A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers La Paz vs. Vancouver for Attractions, Couples, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit La Paz or Vancouver?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between La Paz and Vancouver can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

La Paz

La Paz is a cultural, beautiful, and authentic city. Other reasons to visit include beaches, shopping, and museums. See La Paz travel costs.

Vancouver

Vancouver is a friendly, outdoorsy, and scenic city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. The beauty of Vancouver is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and hiking. See Vancouver travel costs.

La Paz and Vancouver: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in La Paz or Vancouver?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Vancouver than La Paz. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Vancouver is very popular for its museums and attractions, nightlife, hiking, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while La Paz attracts visitors for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches. La Paz is famous for its beautiful beaches, fascinating cultural setting, and authentic local atmosphere. Vancouver is famous for its beautiful setting, sweeping views, and welcoming atmosphere. It is also well known for Stanley Park.

How is La Paz different from Vancouver?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in La Paz or Vancouver?

Vancouver is a world-class destination for its sights and museums. Also, La Paz is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Vancouver are among the most recognizable in the world. There are tons of museums and sights around town such as the Vancouver Aquarium, the Museum of Anthropology, the Museum of Vancouver, and Science World. Also make sure you take a walk over the Capilano Suspension Bridge.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around La Paz. Sights and landmarks around town include La Paz Cathedral, the Museo de Antropología e Historia de Baja California Sur, the the Museo de Arte de Baja California Sur, and Teatro Juarez.

Is the Food Better in La Paz or Vancouver? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both La Paz and Vancouver both to be very good destinations.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit La Paz. As the capital of Baja California Sur, you'll find many local restaurants that serve traditional and authentic Mexican cuisine. The recipes include seafood and local produce. You'll find everything from food stalls to high end restaurants around town.

Vancouver has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. You'll find diverse restaurants and fresh ingredients. Local seafood is a staple in many restaurants so make sure you try the prawns, salmon, and even sea urchin. Asian food is also excellent around town. Sushi, Japanese hot dogs, and dim sum are all worth sampling.

Is La Paz or Vancouver Better for Nightlife?

Vancouver is notable for nightlife and partying. Also, La Paz is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its evening party scene.

Vancouver has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The city has a vibrant nightlife scene. Most of the activity is centered around The Granville Entertainment District in the downtown area. It runs along Granville Street between Robson Street and Davie Street. In the area you'll find a high concentration of bars and nightclubs.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in La Paz. There are many bars and restaurants around the Malecón.

Is La Paz or Vancouver Better for Resorts?

La Paz is a good destination for its luxury resorts. However, Vancouver is not a resort destination.

La Paz has a handful of resorts to choose from. There are a number of hotels and resorts around town that make for a nice vacation.

Vancouver is not a resort destination.

Is La Paz or Vancouver Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

La Paz is great for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Vancouver is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There are many scuba diving and snorkeling spots near La Paz. There are organized diving and snorkeling excursions available around town. It's location by the Sea of Cortez makes diving a world class experience.

Vancouver is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is La Paz or Vancouver Better for Beaches?

La Paz is a must-visit destination for its beaches. However, Vancouver is not a beach destination.

La Paz offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. The beaches in the area are the main draw, and you'll find beaches that are family-friendly, romantic, or full of amenities. Some consider the beaches in the area among the best in Mexico.

Vancouver is not a beach destination.

Is La Paz or Vancouver Better for Hiking?

Vancouver is a world-class destination for the nearby hiking options. However, La Paz is not a hiking destination.

Around Vancouver visitors will find world-class hiking trails. The city is surrounded by water and mountains, making it one of the best hiking cities in the world. You don't have to go far to enjoy spectacular vistas, serene rainforests, and rugged coastline. The trails range from casual strolls to more strenuous day long hikes.

La Paz is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in La Paz or Vancouver?

Vancouver is a world-class destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, La Paz is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Vancouver make it a world-class shopping destination. The shopping is as diverse as the city itself. You can enjoy strolling through Chinatown, hitting up a public market, or wandering around a large shopping mall.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in La Paz. Local boutiques, souvenir shops, and art galleries all make for interesting shopping opportunities.

Is La Paz or Vancouver More Beautiful?

Vancouver is notable for its scenery and beauty. However, La Paz is not a destination known for its beauty.

The beauty of Vancouver is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. It sits between the Pacific Ocean and high reaching mountains, so the city offers spectacular views.

La Paz is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is La Paz or Vancouver Better for Families?

Both La Paz and Vancouver are very good to visit with kids.

La Paz is a very kid-friendly city. Older kids will enjoy swimming with whale sharks, whale watching, and experiencing the region's wildlife. There are also many beaches in the area where kids can play.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Vancouver. There are great kid-friendly museums like the Science Museum, as well as outdoor markets, public parks, and easy access to the nearby nature. A visit to Grouse Mountain is a must for many families. You can see the bears, take a gondola, and see the a lumberjack show.

Is La Paz or Vancouver Better for Couples?

