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

Should you visit Duck or Victoria?

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

Should I visit Duck or Victoria? 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.

Duck

Duck is a charming, laid-back, and traditional beach town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. With stunning beauty, Duck attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the beaches, hiking, and shopping. See Duck travel costs.

Victoria

Victoria is a scenic, relaxing, and cultural city. It's also known for hiking, shopping, and museums. See Victoria travel costs.

Duck and Victoria: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers


Is there more to do in Duck or Victoria?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Duck than Victoria, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Duck is better known for its resorts, beaches, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Victoria is more popular for its museums and attractions and nightlife. Duck is well known for its quaint atmosphere and small town charm. Also, Duck is famous for the wide sandy beach. Victoria is well known for its colonial buildings and public parks.

How is Duck different from Victoria?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Duck
Victoria

Victoria is a popular place for its sights and museums. However, Duck is not a good beach town for its museums and history.

Victoria is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are several popular museums like the Royal BC Museum and Craigdarroch Castle. Also make sure you check out the Parliament Buildings.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Duck. Hanging out at the beach and enjoy water sports or outdoor activities are the main draw of this town. You won't find much in the form of museums or indoor activities.


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

Duck
Victoria

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at notable restaurants in both Duck and Victoria.

Duck offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. For such a small town, there's a decent selection of restaurants that range from local seafood eateries to pizza delivery. Homemade ice cream is a favorite in the area, but you also can't skip out on the flagship Duck Donuts store.

Victoria has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. You'll find tons of fresh seafood around town. Make sure you try to the Dungeness crab, wild caught salmon, and fish chowder.

Is Duck or Victoria Better for Nightlife?

Duck
Victoria

Victoria is a popular place for nightlife. However, Duck is not a good beach town for nightlife and partying.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Victoria. 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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Duck. It's known as a family-friendly destination that isn't often associated with a strong nightlife, but there is often live music and other festivals during the summer months.

Is Duck or Victoria Better for Resorts?

Duck
Victoria

Duck is a good destination for its luxury resorts. However, Victoria is not a resort destination.

Duck has a few great resort options. Most of the accommodation around town is in the form of vacation beach rental houses that are perfect for family gatherings or larger groups.

Victoria is not a resort destination.


Is Duck or Victoria Better for Beaches?

Duck
Victoria

Duck is an amazing beach town to visit for the beach. However, Victoria is not a beach destination.

Duck offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. Long sandy beaches with great surf and a wonderful boardwalk make this a great beach destination. Kids play in the tidal pools and families relax under their beach umbrellas in a classic beach setting.

Victoria is not a beach destination.

Is Duck or Victoria Better for Hiking?

Duck
Victoria

If you're looking to go hiking, Duck and Victoria both have notable trails.

Duck is a good destination for hiking. The Duck Trail runs for six miles and passes through town. It's popular with walkers, cyclists, and inline skaters.

Many people include a hike when visiting Victoria. 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 Duck or Victoria?

Duck
Victoria

Duck 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 Duck. Head to the Waterfront Shops for some of the town's best shopping. You can wander along the boardwalk and check out the independent vendors and local restaurants.

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


Is Duck or Victoria More Beautiful?

Duck
Victoria

Duck is a very popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Victoria is not a destination known for its beauty.

With stunning beauty, Duck attracts visitors from all around. Beautiful sandy beaches and family-friendly parks offer a beautiful and relaxed beach vacation.

Victoria is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Duck or Victoria Better for Families?

Duck
Victoria

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Duck or Victoria.

Duck is a very family-friendly place to visit. Kid-friendly beaches, local ice cream joints, and the famed Duck Donuts all make this an ideal kid's beach destination. There's a waterpark nearby and plenty of water sports that the whole family can enjoy. The boardwalk is also a very family-friendly environment.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Victoria is very family-friendly. 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.

Is Duck or Victoria Better for Couples?

Duck
Victoria

With fun activities for couples, both Duck and Victoria make for a superb place to visit.

