grand Canyon National Park or Vernon Better for Hiking?

Hiking trails can be found around both Grand Canyon National Park and Vernon, and they are great.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Grand Canyon National Park. Hiking options at the Grand Canyon include an easy walk along the rim or a hike into the canyon. If you're planning to enjoy a view from the rim and then stroll along the rim walk, a day or two is plenty. Hiking into the canyon is a thrilling experience, but it does require more preparation and planning. You should also check out the weather before you depart as temperatures within the canyon can become dangerously hot.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around 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 Grand Canyon National Park or Vernon?

Vernon is a good destination for shopping. However, Grand Canyon National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Vernon. There are a number of boutique shops that are fun to explore in the downtown area.

Grand Canyon National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Grand Canyon National Park or Vernon More Beautiful?

Grand Canyon 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 Grand Canyon National Park as well. The canyon is a breathtaking national landmark that has striking colors and spectacular views.

Vernon is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Grand Canyon National Park or Vernon Better for Families?

Both Grand Canyon National Park and Vernon are notable family-friendly destinations.

Grand Canyon National Park is a family-friendly national park. This park is a spectacular landmark with a number of nature programs that kids can enjoy. There's also a simple rim walk along the edge of the canyon that is perfect for little legs.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Vernon. 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 Grand Canyon National Park or Vernon Better for Couples?

Grand Canyon National Park is terrific for couples. Also, Vernon is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for romance.

Grand Canyon National Park has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. Couples who enjoy beauty, nature, and adventure will appreciate a visit to this park. There are amazing hikes and breathtaking views that make this a truly romantic destination. There are also several hotels and lodges that make for a truly romantic getaway (book well in advance!).

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 Grand Canyon National Park or Vernon Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Grand Canyon National Park is a very popular national park to visit for backpackers. Backpackers and budget travelers can take in one of America's most notable landmarks while camping at the large and affordable national park campground.

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

Visitors will find respectable public transit in both Grand Canyon National Park and Vernon.

Public transit is mostly limited in Grand Canyon National Park. There are free shuttle buses that run along the South Rim of the Grand Canyon.

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

Is Grand Canyon National Park or Vernon a more walkable city?

Grand Canyon National Park is a nice place to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Vernon is not a good town for its walkability.

Grand Canyon National Park is a somewhat walkable national park. There's a nice rim walk that is the perfect place for a leisurely stroll, but to reach many parts of the park you'll want to have a car or plan to take some form of transit.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Vernon or Grand Canyon National Park?

How long in Grand Canyon National Park or Vernon?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Grand Canyon National Park and Vernon. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Grand Canyon National Park than in Vernon. Usually, 1-4 days is a good amount of time for Grand Canyon National Park, and 1-3 days is enough time in Vernon.

Couples should spend more time in Grand Canyon National Park than Vernon. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Grand Canyon National Park that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

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

One day in Grand Canyon National Park or Vernon?

Many travelers enjoy the when visiting the destination of Grand Canyon National Park. Hikers are also drawn to this area. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

In Vernon, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this relaxing destination offers. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Hikers are also drawn to this area. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Grand Canyon National Park or Vernon?

Grand Canyon 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.

In Vernon, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this destination offers. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Many people spend a weekend here. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

Five days in Grand Canyon National Park or Vernon?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Grand Canyon 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.

Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Vernon. 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. This town offers something for everyone.

A week in Grand Canyon National Park or Vernon?

Travelers enjoy the when visiting the stunning destination of Grand Canyon National Park. This national 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.

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the town of Vernon. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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 G Adventures Tours to United States of America, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Canada, and The Best Adventure Tours to Canada.

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