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

Should you visit Portland or Whistler?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Portland and Whistler can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Portland

Portland is a laid-back, progressive, and quirky city. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. Portland is a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and hiking. See Portland travel costs.

Whistler

Whistler is a adventurous, outdoorsy, and charming village. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. Whistler is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include skiing, nightlife, and food. See Whistler travel costs.

Portland and Whistler: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Portland or Whistler?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Whistler. Although Portland 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 Portland is known for its music. Whistler is more touristy than Portland and is popular for its world renowned skiing and snowboarding. It is also home to Cloudraker Skybridge. Portland is popular for its independent and vintage shops, thriving art scene, lush parks and gardens, progressive and quirky personality, and easy access to amazing natural beauty.

How is Portland different from Whistler?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Portland or Whistler Better for Skiing?

Whistler is very popular for skiing and snowboarding. However, Portland is not a skiing destination.

Visitors will find world class skiing in Whistler. 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 is not a skiing destination.

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

Spend time exploring the decent sights and museums in either Portland or Whistler.

While most people don't head to Portland specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. Visitors usually come for the city's outdoor recreation and eclectic personality more than the landmarks and museums. There are a few places to visit on a rainy day though including Pittock Mansion, the Portland Art Museum, and the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry.

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.

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

Whistler is a very popular place for its restaurants. However, Portland is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Whistler. 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Portland. The town is more famous for it's craft beer than it's food, but there are still a number of local restaurants that offer unique Oregon dishes. You'll find no shortage of vegetarian and vegan options on most menus. There is also a big farm-to-table scene with many farmers markets around town as well.

Is Portland or Whistler Better for Nightlife?

Whistler is a very popular place for nightlife. Also, Portland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Whistler has a large number of nightlife venues. After a day on the slopes, you can enjoy the lively nightlife that includes après ski bars, nightclubs, and late night parties.

Portland has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. Famously, this town's nightlife is all about the craft beer and local breweries. Make sure you check out Bailey's Taproom, The Big Legrowlski, and The Commons Brewery.

Is Portland or Whistler Better for Music?

Portland is a nice place to visit for live music. However, Whistler is not a live music destination.

The music scene helps keep Portland active and fun. The town has a thriving live music and international folk dancing scene.

Whistler is not a live music destination.

Is Portland or Whistler Better for Resorts?

Whistler is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Portland is not a resort destination.

In Whistler, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. 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 is not a resort destination.

Is Portland or Whistler Better for Hiking?

Whistler is very popular for its hiking trails. Also, Portland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

Around Whistler visitors will find world-class hiking trails. 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.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Portland. Just outside of town you'll find amazing hikes and stunning natural beauty. In town there are many urban hikes through parks and gardens, but in just a short drive you also have access to Mount Hood and many of the region's most beautiful hikes around the Columbia River Gorge.

Is the Shopping Better in Portland or Whistler?

Shoppers can find a variety of good stores in both Portland and Whistler.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Portland. To fully experience shopping in town, head to the local vendors and thrift shops. There are many vintage clothing shops, book stores, and independent sellers around town. The city is also full of farmers markets. For some of the most interesting shopping, check out the Pearl District, Pioneer Place, Union Way, and Downtown neighborhoods.

Whistler offers some nice shopping areas. The village offers great shopping where you can pick up local items or any ski gear you may have forgotten.

Is Portland or Whistler More Beautiful?

Whistler is a very popular place for its scenery and beauty. Also, Portland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its scenery and 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.

Portland is a beautiful place to visit, too. Surrounded by mountains and filled with parks and greenspace, many people find this town to be quite beautiful.

Is Portland or Whistler Better for Families?

Whistler is very popular for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Portland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Whistler is an extremely popular village to visit for families. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Portland. This is an outdoor city by nature, so families will appreciate the many parks and outdoor recreational activities around town. It's easy to fill a couple of days exploring and having fun with the kids. Kid-friendly activities include the zoo, the aerial tram, and several great museums.

Is Portland or Whistler Better for Couples?