Duck is a very popular place to visit for couples. It's a charming beach town with great local restaurants and a beautiful and peaceful setting. For couples who want to enjoy a relaxing beach town without the energy of a larger destination, then this is the perfect place. Much of the accommodation is in the form of rental houses, which can be a bit much for a couple, but the setting is perfect for a weekend escape.

Victoria makes for a fun place to visit for 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 Duck or Victoria Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Duck
Victoria

Victoria is a popular place for backpackers. However, Duck is not a good beach town for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Victoria. There are a few hostels around town that attract the backpacker and budget traveler crowd.

Duck is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. It's an upscale town with many beach houses available for rent, and very little in the form of budget accommodation.

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

Duck
Victoria

Both Duck and Victoria offer respectable public transit options.

Public transit is generally limited in Duck. It's best to have a car if you want to exploring the Outer Banks and its many activities.

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

Is Duck or Victoria a more walkable city?

Duck
Victoria

Duck is an amazing beach town to visit for its ease of walking around. Also, Victoria is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Duck. It's a wonderfully walkable and pedestrian-friendly town with a great boardwalk and many walking and cycling paths.

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


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

Should I spend more time in Victoria or Duck?

How long in Duck or Victoria?

It's fun to spend time in either Duck or Victoria. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Duck due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Duck, and 3-4 days is enough time in Victoria.

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

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

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


  • How many days in Duck or Victoria? Ideal Length of Stay
    Duck 5-7 
    Victoria 3-4

One day in Duck or Victoria?

Duck is a small town where visitors enjoy the shopping and food. Most people come for the beaches. 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.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Victoria. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Duck or Victoria?

Duck is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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.

Victoria is a fun place to experience. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Duck or Victoria?

Duck is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Duck, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the cultural destination of Victoria. This city offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


A week in Duck or Victoria?

Duck is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. It is common to spend one week here. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Duck has to offer. This beach town offers something for everyone.

The relaxing city of Victoria offers nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, The Best Adventure Tours to Canada, and The Best Eco Tours in Canada.


Which place is cheaper, Victoria or Duck?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Duck Prices
    USA Prices
    Victoria Prices
    Canada Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Duck $221
    Victoria $201

The average daily cost (per person) in Duck is $221, while the average daily cost in Victoria is $201. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Duck and Victoria in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Duck $107
    Victoria $113
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Duck $214
    Victoria $226
Compare Hotels in Duck and Victoria

Looking for a hotel in Duck or Victoria? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Duck


Hotels in Victoria


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Victoria Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Duck $66
    Victoria $37

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Victoria

Also for Victoria, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Victoria to Vancouver Ferry with Bus Transfer: $75
  • Victoria to Vancouver - Coach Bus Transfer: $77
  • Victoria to Vancouver - Vancouver Airport (YVR) Drop Off - Coach Bus Transfer: $91
  • Victoria to Vancouver - Vancouver Cruise Terminal Drop Off - Coach Bus Transfer: $91
  • Private Transfer from Victoria City Hotels to Nanaimo Cruise Port: $131
  • Victoria to Vancouver Scenic Seaplane Transfer: One Way: $289
  • Private Cruise Transfer with City Sightseeing Tour: $682

Is it cheaper to fly into Duck or Victoria?

Prices for flights to both Victoria and Duck change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Duck $78
    Victoria $47

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Victoria

For Victoria, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Chinatown and Old Town Food Tour with Tastings: $86
  • Hip & Hidden Chinatown + Old Town Food Tour Victoria: $88
  • Vistas and Views Food Tour with 3-Course Meal: $100
  • Indulge in a Wine & Food Tour - Cowichan Valley : $125
  • Sip, Savor, Stroll Evening Food Tour: $144
  • Gourmet Dinner Tour Including Local Beer, Wine and City Highlights: $221

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Duck $13
    Victoria $45

Tours and Activities in Victoria

For Victoria, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Tips-Based City Highlights Walking Tour | 2.5-Hour: $5.02
  • Butterfly Gardens Admission Ticket: $15
  • Ghostly Walking Tour in Victoria: $15
  • Iconic & Obscure Victoria Walking Tour: $16
  • Historical Chinatown Walking Tour: $16
  • Historical Victoria Walking Tour: $16
  • Ghost Tour of Old Town and Bastion Square: $17
  • Walking Tour through History and Heritage: $17
  • Halloween Ghostly Walking Tour in Victoria: $17
  • Royal B.C. Museum in Full-Day Admission Ticket: $21
  • Axe Throwing Experience: $24
  • Malahat SkyWalk Tickets: $32

