A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Park City Utah vs. Vancouver for Attractions, Nightlife, Hiking, and Families

Should you visit Park City Utah or Vancouver?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Park City Utah and Vancouver. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Park City Utah

Park City Utah is a adventurous, active, and high energy town. Park City Utah is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and hiking. See Park City Utah travel costs.

Vancouver

Vancouver is a diverse, friendly, and outdoorsy city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. With stunning beauty, Vancouver attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the food, hiking, and shopping. See Vancouver travel costs.

Park City Utah and Vancouver: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Big city activities
  • Impressive beauty


Is there more to do in Park City Utah or Vancouver?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Vancouver than Park City Utah, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Vancouver is better known for its museums and attractions, hiking, shopping, and big city activities, while Park City Utah is more popular for its skiing, nightlife, and resorts. Park City Utah is more touristy than Vancouver and is known for the Sundance Film Festival and world-renowned skiing and snowboarding. Vancouver is well known for its beautiful setting, sweeping views, and welcoming atmosphere. Also, Vancouver is famous for Stanley Park.

How is Park City Utah different from Vancouver?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Park City Utah or Vancouver Better for Skiing?

Park City Utah
Vancouver

Park City Utah is a must-visit destination for skiing. However, Vancouver is not a skiing destination.

Park City Utah is a top destination for snow skiing, and it attracts visitors from around the world. Two ski resorts are nearby, Park City Mountain and Deer Valley Resort. Park City Mountain is the largest resort in the United States. There are 7,300 acres that include two different base areas, 41 lifts, and 6 terrain parks. There's ski-in ski-out access from the town's Main Street, and options for skiers and snowboarders of all levels. Deer Valley Resort is a ritzy and upscale option that is more glamorous and high class.

Vancouver is not a skiing destination.


Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Park City Utah or Vancouver?

Park City Utah
Vancouver

Vancouver is an amazing city to visit for its historical sights. However, Park City Utah is not a good destination for its sights and museums.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Vancouver has many famous sights for visitors. 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.

Park City Utah offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. There are a couple of museums and some nice art galleries in town. There are also museums at Olympic Park.

Is the Food Better in Park City Utah or Vancouver? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Park City Utah
Vancouver

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Park City Utah and Vancouver can be difficult as they are each excellent in their own way.

Park City Utah has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Park City has a wonderful food scene with many award-winning restaurants. Many restaurants offer fine dining experiences and even the more casual options are high priced with high quality dishes. You'll also find many great breakfast restaurants and cafes so you can start your day off with a filling meal.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Vancouver makes for a great culinary experience. 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 Park City Utah or Vancouver Better for Nightlife?

Park City Utah
Vancouver

Park City Utah is a must-visit destination for nightlife. Also, Vancouver is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife and partying.

Park City Utah is a world class party destination. After a day on the slopes, you'll return to a vibrant nightlife scene with bars and live music. Most of the action is concentrated around Main Street and it's easy to walk to most venues, even when the weather is cold and snowy.

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.


Is Park City Utah or Vancouver Better for Resorts?

Park City Utah
Vancouver

Park City Utah is great for its luxury resorts. However, Vancouver is not a resort destination.

There are plenty of resorts in Park City Utah to choose from. You'll find most of the major chains as well as smaller and more personal hotels. Many hotels have hot tubs and pools, and many offer easy access to the ski gondola.

Vancouver is not a resort destination.

Is Park City Utah or Vancouver Better for Hiking?

Park City Utah
Vancouver

Vancouver is an amazing city to visit for hiking. Also, Park City Utah is not as popular, but is still a nice town for the nearby hiking options.

Vancouver is well-known for its hiking and trekking. 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.

Park City Utah is a popular spot for hiking. If you're visiting during a warmer month, hiking is a great way to experience the area's beauty. There are more than 350 miles of hiking trails that pass through forests, canyons, creeks, and mountain ridges. You'll find options for every skill level and regardless of the hike you choose, it's sure to take your breath away.

Is the Shopping Better in Park City Utah or Vancouver?

Park City Utah
Vancouver

Vancouver is an amazing city to visit for its shopping areas. Also, Park City Utah is not as popular, but is still a nice town for shopping.

Many people travel to Vancouver specifically to go shopping. 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.

Park City Utah is an extremely popular place for shoppers. Wander down the historic Main Street and enjoy shopping at the many quaint vendors and art galleries. There are also outlet malls in town.


Is Park City Utah or Vancouver More Beautiful?

Park City Utah
Vancouver

You'll find a similar quality of excellent scenery and beauty in both Park City Utah and Vancouver.

