A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Zion National Park vs. Vernon for Hiking, Backpackers, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Zion National Park or Vernon?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Zion National Park or Vernon, 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.

Zion National Park

Zion National Park is a stunning, world-renowned, and breathtaking park. You'll find world class beauty in Zion National Park as well. Other popular activities here include hiking. See Zion National Park travel costs.

Vernon

Vernon is a peaceful, relaxing, and quiet town. It's also known for shopping, museums, and food. See Vernon travel costs.

Zion National Park and Vernon: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Zion National Park or Vernon?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Zion National Park than Vernon, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Zion National Park is better known for its resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Vernon is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, and shopping. Zion National Park is more touristy than Vernon and is known for its iconic hiking trails, dramatic canyon, and world-class rock climbing. Also, Zion National Park is famous for Angels Landing. Vernon is well known for its surrounding valley with lakes and hiking trails.

How is Zion National Park different from Vernon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Zion National Park or Vernon?

Vernon is a nice place to visit for its museums and landmarks. However, Zion National Park is not particularly known for its historical sights.

Vernon is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are local galleries and museums that offer information on the region's history and culture. You can visit the Canadian Wildlife Museum, the Caetani Center, the Museum and Archives of Vernon, the Paddlewheel Park Stationhouse Museum, and the Vernon Public Art Gallery.

While most people don't head to Zion National Park specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. The best museum in the area is the Zion Human History Museum.

Is the Food Better in Zion National Park or Vernon? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Vernon is a nice place to visit for its restaurant scene. However, Zion National Park is not particularly known for its local flavors and cuisine.

Vernon offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. The region is known for its vineyards and wineries and many of the local restaurants have been around for generations. The food is often locally produced and prepared with traditional recipes.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Zion National Park. Within the park there are a couple of restaurants, but it's far better to bring your own food that you can enjoy as a picnic or meal by a campfire.

Is Zion National Park or Vernon Better for Nightlife?

Vernon is a town with a few options for nightlife. However, Zion National Park is not particularly known for nightlife and partying.

Vernon is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. The town gets very quiet in the evenings, so you won't find much of a nightlife scene.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Zion National Park Stargazing and relaxing by a campfire is how most visitors enjoy the evening hours.

Is Zion National Park or Vernon Better for Resorts?

Zion National Park is a moderate park for its resorts. However, Vernon is not a resort destination.

You might not think of Zion National Park as a resort destination, but it has a few places. There's a lodge within the park and many hotel options outside of the park.

Vernon is not a resort destination.

Is Zion National Park or Vernon Better for Hiking?

Zion National Park is terrific for the nearby hiking options. Also, Vernon is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its hiking trails.

Known for its hiking, Zion National Park draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. This park is known for its iconic hikes, which include Angels Landing, the Narrows, and the Emerald Pools Trail. There are hikes that range from easy to incredibly difficult, and many visits see this destination as a bucket list hiking opportunity.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Vernon. The surrounding valley has more than 300 kilometers of hiking trails. They run along pristine lakes, pass by granite rock formations, and take you to impressive viewpoints.

Is the Shopping Better in Zion National Park or Vernon?

Vernon is a nice place to visit for shopping. However, Zion National Park is not particularly known for its shopping opportunities.

Vernon is a great destination for shopping. There are a number of boutique shops that are fun to explore in the downtown area.

Shopping in Zion National Park can be found for those interested. There are park stores, but few other shopping opportunities in the area.

Is Zion National Park or Vernon More Beautiful?

Zion National Park is terrific for its scenery and beauty. However, Vernon is not a destination known for its beauty.

You'll find world class beauty in Zion National Park as well. This park will have you feeling as if you're in a painting. There are spectacular views and a stunning natural beauty that will take your breath away.

Vernon is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Zion National Park or Vernon Better for Families?

Zion National Park is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Vernon is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Zion National Park is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. One of the most kid-friendly hikes is the Watchman Trail, which starts conveniently near the Visitor Center. Other favorites include the Lower Emerald Pool Trail, the Pa'rus Trail, and the Riverside Walk.

Vernon is a family-friendly park. There are biking and hiking trails as well as other outdoor activities. You can also visit the Allan Brooks Nature Center or the Rock Garden Climbing Center.

Is Zion National Park or Vernon Better for Couples?

Zion National Park is a well-known place for couples. Also, Vernon is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for romance.

Zion National Park is a very popular place to visit for couples. There are world-class hiking trails, spectacular views, and many opportunities for a romantic moment in this well-known park. While the crowds can be intense, particularly during peak seasons, the park is large enough that you should be able to find a moment of solitude.

Vernon is a nice destination for couples. It offers a peaceful getaway for couples. You can visit the Okanagan wineries or enjoy one of the many hiking trails. There are also nice restaurants to try.

Is Zion National Park or Vernon Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Zion National Park is terrific for backpackers. However, Vernon is not a good town for backpackers and budget travelers.

Zion National Park is a very popular park to visit for backpackers. This is a world-famous rock climbing, hiking, and backpacking destination. There are many opportunities for backcountry camping, but you are required to purchase a permit.

Vernon is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There is a hostel in town, but this isn't a popular destination for backpackers.

Is Zion National Park or Vernon Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Zion National Park is a nice place to visit for its public transit. However, Vernon is not a good town for times when you don't have a car.

Zion National Park has a few public transit options. There are free shuttles that travel around the park. They operate during the most popular seasons but the service isn't available during most of the winter months.

Public transit is mostly limited in Vernon. There is a bus system, but it's better not to rely on it.

Is Zion National Park or Vernon a more walkable city?

Vernon is a town with a few options for its walkability. However, Zion National Park is not particularly known for its high level of walkability.

Vernon is generally not very walkable. You'll really want to have a car to make the most of your time here.

Zion National Park is not a very walkable park. The park is large, and most trailheads are spread out and require a vehicle to access.

For even more information, also check out Is Zion National Park Worth Visiting? and Is Vernon Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Vernon or Zion National Park?

How long in Zion National Park or Vernon?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Zion National Park and Vernon. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Zion National Park than in Vernon. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Zion National Park, and 1-3 days is enough time in Vernon.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Zion National Park than Vernon 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 Zion National Park.

One day in Zion National Park or Vernon?

Many travelers enjoy the when visiting the destination of Zion National Park. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the peaceful destination of Vernon. This town offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Zion National Park or Vernon?

Zion National Park is a great place to explore. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Vernon is a popular place to visit. Visitors enjoy the museums and food when visiting the quiet town of Vernon. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Vernon has to offer.

Five days in Zion National Park or Vernon?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Zion National Park. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Many people enjoy the food and shopping when visiting Vernon. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. 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.

A week in Zion National Park or Vernon?

Many travelers enjoy the when visiting the world-renowned destination of Zion National Park. This park offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Vernon is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. It offers something for everyone. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Canada, and The Best Adventure Tours to Canada.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Zion National Park and Vernon, we can see that Zion National Park is more expensive. And not only is Vernon much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Vernon would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Vernon 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 Zion National Park would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Zion National Park than you might in Vernon.

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