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

Should you visit Victoria or Winnipeg?

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 Winnipeg. 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 relaxing, cultural, and scenic city. Visitors also love the nightlife, food, and hiking. See Victoria travel costs.

Winnipeg

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

Victoria and Winnipeg: Pros and Cons

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
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Victoria or Winnipeg?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Victoria than Winnipeg. While Winnipeg is larger than Victoria, Victoria has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Victoria is more popular for its hiking, while Winnipeg is known for its museums and attractions. Victoria is more touristy than Winnipeg and is known for its colonial buildings and public parks. It is also home to Butchart Gardens. Winnipeg is popular for its festivals, culture, and railway connections.

How is Victoria different from Winnipeg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Victoria
Winnipeg

Winnipeg is a very popular place for its museums and history. Also, Victoria is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Winnipeg. There are some unique museums around town including the Canadian Museum for Human Rights. Other popular museums are the Manitoba Museum and the Manitoba Children's Museum.

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 Winnipeg? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Victoria
Winnipeg

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Victoria and Winnipeg can be difficult as they are each good 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.

Winnipeg offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. You'll find a wide variety of restaurants around town that serve a mix of local dishes and international cuisines. A must-see part of the city is the historic Forks Market.

Is Victoria or Winnipeg Better for Nightlife?

Victoria
Winnipeg

The good nightlife scene is relatively similar in Victoria and Winnipeg.

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.

Winnipeg has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The city has an active nightlife, even during the winter months. You'll find dance clubs, bars, and pubs around town that are popular with locals and visitors alike.

Is Victoria or Winnipeg Better for Hiking?

Victoria
Winnipeg

Victoria is a city with good options for hiking. However, Winnipeg is not a hiking destination.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Victoria. 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.

Winnipeg is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Victoria or Winnipeg?

Victoria
Winnipeg

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

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.

Winnipeg is a great destination for shopping. You'll find all of the standard shopping options around town, from boutiques to big box shops and even some outlets.

Is Victoria or Winnipeg Better for Families?

Victoria
Winnipeg

Victoria is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Winnipeg is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Victoria is very family-friendly. 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.

Winnipeg is a family-friendly place to visit. Kids will love a visit to the Assiniboine Park Zoo or the Manitoba Children's Museum. There are a number of parks and playgrounds around town as well as the Prairie Dog Central Railway. There are many kid-friendly restaurants in the city as well.

Is Victoria or Winnipeg Better for Couples?

Victoria
Winnipeg

Victoria is great for its romantic activities. Also, Winnipeg is not as popular, but is still a nice city for couples.

Victoria is a great city if you're traveling as 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.

Winnipeg is a good city for couples to visit. Many couples enjoy wandering through Assiniboine Park. There are also many romantic restaurants and spas for couples.


Is Victoria or Winnipeg Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Victoria
Winnipeg

Victoria and Winnipeg are both good 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 Winnipeg. While it's often overlooked by backpackers, there are a couple of hostels around town.

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

Victoria
Winnipeg

Visitors will find decent public transit in both Victoria and Winnipeg.

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 Winnipeg. There's a bus system around town, but many visitors prefer to have a vehicle.

Is Victoria or Winnipeg a more walkable city?

Victoria
Winnipeg

Victoria is great for its high level of walkability. However, Winnipeg is not a good destination for its ease of walking around.

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

Winnipeg is generally not very walkable. While there are a few walkable neighborhoods, the city itself is not particularly walkable, particularly during the cold winter months.


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

Should I spend more time in Winnipeg or Victoria?

How long in Victoria or Winnipeg?

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

Families should spend more time in Victoria than Winnipeg. 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 Winnipeg. 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 Winnipeg 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.


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

One day in Victoria or Winnipeg?

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 city of Winnipeg 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 Winnipeg?

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.

Winnipeg 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 Winnipeg, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Victoria or Winnipeg?

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.

Winnipeg 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 Winnipeg?

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.

Winnipeg 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.


Which place is cheaper, Winnipeg or Victoria?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Victoria is $201, while the average daily cost in Winnipeg is $255. 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 Winnipeg in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Victoria $113
    Winnipeg $92
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Victoria $226
    Winnipeg $184
Compare Hotels in Victoria and Winnipeg

Looking for a hotel in Victoria or Winnipeg? 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 Winnipeg


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 Winnipeg Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Victoria $37
    Winnipeg -

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: $691
  • Private Transfer from Victoria City Hotels to Nanaimo Cruise Port: $131
  • Victoria to Vancouver - Vancouver Airport (YVR) Drop Off - Coach Bus Transfer: $91
  • Victoria to Vancouver - Coach Bus Transfer: $77
  • Victoria to Vancouver Ferry with Bus Transfer: $76

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Winnipeg

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

  • Winnipeg accomodation to Winnipeg Airport (YWG) - Departure Private Transfer: $83
  • Winnipeg One way Private transfer from/to the Airport: $200
  • Winnipeg Airport (YWG) to Winnipeg accomodation - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $165
  • Winnipeg Airport (YWG) to Winnipeg accomodation - Arrival Private Transfer: $83
  • Private Transfer from Winnipeg Hotels to Winnipeg Airport (YWG): $97
  • Private Transfer from Winnipeg Airport to Winnipeg Accommodation : $37
  • Private Transfer from Winnipeg Airport (YWG) to Winnipeg Hotels: $97

Is it cheaper to fly into Victoria or Winnipeg?

