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

Should you visit Williamsburg 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 Williamsburg 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.

Williamsburg

Williamsburg is a historic, charming, and quaint town. Williamsburg is a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for food, shopping, and museums. See Williamsburg travel costs.

Whistler

Whistler is a charming, adventurous, and outdoorsy village. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. With stunning beauty, Whistler attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and hiking. See Whistler travel costs.

Williamsburg and Whistler: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Williamsburg or Whistler?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Whistler than Williamsburg, 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 Williamsburg is more popular for its museums and attractions, historical sights, and shopping. Whistler is more touristy than Williamsburg and is known for its world renowned skiing and snowboarding. Also, Whistler is famous for Cloudraker Skybridge. Williamsburg is well known for its historic and colonial charm, its award winning amusement parks, and its historical reenactments.

How is Williamsburg different from Whistler?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Williamsburg or Whistler Better for Skiing?

Whistler is a world-class destination for winter skiing. However, Williamsburg 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.

Williamsburg is not a skiing destination.

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

Williamsburg 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 Williamsburg can be an interesting and educational experience. Colonial Williamsburg is like a living museum with reenactments and historic buildings that date back to the colonial days. In addition to the historic area, there are folk art museums and other historic sights in the area.

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 Williamsburg or Whistler? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Williamsburg and Whistler both to be great destinations.

Dining out in Williamsburg is an experience not to be missed. Head to Historic Williamsburg if you want to try some colonial classics. There are historic taverns that maintain their old world charm and serve dishes such as peanut soup and stewed beef. Around town you'll also find casual restaurants with pizza, macaroni and cheese, and burgers.

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 Williamsburg or Whistler Better for Nightlife?

Whistler is a great destination for its evening party scene. However, Williamsburg is a town with minimal options for nightlife.

The people in Whistler know how to have a good time. After a day on the slopes, you can enjoy the lively nightlife that includes après ski bars, nightclubs, and late night parties.

Williamsburg doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. Despite its student population, there isn't much of a nightlife scene in town. There are restaurants where you can enjoy fine wine or cocktails, but nightclubs and bars are limited.

Is Williamsburg or Whistler Better for Resorts?

Whistler is a great destination for its resorts. However, Williamsburg 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.

Williamsburg is not a resort destination.

Is Williamsburg or Whistler Better for its Old Town?

Williamsburg is renowned for its historic old town. However, Whistler does not have a historic old town.

The old town of Williamsburg is one of the most recognized in the world. Colonial Williamsburg is an impressively maintained area with museums, shops, and taverns. There are live reenactments of historic events as well as blacksmiths, wig shops, and carriage rides. You can wander around without a ticket, but for access to many parts of the historic area you'll need to purchase a pass.

Whistler does not have a historic old town.

Is Williamsburg or Whistler Better for Hiking?

Whistler is a world-class destination for its hiking experiences. However, Williamsburg 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.

Williamsburg is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Williamsburg or Whistler?

Williamsburg 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.

Williamsburg is an extremely popular place for shoppers. Charming shops both in the historic area and just outside sell unique items that reflect the city's past. There are souvenirs, food items, cookbooks, and home decor to choose from.

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 Williamsburg or Whistler More Beautiful?

Whistler is a great destination for its scenery and beauty. Also, Williamsburg is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Williamsburg is a gorgeous place to visit. The area's colonial architecture gives it a historic and traditional beauty that appeals to visitors and residents alike.

Is Williamsburg or Whistler Better for Families?

Both Williamsburg and Whistler are world-class family-friendly destinations.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Williamsburg is very family-friendly. Older kids will appreciate the history in the area. For kids of all ages there are a number of amusement parks and water parks such as Great Wolf Lodge, Busch Gardens, and the award winning Water Country USA.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Whistler is a very family-friendly destination. 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 Williamsburg or Whistler Better for Couples?

Williamsburg and Whistler both great destinations for a couple.

Couples visit Williamsburg frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Historic Williamsburg is filled with inns and charming restaurants that make this a beautiful destination for couples. There are quaint restaurants that serve colonial food and interesting southern shops with unique trinkets. You can also wander around the campus of William and Mary College.

Whistler is a great town 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.

Is Williamsburg or Whistler Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Whistler is a great destination for backpackers. However, Williamsburg is a town with minimal options 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.

