A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Hood River vs. Victoria for Food, Hiking, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Hood River or Victoria?

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

Should I visit Hood River 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.

Hood River

Hood River is a agricultural, quaint, and scenic town. With stunning beauty, Hood River attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the nightlife, food, and hiking. See Hood River travel costs.

Victoria

Victoria is a relaxing, cultural, and scenic city. Visitors also love the hiking, shopping, and museums. See Victoria travel costs.

Hood River and Victoria: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Very walkable


Is there more to do in Hood River or Victoria?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Hood River. Although Hood River and Victoria are both popular with visitors, Hood River has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Hood River is more popular for its skiing, food, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Victoria is known for its museums and attractions. Hood River is popular for its waterfalls, wineries, and impressive mountains. It is also home to Multnomah Falls. Victoria is popular for its colonial buildings and public parks.

How is Hood River different from Victoria?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Hood River or Victoria Better for Skiing?

Hood River
Victoria

Hood River is a good destination for skiing and snowboarding. However, Victoria is not a skiing destination.

Head to Hood River for some great skiing and other winter activities. During the winter months, Hood River makes a nice base for nearby skiing. Timberline and Cooper Spur and both less than an hour away and offer great skiing opportunities.

Victoria is not a skiing destination.


Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Hood River or Victoria?

Hood River
Victoria

Victoria is a popular place for its museums and history. However, Hood River is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

Victoria offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are several popular museums like the Royal BC Museum and Craigdarroch Castle. Also make sure you check out the Parliament Buildings.

Hood River offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. There are a couple of interesting museums in town such as the Western Antique Aeroplane and Automoblie Museum, the History Museum, and 301 Gallery.

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

Hood River
Victoria

Hood River is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Victoria is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Hood River has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Head to the downtown or waterfront areas for the best selection of restaurants. Most restaurants pride themselves on using local ingredients and supporting local farms. Dishes use fresh and healthy ingredients that make simple but high quality meals.

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 Hood River or Victoria Better for Nightlife?

Hood River
Victoria

The good nightlife scene is relatively similar in Hood River and Victoria.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Hood River. There are breweries, wineries, and local bars in the area that offer a laid back place where you can enjoy the local atmosphere.

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 Hood River or Victoria Better for Hiking?

Hood River
Victoria

Hood River 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 Hood River. There's a diversity of landscapes in the area that include waterfalls, agriculture, vineyards, and high-reaching mountain peaks. The best way to experience these is through the many hiking trails. Drive along the Historic Columbia River Highway and stop off at the trails that lead to the waterfalls, or head south of town to explore the vineyards on foot, and to the north where you'll find mountain peaks.

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 Hood River or Victoria?

Hood River
Victoria

Shoppers can find a variety of good stores in both Hood River and Victoria.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Hood River. Local shops sell local produce, artisan crafts, and wine. There are boutiques and independent vendors that are fun to visit and many visitors enjoy spending an afternoon shopping.

Many visitors go to Victoria to go shopping. There are plenty of larger shopping malls as well as local boutiques and farmer's markets.

Is Hood River or Victoria More Beautiful?

Hood River
Victoria

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

With stunning beauty, Hood River attracts visitors from all around. There's a beautiful natural environment with wonderful hikes and local farms and wineries.

Victoria is not a destination known for its beauty.


Is Hood River or Victoria Better for Families?

Hood River
Victoria

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Hood River or Victoria.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Hood River is very family-friendly. The area is filled with outdoor adventures that the whole family can enjoy. There's swimming, tubing, hiking, and even windsurfing. Make sure you check out the Waterfront Park and Powerdale Substation.

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.

Is Hood River or Victoria Better for Couples?

Hood River
Victoria

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

Hood River makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples will enjoy the scenic natural setting and charming hotels and bed and breakfasts in the area. There are romantic hikes, local wineries, and many great restaurants that you can try.

Couples visit Victoria frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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 Hood River or Victoria Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hood River
Victoria

Hood River is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Victoria is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Hood River. There are a couple of hostels and some nice campgrounds in the area as well as many great hikes and a laid back atmosphere that backpackers appreciate.

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


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

Hood River
Victoria

Visitors will find decent public transit in both Hood River and Victoria.

Public transit is mostly limited in Hood River. There are buses in the area but you really need your own transportation to see the region efficiently.

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 Hood River or Victoria a more walkable city?

Hood River
Victoria

Victoria is a very popular place for its high level of walkability. However, Hood River is lacking in good options for its ease of walking around.

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

Hood River is generally not very walkable. While there are parts of the town that are walkable, if you don't have a car you'll miss out on the surrounding natural landscapes and most of the hiking opportunities.

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

Should I spend more time in Victoria or Hood River?

How long in Hood River or Victoria?

It's fun to spend time in either Hood River or Victoria. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Victoria due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Hood River, and 3-4 days is enough time in Victoria.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Hood River 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 Hood River.


  • How many days in Hood River or Victoria? Ideal Length of Stay
    Hood River 2-3 
    Victoria 3-4

One day in Hood River or Victoria?

The beautiful town of Hood River offers nightlife and food. 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.

With museums and nightlife around the relaxing city of Victoria, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.


A weekend in Hood River or Victoria?

Hood River is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Hood River, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Victoria, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Five days in Hood River or Victoria?

