A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Wisconsin Dells vs. Vancouver for Attractions, Hiking, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Wisconsin Dells or Vancouver?

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

Should I visit Wisconsin Dells or Vancouver? 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.

Wisconsin Dells

Wisconsin Dells is a fun-filled, lighthearted, and high energy city. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and hiking. See Wisconsin Dells travel costs.

Vancouver

Vancouver is a scenic, diverse, and friendly city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. The beauty of Vancouver is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and museums. See Vancouver travel costs.

Wisconsin Dells and Vancouver: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Wisconsin Dells or Vancouver?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Vancouver. Although Wisconsin Dells and Vancouver are popular destinations, Vancouver has more sights and attractions for tourists. Vancouver is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, hiking, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Wisconsin Dells attracts visitors for its resorts. Wisconsin Dells is more touristy than Vancouver and is popular for its many waterparks and unapologetically playful atmosphere. Vancouver is famous for its beautiful setting, sweeping views, and welcoming atmosphere. It is also well known for Stanley Park.

How is Wisconsin Dells different from Vancouver?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Wisconsin Dells or Vancouver?

Vancouver is a world-class destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Wisconsin Dells is a city with minimal options for its historical sights.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Vancouver are among the most recognizable in the world. There are tons of museums and sights around town such as the Vancouver Aquarium, the Museum of Anthropology, the Museum of Vancouver, and Science World. Also make sure you take a walk over the Capilano Suspension Bridge.

While most people don't head to Wisconsin Dells specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. There are a couple of art galleries in the area, but most visitors spend the majority of their time at the theme parks and waterparks.

Is the Food Better in Wisconsin Dells or Vancouver? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Vancouver is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Wisconsin Dells is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Vancouver. You'll find diverse restaurants and fresh ingredients. Local seafood is a staple in many restaurants so make sure you try the prawns, salmon, and even sea urchin. Asian food is also excellent around town. Sushi, Japanese hot dogs, and dim sum are all worth sampling.

Wisconsin Dells is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Pizza, pasta, burgers, and steak in a family-friendly atmosphere are the most common options in the area. There are also a few fine dining restaurants as well as pubs and brunch places to choose from.

Is Wisconsin Dells or Vancouver Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Wisconsin Dells or Vancouver has a better nightlife scene.

The people in Wisconsin Dells know how to have a good time. In the evening the fun-filled atmosphere takes on a different vibe. There are bars, clubs, casinos, and shows that keep things lively throughout the evening.

The nightlife in Vancouver has something for everybody. The city has a vibrant nightlife scene. Most of the activity is centered around The Granville Entertainment District in the downtown area. It runs along Granville Street between Robson Street and Davie Street. In the area you'll find a high concentration of bars and nightclubs.

Is Wisconsin Dells or Vancouver Better for Resorts?

Wisconsin Dells is a good destination for its luxury resorts. However, Vancouver is not a resort destination.

Wisconsin Dells has a handful of resorts to choose from. Many of the waterparks in the area have affiliated resorts that offer family-friendly entertainment.

Vancouver is not a resort destination.

Is Wisconsin Dells or Vancouver Better for Hiking?

Vancouver is a world-class destination for its hiking experiences. Also, Wisconsin Dells is still popular, but not quite as popular for hiking.

People visit Vancouver specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. The city is surrounded by water and mountains, making it one of the best hiking cities in the world. You don't have to go far to enjoy spectacular vistas, serene rainforests, and rugged coastline. The trails range from casual strolls to more strenuous day long hikes.

Many people include a hike when visiting Wisconsin Dells. Visitors often forget that this was originally a destination for its natural beauty. There are still many hiking trails in the area with some of the favorites found at Mirror Lake State Park, Rocky Arbor State Park, and Chimney Rock Private Park.

Is the Shopping Better in Wisconsin Dells or Vancouver?

Vancouver is a world-class destination for its shopping opportunities. However, Wisconsin Dells is a city with minimal options for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Vancouver make it a world-class shopping destination. The shopping is as diverse as the city itself. You can enjoy strolling through Chinatown, hitting up a public market, or wandering around a large shopping mall.

Wisconsin Dells has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. You'll find shopping malls and shopping centers, as well as gift shops in the area.

Is Wisconsin Dells or Vancouver More Beautiful?

Vancouver is a great destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Wisconsin Dells is not a destination known for its beauty.

The beauty of Vancouver is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. It sits between the Pacific Ocean and high reaching mountains, so the city offers spectacular views.

Wisconsin Dells is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Wisconsin Dells or Vancouver Better for Families?

Wisconsin Dells is a must-visit destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Vancouver is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Wisconsin Dells is very family-friendly. While it used to be known for its impressive sandstone formations along the Wisconsin River, today it has a more touristy atmosphere with theme parks and amusement parks. It's also become known as the "Water Park Capital of the World", and it won't disappoint. There are both indoor and outdoor waterparks as well as train rides, boat rides, and plenty of family-friendly restaurants.

Vancouver is a very kid-friendly city. There are great kid-friendly museums like the Science Museum, as well as outdoor markets, public parks, and easy access to the nearby nature. A visit to Grouse Mountain is a must for many families. You can see the bears, take a gondola, and see the a lumberjack show.

Is Wisconsin Dells or Vancouver Better for Couples?

Vancouver is a world-class destination for its romantic activities. Also, Wisconsin Dells is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Vancouver makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. Most of the activities take advantage of the beautiful outdoor setting. You can take a carriage ride in Stanley Park or visit the Sun Yat Sen Chinese Garden. Eat dim sum in Chinatown and then wander through the diverse neighborhood. End the day with a show at Orpheum Theater.

