A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Norfolk vs. Vernon for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Norfolk or Vernon?

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

Should I visit Norfolk 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.

Norfolk

Norfolk is a authentic, blue collar, and maritime city. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping. See Norfolk travel costs.

Vernon

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

Norfolk and Vernon: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Norfolk or Vernon?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Vernon than Norfolk, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Vernon is better known for its hiking, while Norfolk is more popular for its nightlife. Vernon is more touristy than Norfolk and is known for its surrounding valley with lakes and hiking trails. Also, Vernon is famous for Davison Orchards Country Village. Norfolk is well known for its naval base and military presence.

How is Norfolk different from Vernon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

Norfolk is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are some interesting museums in town like the Chrysler Museum, the Hampton Roads Naval Museum, and the Norfolk Police and Fire Museum. You should also check out the Nauticus and the Battleship Wisconsin.

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 Norfolk or Vernon? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Norfolk and Vernon offer a number of notable restaurants to choose from.

Norfolk offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. You'll find a decent collection of restaurants in the downtown area. Food options include local seafood, brunch, casual eateries, and fine dining.

Vernon has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. 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 Norfolk or Vernon Better for Nightlife?

Norfolk 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 Norfolk. Downtown is where you'll find the most busy nightlife venues. The city has great breweries, and the live music scene has taken off. There are also lounges, dance clubs, and wine bars to choose from.

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 Norfolk or Vernon Better for Hiking?

Vernon is a great destination for its hiking experiences. However, Norfolk is not a hiking destination.

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.

Norfolk is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Norfolk or Vernon?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Vernon and Norfolk.

Norfolk is a great destination for shopping. There's a mix of shopping malls, local boutiques, farmer's markets, and shopping centers around 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 Norfolk or Vernon Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Norfolk or Vernon.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Norfolk. The Norfolk Zoo is always a hit with kids. You should also visit the USS Wisconsin which offers tours, as well as the Douglas MacArthur Memorial Museum.

Vernon offers lots of family activities. 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 Norfolk or Vernon Better for Couples?

Vernon is a popular place for romance. However, Norfolk is a city with minimal options for its romantic activities.

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.

Most people don't think of Norfolk as a couple's destination. There are some nice hotels and several great parks and outdoor activities.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Norfolk and Vernon.

Public transit is generally limited in Norfolk. While there are buses, ferries, and even lightrail in the area, you really want to have a car to get around.

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

Is Norfolk or Vernon a more walkable city?

Norfolk is a nice place to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Vernon is not a good town for its walkability.

Norfolk is a somewhat walkable city. Downtown is the most walkable part of the city.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Vernon or Norfolk?

How long in Norfolk or Vernon?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Norfolk and Vernon. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Vernon than in Norfolk. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Norfolk, and 1-3 days is enough time in Vernon.

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

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

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

One day in Norfolk or Vernon?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Norfolk. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

In Vernon, you'll find museums and food. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This town offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Norfolk or Vernon?

Norfolk 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.

In Vernon, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Vernon has to offer.

Five days in Norfolk or Vernon?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Norfolk. 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 is a great place to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Norfolk or Vernon?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the authentic destination of Norfolk. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Vernon. Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Vernon. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Camping Tours in United States of America, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples 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 Norfolk and Vernon, we can see that Norfolk 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 Norfolk would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Norfolk 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 Norfolk Expensive? and Is Vernon Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Norfolk or Vernon?

Norfolk has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Vernon. When comparing the sizes of Norfolk 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 Norfolk 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 Norfolk or Vernon in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Norfolk and Vernon. Many travelers come to Norfolk for the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Vernon in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Norfolk is generally a little warmer than Vernon. Daily temperatures in Norfolk average around 79°F (26°C), and Vernon fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

Norfolk gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Norfolk usually receives more rain than Vernon. Norfolk gets 5.7 inches (145 mm) of rain, while Vernon receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Norfolk or Vernon in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Norfolk as well as Vernon. Many visitors come to Norfolk in the autumn for the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Vernon for the hiking trails and the shopping scene during these months.

Norfolk is much warmer than Vernon in the autumn. The daily temperature in Norfolk averages around 62°F (16°C) in October, and Vernon fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Norfolk usually gets more rain in October than Vernon. Norfolk gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Vernon receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Norfolk or Vernon in the Winter?

Both Vernon and Norfolk are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Norfolk for 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. Norfolk can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Norfolk is much warmer than Vernon. Typically, the winter temperatures in Norfolk in January average around 39°F (4°C), and Vernon averages at about -3°C (27°F).

In January, Norfolk usually receives more rain than Vernon. Norfolk gets 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain, while Vernon receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Norfolk or Vernon in the Spring?

Both Vernon and Norfolk during the spring are popular places to visit.

In April, Norfolk is generally a little warmer than Vernon. Daily temperatures in Norfolk average around 58°F (14°C), and Vernon fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

Norfolk usually gets more rain in April than Vernon. Norfolk gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Vernon receives 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Vernon and Norfolk