A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Redwood National Park vs. Vancouver for Hiking, Couples, Backpackers, and Families

Should you visit Redwood National Park 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 Redwood National Park 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.

Redwood National Park

Redwood National Park is a grand, impressive, and monumental park. Many visitors also come to Redwood National Park because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include beaches and hiking. See Redwood National Park travel costs.

Vancouver

Vancouver is a scenic, diverse, and friendly 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. Other popular activities here include food, hiking, and shopping. See Vancouver travel costs.

Redwood National Park and Vancouver: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Redwood National Park or Vancouver?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Vancouver than Redwood National Park, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Vancouver is better known for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Redwood National Park is more popular for its beaches and impressive beauty. Redwood National Park is well known for being the home of the world's tallest trees. Vancouver is well known for its beautiful setting, sweeping views, and welcoming atmosphere. Also, Vancouver is famous for Stanley Park.

How is Redwood National Park different from Vancouver?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Redwood National Park or Vancouver?

Vancouver is an amazing city to visit for its museums and landmarks. However, Redwood National Park is not particularly known for its historical sights.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Vancouver on the map. 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.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Redwood National Park. There is little in the form of museums, but you can visit the Thomas H. Kuchel Visitor Center on the south side of the park and see exhibits about Yurok culture and the area's ecology.

Is the Food Better in Redwood National Park or Vancouver? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Vancouver is well known for its restaurant scene. However, Redwood National Park is not particularly known for its local flavors and cuisine.

Dining out in Vancouver is an experience not to be missed. 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.

While Redwood National Park is not famous for its food, you'll find what you need there. There are no dining or grocery options within the park but there are some options just outside the park.

Is Redwood National Park or Vancouver Better for Nightlife?

Vancouver is well known for its evening party scene. However, Redwood National Park is not particularly known for nightlife.

Vancouver is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Redwood National Park The laid back setting offers little in the form of nightlife.

Is Redwood National Park or Vancouver Better for Beaches?

Redwood National Park is a good destination for its beaches. However, Vancouver is not a beach destination.

Redwood National Park offers a nice beach destination. The park runs along the Pacific coastline and there are 70 miles of coastal trail in the park. Beaches are rugged and sandy and favorite sections include Gold Bluff Beach, Crescent Beach, and Enderts Beach, which has great tidal pools.

Vancouver is not a beach destination.

Is Redwood National Park or Vancouver Better for Hiking?

Hiking trails can be found around both Redwood National Park and Vancouver, and they are terrific.

Redwood National Park is well-known for its hiking and trekking. Hikes range from coastal trails to world-renowned hikes through the redwoods. You'll feel humbled in the presence of these grand and majestic trees. Several of the most well-known hikes include Fern Canyon, the Cathedral Trees Trail, and Redwood Creek Trail.

People visit Vancouver specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Redwood National Park or Vancouver?

Vancouver is an amazing city to visit for its shopping areas. However, Redwood National Park is not particularly known for shopping.

Vancouver is a world class destination for shoppers. 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.

Shopping in Redwood National Park can be found for those interested. You'll find park stores at the visitor centers if you want to pick up a small gift or souvenir.

Is Redwood National Park or Vancouver More Beautiful?

Redwood National Park is a must-visit destination for its scenery and beauty. Also, Vancouver is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its scenery and beauty.

Many visitors also come to Redwood National Park because of it's amazing beauty. The majestic redwood trees will take your breath away. These ancient forests offer a truly unique experience and you'll feel small in comparison to their grand height.

The beauty of Vancouver is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. It sits between the Pacific Ocean and high reaching mountains, so the city offers spectacular views.

Is Redwood National Park or Vancouver Better for Families?

Both Redwood National Park and Vancouver are excellent family-friendly destinations.

Redwood National Park is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. There are plenty of kid-friendly hikes in the park and the kids will love exploring the varied landscapes and diverse ecosystems. Less than a mile long, Fern Canyon is the perfect hike for little kids and it's not-to-be-missed. Cathedral Trees Trail is three miles, and also a highlight of any trip to the park.

Vancouver is a very family-friendly destination. 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 Redwood National Park or Vancouver Better for Couples?

Vancouver is an amazing city to visit for couples. Also, Redwood National Park is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Vancouver is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. 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.

Redwood National Park is a great park if you're traveling as a couple. There are historic lodges that make for a romantic getaway. You can fill your days with hikes through magical landscapes and breathtaking settings surrounded by the impressive redwoods.

