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

Should you visit Ketchikan or Vernon?

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 Ketchikan and Vernon can help you decide which place is right for you.

Ketchikan

Ketchikan is a quaint, local, and scenic town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. With stunning beauty, Ketchikan attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include food, hiking, and shopping. See Ketchikan travel costs.

Vernon

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

Ketchikan and Vernon: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ketchikan or Vernon?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Ketchikan than Vernon, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Ketchikan is more touristy than Vernon and is known for its salmon fishing, beautiful natural environment, and strong sense of local culture. Also, Ketchikan is famous for the Southeast Alaska Discovery Center. Vernon is well known for its surrounding valley with lakes and hiking trails.

How is Ketchikan different from Vernon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Ketchikan or Vernon?

Both Ketchikan and Vernon have notable landmarks and museums for visitors.

Ketchikan is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are a few local museums in town such as the Tongass Historical Museum and the Totem Heritage Center.

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.

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

Ketchikan is terrific for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Vernon is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Ketchikan is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. It's known as the salmon capital of the world for good reason. You can expect some of the freshest seafood around with many local restaurants serving up fresh Dungeness Crab, Alaska King Crab, and Alaskan King Salmon. It's a huge fishing destination and the cuisine reflects that, but even if you're looking for a landlover's menu, you'll find a number of good dishes.

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 Ketchikan or Vernon Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are respectable in both Ketchikan and Vernon.

Most people don't head to Ketchikan specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. Because most visitors arrive by cruise ship, there's a more local vibe to the nightlife scene. You'll find a few local bars around town where you can enjoy a drink and good conversation.

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 Ketchikan or Vernon Better for Hiking?

Ketchikan is terrific for the nearby hiking options. Also, Vernon is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its hiking trails.

Known for its hiking, Ketchikan draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. You'll find many hikes that will take you through the local vegetation or to impressive viewpoints. Some hikes involve challenging climbs while others are more relaxing. Some visitors prefer to hire a guide to the lead them through the Alaskan wilderness, but the most popular and easier trails are usually well marked.

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 Ketchikan or Vernon?

Both Ketchikan and Vernon are notable shopping destinations.

Ketchikan is a great destination for shopping. As tourism has grown, the shopping in downtown Ketchikan has shifted from locally-oriented venders to jewelry and souvenir stores. Many shops are only open during the summer months, and you'll find the more local shops outside of town.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Vernon. There are a number of boutique shops that are fun to explore in the downtown area.

Is Ketchikan or Vernon More Beautiful?

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

With stunning beauty, Ketchikan attracts visitors from all around. It's located at the southernmost entrance to the Inside Passage, so you can expect dramatic natural beauty and a breathtaking setting.

Vernon is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Ketchikan or Vernon Better for Families?

Ketchikan 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.

Ketchikan is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. There are a number of kid-friendly activities and tours, but do note that many tours book up fully with cruise ship passengers. Any tours you wish to do should be arranged well in advance. Popular kid-friendly activities include the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show, Misty Fjords, and a visit to Totem Bight State Historical Park. Everyone will enjoy learning about the area's history and nature at the Southeast Alaska Discovery Center. And anyone who enjoys the show "The Most Dangerous Catch" will appreciate the Bering Sea Crab Fishermen's Tour.

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 Ketchikan or Vernon Better for Couples?

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

Ketchikan is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples who enjoy natural beauty, hiking, and wildlife will appreciate their time here. There are many opportunities for fishing and a plethora of seafood restaurants in the area that take advantage of this past time.

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 Ketchikan or Vernon Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ketchikan is a nice place to visit for backpackers. However, Vernon is not a good town for backpackers and budget travelers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Ketchikan. While most visitors arrive by cruise ship, for those travel independently will appreciate the hostel in town.

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

Both Ketchikan and Vernon offer respectable public transit options.

Public transit is generally limited in Ketchikan. There are buses that travel through town.

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

Is Ketchikan or Vernon a more walkable city?

Ketchikan is a well-known place for its ease of walking around. However, Vernon is not a good town for its walkability.

Ketchikan is a very walkable destination. The downtown is relatively compact and walkable.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Vernon or Ketchikan?

How long in Ketchikan or Vernon?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Ketchikan and Vernon. In our opinion, Ketchikan has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Ketchikan than Vernon. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Ketchikan 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 Ketchikan.

One day in Ketchikan or Vernon?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Ketchikan. Hikers are also drawn to this area. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

You'll find shopping and museums around the town of Vernon. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Vernon has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Ketchikan or Vernon?

Ketchikan 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.

You'll find museums and food around the relaxing destination of Vernon. 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 town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Ketchikan or Vernon?

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

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the peaceful town of Vernon. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Ketchikan or Vernon?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the local destination of Ketchikan. 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 choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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.

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 Coach Bus Tours in Canada, and The Best Adventure Tours to Canada.

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

Which is Bigger, Ketchikan or Vernon?

Vernon has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Ketchikan. When comparing the sizes of Ketchikan 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 Ketchikan or Vernon?

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 Ketchikan or Vernon in the Summer?

Both Vernon and Ketchikan are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Ketchikan this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Vernon for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Ketchikan is generally much colder than Vernon. Daily temperatures in Ketchikan average around 58°F (15°C), and Vernon fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

It's quite rainy in Ketchikan. In July, Ketchikan usually receives more rain than Vernon. Ketchikan gets 7.6 inches (193 mm) of rain, while Vernon receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Ketchikan or Vernon in the Autumn?

Both Vernon and Ketchikan during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Ketchikan for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, many visitors come to Vernon in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

Ketchikan is cooler than Vernon in the autumn. The daily temperature in Ketchikan averages around 46°F (8°C) in October, and Vernon fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Ketchikan. Ketchikan usually gets more rain in October than Vernon. Ketchikan gets 22.9 inches (581 mm) of rain, while Vernon receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ketchikan or Vernon in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Ketchikan and Vernon. Many visitors come to Ketchikan in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Vernon for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Vernon can be very cold during winter. Ketchikan can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Ketchikan is much warmer than Vernon. Typically, the winter temperatures in Ketchikan in January average around 34°F (1°C), and Vernon averages at about -3°C (27°F).

Ketchikan gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Ketchikan usually receives more rain than Vernon. Ketchikan gets 14.9 inches (379 mm) of rain, while Vernon receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Ketchikan or Vernon in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Ketchikan as well as Vernon. Most visitors come to Ketchikan for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Ketchikan is generally much colder than Vernon. Daily temperatures in Ketchikan average around 44°F (6°C), and Vernon fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

Ketchikan receives a lot of rain in the spring. Ketchikan usually gets more rain in April than Vernon. Ketchikan gets 11.3 inches (286 mm) of rain, while Vernon receives 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Vernon and Ketchikan