With stunning beauty, Park City Utah attracts visitors from all around. It's surrounded by the Rocky Mountains and is a charming and beautiful mountain town.

Vancouver is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It sits between the Pacific Ocean and high reaching mountains, so the city offers spectacular views.

Is Park City Utah or Vancouver Better for Families?

Park City Utah
Vancouver

Park City Utah is a must-visit destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Vancouver is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Park City Utah is very family-friendly. There is kid-family skiing, ziplining, and alpine coasters. The free museums at Olympic Park are fun to explore as well and are filled with memorabilia from the 2002 Olympics. Additionally, there are kid-friendly restaurants and playgrounds where the little ones can run around.

Vancouver is a very kid-friendly town. 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 Park City Utah or Vancouver Better for Couples?

Park City Utah
Vancouver

Park City Utah and Vancouver both terrific destinations for a couple.

Park City Utah is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. In addition to skiing and snowboarding, you can enjoy the area's many great restaurants and beautiful hikes. There are romantic hotels as well as sleigh rides and evening walks that will make this an unforgettable destination.

Vancouver makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. 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.


Is Park City Utah or Vancouver Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Park City Utah
Vancouver

Vancouver is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Park City Utah is not as popular, but is still a nice town 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.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Park City Utah. Although the town is notoriously expensive, there is a hostel in town that appeals to backpackers.

Is Park City Utah or Vancouver Better for Students?

Park City Utah
Vancouver

Vancouver is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Park City Utah is not popular with students.

Many students visit Vancouver. The cities friendly personality and fun energy make it a great place to study.

Park City Utah is not popular with students.

Is Park City Utah or Vancouver Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Park City Utah
Vancouver

Vancouver is an amazing city to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Park City Utah is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its public transit.

Public transit in Vancouver is top-notch. Public transit is efficient and comfortable. The Translink system includes buses, the SeaBus ferry, and the SkyTrain light rail system.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Park City Utah. There are 13 free bus routes as well as seasonal transportation providers.


Is Park City Utah or Vancouver a more walkable city?

Park City Utah
Vancouver

Park City Utah and Vancouver are terrific when it comes to walkability.

Park City Utah is a very easy town to get around on foot. It's a very walkable town and is easy to explore on foot.

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

For even more information, also check out Is Park City Utah Worth Visiting? and Is Vancouver Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Vancouver or Park City Utah?

How long in Park City Utah or Vancouver?

In either Park City Utah or Vancouver, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. In our opinion, Vancouver has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Vancouver than Park City Utah. However, 3-5 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

Couples should spend more time in Vancouver than Park City Utah. 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 Park City Utah 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.


  • How many days in Park City Utah or Vancouver? Ideal Length of Stay
    Park City Utah 3-5 
    Vancouver 3-5

One day in Park City Utah or Vancouver?

You'll find food and shopping around the town of Park City Utah. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.

Because Vancouver is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Park City Utah or Vancouver?

You'll find shopping and skiing around the adventurous destination of Park City Utah. Hikers are also drawn to this area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Vancouver is a great place to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.


Five days in Park City Utah or Vancouver?

You'll find skiing and nightlife around the high energy town of Park City Utah. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this town makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Vancouver. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. It offers something for everyone. Because of this, five days is usually enough time for a trip here.

A week in Park City Utah or Vancouver?

Park City Utah is a popular choice for travelers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 city of Vancouver. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Your budget might influence how long you stay. 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.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best 10-Day Tours from Vancouver, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Canada.


Which place is cheaper, Vancouver or Park City Utah?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Park City Utah Prices
    USA Prices
    Vancouver Prices
    Canada Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Park City Utah $368
    Vancouver $165

The average daily cost (per person) in Park City Utah is $368, while the average daily cost in Vancouver is $165. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Park City Utah and Vancouver in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Park City Utah $202
    Vancouver $87
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Park City Utah $404
    Vancouver $174
Compare Hotels in Park City Utah and Vancouver

Looking for a hotel in Park City Utah or Vancouver? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Park City Utah


Hotels in Vancouver


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Park City Utah Hotel Prices and Vancouver Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Park City Utah $72
    Vancouver $15

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Park City Utah

Also for Park City Utah, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Canyons Village to Salt Lake Airport (SLC) - Departure Transfer: $217
  • Departure Transfer from Park City Ski Resort to Provo Airport PVU: $175

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Vancouver

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Vancouver are as follows:


  • SkyTrain from Airport
    $6.35
  • Taxi from Airport to Downtown
    $21
  • 15 min Taxi Ride
    $8.71
  • SkyTrain DayPass
    $6.53

