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

Should you visit Seattle or Whistler?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Seattle or Whistler, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Seattle

Seattle is a laid-back, bustling, and progressive city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. Seattle is a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and food. See Seattle travel costs.

Whistler

Whistler is a charming, adventurous, and outdoorsy village. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. With stunning beauty, Whistler attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include shopping, skiing, and nightlife. See Whistler travel costs.

Seattle and Whistler: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Seattle or Whistler?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Seattle than Whistler, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Seattle is better known for its museums and attractions, theatre productions, music, beaches, and big city activities, while Whistler is more popular for its skiing, resorts, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Whistler is more touristy than Seattle and is known for its world renowned skiing and snowboarding. Seattle is well known for its beautiful waterfront setting, diverse culinary scene, thriving art and cultural venues, and being the home of many international tech companies. Also, Seattle is famous for The Space Needle.

How is Seattle different from Whistler?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Seattle or Whistler Better for Skiing?

Whistler is renowned for snow skiing. However, Seattle is not a skiing destination.

The snow ski experience you'll have in Whistler is among the best in 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.

Seattle is not a skiing destination.

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

Seattle 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 Seattle can be an interesting and educational experience. The city's most iconic landmark is the Space Needle. There's also a zoo, aquarium, and a handful of nice museums. Several favorites include the Chihuly Garden and Glass, the Museum of History & Industry, and the Seattle Art 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 Seattle or Whistler Better for Theater?

Seattle is a nice place to visit for theatre. However, Whistler is not a theatre destination.

Seattle offers a number of shows and performances. There are a handful of theaters where you can enjoy traveling Broadway shows or smaller productions.

Whistler is not a theatre destination.

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

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at superb restaurants in both Seattle and Whistler.

Dining out in Seattle is an experience not to be missed. The city has many diverse dining options that make it a popular foodie destination. The seafood is world-class with many restaurants offering fresh caught salmon and oysters. There are also many great Asian restaurants with Pho, sushi, and dim sum all being popular around town. Seattle is also famous as the birthplace of Starbucks coffee, and both chain and independent coffee shops are common. Finally, make sure you check out the donuts at Pike's Place Market.

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.

Is Seattle or Whistler Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are superb in both Seattle and Whistler.

Seattle has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The city is known for its breweries and eclectic nightlife scene. There is a thriving theater scene as well as many bars and trendy restaurants. The best neighborhoods for nightlife include Capitol Hill, Belltown, and Downtown.

Whistler has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. After a day on the slopes, you can enjoy the lively nightlife that includes après ski bars, nightclubs, and late night parties.

Is Seattle or Whistler Better for Music?

Seattle is a well-known place for live music. However, Whistler is not a live music destination.

The music scene in Seattle is very popular with diverse venues. The city has developed its own music culture around several genres including alternative rock and grunge.

Whistler is not a live music destination.

Is Seattle or Whistler Better for Resorts?

Whistler is notable for its resorts. However, Seattle is not a resort destination.

Whistler is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. 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.

Seattle is not a resort destination.

Is Seattle or Whistler Better for Beaches?

Seattle is a nice place to visit for its beaches. However, Whistler is not a beach destination.

Seattle has a beach worth visiting. The city is surrounded by water so there are a number of rocky and sandy beaches nearby. Some beaches are more popular with locals while others attract a large amount of tourists. Alki Beach Park, Discovery Park, and Golden Gardens Park are among the best.

Whistler is not a beach destination.

Is Seattle or Whistler Better for Hiking?

Whistler is renowned for the nearby hiking options. Also, Seattle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its hiking trails.

Known for its hiking, Whistler draws a crowd to experience the nature and the 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.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Seattle. It's famously an outdoorsy city and the hiking will not disappoint. Within a half hour drive of town you'll find beautiful forests and stunning natural beauty. Head into the Cascades, to the coastal rainforests, or around Mount Rainier for all kinds of diverse landscapes. Seattle is well situated for you to experience hiking through the diverse Pacific Northwest landscapes.

Is the Shopping Better in Seattle or Whistler?

Both Seattle and Whistler are notable shopping destinations.

Many visitors go to Seattle to go shopping. Shopping in town has an eclectic mix of high end brands, local vendors, and vintage shops. There are farmers markets as well as the famous Pike Place Market, but also major malls with all of the standard department stores.

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 Seattle or Whistler More Beautiful?

Whistler is notable for its scenery and beauty. Also, Seattle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its scenery and 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.