Vancouver is a world-class destination for its romantic activities. Also, La Paz is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

Vancouver is a great city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. Most of the activities take advantage of the beautiful outdoor setting. You can take a carriage ride in Stanley Park or visit the Sun Yat Sen Chinese Garden. Eat dim sum in Chinatown and then wander through the diverse neighborhood. End the day with a show at Orpheum Theater.

La Paz is a good city for couples to visit. Couples will enjoy walking along the beach promenade known as Malecon. There are also beaches and amazing animal experiences such as whale watching or dolphin viewing.

Is La Paz or Vancouver Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both La Paz and Vancouver are very good destinations for backpackers.

La Paz is a great city to visit for backpackers. The city offers an authentic experience and hostels that make it a budget-friendly option for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Vancouver. It's a favorite city for backpackers who enjoy the many outdoor activities. There are also many hostels available around town.

Is La Paz or Vancouver Better for Students?

Vancouver is notable for students. However, La Paz is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in Vancouver. The cities friendly personality and fun energy make it a great place to study.

La Paz is not popular with students.

Is La Paz or Vancouver Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Vancouver is a world-class destination for its public transit. Also, La Paz is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

With a huge network, the transit system in Vancouver can get you around easily. Public transit is efficient and comfortable. The Translink system includes buses, the SeaBus ferry, and the SkyTrain light rail system.

La Paz has some public transit options. There's a cheap local bus system around town.

Is La Paz or Vancouver a more walkable city?

Vancouver is a world-class destination for its high level of walkability. Also, La Paz is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its ease of walking around.

It is easy to get around Vancouver on foot. The downtown area is very compact and fun to explore on foot.

La Paz is a very walkable destination. The city is very walkable.

For even more information, also check out Is La Paz Worth Visiting? and Is Vancouver Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Vancouver or La Paz?

How long in La Paz or Vancouver?

In either La Paz or Vancouver, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Vancouver than La Paz because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for La Paz, and 3-5 days is enough time in Vancouver.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Vancouver than La Paz 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 Vancouver.

One day in La Paz or Vancouver?

You'll find nightlife and food around the city of La Paz. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Vancouver is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. 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.

A weekend in La Paz or Vancouver?

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the cultural destination of La Paz. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Vancouver is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in La Paz or Vancouver?

Travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the authentic city of La Paz. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a great beach destination, too. Most people head to the area for the beaches. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Vancouver. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in La Paz or Vancouver?

La Paz is a popular choice for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the friendly big city of Vancouver. This city 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Mexico, The Best Tours for Seniors to Mexico, The Best 10-Day Tours from Vancouver, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Canada.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between La Paz and Vancouver, we can see that Vancouver is more expensive. And not only is La Paz much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to La Paz would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in La Paz 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 Vancouver would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Vancouver than you might in La Paz.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is La Paz Expensive? and Is Vancouver Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, La Paz or Vancouver?

Vancouver has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of La Paz. When comparing the sizes of La Paz and Vancouver, 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 La Paz or Vancouver?

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 La Paz or Vancouver in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to La Paz as well as Vancouver. The beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to La Paz this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Vancouver for the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, La Paz is generally much warmer than Vancouver. Daily temperatures in La Paz average around 30°C (86°F), and Vancouver fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Vancouver. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in La Paz this time of the year. In the summer, La Paz often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Vancouver. La Paz gets 287 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vancouver receives 296 hours of full sun.

La Paz usually gets less rain in July than Vancouver. La Paz gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Vancouver receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit La Paz or Vancouver in the Autumn?

Both Vancouver and La Paz are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to La Paz for the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Vancouver in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

La Paz is much warmer than Vancouver in the autumn. The daily temperature in La Paz averages around 27°C (80°F) in October, and Vancouver fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in La Paz. La Paz usually receives more sunshine than Vancouver during autumn. La Paz gets 272 hours of sunny skies, while Vancouver receives 124 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Vancouver. In October, La Paz usually receives less rain than Vancouver. La Paz gets 13 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Vancouver receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit La Paz or Vancouver in the Winter?

Both Vancouver and La Paz during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to La Paz in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Vancouver for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Vancouver can be very cold during winter. In the winter, La Paz is much warmer than Vancouver. Typically, the winter temperatures in La Paz in January average around 18°C (65°F), and Vancouver averages at about 4°C (40°F).

It's quite sunny in La Paz. In the winter, La Paz often gets more sunshine than Vancouver. La Paz gets 200 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vancouver receives 55 hours of full sun.

Vancouver gets a good bit of rain this time of year. La Paz usually gets less rain in January than Vancouver. La Paz gets 11 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Vancouver receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit La Paz or Vancouver in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both La Paz and Vancouver. Most visitors come to La Paz for the beaches during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Vancouver because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In April, La Paz is generally much warmer than Vancouver. Daily temperatures in La Paz average around 23°C (73°F), and Vancouver fluctuates around 9°C (49°F).

In La Paz, it's very sunny this time of the year. La Paz usually receives more sunshine than Vancouver during spring. La Paz gets 292 hours of sunny skies, while Vancouver receives 172 hours of full sun in the spring.

Vancouver receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, La Paz usually receives less rain than Vancouver. La Paz gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Vancouver receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Vancouver and La Paz