Comparison · Portland vs Vancouver · United States / Canada
Portland vs Vancouver
Two great trips, different strengths. Here is how they compare on the things that decide it.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Spicypepper999, CC0
Quick answer
Choose Portland for Food carts and Powell's City of Books; choose Vancouver for Stanley Park, Mountains and ocean and beaches. Day-to-day costs are similar, and the two are about 420 km apart.
Key facts
- Distance apart
- 420 km
- Less expensive
- About the same
- Best time for Portland
- June–September
- Best time for Vancouver
- June–September
Side by side
| Portland | Vancouver | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | United States | Canada |
| Known for | Food carts, Powell's City of Books and Craft beer | Stanley Park, Mountains and ocean and Seafood and sushi |
| Best time to visit | June–September | June–September |
| Ideal stay | 4 days | 4 days |
| Mid-range budget per day | $200–$340 | $200–$350 |
| Cost level | Moderately priced | Expensive |
| Warmest month | July, 28°C (82°F) | July, 22°C (72°F) |
| Coldest month | December, 8°C (46°F) | January, 7°C (45°F) |
| Free sights in our guide | 10 | 9 |
| Day trips in our guide | 6 | 5 |
| Beaches | — | English Bay Beach |
| Airports | PDX | YVR |
Which one is right for you?
Choose Portland for…
Food carts and Powell's City of Books. Portland, Oregon's largest city, straddles the Willamette River about 100 km inland from the Pacific, with Mount Hood on the eastern horizon. Its compact downtown and the Pearl District hold Powell's City of Books and the riverfront park, while the hills of…
Choose Vancouver for…
Stanley Park, Mountains and ocean and beaches. Vancouver sits on a peninsula between Burrard Inlet and False Creek, with the North Shore mountains rising across the water and Stanley Park's forest at the end of downtown. Visitors come for the seawall, beaches and mountain trails within minutes of the…
Top sights compared
| # | Portland | Vancouver |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Powell's City of Books | Stanley Park and the seawall |
| 2 | International Rose Test Garden | Vancouver Aquarium |
| 3 | Portland Japanese Garden | Granville Island |
| 4 | Lan Su Chinese Garden | Capilano Suspension Bridge Park |
| 5 | Pittock Mansion | Lynn Canyon Park |
Food compared
| Portland | Vancouver |
|---|---|
| Food cart meals | Sushi and the BC roll |
| Craft doughnuts | Wild Pacific salmon |
| Marionberry pie | Spot prawns |
| Craft beer | Japadog |
Which is cheaper?
Portland and Vancouver cost about the same: a mid-range day is roughly $200–$340 in Portland and $200–$350 in Vancouver (AMZBooking estimates, excluding flights). Portland on a budget.
Can you visit both?
Yes. Portland and Vancouver are about 420 km apart, so they combine well in one trip: allow 4 days in Portland and 4 in Vancouver.
Questions travellers ask
+Is Portland or Vancouver cheaper?
Neither is clearly cheaper: a mid-range day costs about $200–$340 in Portland and $200–$350 in Vancouver (estimates).
+Is Portland or Vancouver better for a first trip?
Pick Portland for Food carts and Powell's City of Books, or Vancouver for Stanley Park, Mountains and ocean and beaches.
+How far is Portland from Vancouver?
About 420 km in a straight line.