Seattle is a gorgeous place to visit. Set against the backdrop of Mt. Rainier, the city has both natural and architectural beauty. It's also beautifully situated on the water with lots of parks and vegetation throughout.

Is Seattle or Whistler Better for Families?

Whistler is renowned for its family-friendly activities. Also, Seattle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Whistler is an amazing family-friendly village to visit. 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.

Seattle is a family-friendly city. This is an outdoor city with plenty of places where kids can run around and experience nature. There are several good museums as well as outdoor activities, parks, and a zoo. Make sure you check out the Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture, Volunteer Park, and Artists at Play Playground.

Is Seattle or Whistler Better for Couples?

Whistler is notable for couples. Also, Seattle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for romance.

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

Seattle is a nice destination for couples. The city has a laid back vibe, a nice downtown area, and plenty of outdoor activities. There are a diversity of restaurants to enjoy and a great nightlife scene that makes for a good couple's getaway.

Is Seattle or Whistler Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Whistler is notable for backpackers. Also, Seattle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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.

Seattle is a good city to visit for backpackers. Although it's not the most popular city for backpackers in America, the city's chill vibe, fun breweries, and lively setting make it a great spot for young backpackers.

Is Seattle or Whistler Better for Students?

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

Seattle is a great city to visit as a student. It is a major IT center with a large university, so international students will have plenty of opportunities here. It's also a vibrant city with many outdoor recreational opportunities and a fun nightlife scene.

Whistler is not popular with students.

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

Seattle 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.

Seattle has a few public transit options. There is a light rail system, a monorail, a street car, and buses.

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

Is Seattle or Whistler a more walkable city?

Seattle and Whistler both are superb when exploring on foot.

Seattle is a very walkable destination. Many neighborhoods are very walkable, particularly in the downtown and major tourist areas.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Whistler or Seattle?

How long in Seattle or Whistler?

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

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

Seattle is a big city with plenty to do. 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.

In Whistler, you'll find skiing and nightlife. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This village offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Seattle or Whistler?

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

In Whistler, you'll find nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Seattle or Whistler?

Seattle 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. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Whistler has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Seattle or Whistler?

Seattle 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Whistler. Many people enjoy the shopping and skiing when visiting Whistler. It's also a relaxing resort destination. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

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

Which is Bigger, Seattle or Whistler?

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

Both Whistler and Seattle are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Seattle because of the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Whistler this time of year.

In the summer, Seattle is around the same temperature as Whistler. Typically, the summer temperatures in Seattle in July average around 67°F (19°C), and Whistler averages at about 18°C (64°F).

It's quite sunny in Whistler. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Seattle. Seattle usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Whistler during summer. Seattle gets 313 hours of sunny skies, while Whistler receives 296 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Seattle usually receives less rain than Whistler. Seattle gets 0.9 inches (22 mm) of rain, while Whistler receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Seattle or Whistler in the Autumn?

Both Whistler and Seattle during the autumn are popular places to visit. The hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Seattle this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Whistler for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Seattle is generally a little warmer than Whistler. Daily temperatures in Seattle average around 54°F (12°C), and Whistler fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In the autumn, Seattle often gets more sunshine than Whistler. Seattle gets 143 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Whistler receives 124 hours of full sun.

Whistler gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Seattle usually gets less rain in October than Whistler. Seattle gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Whistler receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Seattle or Whistler in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Seattle and Whistler. Many travelers come to Seattle for the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Whistler in the winter for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Whistler can get quite cold in the winter. Seattle is a little warmer than Whistler in the winter. The daily temperature in Seattle averages around 42°F (5°C) in January, and Whistler fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).

Seattle usually receives more sunshine than Whistler during winter. Seattle gets 67 hours of sunny skies, while Whistler receives 55 hours of full sun in the winter.

Whistler receives a lot of rain in the winter. Seattle gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Seattle usually receives less rain than Whistler. Seattle gets 5.4 inches (136 mm) of rain, while Whistler receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Seattle or Whistler in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Seattle as well as Whistler. Many visitors come to Seattle in the spring for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty. Additionally, most visitors come to Whistler for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Seattle is a little warmer than Whistler. Typically, the spring temperatures in Seattle in April average around 51°F (11°C), and Whistler averages at about 9°C (49°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Seattle this time of the year. In the spring, Seattle often gets more sunshine than Whistler. Seattle gets 212 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Whistler receives 172 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Whistler. Seattle usually gets less rain in April than Whistler. Seattle gets 2.5 inches (64 mm) of rain, while Whistler receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Whistler and Seattle