A Travel Price Comparison for Canada Victoria vs. Quebec City for Attractions, Food, Couples, and Nightlife

Should you visit Victoria or Quebec City?

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 Quebec City. 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. It's also known for museums, nightlife, and food.

Quebec City

Quebec City is a charming, historical, and cultural city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Victoria and Quebec City: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for shopping
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Impressive beauty


Is there more to do in Victoria or Quebec City?

You'll generally find more things to do in Quebec City than Victoria. Quebec City is bigger than Victoria, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Quebec City is better known for its museums & sights, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Victoria is more popular for its hiking. Victoria is well known for its colonial buildings and public parks. Quebec City is well known for its charming streets and classic Old Town. Also, Quebec City is famous for Château Frontenac.

How is Victoria different from Quebec City?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Quebec City 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 Quebec City?

Victoria
Quebec City

Quebec City 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, Quebec City has many famous sights for visitors. Historic sites include La Citadelle de Québec and Quebec National Historic Site. There are many iconic buildings in town as well like the Parliament Building and Château Frontenac. Also make sure you visit the Musée de la Civilisation and the stunning Basilica of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré.

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 Victoria or Quebec City? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Victoria
Quebec City

Quebec City is an amazing city to visit for its restaurants. Also, Victoria is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Eat your way through Quebec City, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. The city offers a mix of Canadian favorites and French dishes with a local twist. Favorite dishes that you must try include tourtières, pâté chinois, pea soup, and fèves au lard. There are also many local desserts to sample. You'll find some of the best French Canadian cuisine in the Old Town.

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 Victoria or Quebec City Better for Nightlife?

Victoria
Quebec City

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

Quebec City has a large number of nightlife venues. The nightlife scene consists mainly of bars and pubs that you'll find along Rue Saint-Jean and in the Saint-Jean-Baptiste neighborhood. You'll also find clubs in Saint-Roch along Rue du Parvis and Avenue Saint-Joseph.

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 Victoria or Quebec City Better for its Old Town?

Victoria
Quebec City

Quebec City is an amazing city to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Victoria does not have a historic old town.

Quebec City offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. The walled Old Town has fortifications that date back to the 17th century. It has a European charm with cobblestone streets, charming restaurants, beautiful squares, and historic architecture. Many visitors feel like they've stepped into old world Europe.

Victoria does not have a historic old town.


Is Victoria or Quebec City Better for Hiking?

Victoria
Quebec City

Victoria is a nice place to visit for its hiking experiences. However, Quebec City 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.

Quebec City is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Victoria or Quebec City?

Victoria
Quebec City

Quebec City 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 Quebec City specifically to go shopping. The Old Town has many local boutiques and artisan shops that are fun for browsing. There are many shopping streets in town like Petit-Champlain Street, Rue Saint-Joseph, and Avenue Cartier.

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

Is Victoria or Quebec City Better for Families?

Victoria
Quebec City

Both Victoria and Quebec City are great family-friendly destinations.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Victoria. 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.

Quebec City is a very family-friendly place to visit. There are tons of kid-friendly activities like visiting the Aquarium du Québec, having an adventure at Terrasse Dufferin, or exploring Chute de Montmorency.


Is Victoria or Quebec City Better for Couples?

Victoria
Quebec City

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

Quebec City is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. It's one of the most European city's in North America, and it's filled with romance. Couples can enjoy exploring the Old Town by carriage or taking a boat ride on the Saint Lawrence River. For a truly romantic evening, enjoy a French meal at the famous Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, but for many couples, simply exploring and soaking up the city's charm offers the simple romance that they're looking for.

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 Victoria or Quebec City Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Victoria
Quebec City

Quebec City 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 Quebec City. There are a decent number of hostels around town and backpackers consider this a favorite destination in the area.

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

Is Victoria or Quebec City Better for Students?

Victoria
Quebec City

Quebec City is a good destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Victoria is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Quebec City. It's a beautiful and charming city that is fun for international students.

Victoria is not popular with students.


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

Victoria
Quebec City

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

Quebec City has some public transit options. There are buses and ferries around 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 Victoria or Quebec City a more walkable city?

Victoria
Quebec City

Quebec City 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 Quebec City. The Old Town is compact and easy 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 Victoria Worth Visiting? and Is Quebec City Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Quebec City or Victoria?

How long in Victoria or Quebec City?

It's fun to spend time in either Victoria or Quebec City. In our opinion, Quebec City has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Quebec City than Victoria. In general, 3-4 days is a good amount of time for Victoria, and 2-4 days is enough time in Quebec City.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Quebec City 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 Quebec City.


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

One day in Victoria or Quebec City?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the scenic city of Victoria. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

The beautiful city of Quebec City offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 Quebec City?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the cultural destination of Victoria. This city offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Quebec City 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. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Quebec City, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Victoria or Quebec City?

The relaxing city of Victoria offers shopping and museums. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Quebec City 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 Quebec City?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Victoria. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Quebec City is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 2-Week Tours from Toronto, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Canada, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Canada, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Canada.


