I’ve been asked the question numerous times. What’s the better place to visit – Whistler or Banff? It depends on what you’re looking for is my answer as they are very different despite both being mountain towns. I’ve read on forums that if you’ve been to one you don’t need to visit the other as they’re so similar.
I disagree. Both Whistler and Banff have their own unique personalities. And as someone who has lived within 75 minutes of both Whistler and Banff – and visited both frequently, I think I am qualified to opine on the matter.
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Whistler or Banff – the pros and cons
Whistler
Pros of Whistler over Banff
If the sun is shining the drive from Vancouver to Whistler via the Sea to Sky Highway is one of the most scenic in Canada. You can also get to Whistler via a beautiful train ride on board The Rocky Mountaineer from May until September – though it continues east now.
Whistler and Blackcomb offer some of the top rated downhill skiing in North America – good enough to host the 2010 Winter Olympics.
Both mountains boast over 1,524 metres or 5,000 feet of vertical. There is a ski run for every type of skier on these mountains. And yes it can rain, but that’s usually at the bottom of the hill. Ski from mid-mountain up and you’ll end up in snow most of the time. The views are stellar too.
There are loads of things to do in the winter if you’re not a skier – bobsledding, ziplining, snowshoeing, tubing, shopping, spa days, and excellent dining.
In November, Whistler enjoys a wine and food extravaganza called Whistler Cornucopia.
Every December Whistler plays host to a Film Festival.
You can ski from late June to late July on the Horstman Glacier.
In the summer the mountain biking along the Sea to Sky corridor is world class and there is lots of it.
Whistler accommodation
There is a wide range of accommodation options in Whistler. As of 2018 Canada’s first pod hotel offers an excellent option in the heart of the village though it’s best for young people.
Opt for a high end full service hotel like thePan Pacific Whistler Mountainside. I enjoyed many stays over the years at theSummit Lodge Boutique Hotel. Renting a condo and splitting the costs is also possible.
Hiking in Whistler
There are loads of hiking options in Whistler – and lots of bears so never forget the bear spray.
To get the views quickly you can take the gondola up out of Whistler village. Or do the Elfin Lakes hike in nearby Garibaldi Park. The Black Tusk hike, the Panorama Ridge hike and the hike to Garibaldi Lake are all excellent options.
Swimming in Whistler’s lakes is possible in the summer.
Canoeing or kayaking on the River of Golden Dreams is an easy but fun half day outing.
You can walk the Cloudraker Skybridge – a 130 m span between Whistler Peak and the West Ridge, crossing above Whistler Bowl. To reach it take the gondola and then a chairlift.
Cons of Whistler
Whistler is frequently rainy and dreary – especially in the spring and fall.
If you haven’t bought an Edge card or a discounted ski ticket you may suffer sticker shock from the one day ticket price. Buying at the window will set you back $189. Order your Whistler – Blackcomb tickets in advance!!
Prices can be steep in town – and you pay 12% tax on almost everything in British Columbia.
You can’t camp in Whistler. Expect to be at least 30 minutes away.
Although the hiking is good, you have to climb thousands of feet to get the views, unless you start with a gondola ride.
Wildlife sightings are a fraction of what you will see in the Banff area. You do have to be bear aware as you can run into bears – even on the city trails.
Banff
Pros of Banff over Whistler
Banff is the gateway to Banff National Park – the most visited National Park in Canada – and for good reason. Scenery is world class and accessible. Dogs are permitted on most trails too – on a leash.
If you want to see wildlife then the Banff corridor offers lots of opportunities. Elk are everywhere. And it’s a rare day that I don’t see big-horned sheep on the way up to Lake Minnewanka. Bears and wolves are around. One day while hiking to the Aylmer Lookout we saw Mama bear and three cubs.
The Banff Mountain Film and Book Festival takes place yearly beginning in late October. Go listen to some of the biggest names in the outdoor field read from their books – or watch a wide range of mountain themed films – on culture, adventure, the environment, skiing, kayaking…you name it.
The Rocky Mountain Wine and Food Festival takes place every May over the course of a weekend.
The Two Jack Main Campground is just 12 kilometres from Banff and offers 320 first come, first served secluded campsites. The Tunnel Mountain Village Campground, just five kilometres from Banff offers 188 sites year round.
There is a wide range of accommodation options outside of camping including the famedFairmont Banff Springs Hotel along with numerous motels, small hotels, B&B’s and hostels.
Some I’d recommend includeCanalta Lodgeespecially for families or groups as some rooms have bunkbeds. On the main street theMoose Hotel & Suitesis a great choice. TheBanff International Hostelis ideal for those looking for an affordable option.
Tax in Alberta is only 5%.
The Banff Hot Springs are amazing – especially on a cold winter day. Don’t miss out on a visit.
The drive from Calgary gets better and better the closer you get to Banff. And even the prairie is interesting with its big sky views. It’s only a 75-minute drive between Calgary and Banff.
There are extensive options for cross-country skiing around Banff. They range from easy to difficult but almost all take you through glorious country.
Hiking options in the summer abound. The Banff-Lake Louise corridor could provide you with enough day hikes and backpacking trips to keep you busy all summer. In the fall the larches put on a world-class foliage display.
One of the best hikes not far from Banff takes you to Taylor and O’Brien Lakes pictured below.
Cons of Banff
It can be nuts in Banff on a beautiful sunny day. Over three million people visit Banff National Park on a yearly basis – and the bulk of the visitors are in July and August. Waits to get into the park can easily be a half hour if you don’t have a permit. Go early and beat the rush is my advice.
Here are six summer alternatives to Banff National Park to avoid the summer crowds – which are mainly a problem at the Banff townsite.
The main street in Banff feels very touristy.
Banff is glorious when it’s sunny, but it has its fair share of grey, overcast, snowy and wet days.
Downhill skiing (at Norquay, Sunshine Village and Lake Louise) is nearby but it’s not as good as Whistler. Sorry but it’s true. However, the cross-country skiing is better in my opinion.
Banff – because it’s in a national park – cannot develop some of the activities that are offered at Whistler – things like ziplining and bobsledding – which may be a con for some and a pro for others. But they do have a Via Ferrata at Mount Norquay.
There are lots of places to eat – and many are excellent – but I think Whistler offers diners more choice – but that’s very subjective and varies from year to year.
I’m sure I’ve missed some points on both the pro and the con side. Please feel free to leave a comment on your thoughts of which is better – Whistler or Banff.
Further reading on things to do in BC and Alberta
- 12 Great Things to Do in North Vancouver, BC
- A Day Trip from Vancouver to Bowen Island
- Canada’s Most Scenic Drive – Banff to Jasper
- Vancouver to Calgary – 10 Stops Along the Way
- Nanaimo to Tofino Drive: 13 Stops to Make
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