Williamsburg is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There's a number of restaurants and bars that cater to the student population, but there's little else that attracts backpackers.

Is Williamsburg or Whistler Better for Students?

Williamsburg is renowned for students. However, Whistler is not popular with students.

Williamsburg is a great destination for students. The College of William and Mary has a beautiful campus and students enjoy the charming atmosphere with colonial architecture around town. There are also good restaurants and a great collegiate vibe.

Whistler is not popular with students.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Williamsburg and Whistler.

Public transit is generally limited in Williamsburg. There are buses around town, and they offer access to Historic Williamsburg, but for most places you'll need to have your own car.

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

Is Williamsburg or Whistler a more walkable city?

Whistler is a great destination for its ease of walking around. However, Williamsburg is a town with minimal options for its walkability.

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

Williamsburg is generally not a very walkable town. Historic Williamsburg and the neighborhoods around the College of William and Mary are all walkable, but if you plan to visit the amusement parks then you'll absolutely need a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Whistler or Williamsburg?

How long in Williamsburg or Whistler?

In either Williamsburg or Whistler, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Whistler than Williamsburg because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Williamsburg, and 3-5 days is enough time in Whistler.

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

The town of Williamsburg offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this charming village offers. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Williamsburg or Whistler?

Williamsburg is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Williamsburg, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Whistler is a fun place to experience. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

Five days in Williamsburg or Whistler?

Williamsburg 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.

In Whistler, many people enjoy the shopping and skiing that this outdoorsy destination offers. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A week in Williamsburg or Whistler?

Williamsburg is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This town offers something for everyone.

Whistler is a popular place to visit. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, The Best Contiki Tours to Canada, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Canada.

When comparing the travel costs between Williamsburg and Whistler, we can see that Whistler is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Williamsburg or Whistler?

Williamsburg has a larger population, and is about 8% larger than the population of Whistler. When comparing the sizes of Williamsburg 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 Williamsburg 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 Williamsburg or Whistler in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Williamsburg and Whistler. Many visitors come to Williamsburg 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, Williamsburg is a little warmer than Whistler. Typically, the summer temperatures in Williamsburg in July average around 78°F (26°C), and Whistler averages at about 18°C (64°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Whistler this time of the year. In Williamsburg, it's very sunny this time of the year. Williamsburg usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Whistler during summer. Williamsburg gets 279 hours of sunny skies, while Whistler receives 296 hours of full sun in the summer.

Williamsburg gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Williamsburg usually receives more rain than Whistler. Williamsburg gets 4.7 inches (120 mm) of rain, while Whistler receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Williamsburg or Whistler in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Williamsburg as well as Whistler. Most visitors come to Williamsburg for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area 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, Williamsburg is generally much warmer than Whistler. Daily temperatures in Williamsburg average around 61°F (16°C), and Whistler fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Williamsburg this time of the year. In the autumn, Williamsburg often gets more sunshine than Whistler. Williamsburg gets 211 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Whistler receives 124 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Whistler. Williamsburg usually gets less rain in October than Whistler. Williamsburg gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Whistler receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Williamsburg or Whistler in the Winter?

Both Whistler and Williamsburg are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Williamsburg 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 Williamsburg can be very cold. Williamsburg is cooler than Whistler in the winter. The daily temperature in Williamsburg averages around 38°F (4°C) in January, and Whistler fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).

Williamsburg usually receives more sunshine than Whistler during winter. Williamsburg gets 168 hours of sunny skies, while Whistler receives 55 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Whistler. In January, Williamsburg usually receives less rain than Whistler. Williamsburg gets 3.6 inches (93 mm) of rain, while Whistler receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Williamsburg or Whistler in the Spring?

Both Whistler and Williamsburg during the spring are popular places to visit. The natural beauty are the main draw to Williamsburg this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Whistler for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Williamsburg is a little warmer than Whistler. Typically, the spring temperatures in Williamsburg in April average around 57°F (14°C), and Whistler averages at about 9°C (49°F).

It's quite sunny in Williamsburg. In the spring, Williamsburg often gets more sunshine than Whistler. Williamsburg gets 253 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Whistler receives 172 hours of full sun.

Whistler gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Williamsburg usually gets less rain in April than Whistler. Williamsburg gets 3 inches (76 mm) of rain, while Whistler receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Whistler and Williamsburg