A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Vail vs. Whistler for Skiing, Hiking, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Vail or Whistler?

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

Should I visit Vail or Whistler? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Vail

Vail is a charming, picturesque, and scenic ski town. This is also a fantastic small town with plenty of charm and local activities. Vail is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It also has that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. It's also known for skiing, nightlife, and live music. See Vail travel costs.

Whistler

Whistler is a outdoorsy, charming, and adventurous village. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. The beauty of Whistler is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food, hiking, and shopping. See Whistler travel costs.

Vail and Whistler: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Vail or Whistler?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Vail. Although Vail and Whistler are popular destinations, Vail has more sights and attractions for tourists. Vail is very popular for its music, shopping, christmas markets, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere, while Whistler attracts visitors for its museums and attractions, food, and hiking. Vail is famous for its world-class skiing, charming mountain town atmosphere, and adventurous outdoor activities. It is also well known for The Vail Ski Resort. Whistler is famous for its world renowned skiing and snowboarding.

How is Vail different from Whistler?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Vail or Whistler Better for Skiing?

For skiing and winter sports, both Vail and Whistler provide fantastic options.

If you're an avid snow skiier, Vail should be on your list. This ski town has produced its share of Olympians. Vail is the third largest ski resort in the US and it has 31 lifts and 195 runs. There are five different bowls that offer beautiful views.

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.

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

Whistler is adequate for its historical sights. However, Vail does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Vail does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Whistler is a great village for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Vail is not as popular, but is still a nice ski town for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Whistler has a huge number of terrific 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.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Vail area. The town has a diverse sampling of restaurants that include different ethnic options as well as taverns with comfort food. It's easy to find mountain-friendly restaurants where you can refuel during your ski vacation.

Is Vail or Whistler Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find very good options in both Vail and Whistler.

The nightlife in Vail has something for everybody. Happy Hours start early, and then the partying can go late into the night. There are bars, lounges, breweries and live music that keep the atmosphere light and offer entertainment after your long day on the slopes. Do keep in mind that many places close or dramatically reduce their hours during the off-peak fall and spring months.

Whistler offers plenty to do in the evening. After a day on the slopes, you can enjoy the lively nightlife that includes après ski bars, nightclubs, and late night parties.

Is Vail or Whistler Better for Music?

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

The music scene helps keep Vail active and fun. You can often find live music at Shakedown Bar, Bridge Street Bar, and the Red Lion.

Whistler is not a live music destination.

Is Vail or Whistler Better for Resorts?

Vail and Whistler offer a relatively similar set of very good luxury resort options.

Vail is known as a popular and fun resort destination. Designed as a resort town, Vail offers great accommodation. Nice resorts include Four Seasons Resort and Residences, the Ritz Carlton Club, and the Grand Hyatt.

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.

Is Vail or Whistler Better for Hiking?

Whistler is a must-visit destination for hiking. Also, Vail is not as popular, but is still a nice ski town for the nearby hiking options.

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

Vail is a popular spot for hiking. During the warmer months, this resort town is surrounded by world-class hiking trails. You can enjoy the wildflowers, search for wildlife, or take in the sweeping mountain views. Popular hikes near Vail include Booth Falls, Davos Trail, and Shrine Ridge.

Is the Shopping Better in Vail or Whistler?

Vail is a well-known place for shopping. Also, Whistler is not as famous, but is still a good village to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Vail is an extremely popular place for shoppers. The cobblestone streets are lined with boutiques and ski shops that sell everything from evening dresses to outdoor gear. It's easy to pop into the many shops around downtown Vail and find anything you might need.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Whistler. The village offers great shopping where you can pick up local items or any ski gear you may have forgotten.

Is Vail or Whistler More Beautiful?

Vail and Whistler are somewhat similar when it comes to the very good scenery.

The beauty of Vail is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. It is a beautiful town that has stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

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

Is Vail or Whistler Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Vail or Whistler.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Vail is a very family-friendly destination. With its world class skiing, rock climbing, ice skating, and ice cream, kids love this ski resort. The resort town has two terrain parks - Golden Peak and Avanti. Avanti is perfect for kids. It has small jumps, wide rails, and kid-friendly amenities. Golden Peak is designed for more advanced athletes. Vail also has nice beginner slopes that are great for kids.

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.

Is Vail or Whistler Better for Couples?

Vail is renowned for romance. Also, Whistler is not as famous, but is still a good village to visit for its romantic activities.

Vail has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. Couples who enjoy skiing and outdoor adventure will appreciate everything that this ski town has to offer. There are nice restaurants, beautiful gardens, and plenty of romantic activities to choose from.

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.

Is Vail or Whistler Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Whistler is a great village for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Vail is not as popular, but is still a nice ski town for backpackers.

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

Vail is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. This ski town isn't completely closed off to budget travelers as there are a couple of hostels around town.

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

Vail 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.

Vail has a few public transit options. There is a free bus service through the area.

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

Is Vail or Whistler a more walkable city?

Vail is renowned for its walkability. Also, Whistler is not as famous, but is still a good village to visit for its high level of walkability.

It is easy to get around Vail on foot. The main downtown is pedestrian-only and perfect for popping in shops and restaurants.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Whistler or Vail?

How long in Vail or Whistler?

In either Vail or Whistler, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Vail than Whistler because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Vail, and 3-5 days is enough time in Whistler.

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

Couples should spend more time in Vail than Whistler. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Vail that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Whistler than Vail 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 Vail or Whistler?

Vail is a small town where visitors enjoy the shopping and skiing. 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.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Whistler. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Vail or Whistler?

Vail 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.

Whistler is a fun place to experience. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Vail or Whistler?

Vail is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that skiing is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Vail, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and skiing when visiting the outdoorsy destination of Whistler. This village offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

A week in Vail or Whistler?

Vail is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that skiing is why people visit. It is common to spend one week here. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Vail has to offer. This ski town offers something for everyone.

The outdoorsy village of Whistler offers skiing and nightlife. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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 Camping Tours in United States of America, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples 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 Vail and Whistler, we can see that Vail 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 Vail would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Vail 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 Vail Expensive? and Is Whistler Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Vail or Whistler?

Whistler has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Vail. When comparing the sizes of Vail 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.