A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Minneapolis vs. Whistler for Families, Attractions, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Minneapolis or Whistler?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Minneapolis or Whistler, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Minneapolis

Minneapolis is a dynamic, innovative, and diverse city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping. See Minneapolis travel costs.

Whistler

Whistler is a outdoorsy, charming, and adventurous village. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. The beauty of Whistler is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the shopping, skiing, and nightlife. See Whistler travel costs.

Minneapolis and Whistler: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Minneapolis or Whistler?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Minneapolis. Although Minneapolis and Whistler are popular destinations, Minneapolis has more sights and attractions for tourists. Minneapolis is very popular for its museums and attractions, shopping, and big city activities, while Whistler attracts visitors for its skiing, resorts, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Whistler is more touristy than Minneapolis and is popular for its world renowned skiing and snowboarding. Minneapolis is famous for its professional sports teams, countless outdoor activities, and friendly people. It is also well known for Mall of America.

How is Minneapolis different from Whistler?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Minneapolis or Whistler Better for Skiing?

Whistler is a world-class destination for skiing and snowboarding. However, Minneapolis is not a skiing destination.

The snow ski experience you'll have in Whistler is among the best in the world. 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.

Minneapolis is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Minneapolis or Whistler?

Minneapolis is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Whistler is not a good village for its museums and history.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Minneapolis can be an interesting and educational experience. There's a wide variety of museums that include art, history, science, and local culture. Some of the favorite museums in the city are the Minneapolis Institute of Art, the Walker Art Center, the American Swedish Institute, and the Weisman Art Museum.

While most people don't head to Whistler specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. There is a local museum where you can learn about the areas culture and heritage.

Is the Food Better in Minneapolis or Whistler? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Minneapolis and Whistler both to be superb destinations.

Minneapolis has a huge number of terrific restaurants. Dishes in the Midwest are known for being hearty comfort foods, and the food in Minneapolis is no exception. You'll find cheese-stuffed burgers that are known as Juicy Lucys, Tator Tot casseroles, and deep-fried cheese curds. For international food, there's a variety of Scandinavian options around town.

Dining out in Whistler is an experience not to be missed. 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.

Is Minneapolis or Whistler Better for Nightlife?

The superb nightlife scene is relatively similar in Minneapolis and Whistler.

Minneapolis has a large number of nightlife venues. There are diverse neighborhoods that each have their own personality. You'll find rooftop lounges in Uptown, international venues in Whittier, and trendy bars in the North Loop. But at the heart of the city's nightlife scene is Downtown Minneapolis.

Whistler is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. After a day on the slopes, you can enjoy the lively nightlife that includes après ski bars, nightclubs, and late night parties.

Is Minneapolis or Whistler Better for Resorts?

Whistler is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Minneapolis is not a resort destination.

Whistler is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. 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.

Minneapolis is not a resort destination.

Is Minneapolis or Whistler Better for Hiking?

Whistler is a world-class destination for its hiking trails. However, Minneapolis is not a hiking destination.

Known for its hiking, Whistler draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. 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.

Minneapolis is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Minneapolis or Whistler?

Minneapolis is renowned for shopping. Also, Whistler is not as famous, but is still a good village to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Minneapolis is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. Known for the megamall, Mall of America, this is a shopper's paradise. Mall of America is the largest shopping mall in the country and it even has an aquarium and a theme park within it. In addition to this iconic shopping mall, Minneapolis also has many shopping districts including the Minnehaha Mile.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Whistler. The village offers great shopping where you can pick up local items or any ski gear you may have forgotten.

Is Minneapolis or Whistler More Beautiful?

Whistler is a very popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Minneapolis is not a destination known for its beauty.

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.

Minneapolis is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Minneapolis or Whistler Better for Families?

Whistler is a world-class destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Minneapolis is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Whistler is an amazing family-friendly village to visit. 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.

Minneapolis is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Mall of America is at the top of the list for most families, but there's also plenty of kid-friendly museums around town as well as nature centers, parks, and playgrounds. There's the Como Park Zoo and Conservatory, the Minnesota Zoo, and Afton Apple Orchard. For museums, kids will love the Minnesota Children's Museum or the Science Museum of Minnesota.

Is Minneapolis or Whistler Better for Couples?

Whistler is a very popular place for its romantic activities. Also, Minneapolis is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

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.

Minneapolis is a good city for couples to visit. There are beautiful parks and outdoor spaces to explore as well as museums and fine dining. Couples will appreciate stopping by the Stone Arch Bridge or wandering through the Lyndale Park Rose Garden.

