A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers New Bern vs. Whistler for Families, Food, Nightlife, and Couples

Should you visit New Bern or Whistler?

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

Should I visit New Bern or Whistler? 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.

New Bern

New Bern is a laid back, quaint, and charming town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. It's also known for food, shopping, and museums. See New Bern travel costs.

Whistler

Whistler is a adventurous, outdoorsy, and charming village. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. Whistler is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for food, hiking, and shopping. See Whistler travel costs.

New Bern and Whistler: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in New Bern or Whistler?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Whistler. Although New Bern and Whistler are both popular with visitors, Whistler has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Whistler is more popular for its skiing, food, nightlife, resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty, while New Bern is known for its museums and attractions and small town charm. Whistler is more touristy than New Bern and is known for its world renowned skiing and snowboarding. It is also home to Cloudraker Skybridge. New Bern is popular for being the birthplace of Pepsi.

How is New Bern different from Whistler?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is New Bern or Whistler Better for Skiing?

Whistler is an unbeatable place for winter skiing. However, New Bern is not a skiing destination.

If you're an avid snow skiier, Whistler should be on your list. 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.

New Bern is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in New Bern or Whistler?

New Bern is a nice place to visit for its sights and museums. However, Whistler is not a good village for its museums and history.

New Bern is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Many visitors check out the Tryon Palace while they're in town. Other museums include the New Bern Fireman's Museum, the Carolina Creations Fine Art & Contemporary Craft Gallery, and the New Bern Academy 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 New Bern or Whistler? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Whistler is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, New Bern is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Whistler makes for a great culinary experience. 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.

New Bern has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There are a number of local eateries, bistros, and cafes in town. You can sample southern favorites or something international. Popular dishes include fresh caught fish, crab cakes, and even tacos.

Is New Bern or Whistler Better for Nightlife?

Whistler is well known for nightlife. However, New Bern is not particularly known for nightlife and partying.

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.

New Bern doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. There are a couple of pubs and breweries around town.

Is New Bern or Whistler Better for Resorts?

Whistler is well known for its resorts. However, New Bern is not a resort destination.

Whistler is known as a popular and fun resort destination. 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.

New Bern is not a resort destination.

Is New Bern or Whistler Better for Hiking?

Whistler is an unbeatable place for its hiking experiences. However, New Bern is not a hiking destination.

People visit Whistler specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. 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.

New Bern is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in New Bern or Whistler?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Whistler and New Bern.

New Bern is a great destination for shopping. There are local shops and boutiques that sell clothing, antiques, and gifts.

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 New Bern or Whistler More Beautiful?

Whistler is well known for its scenery and beauty. However, New Bern is not a destination known for its beauty.

Whistler is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. The town sits in a valley that is surrounded by stunning mountains and impressive glaciers.

New Bern is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is New Bern or Whistler Better for Families?

Whistler is an unbeatable place for its family-friendly activities. However, New Bern is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Whistler is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

For families, New Bern is not always the best place to visit. Stand up paddle boarding and other outdoor activities are a fun way to experience the area with kids. You could also visit the New Bern Fireman's Museum, the Tryon Palace, or one of the parks around town.

Is New Bern or Whistler Better for Couples?

Whistler is well known for romance. Also, New Bern is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

Couples visit Whistler frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Couples who enjoy an adventure will love the year-round outdoor sports. There are also romantic spas, fine dining, and scenic gondola rides.

New Bern makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The town's charm and quaint parks make this a nice weekend getaway. There are outdoor activities and the Tryon Palace which is nice to visit. There are also local restaurants around town.

Is New Bern or Whistler Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Whistler is well known for backpackers. However, New Bern is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Whistler. There are several hostels in the area that are perfect for backpackers and budget travelers.

New Bern is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not popular with backpackers in part because it's a small town that most people breeze through on their way to the beach.

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

Whistler is a village with a few options for its public transit. However, New Bern is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

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

Public transit is quite limited in New Bern. There's no real public transit in the area.

Is New Bern or Whistler a more walkable city?

Whistler is well known for its walkability. Also, New Bern is still popular, but not quite as popular for its high level of walkability.

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

New Bern is a somewhat walkable place. The downtown area is walkable and nice to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Whistler or New Bern?

How long in New Bern or Whistler?

In either New Bern or Whistler, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Whistler than New Bern because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for New Bern, and 3-5 days is enough time in Whistler.

Families should spend more time in Whistler than New Bern. 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 New Bern. 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 New Bern 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 New Bern or Whistler?

New Bern is a small town where visitors enjoy the food and shopping. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

The beautiful village of Whistler offers nightlife and food. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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.

A weekend in New Bern or Whistler?

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

Whistler is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in New Bern or Whistler?

New Bern is a popular choice for travelers. 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.

Whistler is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Whistler, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in New Bern or Whistler?

New Bern is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This town offers something for everyone.

Whistler is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This village offers something for everyone.

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 Contiki Tours to Canada, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Canada.

When comparing the travel costs between New Bern and Whistler, we can see that New Bern is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, New Bern or Whistler?

New Bern has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Whistler. When comparing the sizes of New Bern 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 New Bern or Whistler?

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 New Bern or Whistler in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both New Bern and Whistler. Many travelers come to New Bern for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Whistler in the summer for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

New Bern is much warmer than Whistler in the summer. The daily temperature in New Bern averages around 80°F (27°C) in July, and Whistler fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

New Bern gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, New Bern usually receives more rain than Whistler. New Bern gets 6.6 inches (169 mm) of rain, while Whistler receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit New Bern or Whistler in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to New Bern as well as Whistler. Many visitors come to New Bern in the autumn for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere. Additionally, most visitors come to Whistler for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, New Bern is much warmer than Whistler. Typically, the autumn temperatures in New Bern in October average around 65°F (18°C), and Whistler averages at about 11°C (51°F).

It's quite rainy in Whistler. New Bern usually gets less rain in October than Whistler. New Bern gets 3.4 inches (85 mm) of rain, while Whistler receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit New Bern or Whistler in the Winter?

Both Whistler and New Bern are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to New Bern for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Whistler because of the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Whistler can be very cold. In January, New Bern is generally much warmer than Whistler. Daily temperatures in New Bern average around 44°F (7°C), and Whistler fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Whistler. It's quite rainy in New Bern. In January, New Bern usually receives less rain than Whistler. New Bern gets 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain, while Whistler receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit New Bern or Whistler in the Spring?

Both Whistler and New Bern during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to New Bern because of the small town charm. Also, the small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Whistler this time of year.

New Bern is much warmer than Whistler in the spring. The daily temperature in New Bern averages around 62°F (16°C) in April, and Whistler fluctuates around 9°C (49°F).

Whistler gets a good bit of rain this time of year. New Bern usually gets less rain in April than Whistler. New Bern gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Whistler receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Whistler and New Bern