Is Redwood National Park or Vancouver Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Redwood National Park is a must-visit destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Vancouver is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent Redwood National Park. There are miles of backcountry trails that let you can explore the park in relative peace and solitude. This is an amazing way to experience the park, but do make sure you purchase a permit in advance.

Vancouver is a great park to visit for backpackers. It's a favorite city for backpackers who enjoy the many outdoor activities. There are also many hostels available around town.

Is Redwood National Park or Vancouver Better for Students?

Vancouver is well known for students. However, Redwood National Park is not popular with students.

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

Redwood National Park is not popular with students.

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

Vancouver is an amazing city to visit for its public transit. However, Redwood National Park is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

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.

Public transit is quite limited in Redwood National Park. There's no public transportation within the park.

Is Redwood National Park or Vancouver a more walkable city?

Vancouver is an amazing city to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Redwood National Park is not particularly known for its walkability.

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

Redwood National Park is not a very walkable park. The park is large and spread out, so you'll need a car to get around.

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

Should I spend more time in Vancouver or Redwood National Park?

How long in Redwood National Park or Vancouver?

In either Redwood National Park 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 Redwood National Park. However, 3-5 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

Couples should spend more time in Vancouver than Redwood National Park. 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 Redwood National Park 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.

One day in Redwood National Park or Vancouver?

You'll find around the park of Redwood National Park. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Redwood National Park or Vancouver?

You'll find around the impressive destination of Redwood National Park. 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 park offers a variety of activities to choose from.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Vancouver. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. It offers something for everyone.

Five days in Redwood National Park or Vancouver?

You'll find around the monumental park of Redwood National Park. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this park makes for a great vacation. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Most people head to the area for the hiking. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this park has to offer.

Vancouver is a fun place to experience. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Redwood National Park or Vancouver?

Redwood National Park is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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.

You'll find food and shopping around the outdoorsy big city of Vancouver. 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 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.

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

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

When is the best time to visit Redwood National Park or Vancouver?

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 Redwood National Park or Vancouver in the Summer?

Both Vancouver and Redwood National Park during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Redwood National Park because of the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Vancouver this time of year.

In the summer, Redwood National Park is cooler than Vancouver. Typically, the summer temperatures in Redwood National Park in July average around 57°F (14°C), and Vancouver averages at about 18°C (64°F).

In Vancouver, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Redwood National Park. In the summer, Redwood National Park often gets less sunshine than Vancouver. Redwood National Park gets 274 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vancouver receives 296 hours of full sun.

Redwood National Park usually gets less rain in July than Vancouver. Redwood National Park gets 0.1 inches (3 mm) of rain, while Vancouver receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Redwood National Park or Vancouver in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Redwood National Park and Vancouver. The hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Redwood National Park this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Vancouver for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Redwood National Park is generally a little warmer than Vancouver. Daily temperatures in Redwood National Park average around 55°F (13°C), and Vancouver fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Redwood National Park usually receives more sunshine than Vancouver during autumn. Redwood National Park gets 177 hours of sunny skies, while Vancouver receives 124 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Vancouver receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Redwood National Park usually receives less rain than Vancouver. Redwood National Park gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Vancouver receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Redwood National Park or Vancouver in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Redwood National Park as well as Vancouver. Also, many visitors come to Vancouver in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Vancouver can get quite cold in the winter. Redwood National Park is much warmer than Vancouver in the winter. The daily temperature in Redwood National Park averages around 48°F (9°C) in January, and Vancouver fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).

In the winter, Redwood National Park often gets more sunshine than Vancouver. Redwood National Park gets 135 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vancouver receives 55 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Vancouver. Redwood National Park receives a lot of rain in the winter. Redwood National Park usually gets less rain in January than Vancouver. Redwood National Park gets 6 inches (152 mm) of rain, while Vancouver receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Redwood National Park or Vancouver in the Spring?

Both Vancouver and Redwood National Park are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Redwood National Park in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Vancouver for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Redwood National Park is around the same temperature as Vancouver. Typically, the spring temperatures in Redwood National Park in April average around 50°F (10°C), and Vancouver averages at about 9°C (49°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Redwood National Park. Redwood National Park usually receives more sunshine than Vancouver during spring. Redwood National Park gets 254 hours of sunny skies, while Vancouver receives 172 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Vancouver. In April, Redwood National Park usually receives less rain than Vancouver. Redwood National Park gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Vancouver receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Vancouver and Redwood National Park