A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Hood River vs. Vernon for Food, Hiking, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Hood River or Vernon?

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

Should I visit Hood River 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.

Hood River

Hood River is a charming, agricultural, and quaint town. With stunning beauty, Hood River attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include shopping, skiing, and nightlife. See Hood River travel costs.

Vernon

Vernon is a relaxing, quiet, and peaceful town. Visitors also love the hiking, shopping, and museums. See Vernon travel costs.

Hood River and Vernon: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hood River or Vernon?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Hood River. Although Hood River and Vernon are both popular with visitors, Hood River has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Hood River is more popular for its skiing, food, nightlife, and impressive beauty, while Vernon is known for its museums and attractions. Hood River is more touristy than Vernon and is popular for its waterfalls, wineries, and impressive mountains. It is also home to Multnomah Falls. Vernon is popular for its surrounding valley with lakes and hiking trails.

How is Hood River different from Vernon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Hood River or Vernon Better for Skiing?

Hood River is a nice place to visit for snow skiing. However, Vernon is not a skiing destination.

Head to Hood River for some great skiing and other winter activities. During the winter months, Hood River makes a nice base for nearby skiing. Timberline and Cooper Spur and both less than an hour away and offer great skiing opportunities.

Vernon is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Hood River or Vernon?

Vernon is a popular place for its museums and history. However, Hood River is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

Vernon offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. 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.

Hood River offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. There are a couple of interesting museums in town such as the Western Antique Aeroplane and Automoblie Museum, the History Museum, and 301 Gallery.

Is the Food Better in Hood River or Vernon? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Hood River is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Vernon is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

Dining out in Hood River is an experience not to be missed. Head to the downtown or waterfront areas for the best selection of restaurants. Most restaurants pride themselves on using local ingredients and supporting local farms. Dishes use fresh and healthy ingredients that make simple but high quality meals.

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.

Is Hood River or Vernon Better for Nightlife?

Hood River is a nice place to visit for its evening party scene. However, Vernon is not a good town for nightlife.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Hood River. There are breweries, wineries, and local bars in the area that offer a laid back place where you can enjoy the local atmosphere.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Vernon. The town gets very quiet in the evenings, so you won't find much of a nightlife scene.

Is Hood River or Vernon Better for Hiking?

If you're looking to go hiking, Hood River and Vernon both have very good trails.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Hood River. There's a diversity of landscapes in the area that include waterfalls, agriculture, vineyards, and high-reaching mountain peaks. The best way to experience these is through the many hiking trails. Drive along the Historic Columbia River Highway and stop off at the trails that lead to the waterfalls, or head south of town to explore the vineyards on foot, and to the north where you'll find mountain peaks.

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 Hood River or Vernon?

Shoppers can find a variety of good stores in both Hood River and Vernon.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Hood River. Local shops sell local produce, artisan crafts, and wine. There are boutiques and independent vendors that are fun to visit and many visitors enjoy spending an afternoon shopping.

Many visitors go to Vernon to go shopping. There are a number of boutique shops that are fun to explore in the downtown area.

Is Hood River or Vernon More Beautiful?

Hood River is a well-known place for its scenery and beauty. However, Vernon is not a destination known for its beauty.

With stunning beauty, Hood River attracts visitors from all around. There's a beautiful natural environment with wonderful hikes and local farms and wineries.

Vernon is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Hood River or Vernon Better for Families?

Hood River is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Vernon is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Hood River is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The area is filled with outdoor adventures that the whole family can enjoy. There's swimming, tubing, hiking, and even windsurfing. Make sure you check out the Waterfront Park and Powerdale Substation.

Vernon is a family-friendly town. 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 Hood River or Vernon Better for Couples?

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

Hood River is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples will enjoy the scenic natural setting and charming hotels and bed and breakfasts in the area. There are romantic hikes, local wineries, and many great restaurants that you can try.

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 Hood River or Vernon Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hood River is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Vernon is not a good town for backpackers and budget travelers.

Hood River is a very popular town for backpackers and budget travelers. There are a couple of hostels and some nice campgrounds in the area as well as many great hikes and a laid back atmosphere that backpackers appreciate.

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 Hood River or Vernon Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Visitors will find decent public transit in both Hood River and Vernon.

Public transit is mostly limited in Hood River. There are buses in the area but you really need your own transportation to see the region efficiently.

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

Is Hood River or Vernon a more walkable city?

Hood River and Vernon are decent when it comes to walkability.

Hood River is generally not a very walkable town. While there are parts of the town that are walkable, if you don't have a car you'll miss out on the surrounding natural landscapes and most of the hiking opportunities.

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

For even more information, also check out Is Hood River Worth Visiting? and Is Vernon Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Vernon or Hood River?

How long in Hood River or Vernon?

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

Families should spend more time in Hood River than Vernon. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Hood River, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Hood River 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 Hood River.

One day in Hood River or Vernon?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and skiing when visiting the destination of Hood River. 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.

With museums and food around the quiet town of Vernon, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Vernon, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Hood River or Vernon?

Hood River 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.

With food and shopping around the destination of Vernon, there's plenty to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this town.

Five days in Hood River or Vernon?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hood River. 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, a popular town, is full of activities for travelers. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Hood River or Vernon?

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the quaint destination of Hood River. This town 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.

Vernon 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 Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, The Best Historical 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 Hood River and Vernon, we can see that Hood River 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 Hood River would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Hood River 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 Hood River Expensive? and Is Vernon Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Hood River or Vernon?

Vernon has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Hood River. When comparing the sizes of Hood River and Vernon, 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 Hood River or Vernon?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Hood River or Vernon in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Hood River as well as Vernon. Many travelers come to Hood River for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, many visitors come to Vernon in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Hood River is cooler than Vernon. Typically, the summer temperatures in Hood River in July average around 68°F (20°C), and Vernon averages at about 23°C (73°F).

Hood River usually gets less rain in July than Vernon. Hood River gets 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain, while Vernon receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hood River or Vernon in the Autumn?

Both Vernon and Hood River are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Hood River in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Vernon for the hiking trails and the shopping scene during these months.

In October, Hood River is generally a little warmer than Vernon. Daily temperatures in Hood River average around 55°F (13°C), and Vernon fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In October, Hood River usually receives more rain than Vernon. Hood River gets 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain, while Vernon receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Hood River or Vernon in the Winter?

Both Vernon and Hood River during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Hood River for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Vernon because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Vernon can be very cold. Hood River can be very cold during winter. Hood River is much warmer than Vernon in the winter. The daily temperature in Hood River averages around 40°F (4°C) in January, and Vernon fluctuates around -3°C (27°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Hood River. Hood River usually gets more rain in January than Vernon. Hood River gets 5.2 inches (132 mm) of rain, while Vernon receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hood River or Vernon in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Hood River and Vernon. The spring months attract visitors to Hood River because of the natural beauty.

In the spring, Hood River is around the same temperature as Vernon. Typically, the spring temperatures in Hood River in April average around 51°F (11°C), and Vernon averages at about 12°C (53°F).

In April, Hood River usually receives more rain than Vernon. Hood River gets 2.4 inches (61 mm) of rain, while Vernon receives 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Vernon and Hood River