Which place is cheaper, Quebec City or Victoria?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Victoria is $185, while the average daily cost in Quebec City is $128. 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 Victoria and Quebec City in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Victoria $115
    Quebec City $74
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Victoria $230
    Quebec City $148
Compare Hotels in Victoria and Quebec City

Looking for a hotel in Victoria or Quebec City? 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 Victoria


Hotels in Quebec City


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 and Quebec City Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Victoria $38
    Quebec City $16

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Victoria

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

  • From Vancouver: Scenic Seaplane Transfer to Victoria: $227
  • From Victoria:Scenic Seaplane Transfer to Salt Spring Island: $125
  • One way Scenic Seaplane transfer from Victoria to Vancouver : $233
  • Victoria to Vancouver - Coach Bus Transfer: $75
  • Victoria to Vancouver - Vancouver Airport (YVR) Drop Off - Coach Bus Transfer: $89
  • Victoria to Vancouver Ferry with Bus Transfer: $74

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Quebec City

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Quebec City are as follows:


  • Parking in Quebec City
    $3.70

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Quebec City

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Quebec City:

  • YQB Quebec City Airport Cruise Terminal Train Station Transfer: $101
  • YQB Airport Transfer: $106
  • Quebec to Le Terminal Quebec Port - Departure Private Transfer: $100
  • Quebec city private transfer: $99
  • Sugar Shack Shuttle Transfer: $24
  • Jean Lesage Arrivals Private Airport Transfer: $108
  • Quebec Airport (YQB) to Downtown private transfer: $118
  • Québec city to Québec Jean Lesage Airport (YQB) - Departure Private Transfer: $53
  • Québec Airport (YQB): Transfer to Le Terminal Quebec Port: $238
  • Québec Airport (YQB) to Le Terminal Quebec Port - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $117
  • Québec Airport (YQB) to Le Terminal Quebec Cruise Port- Arrival Private Transfer: $58
  • Québec Airport (YQB) to Le Terminal Cruise Port -Arrival Transfer: $58

Is it cheaper to fly into Victoria or Quebec City?

Prices for flights to both Quebec City and Victoria 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
    Victoria $27
    Quebec City $37

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Victoria

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

  • Chocolate Lovers Food Tour: $44
  • Chinatown and Old Town Food Tour with Tastings: $59
  • Hip & Hidden Chinatown + Old Town Food Tour Victoria: $91
  • Sip, Savor, Stroll Evening Food Tour: $148

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Quebec City

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Quebec City.

  • 3 or 5 Course Dinner Cruise with DJ & Dancing: $133
  • Old Quebec 5-Course Gourmet Food Tour: $192
  • Combo Historical and Food Tour of the Old Quebec City: $196
  • Evening Gourmet Tour 5 Course Dinner - History and Food in Old Quebec City: $196
  • Private Street Food Tour in Quebec With A Local Guide : $247

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Victoria $46
    Quebec City $24

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: $3.33
  • Victoria self-guided tour App - multilingual AudioGuide: $4.47
  • Victoria Harbor: Smartphone Audio Walking Tour: $5.17
  • Saanichton: Family-Friendly Farm Experience: $7.21
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: $14
  • Experience Victoria Walking Tour: $15
  • Butterfly Gardens Admission Ticket: $15
  • Victoria Butterfly Gardens Ticket: $15
  • Ghostly Walking Tour in Victoria: $16
  • Cultural & Historical Victoria Walking Tour: $16
  • Ghost Tour of Old Town and Bastion Square: $16
  • Walking Tour through History and Heritage: $16

Tours and Activities in Quebec City

Here are a few actual costs in Quebec City for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Magnificent Montmorency Falls Private E-Bike Tour: $151
  • 2-Hour Christmas Magic Tour in Old Quebec: $30
  • Animated Crime Walking Tour in Old Quebec: $19
  • City & Market Farm Tour from Québec: $34
  • Extraordinary guided tour of Old Quebec on foot: $94
  • Fatbike tour of Québec city in the winter: $103
  • Full-Day Whale Watching Cruise from Quebec City: $182
  • Guided Tour of the Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac in Quebec City: $22
  • Guided Winter Walking Tour in Old Quebec City : $22
  • Guided tour from the bee to the bottle and tasting - French: $22
  • HIstorical Lower Town & Neighborhoods Private Bike Tour: $125
  • Historical Tasting Old Quebec Walking Tour: $64

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Victoria $16
    Quebec City $19

Sample the Local Flavors in Victoria

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

  • Guided Pub Crawl with Ferry Rides and Appetizers: $50
  • Local Brewery Tour with a Guide: $89
  • 6-Hour Victoria to Cowichan Wine Tour: $129
  • Victoria Wine Tour with Wine Tastings and Charcuterie: $136
  • Victoria Bachelorette Full Day Guided Wine Tour with 4 Wineries: $158
  • Cowichan Valley Premium Wine Tour: $444

Sample the Local Flavors in Quebec City

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Quebec City:

  • Honey and Distillery Tour with Tasting: $21
  • Craft Brewery and Beer Tasting Tour: $51
  • Quebec City Craft Brewery and Beer Tasting Small-Group Tour: $62
  • Island of Orleans Wine Tour: $92
  • Wine Tasting on Ile d'Orleans: $94


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

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


Which is Bigger, Victoria or Quebec City?

Quebec City has a larger population, and is about 83% larger than the population of Victoria. When comparing the sizes of Victoria and Quebec City, 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.