A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Portland, Maine vs. Whistler for Hiking, Families, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Portland, Maine or Whistler?

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

Should I visit Portland, Maine 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.

Portland, Maine

Portland, Maine is a laid-back, scenic, and picturesque coastal town. Portland, Maine is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for shopping, nightlife, and food. See Portland, Maine travel costs.

Whistler

Whistler is a charming, adventurous, and outdoorsy village. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. With stunning beauty, Whistler attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include food, hiking, and shopping. See Whistler travel costs.

Portland, Maine and Whistler: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Portland, Maine or Whistler?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Whistler than Portland, Maine, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Whistler is better known for its skiing, museums and attractions, food, nightlife, resorts, hiking, and small town charm, while Portland, Maine is more popular for its beaches. Whistler is more touristy than Portland, Maine and is known for its world renowned skiing and snowboarding. Also, Whistler is famous for Cloudraker Skybridge. Portland, Maine is well known for its seafood restaurants, scenic lighthouse, and coastal walks.

How is Portland, Maine different from Whistler?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Portland, Maine or Whistler Better for Skiing?

Whistler is an amazing village to visit for winter skiing. However, Portland, Maine 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.

Portland, Maine is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Portland, Maine or Whistler?

Whistler is a village with a few options for its museums and landmarks. However, Portland, Maine does not have museums and landmarks.

Whistler offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. There is a local museum where you can learn about the areas culture and heritage.

Portland, Maine does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Portland, Maine or Whistler? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Portland, Maine. The town has grown into a foodie destination that takes advantage of its waterfront setting. Many restaurants make use of the fresh seafood with lobster rolls and oysters on the half shell being popular. You'll also find a lot of dishes that use haddock and whole lobsters.

Is Portland, Maine or Whistler Better for Nightlife?

Whistler is well known for its evening party scene. Also, Portland, Maine is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

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.

If you're looking for night time activities Portland, Maine has a few options to choose from. The city has many microbreweries, wine bars, taverns, and pubs. You'll find many places concentrated in the Old Port, which has a charming and fun atmosphere.

Is Portland, Maine or Whistler Better for Resorts?

Whistler is well known for its resorts. However, Portland, Maine 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.

Portland, Maine is not a resort destination.

Is Portland, Maine or Whistler Better for Beaches?

Portland, Maine is a well-known place for its beaches. However, Whistler is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Portland, Maine. It has many sandy and calm beaches. The water may be too cold to swim, but the beaches are perfect for flying a kite or hanging out with family.

Whistler is not a beach destination.

Is Portland, Maine or Whistler Better for Hiking?

Whistler is an amazing village to visit for its hiking experiences. Also, Portland, Maine is still popular, but not quite as popular for hiking.

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.

Many people include a hike when visiting Portland, Maine. In addition to bike trails, there are several good hikes in the area.

Is the Shopping Better in Portland, Maine or Whistler?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Whistler and Portland, Maine.

Many visitors go to Portland, Maine to go shopping. The town has many nice local boutiques to explore. Head downtown for the best local venues and the most interesting shopping opportunities.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Whistler. The village offers great shopping where you can pick up local items or any ski gear you may have forgotten.

Is Portland, Maine or Whistler More Beautiful?

You'll find a similar quality of very good scenery and beauty in both Portland, Maine and Whistler.

With stunning beauty, Portland, Maine attracts visitors from all around. Set against the water's edge, the town offers many beautiful scenes and picturesque settings.

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.

Is Portland, Maine or Whistler Better for Families?

Whistler is an amazing village to visit for its family-friendly activities. Also, Portland, Maine is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Portland, Maine offers lots of family activities. It is a charming town with a number of kid-friendly museums, walks, and waterfront activities. You can visit the Portland Observatory, Bug Light Park, or grab ice cream in the Old Port. There are also children's museums such as the Children's Museum & Theatre of Maine.

Is Portland, Maine or Whistler Better for Couples?

Whistler is well known for couples. Also, Portland, Maine is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

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.

Portland, Maine is a nice destination for couples. Couples will enjoy the beautiful waterfront setting, the fine dining restaurants, and everything that the city has to offer. Head to the Old Port for romantic restaurants and a great atmosphere or catch a show at Portland Stage.

