A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Winston-Salem vs. Whistler for Families, Food, Nightlife, and Couples

Should you visit Winston-Salem or Whistler?

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

Should I visit Winston-Salem 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.

Winston-Salem

Winston-Salem is a under-rated, welcoming, and friendly city. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping. See Winston-Salem 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 food, hiking, and shopping. See Whistler travel costs.

Winston-Salem and Whistler: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Winston-Salem or Whistler?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Whistler than Winston-Salem, 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 Winston-Salem is more popular for its museums and attractions and historical sights. Whistler is more touristy than Winston-Salem and is known for its world renowned skiing and snowboarding. Also, Whistler is famous for Cloudraker Skybridge. Winston-Salem is well known for it's southern character and quaint college campuses.

How is Winston-Salem different from Whistler?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Winston-Salem or Whistler Better for Skiing?

Whistler is renowned for snow skiing. However, Winston-Salem is not a skiing destination.

If you're an avid snow skiier, Whistler should be on your list. 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.

Winston-Salem is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Winston-Salem or Whistler?

Winston-Salem is a nice place to visit for its sights and museums. However, Whistler is not a good village for its museums and history.

Winston-Salem is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Old Salem has a nice concentration of museums and gardens. Outside of the old town you'll find several art museums like the Museum of Early Southern Decorative Arts and the Reynolda House Museum of American Art.

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 Winston-Salem or Whistler? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Whistler is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Winston-Salem is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Dining out in Whistler is an experience not to be missed. 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 plenty of up and coming restaurants around Winston-Salem. North Carolina barbecue is popular around town. The city is also the birthplace of Krispy Kreme donuts and during the holiday season you should sample the local Moravian Cookies.

Is Winston-Salem or Whistler Better for Nightlife?

Whistler is notable for its evening party scene. Also, Winston-Salem is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife.

Whistler has plenty to do after the sun goes down. After a day on the slopes, you can enjoy the lively nightlife that includes après ski bars, nightclubs, and late night parties.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Winston-Salem. Local breweries are popping up around town. You'll also find active nightlife venues near the colleges and universities.

Is Winston-Salem or Whistler Better for Resorts?

Whistler is notable for its resorts. However, Winston-Salem is not a resort destination.

Whistler is known as a popular and fun resort destination. 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.

Winston-Salem is not a resort destination.

Is Winston-Salem or Whistler Better for its Old Town?

Winston-Salem is a nice place to visit for its historic old town. However, Whistler does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Winston-Salem to see the historical old town. Nearby Old Salem is filled with historic museums, gardens, and restaurants. A ticket is required for most of the venues, but the atmosphere and architecture are charming.

Whistler does not have a historic old town.

Is Winston-Salem or Whistler Better for Hiking?

Whistler is renowned for the nearby hiking options. However, Winston-Salem is not a hiking destination.

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.

Winston-Salem is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Winston-Salem or Whistler?

Both Winston-Salem and Whistler are notable shopping destinations.

Many visitors go to Winston-Salem to go shopping. You'll find a mix of larger shopping malls, retail outlets, and shopping centers around town.

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 Winston-Salem or Whistler More Beautiful?

Whistler is notable for its scenery and beauty. However, Winston-Salem 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.

Winston-Salem is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Winston-Salem or Whistler Better for Families?

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

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.

Winston-Salem is a family-friendly city. There are interactive museums like the Kaleideum science museums. There are also outdoor parks and playgrounds, kid-friendly restaurants, and a children's theater.

Is Winston-Salem or Whistler Better for Couples?

Whistler is notable for couples. However, Winston-Salem is a mediocre city 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.

Winston-Salem is not the best destination for a couple to visit. There are restaurants and movie theaters that make for a nice date night. There are also parks and walks that will get you outdoors.

Is Winston-Salem or Whistler Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Whistler is notable for backpackers. However, Winston-Salem is a mediocre city 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.

Winston-Salem is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. It's not on the itinerary for most backpackers.

Is Winston-Salem or Whistler Better for Students?

Winston-Salem is a nice place to visit for students. However, Whistler is not popular with students.

