A Travel Price Comparison for Canada Victoria vs. Halifax for Families, Couples, Attractions, and Food

Should you visit Victoria or Halifax?

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 Victoria and Halifax. 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.

Victoria

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

Halifax

Halifax is a friendly, cultural, and historical city. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums. See Halifax travel costs.

Victoria and Halifax: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Victoria or Halifax?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Victoria than Halifax. While Halifax is larger than Victoria, Victoria has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Victoria is more touristy than Halifax and is known for its colonial buildings and public parks. Also, Victoria is famous for Butchart Gardens. Halifax is well known for its maritime past.

How is Victoria different from Halifax?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

You'll find a number of notable museums and attractions in both Halifax and Victoria.

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.

Halifax is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. You should head to Pier 21, where you'll find the Canadian Museum of Immigration. The Discovery Center is a great spot for kids, as is the Natural History Museum. Finally, check out the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic and the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site.

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Victoria and Halifax can be difficult as they are each notable in their own way.

Victoria is becoming an appealing option for foodies. You'll find tons of fresh seafood around town. Make sure you try to the Dungeness crab, wild caught salmon, and fish chowder.

Halifax offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. You'll find lobster rolls and other seafood around town, but also make sure you try the Halifax donair, which is a shaved beef sandwich wrap that can be found a many pizza restaurants.

Is Victoria or Halifax Better for Nightlife?

The notable nightlife scene is relatively similar in Victoria and Halifax.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe 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.

Halifax has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There's a laid back atmosphere to the nightlife scene. There are casual bars and pubs where you can meet the locals and a few nightclubs where there's a relaxed but fun atmosphere.

Is Victoria or Halifax Better for Hiking?

Victoria is a nice place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Halifax is not a hiking destination.

Victoria has hiking trails worth exploring. 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.

Halifax is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Victoria or Halifax?

Shoppers can find a variety of notable stores in both Victoria and Halifax.

Victoria has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are plenty of larger shopping malls as well as local boutiques and farmer's markets.

Halifax is a great destination for shopping. You'll find a mix of boutiques, artisan shops, large malls, and shopping centers.

Is Victoria or Halifax Better for Families?

Victoria is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Halifax is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Victoria is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Halifax. There are a handful of kid-friendly museums like the Museum of Natural History. Kids will also appreciate a visit to the Discovery Center or stretching their legs at Point Pleasant Park. History lovers should go see the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site.

Is Victoria or Halifax Better for Couples?

Victoria is a very popular place for romance. Also, Halifax is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

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.

Halifax makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples can wander down the waterfront or take a stroll through Point Pleasant Park. The city also has number of romantic restaurants and hotels.

Is Victoria or Halifax Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Victoria and Halifax are both notable destinations for backpackers.

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

Plenty of budget travelers visit Halifax. There's actually a decent number of hostels around town for backpackers and budget travelers.

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

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

Halifax has some public transit options. There are buses around town as well as a ferry to Dartmouth.

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 Victoria or Halifax a more walkable city?

Victoria is a very popular place for its walkability. Also, Halifax is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

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

Halifax is a somewhat walkable place. It's a compact town that's relatively easy to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Halifax or Victoria?

How long in Victoria or Halifax?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Victoria and Halifax. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Victoria than in Halifax. Usually, 3-4 days is a good amount of time for Victoria, and 2-3 days is enough time in Halifax.

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

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

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

One day in Victoria or Halifax?

In Victoria, you'll find nightlife and food. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

The city of Halifax offers food and shopping. 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.

A weekend in Victoria or Halifax?

In Victoria, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Halifax is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Halifax, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Victoria or Halifax?

Victoria is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Halifax 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.

A week in Victoria or Halifax?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Victoria. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Victoria. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Halifax is a great place to explore. 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.

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

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Victoria and Halifax, we can see that Victoria is more expensive. And not only is Halifax much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Halifax would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Halifax 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 Halifax.

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

Which is Bigger, Victoria or Halifax?

Halifax has a larger population, and is about 24% larger than the population of Victoria. When comparing the sizes of Victoria and Halifax, 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 Victoria or Halifax?

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 Victoria or Halifax in the Summer?

Both Halifax and Victoria are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Victoria in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Halifax for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Victoria is cooler than Halifax. Typically, the summer temperatures in Victoria in July average around 16°C (60°F), and Halifax averages at about 18°C (64°F).

In July, Victoria usually receives less rain than Halifax. Victoria gets 13 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Halifax receives 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Victoria or Halifax in the Autumn?

Both Halifax and Victoria during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Victoria for the hiking trails and the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Halifax because of the shopping scene.

In October, Victoria is generally a little warmer than Halifax. Daily temperatures in Victoria average around 11°C (52°F), and Halifax fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

Halifax gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Victoria usually gets less rain in October than Halifax. Victoria gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Halifax receives 121 mm (4.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Victoria or Halifax in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Victoria and Halifax. The winter months attract visitors to Victoria because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Halifax this time of year.

It's quite cold in Halifax in the winter. The weather in Victoria can be very cold. Victoria is much warmer than Halifax in the winter. The daily temperature in Victoria averages around 5°C (41°F) in January, and Halifax fluctuates around -4°C (24°F).

Halifax receives a lot of rain in the winter. Victoria gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Victoria usually receives around the same amount of rain as Halifax. Victoria gets 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while Halifax receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Victoria or Halifax in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Victoria as well as Halifax.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Halifax. In the spring, Victoria is much warmer than Halifax. Typically, the spring temperatures in Victoria in April average around 10°C (49°F), and Halifax averages at about 4°C (39°F).

It's quite rainy in Halifax. Victoria usually gets less rain in April than Halifax. Victoria gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Halifax receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Halifax and Victoria