A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Aspen vs. Victoria for Food, Nightlife, Hiking, and Families

Should you visit Aspen or Victoria?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Aspen and Victoria can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Aspen

Aspen is a outdoorsy, authentic, and charming ski town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. It's also popular because of the shopping, skiing, and nightlife.

Victoria

Victoria is a cultural, scenic, and relaxing city. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and hiking.

Aspen and Victoria: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Aspen or Victoria?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Aspen. Although Aspen and Victoria are popular destinations, Aspen has more sights and attractions for tourists. Aspen is very popular for its skiing, food, nightlife, music, resorts, hiking, shopping, christmas markets, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Victoria attracts visitors for its museums & sights. Aspen is famous for its world-class skiing, many food, film, and music festivals, and its stunning mountain hikes. It is also well known for The Maroon Bells. Victoria is famous for its colonial buildings and public parks.

How is Aspen different from Victoria?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Aspen or Victoria Better for Skiing?

Aspen is an amazing ski town to visit for skiing and snowboarding. However, Victoria is not a skiing destination.

Aspen is a top destination for snow skiing, and it attracts visitors from around the world. Near the town, there are 4 separate ski resorts. In town you'll find Aspen Mountain, which is known for it's black-diamond runs. Aspen Highlands, a couple miles away, has a mix of slopes and is less crowded. Buttermilk attracts many freestyle skiers and Aspen Snowmass is considered one of the best family-friendly ski areas.

Victoria is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Aspen or Victoria?

Victoria is a city with good options for its museums and landmarks. However, Aspen does not have museums and landmarks.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Victoria. There are several popular museums like the Royal BC Museum and Craigdarroch Castle. Also make sure you check out the Parliament Buildings.

Aspen does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Aspen or Victoria? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Aspen is an amazing ski town to visit for its restaurants. Also, Victoria is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Eat your way through Aspen, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. The town hosts many food festivals and there is a growing selection of diverse restaurants. In town you'll find cafes and restaurants that cater to both the local crowd and the travelers who flock to the area during peak seasons.

Victoria offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. You'll find tons of fresh seafood around town. Make sure you try to the Dungeness crab, wild caught salmon, and fish chowder.

Is Aspen or Victoria Better for Nightlife?

Aspen is a very popular place for its evening party scene. Also, Victoria is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife.

Aspen has a large number of nightlife venues. The people in Aspen know how to have a good time. The nightlife scene includes craft beer, live music, and dancing. There's a local vibe, particularly during the off-season times when the tourist crowds are less.

Victoria has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There are a good number of bars and pubs around town. Most offer a relaxed atmosphere where you can enjoy a cold drink in a casual setting.

Is Aspen or Victoria Better for Music?

Aspen is a very popular place for its music scene. However, Victoria is not a live music destination.

It's worth checking out the music scene in Aspen while you're in town. Popular music venues in town include Silver City Mountain Saloon and Belly Up Aspen.

Victoria is not a live music destination.

Is Aspen or Victoria Better for Resorts?

Aspen is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Victoria is not a resort destination.

There are plenty of resorts in Aspen to choose from. Popular resorts in the area include The Little Nell, Hotel Jerome, and St. Regis Aspen.

Victoria is not a resort destination.

Is Aspen or Victoria Better for Hiking?

Aspen is a very popular place for its hiking trails. Also, Victoria is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Aspen. During the summer and fall seasons, hiking is a great way to explore Aspen's nearby beauty. Popular trails include the Ute Trail, the Lost Man Trail, and the famous Maroon Bells Scenic Trail.

Victoria is a good destination for hiking. There are many outdoor spaces and parks that offer local hiking trails. This is a great way to experience the scenic beauty of the area.

Is the Shopping Better in Aspen or Victoria?

Aspen is a very popular place for its shopping areas. Also, Victoria is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Aspen. There are many great local shops and art galleries where you can pick interesting items or fine art.

Victoria is a great destination for shopping. There are plenty of larger shopping malls as well as local boutiques and farmer's markets.

Is Aspen or Victoria Better for Christmas?

Aspen is an amazing ski town to visit for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Victoria does not offer Christmas activities.

Aspen offers plenty of sights and activities around Christmas. There are a number of beautiful activities that will bring the holiday season to life in the town.

Victoria does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Aspen or Victoria Better for Christmas Markets?

Aspen is a very popular place for visiting Christmas markets. However, Victoria does not offer Christmas markets.

The Christmas markets in Aspen offer plenty to see during the holidays. The town has a charming Christmas market that is fun to explore and has around 40 vendors.

Victoria does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Aspen or Victoria Better for Families?

Victoria is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Aspen is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Victoria is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. There are plenty of opportunities to get outside and get the energy out. Walking trails are popular. You can also do the Malahat SkyWalk which offers impressive views. Cadboro-Gyro Park has a playground, zip-line, and picnic areas. Another hightlight for kids is a visit to the Beacon Hill Children's Farm. If the weather isn't cooperating, you can visit the BC Aviation Museum.

Aspen offers lots of family activities. Families that enjoy skiing together, hiking, rock climbing, and having adventures will enjoy a visit to this town. Aspen Mountain is not a great option for beginning skiers, but further away, Aspen Snowmass offers good beginner slopes.

Is Aspen or Victoria Better for Couples?

Both Aspen and Victoria are very good destinations for a couple's getaway.

Couples visit Aspen frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Aspen is both a popular ski destination as well as an established town. There are many great restaurants and activities that couples can enjoy and the setting is cute and very scenic, making it a beautiful and romantic destination.

Victoria is a great ski town if you're traveling as a couple. The city offers many great activities for couples such as a visit to Hatley Park and Castle. The city is also famous for its many flower gardens which are best visited in spring. Kayaking, hiking, and exploring are also favorite activities for couples.

Is Aspen or Victoria Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Victoria is a city with good options for backpackers. However, Aspen is a ski town with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Victoria is a good city to visit for backpackers. There are a few hostels around town that attract the backpacker and budget traveler crowd.

Aspen is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Because it is both a town and a ski resort, there are a couple of more affordable accommodation options. Even so, this is an expensive destination that isn't always ideal for budget travelers.

Is Aspen or Victoria Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Aspen is a good destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Victoria is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Aspen has some public transit options. There are several shuttle buses around the town.

Public transit is generally limited in Victoria. While there are buses, it's best not to count on them because they're not particularly reliable.

Is Aspen or Victoria a more walkable city?

Aspen and Victoria both are very good when exploring on foot.

Aspen is a very walkable destination. The town is compact enough that it can be explored on foot. If you're planning to head into the mountains to hike, you'll likely need a car.

Victoria is very walkable. Many of the sights are close by and easy to walk to.

For even more information, also check out Is Aspen Worth Visiting? and Is Victoria Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Victoria or Aspen?

How long in Aspen or Victoria?

It's fun to spend time in either Aspen or Victoria. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Aspen due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Aspen, and 3-4 days is enough time in Victoria.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Aspen than Victoria 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 Aspen.

One day in Aspen or Victoria?

Aspen is a small town where visitors enjoy the shopping and skiing. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Victoria, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this relaxing destination offers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Aspen or Victoria?

Aspen is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Victoria. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Aspen or Victoria?

Aspen is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Aspen, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Victoria is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Victoria. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Aspen or Victoria?

Aspen is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This ski town offers something for everyone.

You'll find food and shopping around the scenic destination of Victoria. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, The Best Historical Tours in United States of America, The Best 2-Week Tours from Toronto, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Canada.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Aspen or Victoria?

Victoria has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Aspen. When comparing the sizes of Aspen and Victoria, 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.