Is Minneapolis or Whistler Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Whistler is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Minneapolis is lacking in good options for backpackers.

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

Minneapolis is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. While it's not a popular destination for backpackers, there is at least one hostel in town.

Is Minneapolis or Whistler Better for Students?

Minneapolis is a well-known place for students. However, Whistler is not popular with students.

Minneapolis is a great city to visit as a student. There are a number of colleges and universities in the area including the University of Minnesota. The city is known for its academic and intellectual focus, and students will enjoy being challenged educationally while enjoying a dynamic city.

Whistler is not popular with students.

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

Minneapolis is a nice place to visit for its public transit. However, Whistler is not a good village for times when you don't have a car.

Minneapolis has a few public transit options. There are buses, light rail, and commuter trains that stop at many of the major entertainment centers around town.

Public transit is mostly limited in Whistler. There's a bus system that connects the town to other nearby neighborhoods.

Is Minneapolis or Whistler a more walkable city?

Whistler is a very popular place for its high level of walkability. Also, Minneapolis is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

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

Minneapolis is a somewhat walkable city. There are neighborhoods that are dense enough to be walkable, but the city is still very car-focused.

For even more information, also check out Is Minneapolis Worth Visiting? and Is Whistler Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Whistler or Minneapolis?

How long in Minneapolis or Whistler?

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

Families should spend more time in Whistler than Minneapolis. 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 Minneapolis. 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 Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis or Whistler?

The city of Minneapolis offers food and shopping. 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.

Visitors enjoy the skiing and nightlife when visiting the outdoorsy village of Whistler. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Minneapolis or Whistler?

Minneapolis is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Minneapolis, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the adventurous destination of Whistler. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This village offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Minneapolis or Whistler?

Minneapolis is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that shopping is why people visit. 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.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the charming village of Whistler. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Minneapolis or Whistler?

Minneapolis is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that shopping is why people visit. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

Many people enjoy the shopping and skiing when visiting Whistler. Anyone can find something fun to do here. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, The Best Contiki Tours to Canada, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Canada.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Minneapolis or Whistler?

Minneapolis has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Whistler. When comparing the sizes of Minneapolis and Whistler, 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 Minneapolis or Whistler?

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 Minneapolis or Whistler in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Minneapolis as well as Whistler. The summer months attract visitors to Minneapolis because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Whistler this time of year.

In July, Minneapolis is generally a little warmer than Whistler. Daily temperatures in Minneapolis average around 76°F (25°C), and Whistler fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Whistler. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Minneapolis this time of the year. In the summer, Minneapolis often gets more sunshine than Whistler. Minneapolis gets 357 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Whistler receives 296 hours of full sun.

Minneapolis usually gets more rain in July than Whistler. Minneapolis gets 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain, while Whistler receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Minneapolis or Whistler in the Autumn?

Both Whistler and Minneapolis are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Minneapolis this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Whistler for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

Minneapolis is around the same temperature as Whistler in the autumn. The daily temperature in Minneapolis averages around 52°F (11°C) in October, and Whistler fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Minneapolis usually receives more sunshine than Whistler during autumn. Minneapolis gets 178 hours of sunny skies, while Whistler receives 124 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Whistler. In October, Minneapolis usually receives less rain than Whistler. Minneapolis gets 1.8 inches (45 mm) of rain, while Whistler receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Minneapolis or Whistler in the Winter?

Both Whistler and Minneapolis during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Minneapolis for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Whistler in the winter for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Whistler can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Minneapolis. In the winter, Minneapolis is much colder than Whistler. Typically, the winter temperatures in Minneapolis in January average around 15°F (-10°C), and Whistler averages at about 4°C (40°F).

In the winter, Minneapolis often gets more sunshine than Whistler. Minneapolis gets 157 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Whistler receives 55 hours of full sun.

Whistler gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Minneapolis usually gets less rain in January than Whistler. Minneapolis gets 0.9 inches (22 mm) of rain, while Whistler receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Minneapolis or Whistler in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Minneapolis and Whistler. Many visitors come to Minneapolis in the spring for the activities around the city. Also, most visitors come to Whistler for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Minneapolis is generally around the same temperature as Whistler. Daily temperatures in Minneapolis average around 49°F (10°C), and Whistler fluctuates around 9°C (49°F).

In Minneapolis, it's very sunny this time of the year. Minneapolis usually receives more sunshine than Whistler during spring. Minneapolis gets 244 hours of sunny skies, while Whistler receives 172 hours of full sun in the spring.

Whistler receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Minneapolis usually receives less rain than Whistler. Minneapolis gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while Whistler receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Whistler and Minneapolis