Is Portland, Maine or Whistler Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Whistler is well known for backpackers. However, Portland, Maine is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Whistler is a very popular village for backpackers and budget travelers. There are several hostels in the area that are perfect for backpackers and budget travelers.

Portland, Maine is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It isn't so much a backpacker destination, but there are some budget accommodation options around town.

Is Portland, Maine 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, Portland, Maine 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 Portland, Maine. There is a very basic bus system but you really must have a car to explore the city.

Is Portland, Maine or Whistler a more walkable city?

Whistler is well known for its ease of walking around. However, Portland, Maine is not particularly known for its walkability.

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

Portland, Maine is generally not a very walkable coastal town. Downtown is very walkable but if you want to travel to other areas you'll need a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Whistler or Portland, Maine?

How long in Portland, Maine or Whistler?

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

Families should spend more time in Whistler than Portland, Maine. 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 Portland, Maine. 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 Portland, Maine 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 Portland, Maine or Whistler?

The beautiful coastal town of Portland, Maine offers nightlife and food. Most people come for the beaches. 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.

The charming destination of Whistler offers skiing and nightlife. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Portland, Maine or Whistler?

Portland, Maine is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this coastal town makes for a great vacation. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Portland, Maine, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

The village of Whistler offers nightlife and food. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Portland, Maine or Whistler?

Portland, Maine 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 great place to explore. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This village offers something for everyone. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

A week in Portland, Maine or Whistler?

Portland, Maine is a great place to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This coastal town offers something for everyone.

Many people enjoy the shopping and skiing when visiting Whistler. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage, The Best Contiki Tours to Canada, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Canada.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Portland, Maine and Whistler, we can see that Portland, Maine 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 Portland, Maine would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Portland, Maine 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 Portland, Maine Expensive? and Is Whistler Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Portland, Maine or Whistler?

Portland, Maine has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Whistler. When comparing the sizes of Portland, Maine 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 Portland, Maine 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 Portland, Maine or Whistler in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Portland, Maine and Whistler. Many travelers come to Portland, Maine for the beaches, the hiking, 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.

In the summer, Portland, Maine is a little warmer than Whistler. Typically, the summer temperatures in Portland, Maine in July average around 69°F (20°C), and Whistler averages at about 18°C (64°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Whistler this time of the year. In Portland, Maine, it's very sunny this time of the year. Portland, Maine usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Whistler during summer. Portland, Maine gets 282 hours of sunny skies, while Whistler receives 296 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Portland, Maine usually receives more rain than Whistler. Portland, Maine gets 2.6 inches (66 mm) of rain, while Whistler receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Portland, Maine or Whistler in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Portland, Maine as well as Whistler. Many visitors come to Portland, Maine in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. 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 October, Portland, Maine is generally cooler than Whistler. Daily temperatures in Portland, Maine average around 49°F (9°C), and Whistler fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In the autumn, Portland, Maine often gets more sunshine than Whistler. Portland, Maine gets 196 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Whistler receives 124 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Whistler. Portland, Maine usually gets less rain in October than Whistler. Portland, Maine gets 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain, while Whistler receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Portland, Maine or Whistler in the Winter?

Both Whistler and Portland, Maine are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Portland, Maine for the Christmas ambience, 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. Portland, Maine can be very cold during winter. Portland, Maine is much colder than Whistler in the winter. The daily temperature in Portland, Maine averages around 21°F (-6°C) in January, and Whistler fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).

Portland, Maine usually receives more sunshine than Whistler during winter. Portland, Maine gets 163 hours of sunny skies, while Whistler receives 55 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Whistler. In January, Portland, Maine usually receives less rain than Whistler. Portland, Maine gets 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain, while Whistler receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Portland, Maine or Whistler in the Spring?

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

In the spring, Portland, Maine is much colder than Whistler. Typically, the spring temperatures in Portland, Maine in April average around 43°F (6°C), and Whistler averages at about 9°C (49°F).

It's quite sunny in Portland, Maine. In the spring, Portland, Maine often gets more sunshine than Whistler. Portland, Maine gets 212 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Whistler receives 172 hours of full sun.

Whistler gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Portland, Maine usually gets less rain in April than Whistler. Portland, Maine gets 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain, while Whistler receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Whistler and Portland, Maine