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Duck $45
    Victoria $16

Sample the Local Flavors in Victoria

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Victoria:

  • Victoria BC: Tour & Tasting Around Award Winning Distillery: $21
  • Pickle Pub Crawl: Ferry Rides and Appetizers: $52
  • Local Brewery Tour with a Guide: $86
  • Victoria, BC: Food & Wine Tour to the Cowichan Valley: $118
  • 6-Hour Victoria to Cowichan Wine Tour: $126
  • Victoria Wine Tour with Wine Tastings and Charcuterie: $132
  • Private Saanich Peninsula Wine Tour : $144
  • Cowichan Valley Premium Wine Tour: $474


When comparing the travel costs between Duck and Victoria, we can see that Duck 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 Duck Expensive? and Is Victoria Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Duck or Victoria?

Victoria has a larger population, and is about 520 times larger than the population of Duck. When comparing the sizes of Duck 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.


When is the best time to visit Duck or Victoria?

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 Duck or Victoria in the Summer?

Both Victoria and Duck during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Duck for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Victoria because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Duck is generally much warmer than Victoria. Daily temperatures in Duck average around 78°F (26°C), and Victoria fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Duck. Duck usually gets more rain in July than Victoria. Duck gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Victoria receives 13 mm (0.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Duck 78°F (26°C) 
    Victoria 16°C (60°F)

Should I visit Duck or Victoria in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Duck and Victoria. The autumn months attract visitors to Duck because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the hiking trails and the shopping scene are the main draw to Victoria this time of year.

Duck is a little warmer than Victoria in the autumn. The daily temperature in Duck averages around 62°F (16°C) in October, and Victoria fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In October, Duck usually receives more rain than Victoria. Duck gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Victoria receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Duck 62°F (16°C) 
    Victoria 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Duck or Victoria in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Duck as well as Victoria. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Duck this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Victoria for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Victoria. It's quite cold in Duck in the winter. In the winter, Duck is around the same temperature as Victoria. Typically, the winter temperatures in Duck in January average around 41°F (5°C), and Victoria averages at about 5°C (41°F).

It's quite rainy in Victoria. Duck receives a lot of rain in the winter. Duck usually gets less rain in January than Victoria. Duck gets 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain, while Victoria receives 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Duck 41°F (5°C) 
    Victoria 5°C (41°F)

Should I visit Duck or Victoria in the Spring?

Both Victoria and Duck are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Duck for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

In April, Duck is generally much warmer than Victoria. Daily temperatures in Duck average around 59°F (15°C), and Victoria fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

In April, Duck usually receives more rain than Victoria. Duck gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Victoria receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Duck 59°F (15°C) 
    Victoria 10°C (49°F)

Typical Weather for Victoria and Duck

Duck Victoria
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 41°F (5°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm) 5°C (41°F) 138 mm (5.4 in)
Feb 42°F (6°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm) 7°C (44°F) 112 mm (4.4 in)
Mar 50°F (10°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm) 8°C (46°F) 67 mm (2.7 in)
Apr 59°F (15°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 10°C (49°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
May 67°F (19°C) 4.6 inches (117 mm) 12°C (54°F) 29 mm (1.1 in)
Jun 74°F (23°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm) 14°C (58°F) 24 mm (0.9 in)
Jul 78°F (26°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm) 16°C (60°F) 13 mm (0.5 in)
Aug 78°F (25°C) 5 inches (127 mm) 16°C (61°F) 19 mm (0.8 in)
Sep 72°F (22°C) 4.7 inches (119 mm) 15°C (58°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Oct 62°F (16°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 11°C (52°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Nov 53°F (12°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 8°C (46°F) 140 mm (5.5 in)
Dec 45°F (7°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm) 5°C (42°F) 153 mm (6 in)