A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Olympic National Park vs. Vernon for Hiking, Backpackers, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Olympic National Park or Vernon?

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

Should I visit Olympic National Park 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.

Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park is a stunning, vast, and pristine park. With stunning beauty, Olympic National Park attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include hiking and museums. See Olympic National Park travel costs.

Vernon

Vernon is a relaxing, quiet, and peaceful town. And you can't forget about the food, hiking, and shopping. See Vernon travel costs.

Olympic National Park and Vernon: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Olympic National Park or Vernon?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Vernon. Although Olympic National Park and Vernon are both popular with visitors, Vernon has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Vernon is more popular for its food, nightlife, and shopping, while Olympic National Park is known for its resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty. Olympic National Park is more touristy than Vernon and is known for its diverse landscapes and its frequent rainfall. Vernon is popular for its surrounding valley with lakes and hiking trails. It is also home to Davison Orchards Country Village.

How is Olympic National Park different from Vernon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Olympic National Park or Vernon?

Plenty of people visit the good sights and museums in both Olympic National Park and Vernon.

Olympic National Park offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are several museums near the park that highlight the region's history, culture, and geology. These include the Makah Cultural & Research Center Museum, Forks Timber Museum, Sequim Museum, and Squaxin Island Museum, Library and Research Center.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Vernon. 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 Olympic National Park or Vernon? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Vernon is a popular place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Olympic National Park is not a good park for its restaurants.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in 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.

Olympic National Park may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Most of the lodges have restaurants within the park, but they can be overpriced. There are also restaurants just outside of the park's border.

Is Olympic National Park or Vernon Better for Nightlife?

Vernon is a moderate town for nightlife and partying. However, Olympic National Park is not a good park for its evening party scene.

Most people don't head to Vernon specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. The town gets very quiet in the evenings, so you won't find much of a nightlife scene.

Olympic National Park doesn't offer many options. You can enjoy a peaceful natural setting after the sun sets.

Is Olympic National Park or Vernon Better for Resorts?

Olympic National Park is a well-known place for its resorts. However, Vernon is not a resort destination.

Olympic National Park is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. There are several lodges within the park as well as cabins and inns. Some have a historic atmosphere while others are more rustic. It's best to book well in advance, particularly if you're visiting during the peak summer months.

Vernon is not a resort destination.

Is Olympic National Park or Vernon Better for Hiking?

Olympic National Park 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, Olympic National Park draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. Hiking trails will take you through the diverse range of landscapes. There are mountain climbs, coastal trails, and routes that wander through old growth forests. You'll also find a mix of day hikes and backcountry wilderness hikes. Mount Storm King, Marymere Falls, and the High Divide are favorite hikes in the park, but there are countless others.

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 Olympic National Park or Vernon?

Vernon is a popular place for its shopping opportunities. However, Olympic National Park is not a good park for its shopping areas.

Vernon offers some nice shopping areas. There are a number of boutique shops that are fun to explore in the downtown area.

Olympic National Park has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. There's a park store where you can pick up books, informational resources, and souvenirs.

Is Olympic National Park or Vernon More Beautiful?

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

With stunning beauty, Olympic National Park attracts visitors from all around. The diversity of landscapes give the park a unique beauty. You can explore old growth rainforests, wander down pristine beaches, or take in the stunning mountain views.

Vernon is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Olympic National Park or Vernon Better for Families?

Olympic National Park 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.

Olympic National Park is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will enjoy exploring the tidal pools and running around the beach. It's also fun to lose yourself in the old growth rainforests and spend some time kayaking or canoeing at Lake Crescent.

Vernon is a family-friendly park. 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 Olympic National Park or Vernon Better for Couples?

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

Olympic National Park is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples who enjoy hiking, camping, and natural beauty will love exploring this park together. There are a diversity of ecosystems and landscapes where you can enjoy a couples retreat together.

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 Olympic National Park or Vernon Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Olympic National Park is terrific for backpackers. However, Vernon is not a good town for backpackers and budget travelers.

Olympic National Park is a very popular park to visit for backpackers. There are many beautiful backcountry destinations that let you experience this park in depth. Make sure you purchase a permit in advance.

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

Both Olympic National Park and Vernon offer decent public transit options.

Public transit is generally limited in Olympic National Park. There are buses and ferries to the park, but the park is large and requires a private vehicle to fully access it.

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

Is Olympic National Park or Vernon a more walkable city?

Vernon is a moderate town for its high level of walkability. However, Olympic National Park is not a good park for its ease of walking around.

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

Olympic National Park is not a very walkable park. The park is large and you'll need a car to reach most of the trailheads.

For even more information, also check out Is Olympic National Park Worth Visiting? and Is Vernon Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Vernon or Olympic National Park?

How long in Olympic National Park or Vernon?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Olympic National Park and Vernon. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Olympic National Park than in Vernon. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Olympic National Park, and 1-3 days is enough time in Vernon.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Olympic National Park 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 Olympic National Park.

One day in Olympic National Park or Vernon?

Many travelers enjoy the museums when visiting the destination of Olympic National Park. 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.

In Vernon, you'll find shopping and museums. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Vernon, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Olympic National Park or Vernon?

Olympic National Park is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Vernon. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this town. It offers something for everyone.

Five days in Olympic National Park or Vernon?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Olympic National Park. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. 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.

Vernon is a fun place to experience. 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. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Olympic National Park or Vernon?

Travelers enjoy the museums when visiting the pristine destination of Olympic National Park. This park 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.

You'll find shopping and museums around the quiet destination of Vernon. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. 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 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 Olympic National Park and Vernon, we can see that Olympic National Park 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 Olympic National Park would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Olympic National Park 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 Olympic National Park Expensive? and Is Vernon Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Olympic National Park 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 Olympic National Park or Vernon in the Summer?

Both Vernon and Olympic National Park are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Olympic National Park for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Vernon in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Olympic National Park is cooler than Vernon. Typically, the summer temperatures in Olympic National Park in July average around 60°F (15°C), and Vernon averages at about 23°C (73°F).

In July, Olympic National Park usually receives more rain than Vernon. Olympic National Park gets 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain, while Vernon receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Olympic National Park or Vernon in the Autumn?

Both Vernon and Olympic National Park during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Olympic National Park in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Vernon for the hiking trails and the shopping scene during these months.

In October, Olympic National Park is generally around the same temperature as Vernon. Daily temperatures in Olympic National Park average around 51°F (10°C), and Vernon fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Olympic National Park. Olympic National Park usually gets more rain in October than Vernon. Olympic National Park gets 10.4 inches (263 mm) of rain, while Vernon receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Olympic National Park or Vernon in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Olympic National Park and Vernon. Most visitors come to Olympic National Park 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. Olympic National Park can be very cold during winter. Olympic National Park is much warmer than Vernon in the winter. The daily temperature in Olympic National Park averages around 41°F (5°C) in January, and Vernon fluctuates around -3°C (27°F).

Olympic National Park gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Olympic National Park usually receives more rain than Vernon. Olympic National Park gets 13.7 inches (349 mm) of rain, while Vernon receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Olympic National Park or Vernon in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Olympic National Park as well as Vernon. The spring months attract visitors to Olympic National Park because of the natural beauty.

In the spring, Olympic National Park is cooler than Vernon. Typically, the spring temperatures in Olympic National Park in April average around 47°F (8°C), and Vernon averages at about 12°C (53°F).

Olympic National Park receives a lot of rain in the spring. Olympic National Park usually gets more rain in April than Vernon. Olympic National Park gets 7.4 inches (189 mm) of rain, while Vernon receives 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Vernon and Olympic National Park