Winston-Salem is a good city to visit for students. Wake Forest University as well as colleges such as Salem College give parts of the city a collegiate vibe.

Whistler is not popular with students.

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

Both Winston-Salem and Whistler offer respectable public transit options.

Public transit is generally limited in Winston-Salem. There are bus routes, but they are limited in their frequency and convenience, making a car essential for most visitors.

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

Is Winston-Salem or Whistler a more walkable city?

Whistler is notable for its ease of walking around. However, Winston-Salem is a mediocre city for its walkability.

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

Winston-Salem is generally not a very walkable city. The downtown area is the most pedestrian-friendly part of town, but most of the city requires a car.

For even more information, also check out Is Winston-Salem Worth Visiting? and Is Whistler Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Whistler or Winston-Salem?

How long in Winston-Salem or Whistler?

In either Winston-Salem or Whistler, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Whistler than Winston-Salem because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Winston-Salem, and 3-5 days is enough time in Whistler.

Families should spend more time in Whistler than Winston-Salem. 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 Winston-Salem. 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 Winston-Salem 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 Winston-Salem or Whistler?

The city of Winston-Salem offers food and shopping. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the adventurous destination of Whistler. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Winston-Salem or Whistler?

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

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Whistler. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Five days in Winston-Salem or Whistler?

Winston-Salem 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.

Many travelers enjoy the skiing and nightlife when visiting the outdoorsy destination of Whistler. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This village offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. Five days is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A week in Winston-Salem or Whistler?

Winston-Salem 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.

You'll find nightlife and food around the beautiful village of Whistler. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

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

Which is Bigger, Winston-Salem or Whistler?

Winston-Salem has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Whistler. When comparing the sizes of Winston-Salem 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 Winston-Salem 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 Winston-Salem or Whistler in the Summer?

Both Whistler and Winston-Salem are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Winston-Salem for the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Whistler in the summer for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Winston-Salem is much warmer than Whistler. Typically, the summer temperatures in Winston-Salem in July average around 81°F (27°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 Winston-Salem. Winston-Salem usually receives less sunshine than Whistler during summer. Winston-Salem gets 273 hours of sunny skies, while Whistler receives 296 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Winston-Salem. In July, Winston-Salem usually receives more rain than Whistler. Winston-Salem gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Whistler receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Winston-Salem or Whistler in the Autumn?

Both Whistler and Winston-Salem during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Winston-Salem in the autumn for the shopping scene. Furthermore, most visitors come to Whistler for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Winston-Salem is generally much warmer than Whistler. Daily temperatures in Winston-Salem average around 62°F (17°C), and Whistler fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

It's quite sunny in Winston-Salem. In the autumn, Winston-Salem often gets more sunshine than Whistler. Winston-Salem gets 212 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. Winston-Salem usually gets less rain in October than Whistler. Winston-Salem gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Whistler receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Winston-Salem or Whistler in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Winston-Salem and Whistler. Most visitors come to Winston-Salem for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Whistler because of the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Whistler can be very cold. Winston-Salem can be very cold during winter. Winston-Salem is around the same temperature as Whistler in the winter. The daily temperature in Winston-Salem averages around 40°F (4°C) in January, and Whistler fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).

Winston-Salem usually receives more sunshine than Whistler during winter. Winston-Salem gets 169 hours of sunny skies, while Whistler receives 55 hours of full sun in the winter.

Whistler receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Winston-Salem usually receives less rain than Whistler. Winston-Salem gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Whistler receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Winston-Salem or Whistler in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Winston-Salem as well as Whistler. Additionally, the small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Whistler this time of year.

In the spring, Winston-Salem is much warmer than Whistler. Typically, the spring temperatures in Winston-Salem in April average around 61°F (16°C), and Whistler averages at about 9°C (49°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Winston-Salem this time of the year. In the spring, Winston-Salem often gets more sunshine than Whistler. Winston-Salem gets 248 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Whistler receives 172 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Whistler. Winston-Salem usually gets less rain in April than Whistler. Winston-Salem gets 3.1 inches (80 mm) of rain, while Whistler receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Whistler and Winston-Salem