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

Should you visit Providence or Whistler?

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 Providence and Whistler. 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.

Providence

Providence is a friendly, fascinating, and active city. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping. See Providence travel costs.

Whistler

Whistler is a charming, adventurous, and outdoorsy village. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. With stunning beauty, Whistler attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the nightlife, food, and hiking. See Whistler travel costs.

Providence and Whistler: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Providence or Whistler?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Whistler than Providence, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Whistler is better known for its skiing, nightlife, resorts, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Providence is more popular for its museums and attractions. Whistler is more touristy than Providence and is popular for its world renowned skiing and snowboarding. Also, Whistler is famous for Cloudraker Skybridge. Providence is well known for its outdoor parks, historic atmosphere, and college town vibe.

How is Providence different from Whistler?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Providence or Whistler Better for Skiing?

Whistler is an unbeatable place for skiing. However, Providence is not a skiing destination.

Whistler is a top destination for snow skiing, and it attracts visitors from around the world. 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.

Providence is not a skiing destination.

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

Providence is a nice place to visit for its sights and museums. However, Whistler is not a good village for its museums and history.

Providence is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are several historical museums around town as well as art museums, zoos, a planetarium and natural history museum, and even a children's museum.

While most people don't head to Whistler specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. There is a local museum where you can learn about the areas culture and heritage.

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

Dining out at restaurants in both Providence and Whistler can be an enjoyable experience.

Providence has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The food scene around town has grown and diversified in recent years. You'll find a mix of international and local options and for such a small city, it really has a lot to offer.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Whistler makes for a great culinary experience. 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.

Is Providence or Whistler Better for Nightlife?

Whistler is a great village for its evening party scene. Also, Providence is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife.

The nightlife in Whistler has something for everybody. After a day on the slopes, you can enjoy the lively nightlife that includes après ski bars, nightclubs, and late night parties.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Providence. Comedy clubs, bars, and clubs keep the energy high during the evening hours. It's not hard to find something to do, particularly on weekend nights.

Is Providence or Whistler Better for Resorts?

Whistler is a great village for its luxury resorts. However, Providence is not a resort destination.

There are plenty of resorts in Whistler to choose from. 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.

Providence is not a resort destination.

Is Providence or Whistler Better for Hiking?

Whistler is an unbeatable place for hiking. However, Providence is not a hiking destination.

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

Providence is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Providence or Whistler?

If you're looking to go shopping, Providence and Whistler both offer plenty of notable spots.

Providence has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Malls, shopping centers, and boutiques all offer a range of shopping experiences around town.

Whistler is a great destination for shopping. The village offers great shopping where you can pick up local items or any ski gear you may have forgotten.

Is Providence or Whistler More Beautiful?

Whistler is a great village for its scenery and beauty. However, Providence is not a destination known for its beauty.

With stunning beauty, Whistler attracts visitors from all around. The town sits in a valley that is surrounded by stunning mountains and impressive glaciers.

Providence is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Providence or Whistler Better for Families?

Whistler is an unbeatable place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Providence is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Whistler is very family-friendly. 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.

Providence is a family-friendly place to visit. There are opportunities for kids to interact with animals at the Roger Williams Park Zoo, as well as plenty of places for kids to run around like Rocky Point Park or Goddard Memorial State Park. There's also the Providence Children's Museum, go carting, and entertainment centers.

Is Providence or Whistler Better for Couples?

Whistler is a great village for couples. Also, Providence is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Whistler is a great village if you're traveling as 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.

Providence is a nice destination for couples. You can see a show at the Providence Performing Arts Center or visit some of the city's historic buildings and museums. There are also parks and coastal walks as well as many great restaurants.

Is Providence or Whistler Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Whistler is a great village for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Providence is not known for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Whistler. There are several hostels in the area that are perfect for backpackers and budget travelers.

Providence is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a couple of hostels around town for those who want an affordable place to stay.

Is Providence or Whistler Better for Students?

Providence is a well-known place for students. However, Whistler is not popular with students.

Providence is a great city to visit as a student. There's a college town vibe to this small city because it's home to Brown University, which is a member of the Ivy League.

Whistler is not popular with students.

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

Providence 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.

Providence has a few public transit options. There are RIPTA buses that travel around town.

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

Is Providence or Whistler a more walkable city?

Providence and Whistler are great when it comes to walkability.

Providence is a very walkable destination. It's a walkable city and it's relatively easy to explore on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Whistler or Providence?

How long in Providence or Whistler?

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

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

The city of Providence offers food and shopping. 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.

With shopping and skiing around the charming village of Whistler, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Providence or Whistler?

Providence 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. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Providence, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

With skiing and nightlife around the destination of Whistler, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Five days in Providence or Whistler?

Providence 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, a popular village, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this village. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Providence or Whistler?

Providence is a great place to explore. 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 popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

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

Which is Bigger, Providence or Whistler?

Providence has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Whistler. When comparing the sizes of Providence 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 Providence 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 Providence or Whistler in the Summer?

Both Whistler and Providence during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Providence in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Whistler for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Providence is a little warmer than Whistler. Typically, the summer temperatures in Providence in July average around 73°F (23°C), and Whistler averages at about 18°C (64°F).

In Whistler, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Providence. In the summer, Providence often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Whistler. Providence gets 293 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Whistler receives 296 hours of full sun.

Providence usually gets more rain in July than Whistler. Providence gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Whistler receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Providence or Whistler in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Providence and Whistler. Most visitors come to Providence for the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Whistler because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Providence is generally a little warmer than Whistler. Daily temperatures in Providence average around 53°F (12°C), and Whistler fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In Providence, it's very sunny this time of the year. Providence usually receives more sunshine than Whistler during autumn. Providence gets 211 hours of sunny skies, while Whistler receives 124 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Whistler receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Providence usually receives less rain than Whistler. Providence gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Whistler receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Providence or Whistler in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Providence as well as Whistler. The winter months attract visitors to Providence because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Whistler this time of year.

It's quite cold in Whistler in the winter. The weather in Providence can be very cold. Providence is much colder than Whistler in the winter. The daily temperature in Providence averages around 28°F (-2°C) in January, and Whistler fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).

In the winter, Providence often gets more sunshine than Whistler. Providence gets 170 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Whistler receives 55 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Whistler. Providence usually gets less rain in January than Whistler. Providence gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Whistler receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Providence or Whistler in the Spring?

Both Whistler and Providence are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Whistler for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Providence is around the same temperature as Whistler. Typically, the spring temperatures in Providence in April average around 48°F (9°C), and Whistler averages at about 9°C (49°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Providence. Providence usually receives more sunshine than Whistler during spring. Providence gets 225 hours of sunny skies, while Whistler receives 172 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Whistler. In April, Providence usually receives less rain than Whistler. Providence gets 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain, while Whistler receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Whistler and Providence