A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Salt Lake City vs. Whistler for Hiking, Families, Attractions, and Food

Should you visit Salt Lake City or Whistler?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Salt Lake City and Whistler can help you decide which place is right for you.

Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City is a religious, architectural, and notable city. It's also known for museums, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling. See Salt Lake City travel costs.

Whistler

Whistler is a charming, adventurous, and outdoorsy village. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. With stunning beauty, Whistler attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the hiking, shopping, and skiing. See Whistler travel costs.

Salt Lake City and Whistler: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Salt Lake City or Whistler?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Whistler than Salt Lake City, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Whistler is better known for its skiing, food, nightlife, resorts, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Salt Lake City is more popular for its museums and attractions and scuba diving & snorkeling. Whistler is more touristy than Salt Lake City and is popular for its world renowned skiing and snowboarding. Also, Whistler is famous for Cloudraker Skybridge. Salt Lake City is well known for its religious landmarks and its large Mormon population.

How is Salt Lake City different from Whistler?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Salt Lake City or Whistler Better for Skiing?

Whistler is a world-class destination for skiing and snowboarding. However, Salt Lake City is not a skiing destination.

Whistler is among the world's best ski destinations. 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.

Salt Lake City is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Salt Lake City or Whistler?

Salt Lake City is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Whistler is not a good village for its museums and history.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Salt Lake City can be an interesting and educational experience. Many of the fascinating sights around town are influenced by the city's Mormon culture. Temple Square is a highlight for most visitors. It spans 35 acres and is beautifully landscaped with several fountains. There are also four main churches - The Temple, the Tabernacle, the Temple Annex, and Assembly Hall. The city also has several museums such as the Natural History Museum and the historic Liberty Park.

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 Salt Lake City or Whistler? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Whistler is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Salt Lake City is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Whistler has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. 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.

Salt Lake City offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. In recent years the food scene has really improved and you'll find a variety of restaurants that serve everything from upscale dishes to more casual fare.

Is Salt Lake City or Whistler Better for Nightlife?

Whistler is a very popular place for its evening party scene. However, Salt Lake City is lacking in good options for nightlife.

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.

Salt Lake City is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. Known for its large Mormon population, nightlife isn't the first thing that comes to mind when you think about Salt Lake City. While it will likely never be a party city, there are a growing number of entertainment options around town.

Is Salt Lake City or Whistler Better for Resorts?

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

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Whistler. 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.

Salt Lake City is not a resort destination.

Is Salt Lake City or Whistler Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Salt Lake City is a nice place to visit for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Whistler is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Salt Lake City has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. There are a number of good ski resorts nearby, making this a good base or starting point for a ski vacation.

Whistler is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Salt Lake City or Whistler Better for Hiking?

Whistler is a world-class destination for its hiking trails. Also, Salt Lake City is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

Many people visit Whistler specifically for its hiking. 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.

Salt Lake City has hiking trails worth exploring. The city offers easy access to many diverse trails, so if you're a nature enthusiasts, you'll appreciate this destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Salt Lake City or Whistler?

Shoppers can find a variety of notable stores in both Salt Lake City and Whistler.

Salt Lake City has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The city has sprawling outlet malls as well as local stores and craft shops. City Creek Center is a favorite shopping destination, but there are also several large shopping malls that are worth visiting.

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 Salt Lake City or Whistler More Beautiful?

Whistler is a very popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Salt Lake City 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.

Salt Lake City is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Salt Lake City or Whistler Better for Families?

Whistler is a world-class destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Salt Lake City is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Whistler is one of the most popular family destinations. 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 Salt Lake City. There are museums that kids will enjoy like the Natural History Museum of Utah and the Leonardo Museum. There are also fun-filled activities like a visit to Lagoon Amusement Park. You can learn about history at This Is the Place Heritage Park or learn about the undersea world at Loveland Living Planet Aquarium.

Is Salt Lake City or Whistler Better for Couples?

Whistler is a very popular place for couples. Also, Salt Lake City is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

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.

Salt Lake City is a nice destination for couples. The city is filled with beautiful gardens like Red Butte Garden. There are also nice restaurants and romantic hotels that will make this a nice place for a couple's getaway.

Is Salt Lake City or Whistler Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Whistler is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Salt Lake City is lacking in good options 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.

Salt Lake City is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a couple of hostels in town, but most backpackers overlook this destination or breeze through town quickly.

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

Salt Lake City 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.

Salt Lake City has a few public transit options. There's a surprisingly good public transit system that includes light rail, buses, and commuter trains, but if you want to get out of town you'll need to have a car.

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

Is Salt Lake City or Whistler a more walkable city?

Whistler is a very popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Salt Lake City is lacking in good options for its walkability.

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

Salt Lake City is generally not very walkable. While some neighborhoods are walkable, like Temple Square, most visitors prefer to have a car.

For even more information, also check out Is Salt Lake City Worth Visiting? and Is Whistler Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Whistler or Salt Lake City?

How long in Salt Lake City or Whistler?

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

Families should spend more time in Whistler than Salt Lake City. 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 Salt Lake City. 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 Salt Lake City 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 Salt Lake City or Whistler?

The city of Salt Lake City offers scuba diving and snorkeling 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.

In Whistler, you'll find shopping and skiing. 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 Salt Lake City or Whistler?

Salt Lake City 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 Salt Lake City, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Whistler is a great place to explore. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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 Salt Lake City or Whistler?

Salt Lake City 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Whistler. 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 Salt Lake City or Whistler?

Salt Lake City 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.

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the village of Whistler. 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 Bicycle Tours in United States of America, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers 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 Salt Lake City and Whistler, we can see that Salt Lake City 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 Salt Lake City would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Salt Lake City 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 Salt Lake City Expensive? and Is Whistler Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Salt Lake City or Whistler?

Salt Lake City has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Whistler. When comparing the sizes of Salt Lake City 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.