Prices for flights to both Winnipeg 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 $47
    Winnipeg $9.33

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: $87
  • Hip & Hidden Chinatown + Old Town Food Tour Victoria: $89
  • Vistas and Views Food Tour with 3-Course Meal: $102
  • Indulge in a Wine & Food Tour - Cowichan Valley : $125
  • Sip, Savor, Stroll Evening Food Tour: $146
  • Gourmet Dinner Tour Including Local Beer, Wine and City Highlights: $221

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Victoria $45
    Winnipeg $2.52

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: $229
  • 75-Minute The Royal Tour: $281
  • Beacon Hill Park Horse-Drawn Carriage Experience in Victoria: $229
  • Butchart & Beyond: The Grand Victoria Tour: $360
  • 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: $89
  • East Sooke Park Coastal Hiking Tour with a Bite and Beer: $129
  • Eat Like a Canadian Food & Sightseeing Tour: $59
  • From Vancouver: Victoria Tour with Ferry & Butchart Gardens: $210

Tours and Activities in Winnipeg

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Winnipeg.

  • Discover Assiniboine Park with a Smartphone Audio Tour: $6.67
  • Explore The Challenge of Moderninity with Walking Tours in Winnipeg, MB: $6.67
  • Manitoba Legislative Grounds: Smartphone Audio Tour: $6.67
  • Murder Mystery Detective Experience in Winnipeg MB: $11
  • Private City Tour in Winnipeg: $97
  • The Forks Historic Site: a Smartphone Audio Tour: $6.67
  • The Sights of South a Smartphone Audio Tour: $6.67
  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Winnipeg by Operation City Quest: $10
  • Walk 4 Smartphone Audio Walking Tours: $19
  • Winnipeg Private Walking Tour with a Local: $41
  • Winnipeg in the Limelight: a Smartphone Audio Walking Tour: $6.67
  • Winnipeg's Most Haunted: a Smartphone Audio Ghost Tour: $6.67

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Victoria $16
    Winnipeg -

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: $22
  • Pickle Pub Crawl: Ferry Rides and Appetizers: $52
  • Local Brewery Tour with a Guide: $87
  • Victoria, BC: Food & Wine Tour to the Cowichan Valley: $120
  • 6-Hour Victoria to Cowichan Wine Tour: $127
  • Victoria Wine Tour with Wine Tastings and Charcuterie: $133
  • Private Saanich Peninsula Wine Tour : $144
  • Cowichan Valley Premium Wine Tour: $480


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

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


Which is Bigger, Victoria or Winnipeg?

Winnipeg has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Victoria. When comparing the sizes of Victoria and Winnipeg, 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 Winnipeg?

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 Winnipeg in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Victoria and Winnipeg. Most visitors come to Victoria for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Winnipeg because of the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Victoria is generally cooler than Winnipeg. Daily temperatures in Victoria average around 16°C (60°F), and Winnipeg fluctuates around 21°C (71°F).

In July, Victoria usually receives less rain than Winnipeg. Victoria gets 13 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Winnipeg receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Victoria 16°C (60°F) 
    Winnipeg 21°C (71°F)

Should I visit Victoria or Winnipeg in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Victoria as well as Winnipeg. The autumn months attract visitors to Victoria because of the hiking trails and the shopping scene. Also, the shopping scene are the main draw to Winnipeg this time of year.

Victoria is a little warmer than Winnipeg in the autumn. The daily temperature in Victoria averages around 11°C (52°F) in October, and Winnipeg fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

Victoria usually gets more rain in October than Winnipeg. Victoria gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Winnipeg receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Victoria 11°C (52°F) 
    Winnipeg 7°C (45°F)

Should I visit Victoria or Winnipeg in the Winter?

Both Winnipeg and Victoria are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Victoria this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Winnipeg for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Winnipeg. It's quite cold in Victoria in the winter. In the winter, Victoria is much warmer than Winnipeg. Typically, the winter temperatures in Victoria in January average around 5°C (41°F), and Winnipeg averages at about -17°C (2°F).

It's quite rainy in Victoria. In January, Victoria usually receives more rain than Winnipeg. Victoria gets 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while Winnipeg receives 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Victoria 5°C (41°F) 
    Winnipeg -17°C (2°F)

Should I visit Victoria or Winnipeg in the Spring?

Both Winnipeg and Victoria during the spring are popular places to visit.

In April, Victoria is generally much warmer than Winnipeg. Daily temperatures in Victoria average around 10°C (49°F), and Winnipeg fluctuates around 5°C (42°F).

Victoria usually gets more rain in April than Winnipeg. Victoria gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Winnipeg receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Victoria 10°C (49°F) 
    Winnipeg 5°C (42°F)

Typical Weather for Winnipeg and Victoria

Victoria Winnipeg
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 5°C (41°F) 138 mm (5.4 in) -17°C (2°F) 19 mm (0.7 in)
Feb 7°C (44°F) 112 mm (4.4 in) -14°C (8°F) 15 mm (0.6 in)
Mar 8°C (46°F) 67 mm (2.7 in) -6°C (22°F) 23 mm (0.9 in)
Apr 10°C (49°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 5°C (42°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
May 12°C (54°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 13°C (56°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 14°C (58°F) 24 mm (0.9 in) 19°C (65°F) 84 mm (3.3 in)
Jul 16°C (60°F) 13 mm (0.5 in) 21°C (71°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Aug 16°C (61°F) 19 mm (0.8 in) 20°C (68°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Sep 15°C (58°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 14°C (57°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Oct 11°C (52°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 7°C (45°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Nov 8°C (46°F) 140 mm (5.5 in) -3°C (26°F) 21 mm (0.8 in)
Dec 5°C (42°F) 153 mm (6 in) -13°C (9°F) 19 mm (0.7 in)