A Travel Price Comparison for Canada Vancouver vs. Victoria for Attractions, Hiking, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Vancouver or Victoria?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Vancouver and Victoria. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Vancouver

Vancouver is a outdoorsy, scenic, and diverse city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. With stunning beauty, Vancouver attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the food, hiking, and shopping. See Vancouver travel costs.

Victoria

Victoria is a scenic, relaxing, and cultural city. Other reasons to visit include food, hiking, and shopping. See Victoria travel costs.

Vancouver and Victoria: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Vancouver or Victoria?

You'll generally find more things to do in Vancouver than Victoria. Vancouver is bigger than Victoria, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Vancouver is well known for its beautiful setting, sweeping views, and welcoming atmosphere. Also, Vancouver is famous for Stanley Park. Victoria is well known for its colonial buildings and public parks.

How is Vancouver different from Victoria?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Vancouver is an amazing city to visit for its museums and history. Also, Victoria is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Vancouver has many famous sights for visitors. There are tons of museums and sights around town such as the Vancouver Aquarium, the Museum of Anthropology, the Museum of Vancouver, and Science World. Also make sure you take a walk over the Capilano Suspension Bridge.

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.

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

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

Vancouver has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. You'll find diverse restaurants and fresh ingredients. Local seafood is a staple in many restaurants so make sure you try the prawns, salmon, and even sea urchin. Asian food is also excellent around town. Sushi, Japanese hot dogs, and dim sum are all worth sampling.

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 Vancouver or Victoria Better for Nightlife?

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

Vancouver has a large number of nightlife venues. The city has a vibrant nightlife scene. Most of the activity is centered around The Granville Entertainment District in the downtown area. It runs along Granville Street between Robson Street and Davie Street. In the area you'll find a high concentration of bars and nightclubs.

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 Vancouver or Victoria Better for Hiking?

Vancouver is an amazing city to visit for its hiking trails. Also, Victoria is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

Vancouver is well-known for its hiking and trekking. The city is surrounded by water and mountains, making it one of the best hiking cities in the world. You don't have to go far to enjoy spectacular vistas, serene rainforests, and rugged coastline. The trails range from casual strolls to more strenuous day long hikes.

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 Vancouver or Victoria?

Vancouver is an amazing city to visit for its shopping areas. Also, Victoria is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

Many people travel to Vancouver specifically to go shopping. The shopping is as diverse as the city itself. You can enjoy strolling through Chinatown, hitting up a public market, or wandering around a large shopping mall.

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

Is Vancouver or Victoria More Beautiful?

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

With stunning beauty, Vancouver attracts visitors from all around. It sits between the Pacific Ocean and high reaching mountains, so the city offers spectacular views.

Victoria is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Vancouver or Victoria Better for Families?

Both Vancouver and Victoria are excellent family-friendly destinations.

Vancouver is a very family-friendly destination. There are great kid-friendly museums like the Science Museum, as well as outdoor markets, public parks, and easy access to the nearby nature. A visit to Grouse Mountain is a must for many families. You can see the bears, take a gondola, and see the a lumberjack show.

Victoria is a very kid-friendly city. 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 Vancouver or Victoria Better for Couples?

Vancouver is an amazing city to visit for couples. Also, Victoria is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Vancouver is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. Most of the activities take advantage of the beautiful outdoor setting. You can take a carriage ride in Stanley Park or visit the Sun Yat Sen Chinese Garden. Eat dim sum in Chinatown and then wander through the diverse neighborhood. End the day with a show at Orpheum Theater.

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 Vancouver or Victoria Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Vancouver 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 Vancouver. It's a favorite city for backpackers who enjoy the many outdoor activities. There are also many hostels available around town.

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

Is Vancouver or Victoria Better for Students?

Vancouver is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Victoria is not popular with students.

Many students visit Vancouver. The cities friendly personality and fun energy make it a great place to study.

Victoria is not popular with students.

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

Vancouver is an amazing city to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Victoria is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Public transit in Vancouver is top-notch. Public transit is efficient and comfortable. The Translink system includes buses, the SeaBus ferry, and the SkyTrain light rail system.

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 Vancouver or Victoria a more walkable city?

Vancouver is an amazing city 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 Vancouver. The downtown area is very compact and fun to explore on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Victoria or Vancouver?

How long in Vancouver or Victoria?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Vancouver 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 Vancouver.

One day in Vancouver or Victoria?

Vancouver is a big city with plenty to do. 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.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Victoria. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Vancouver or Victoria?

Vancouver is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in 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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the cultural destination of Victoria. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Vancouver or Victoria?

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

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the relaxing city of Victoria. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Vancouver or Victoria?

Vancouver 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 city offers something for everyone.

Victoria is a popular choice for travelers. 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from Vancouver, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Canada, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Canada, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Canada.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Vancouver or Victoria?

Vancouver has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Victoria. When comparing the sizes of Vancouver 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 Vancouver 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 Vancouver or Victoria in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Vancouver and Victoria. The summer months attract visitors to Vancouver because of the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Victoria this time of year.

In July, Vancouver is generally a little warmer than Victoria. Daily temperatures in Vancouver average around 18°C (64°F), and Victoria fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

In July, Vancouver usually receives more rain than Victoria. Vancouver gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Victoria receives 13 mm (0.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Vancouver or Victoria in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Vancouver as well as Victoria. The hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Vancouver this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Victoria for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

Vancouver is around the same temperature as Victoria in the autumn. The daily temperature in Vancouver averages around 11°C (51°F) in October, and Victoria fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Vancouver receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Vancouver usually gets more rain in October than Victoria. Vancouver gets 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Victoria receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Vancouver or Victoria in the Winter?

Both Victoria and Vancouver are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Vancouver for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Victoria in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Victoria can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Vancouver. In the winter, Vancouver is cooler than Victoria. Typically, the winter temperatures in Vancouver in January average around 4°C (40°F), and Victoria averages at about 5°C (41°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Victoria. It's quite rainy in Vancouver. In January, Vancouver usually receives more rain than Victoria. Vancouver gets 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain, while Victoria receives 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Vancouver or Victoria in the Spring?

Both Victoria and Vancouver during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Vancouver in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In April, Vancouver is generally around the same temperature as Victoria. Daily temperatures in Vancouver average around 9°C (49°F), and Victoria fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Vancouver. Vancouver usually gets more rain in April than Victoria. Vancouver gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Victoria receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Victoria and Vancouver