Hood River is a popular choice for travelers. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Victoria, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Hood River or Victoria?

Hood River 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 town offers something for everyone.

Victoria is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.


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 Adventure Tours to Canada, and The Best Eco Tours in Canada.


Which place is cheaper, Victoria or Hood River?

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

  • Hood River Prices
    USA Prices
    Victoria Prices
    Canada Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Hood River $174
    Victoria $201

The average daily cost (per person) in Hood River is $174, 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 Hood River and Victoria in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Hood River $78
    Victoria $113
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Hood River $156
    Victoria $226
Compare Hotels in Hood River and Victoria

Looking for a hotel in Hood River 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 Hood River


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: Hood River Hotel Prices and Victoria Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Hood River $46
    Victoria $37

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Victoria

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

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Hood River or Victoria?

Prices for flights to both Victoria and Hood River 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
    Hood River $70
    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.
    Hood River $18
    Victoria $45

Tours and Activities in Hood River

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

  • Columbia Gorge Kayak Tour: $100
  • Portland: Multnomah Falls Scenic Air Tour: $179

Tours and Activities in Victoria

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

  • 24 Hour Hop-On, Hop-Off Double Decker Victoria City Tour: $44
  • 60-Minute Beacon Hill Park Tour: $227
  • 75-Minute The Royal Tour: $279
  • Beacon Hill Park Horse-Drawn Carriage Experience in Victoria: $227
  • Butchart & Beyond: The Grand Victoria Tour: $355
  • Butchart Gardens and City Private Tour: $292
  • COMBO Victoria City Tour & Butchart Gardens & Entry Tix: $105
  • Chinatown and Hidden Alleys Pedicab Tour: $92
  • Downtown Victoria Food & City Tour: $88
  • East Sooke Park Coastal Hiking Tour with a Bite and Beer: $129
  • Eat Like a Canadian Food & Sightseeing Tour: $59
  • Evening Sip, Savor, Stroll Tour: $147

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Hood River $19
    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 Hood River and Victoria, we can see that Victoria 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 Hood River Expensive? and Is Victoria Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Hood River or Victoria?

Victoria has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Hood River. When comparing the sizes of Hood River 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 Hood River or Victoria?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Hood River or Victoria in the Summer?

Both Victoria and Hood River are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Hood River for the hiking 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 the summer, Hood River is a little warmer than Victoria. Typically, the summer temperatures in Hood River in July average around 68°F (20°C), and Victoria averages at about 16°C (60°F).

In July, Hood River usually receives more rain than Victoria. Hood River gets 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain, while Victoria receives 13 mm (0.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Hood River 68°F (20°C) 
    Victoria 16°C (60°F)

Should I visit Hood River or Victoria in the Autumn?

Both Victoria and Hood River during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Hood River because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, 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.

In October, Hood River is generally a little warmer than Victoria. Daily temperatures in Hood River average around 55°F (13°C), and Victoria fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Hood River usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Victoria. Hood River gets 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain, while Victoria receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Hood River 55°F (13°C) 
    Victoria 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Hood River or Victoria in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Hood River and Victoria. The skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Hood River 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 Hood River in the winter. Hood River is cooler than Victoria in the winter. The daily temperature in Hood River averages around 40°F (4°C) in January, and Victoria fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

Victoria receives a lot of rain in the winter. Hood River gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Hood River usually receives around the same amount of rain as Victoria. Hood River gets 5.2 inches (132 mm) of rain, while Victoria receives 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Hood River 40°F (4°C) 
    Victoria 5°C (41°F)

Should I visit Hood River or Victoria in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Hood River as well as Victoria. Many travelers come to Hood River for the natural beauty.

In the spring, Hood River is a little warmer than Victoria. Typically, the spring temperatures in Hood River in April average around 51°F (11°C), and Victoria averages at about 10°C (49°F).

Hood River usually gets more rain in April than Victoria. Hood River gets 2.4 inches (61 mm) of rain, while Victoria receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Hood River 51°F (11°C) 
    Victoria 10°C (49°F)

Typical Weather for Victoria and Hood River

Hood River Victoria
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 40°F (4°C) 5.2 inches (132 mm) 5°C (41°F) 138 mm (5.4 in)
Feb 44°F (7°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm) 7°C (44°F) 112 mm (4.4 in)
Mar 47°F (9°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm) 8°C (46°F) 67 mm (2.7 in)
Apr 51°F (11°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm) 10°C (49°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
May 57°F (14°C) 2 inches (51 mm) 12°C (54°F) 29 mm (1.1 in)
Jun 64°F (18°C) 1.5 inches (39 mm) 14°C (58°F) 24 mm (0.9 in)
Jul 68°F (20°C) 0.7 inches (18 mm) 16°C (60°F) 13 mm (0.5 in)
Aug 69°F (20°C) 1 inches (25 mm) 16°C (61°F) 19 mm (0.8 in)
Sep 63°F (17°C) 1.7 inches (44 mm) 15°C (58°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Oct 55°F (13°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm) 11°C (52°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Nov 46°F (8°C) 5.4 inches (136 mm) 8°C (46°F) 140 mm (5.5 in)
Dec 40°F (5°C) 6.1 inches (156 mm) 5°C (42°F) 153 mm (6 in)