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Vancouver

Also for Vancouver, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • YVR Airport Transfer to Fraser Valley: $618
  • Private Vancouver Airport (YVR) Transfer to Whistler: $600
  • Private Transfer from Whistler to Vancouver Airport YVR: $591
  • Private Transfer from Downtown Vancouver to Whistler: $560
  • Private Transfer to Whistler with Sightseeing: $538
  • Private Transfer to Whistler: $462
  • Vancouver International Airport to Whistler Private Transfer: $459
  • YVR Airport Transfer to Squamish: $411
  • Airport Transfer Service To Burnaby: $407
  • Private Transfer, Vancouver, BC to Vancouver Cruise Ship Terminal, VIP SUV : $300
  • Private Transfer from Vancouver City to Vancouver (YVR) Airport: $297
  • Vancouver Airport YVR Round-Trip Private Transfer by Luxury SUV: $293

Is it cheaper to fly into Park City Utah or Vancouver?

Prices for flights to both Vancouver and Park City Utah change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Park City Utah $113
    Vancouver $54

Typical Food Prices in Vancouver

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Vancouver:


  • All You Can Eat Sushi Lunch
    $8.79

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Vancouver

For Vancouver, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Vancouver Delicious Donut Adventure & Walking Food Tour: $75
  • Mt Pleasant Food Tour from Vancouver: $82
  • A Wok Around Food Tour of the Granville Island Public Market: $83
  • Experience Gastown Vancouver's Elite Walking Food Tour: $96
  • Food Tours Gastown & Downtown with 6+ tastings: $98
  • Experience Gastown Vancouver's Elite Walking Food Tour: $99
  • Vancouver Local Taste Trail Food Tour: $100
  • Gastown Historic Walking Food Tour: $115
  • Granville Island Market VIP Walking Food Tour : $115
  • Hidden Vancouver Tour with Dinner: $118
  • Private Granville Island Vancouver's Elite Walking Food Tour: $132
  • Vancouver Chinatown Tour and Dumpling-Making Cooking Class : $135

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Park City Utah $68
    Vancouver $36

Tours and Activities in Park City Utah

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Park City Utah.

  • Ebike Adventure with Sitemap : $125
  • Gourmet Dining Experience: $215
  • Guided Fly Fishing Experience in Park City: $260
  • Guided Urban Art and Historical E-Bike Tour in Park City: $175
  • Park City Food and Cultural Walking Tour: $150
  • Park City Puzzling Adventure: $35
  • Privately Guided Snowshoe Experience: $118

Tours and Activities in Vancouver

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Vancouver.

  • 2 Hours Private Tour of City of Vancouver: $147
  • Cruise Ship Terminal to Vancouver Airport Private Transport: $150
  • Guided Bike /E-bike Tour in Whistler From Vancouver: $218
  • Half-day Hike and Bike Tour in Vancouver: $129
  • Spirit Of Vancouver Bike or Ebike Tour: $100
  • Vancouver 1-Day city tour: $98
  • Victoria 1-Day Tour From Vancouver: $190
  • Whistler Discovery and Waterfalls Small Group Tour: : $196
  • 1 day Whistler Tour from Vancouver Experience (chn&eng): $88
  • 2 Hours Private Tour of Stanley Park Vancouver: $132
  • 3 Days of Adventure in Vancouver – Activities-Only Tour: $1,650
  • 3 Hours Private Tour of City of Vancouver: $221

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Park City Utah $46
    Vancouver $16

Sample the Local Flavors in Vancouver

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Vancouver:

  • Vancouver British Columbia Bar Crawl: $15
  • Gastown Pub Crawl: $22
  • Vancouver Craft Brewery Neighbourhood Walking Tour: $65
  • 3.5-Hour Craft Brewery Tour: $86
  • Vancouver Craft Brewery Tour: $89
  • Vancouver Behind-the-Scenes Brewery Tour: $92
  • North Vancouver Elite Walking Brewery Tour: $95
  • Vancouver Wine Tour (Fraser Valley): $122
  • From Fraser Valley Wine Tour with Local Tastings: $129
  • From Half-Day Fraser Valley Wine Tour: $135
  • Fraser Valley Wine Tour with Tastings: $161
  • Stawamus Chief Hike and Local Brewery Tasting: $169


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

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


Which is Bigger, Park City Utah or Vancouver?

Vancouver has a larger population, and is about 220 times larger than the population of Park City Utah. When comparing the sizes of Park City Utah 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.