Whistler is a very popular place for romance. Also, Portland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Whistler makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who enjoy an adventure will love the year-round outdoor sports. There are also romantic spas, fine dining, and scenic gondola rides.

Portland makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The laid-back, alternative vibe is fun to explore as a couple. There are independent bookstores, nice parks, and plenty of outdoor activities to choose from. Couples who enjoy an eclectic city, breweries, and nature, will find a lot to do in town.

Is Portland or Whistler Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Portland and Whistler are both high quality destinations for backpackers.

Portland is very popular with the backpacker crowd. The town has drawn young explorers for years, and backpackers who like to step away from the mainstream will feel right at home here.

Whistler is a great city to visit for backpackers. There are several hostels in the area that are perfect for backpackers and budget travelers.

Is Portland or Whistler Better for Students?

Portland is a nice place to visit for students. However, Whistler is not popular with students.

Portland is a good city to visit for students. It's a young and relaxed city that attracts independent thinkers. There are many bookstores and breweries around town. The cost of living can be a bit high though.

Whistler is not popular with students.

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

Portland is a nice place to visit for its public transit. However, Whistler is not a good village for times when you don't have a car.

Portland has a few public transit options. The town has a bus and light rail system as well the Aerial tram.

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

Is Portland or Whistler a more walkable city?

Portland and Whistler are high quality when it comes to walkability.

Portland is very walkable. It is quite walkable, particularly in the tourist areas such as Downtown, Pearl, and Old Town Chinatown.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Whistler or Portland?

How long in Portland or Whistler?

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

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

The city of Portland offers nightlife and live music. 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.

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 Portland or Whistler?

Portland is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Portland, 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 Portland or Whistler?

Portland 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 Portland or Whistler?

Portland 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 city 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 Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, 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 and Whistler, we can see that Portland 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 would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Portland 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 Expensive? and Is Whistler Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Portland or Whistler?

Portland has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Whistler. When comparing the sizes of Portland 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 or Whistler?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Portland or Whistler in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Portland as well as Whistler. Most visitors come to Portland for the hiking, the small town charm, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Whistler because of the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

Portland is a little warmer than Whistler in the summer. The daily temperature in Portland averages around 68°F (20°C) in July, and Whistler fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Whistler. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Portland this time of the year. In the summer, Portland often gets more sunshine than Whistler. Portland gets 338 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Whistler receives 296 hours of full sun.

Portland usually gets less rain in July than Whistler. Portland gets 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain, while Whistler receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Portland or Whistler in the Autumn?

Both Whistler and Portland are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Portland because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the music scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Whistler this time of year.

In the autumn, Portland is a little warmer than Whistler. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Portland in October average around 55°F (13°C), and Whistler averages at about 11°C (51°F).

Portland usually receives more sunshine than Whistler during autumn. Portland gets 155 hours of sunny skies, while Whistler receives 124 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Whistler. In October, Portland usually receives less rain than Whistler. Portland gets 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain, while Whistler receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Portland or Whistler in the Winter?

Both Whistler and Portland during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Portland this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Whistler for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Whistler. It's quite cold in Portland in the winter. In January, Portland is generally around the same temperature as Whistler. Daily temperatures in Portland average around 40°F (4°C), and Whistler fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).

In the winter, Portland often gets more sunshine than Whistler. Portland gets 86 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Whistler receives 55 hours of full sun.

Whistler gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Portland. Portland usually gets less rain in January than Whistler. Portland gets 5.2 inches (132 mm) of rain, while Whistler receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Portland or Whistler in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Portland and Whistler. Many travelers come to Portland for the small town charm and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Whistler in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

Portland is a little warmer than Whistler in the spring. The daily temperature in Portland averages around 51°F (11°C) in April, and Whistler fluctuates around 9°C (49°F).

In Portland, it's very sunny this time of the year. Portland usually receives more sunshine than Whistler during spring. Portland gets 231 hours of sunny skies, while Whistler receives 172 hours of full sun in the spring.

Whistler receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Portland usually receives less rain than Whistler. Portland gets 2.4 inches (61 mm) of rain, while Whistler receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Whistler and Portland