A Travel Price Comparison for Canada Victoria vs. Whistler for Hiking, Families, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Victoria or Whistler?

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 Whistler. 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. See Victoria travel costs.

Whistler

Whistler is a charming, adventurous, and outdoorsy village. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. With stunning beauty, Whistler attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the nightlife, food, and hiking. See Whistler travel costs.

Victoria and Whistler: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Victoria or Whistler?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Whistler than Victoria, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Whistler is better known for its skiing, food, nightlife, resorts, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Victoria is more popular for its museums and attractions. Whistler is more touristy than Victoria and is popular for its world renowned skiing and snowboarding. Also, Whistler is famous for Cloudraker Skybridge. Victoria is well known for its colonial buildings and public parks.

How is Victoria different from Whistler?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Victoria or Whistler Better for Skiing?

Whistler is an amazing village to visit for skiing and snowboarding. However, Victoria is not a skiing destination.

Whistler is a top destination for snow skiing, and it attracts visitors from around the world. Whistler is the largest ski resort in North America. It covers a vast area that includes two peaks - Whistler and Blackcomb. The slopes are connected by lifts and gondolas and there are options for every level, from beginner to expert.

Victoria is not a skiing destination.

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

Victoria is a nice place to visit for its sights and museums. However, Whistler is not a good village 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.

While most people don't head to Whistler specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. There is a local museum where you can learn about the areas culture and heritage.

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

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

Whistler has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. There are many great restaurants and pubs that serve local dishes like Whistler herring, meatloaf, and Artic char fish. There are casual eateries as well as fine dining with upscale cuisine.

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 Whistler Better for Nightlife?

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

Whistler has a large number of nightlife venues. After a day on the slopes, you can enjoy the lively nightlife that includes après ski bars, nightclubs, and late night parties.

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 Whistler Better for Resorts?

Whistler is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Victoria is not a resort destination.

There are plenty of resorts in Whistler to choose from. There's a large selection of resorts that you can choose from. Many have pools and hot tubs and range from romantic to family-friendly.

Victoria is not a resort destination.

Is Victoria or Whistler Better for Hiking?

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

Whistler is well-known for its hiking and trekking. During the warmer seasons there are miles of hiking trails that take you through both Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains. Many trails are accessible by gondola and you'll find great views and stunning vistas. Trails range from short family-friendly options to strenuous and adventurous routes.

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 Victoria or Whistler?

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

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.

Whistler is a great destination for shopping. The village offers great shopping where you can pick up local items or any ski gear you may have forgotten.

Is Victoria or Whistler More Beautiful?

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

With stunning beauty, Whistler attracts visitors from all around. The town sits in a valley that is surrounded by stunning mountains and impressive glaciers.

Victoria is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Victoria or Whistler Better for Families?

Whistler is an amazing village to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Victoria is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Whistler is very family-friendly. Kids will love the winter activities like skiing, dog sledding, and bobsledding. There's also an ice skating rink, climbing gym, and tons of kid-friendly restaurants.

Victoria is 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 Victoria or Whistler Better for Couples?

Victoria and Whistler both great destinations for a couple.

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.

Couples visit Whistler frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Couples who enjoy an adventure will love the year-round outdoor sports. There are also romantic spas, fine dining, and scenic gondola rides.

Is Victoria or Whistler Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Whistler 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 Whistler. There are several hostels in the area that are perfect 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.

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

Visitors will find respectable public transit in both Victoria and Whistler.

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.

Public transit is generally limited in Whistler. There's a bus system that connects the town to other nearby neighborhoods.

Is Victoria or Whistler a more walkable city?

Victoria and Whistler are great when it comes to walkability.

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

Whistler is very walkable. It's a compact town that's easy to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Whistler or Victoria?

How long in Victoria or Whistler?

In either Victoria or Whistler, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Whistler than Victoria because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-4 days is a good amount of time for Victoria, and 3-5 days is enough time in Whistler.

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

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

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

One day in Victoria or Whistler?

The city of Victoria 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.

The beautiful village of Whistler 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.

A weekend in Victoria or Whistler?

Victoria is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. 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.

Whistler is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.

Five days in Victoria or Whistler?

Victoria 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.

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

A week in Victoria or Whistler?

Victoria 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.

Whistler 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 village 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 Whistler, we can see that Victoria is more expensive. And not only is Whistler much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Whistler would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Whistler 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 Whistler.

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

Which is Bigger, Victoria or Whistler?

Victoria has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Whistler. When comparing the sizes of Victoria and Whistler, 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 Whistler?

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 Victoria or Whistler in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Victoria as well as Whistler. Many visitors come to Victoria in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, most visitors come to Whistler for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

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

Victoria usually gets less rain in July than Whistler. Victoria gets 13 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Whistler receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Victoria or Whistler in the Autumn?

Both Whistler and Victoria are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Victoria for the hiking trails and the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Whistler because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Victoria is generally around the same temperature as Whistler. Daily temperatures in Victoria average around 11°C (52°F), and Whistler fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Whistler. In October, Victoria usually receives less rain than Whistler. Victoria gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Whistler receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Victoria or Whistler in the Winter?

Both Whistler and Victoria during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Victoria because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Whistler this time of year.

It's quite cold in Whistler in the winter. The weather in Victoria can be very cold. Victoria is a little warmer than Whistler in the winter. The daily temperature in Victoria averages around 5°C (41°F) in January, and Whistler fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).

Whistler gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Victoria. Victoria usually gets less rain in January than Whistler. Victoria gets 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while Whistler receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Victoria or Whistler in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Victoria and Whistler. Also, many travelers come to Whistler for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Victoria is around the same temperature as Whistler. Typically, the spring temperatures in Victoria in April average around 10°C (49°F), and Whistler averages at about 9°C (49°F).

Whistler receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Victoria usually receives less rain than Whistler. Victoria gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Whistler receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Whistler and Victoria