Wisconsin Dells is a good city for couples to visit. There are a number of resorts with spas and romantic atmospheres. There are also wineries and plenty of entertainment options in the area.

Is Wisconsin Dells or Vancouver Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Vancouver is a great destination for backpackers. However, Wisconsin Dells is a city with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Vancouver is a great city to visit for backpackers. It's a favorite city for backpackers who enjoy the many outdoor activities. There are also many hostels available around town.

Wisconsin Dells is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. You'll find campgrounds in the area, but most places are very built up and don't have the natural setting that backpackers appreciate.

Is Wisconsin Dells or Vancouver Better for Students?

Vancouver is a great destination for students. However, Wisconsin Dells is not popular with students.

Vancouver is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. The cities friendly personality and fun energy make it a great place to study.

Wisconsin Dells is not popular with students.

Is Wisconsin Dells or Vancouver Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Vancouver is a world-class destination for its public transit. However, Wisconsin Dells is a city with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

With a huge network, the transit system in Vancouver can get you around easily. Public transit is efficient and comfortable. The Translink system includes buses, the SeaBus ferry, and the SkyTrain light rail system.

Public transit is quite limited in Wisconsin Dells. There's no real public transportation in the area.

Is Wisconsin Dells or Vancouver a more walkable city?

Vancouver is a world-class destination for its high level of walkability. However, Wisconsin Dells is a city with minimal options for its ease of walking around.

Getting around Vancouver on foot is easy. The downtown area is very compact and fun to explore on foot.

Wisconsin Dells is generally not a very walkable city. While the downtown area is walkable, you really need a car to access everything that the area has to offer.

For even more information, also check out Is Wisconsin Dells Worth Visiting? and Is Vancouver Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Vancouver or Wisconsin Dells?

How long in Wisconsin Dells or Vancouver?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Vancouver than Wisconsin Dells 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 Vancouver.

One day in Wisconsin Dells or Vancouver?

You'll find nightlife and food around the city of Wisconsin Dells. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Vancouver is a big city with plenty to do. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Wisconsin Dells or Vancouver?

You'll find food and nightlife around the fun-filled destination of Wisconsin Dells. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Vancouver is a big city with plenty to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Wisconsin Dells or Vancouver?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the lighthearted city of Wisconsin Dells. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Vancouver is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. This city offers something for everyone. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

A week in Wisconsin Dells or Vancouver?

Wisconsin Dells is a popular choice for travelers. 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Vancouver. Hikers are also drawn to this area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, The Best 10-Day Tours from Vancouver, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Canada.

When comparing the travel costs between Wisconsin Dells and Vancouver, we can see that Wisconsin Dells 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 Wisconsin Dells Expensive? and Is Vancouver Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Wisconsin Dells or Vancouver?

Vancouver has a larger population, and is about 750 times larger than the population of Wisconsin Dells. When comparing the sizes of Wisconsin Dells and Vancouver, 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 Wisconsin Dells or Vancouver?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Wisconsin Dells or Vancouver in the Summer?

Both Vancouver and Wisconsin Dells during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Wisconsin Dells for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Vancouver because of the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Wisconsin Dells is generally a little warmer than Vancouver. Daily temperatures in Wisconsin Dells average around 74°F (24°C), and Vancouver fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

In Vancouver, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Wisconsin Dells. In the summer, Wisconsin Dells often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Vancouver. Wisconsin Dells gets 309 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vancouver receives 296 hours of full sun.

Wisconsin Dells usually gets more rain in July than Vancouver. Wisconsin Dells gets 3 inches (76 mm) of rain, while Vancouver receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Wisconsin Dells or Vancouver in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Wisconsin Dells and Vancouver. The autumn months attract visitors to Wisconsin Dells because of the hiking trails and the shopping scene. Furthermore, the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Vancouver this time of year.

Wisconsin Dells is around the same temperature as Vancouver in the autumn. The daily temperature in Wisconsin Dells averages around 52°F (11°C) in October, and Vancouver fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Wisconsin Dells usually receives more sunshine than Vancouver during autumn. Wisconsin Dells gets 171 hours of sunny skies, while Vancouver receives 124 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Vancouver receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Wisconsin Dells usually receives less rain than Vancouver. Wisconsin Dells gets 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain, while Vancouver receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Wisconsin Dells or Vancouver in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Wisconsin Dells as well as Vancouver. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Wisconsin Dells this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Vancouver for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Vancouver. It's quite cold in Wisconsin Dells in the winter. In the winter, Wisconsin Dells is much colder than Vancouver. Typically, the winter temperatures in Wisconsin Dells in January average around 19°F (-7°C), and Vancouver averages at about 4°C (40°F).

In the winter, Wisconsin Dells often gets more sunshine than Vancouver. Wisconsin Dells gets 141 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vancouver receives 55 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Vancouver. Wisconsin Dells usually gets less rain in January than Vancouver. Wisconsin Dells gets 1 inches (25 mm) of rain, while Vancouver receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Wisconsin Dells or Vancouver in the Spring?

Both Vancouver and Wisconsin Dells are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Vancouver in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In April, Wisconsin Dells is generally around the same temperature as Vancouver. Daily temperatures in Wisconsin Dells average around 49°F (10°C), and Vancouver fluctuates around 9°C (49°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Wisconsin Dells. Wisconsin Dells usually receives more sunshine than Vancouver during spring. Wisconsin Dells gets 208 hours of sunny skies, while Vancouver receives 172 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Vancouver. In April, Wisconsin Dells usually receives less rain than Vancouver. Wisconsin Dells gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while Vancouver receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Vancouver and Wisconsin Dells