A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Acadia National Park vs. Victoria for Hiking, Families, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Acadia National Park or Victoria?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Acadia National Park or Victoria, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Acadia National Park

Acadia National Park is a scenic, picturesque, and beautiful national park. With stunning beauty, Acadia National Park attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the beaches and hiking. See Acadia National Park travel costs.

Victoria

Victoria is a cultural, scenic, and relaxing city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Victoria travel costs.

Acadia National Park and Victoria: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Very walkable


Is there more to do in Acadia National Park or Victoria?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Victoria. Although Acadia National Park and Victoria are popular destinations, Victoria has more sights and attractions for tourists. Victoria is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, and shopping, while Acadia National Park attracts visitors for its beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Acadia National Park is famous for its scenic drives, beautiful fall foliage, and cross country skiing in the winter. Victoria is famous for its colonial buildings and public parks. It is also well known for Butchart Gardens.

How is Acadia National Park different from Victoria?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Acadia National Park or Victoria?

Acadia National Park
Victoria

Victoria is a nice place to visit for its museums and history. However, Acadia National Park is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

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.

Acadia National Park offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. There are educational centers and Ranger Programs at the visitor centers in the park.


Is the Food Better in Acadia National Park or Victoria? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Acadia National Park
Victoria

Victoria is a nice place to visit for its restaurants. However, Acadia National Park is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

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.

Acadia National Park offers some easy restaurants to choose from. There's one restaurant in the park, the Jordan Pond House Restaurant, which serves lunch and dinner between mid-May and October. Many visitors prefer to bring their own food and enjoy meals at one of the six picnic areas.

Is Acadia National Park or Victoria Better for Nightlife?

Acadia National Park
Victoria

Victoria is a nice place to visit for its evening party scene. However, Acadia National Park is lacking in good options for nightlife.

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.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Acadia National Park. The park is more about sunsets and stargazing than lively nightlife parties.

Is Acadia National Park or Victoria Better for Beaches?

Acadia National Park
Victoria

Acadia National Park is a good destination for the beach. However, Victoria is not a beach destination.

Acadia National Park offers a nice beach destination. There is one oceanside beach in the park, Sand Beach, as well as two lakefront beaches, Echo Lake Beach and Lake Wood. Many visitors enjoy swimming during the warmer months.

Victoria is not a beach destination.


Is Acadia National Park or Victoria Better for Hiking?

Acadia National Park
Victoria

Acadia National Park is a very popular place for its hiking trails. Also, Victoria is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Acadia National Park. With 158 miles of hiking trails, this is a favorite activity for visitors to the park. There are diverse habitats that trails pass through including forests, estuaries, and coastal settings.

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 Acadia National Park or Victoria?

Acadia National Park
Victoria

Victoria is a nice place to visit for its shopping areas. However, Acadia National Park is lacking in good options for shopping.

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.

Acadia National Park has some shopping areas for those that seek them out. There are several park stores near visitor centers and campgrounds.

Is Acadia National Park or Victoria More Beautiful?

Acadia National Park
Victoria

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

With stunning beauty, Acadia National Park attracts visitors from all around. The dramatic ocean views and beautiful hiking trails make this a popular and scenic national park.

Victoria is not a destination known for its beauty.


Is Acadia National Park or Victoria Better for Families?

Acadia National Park
Victoria

Acadia National Park and Victoria are both great destinations for the whole family.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Acadia National Park. There are campgrounds and games that kids will enjoy. There are also Ranger Programs and hiking trails that are great for kids of all ages.

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 Acadia National Park or Victoria Better for Couples?

Acadia National Park
Victoria

Victoria is a very popular place for couples. Also, Acadia National Park is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

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.

Acadia National Park is a nice destination for couples. The natural beauty and scenic trails make this a romantic destination for couples.

Is Acadia National Park or Victoria Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Acadia National Park
Victoria

Acadia National Park and Victoria are both nice destinations for backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Acadia National Park. There are campgrounds and hiking trails that attracts hikers and backpackers who enjoy the beautiful natural setting.

Victoria is a good national park to visit for backpackers. There are a few hostels around town that attract the backpacker and budget traveler crowd.


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

Acadia National Park
Victoria

Visitors will find reasonable public transit in both Acadia National Park and Victoria.

Public transit is mostly limited in Acadia National Park. The Island Explorer Shuttle Bus operates between late June and early October.

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 Acadia National Park or Victoria a more walkable city?

Acadia National Park
Victoria

Victoria is a very popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Acadia National Park is lacking in good options for its walkability.

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

Acadia National Park is generally not very walkable. There are countless hiking trails, but having a car allows more efficient access to everything that the park has to offer.

For even more information, also check out Is Acadia National Park Worth Visiting? and Is Victoria Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Victoria or Acadia National Park?

How long in Acadia National Park or Victoria?

It's fun to spend time in either Acadia National Park or Victoria. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Victoria due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Acadia National Park, and 3-4 days is enough time in Victoria.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Victoria than Acadia National Park 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 Acadia National Park or Victoria? Ideal Length of Stay
    Acadia National Park 1-3 
    Victoria 3-4

One day in Acadia National Park or Victoria?

The beautiful national park of Acadia National Park offers . Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Victoria. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.


A weekend in Acadia National Park or Victoria?

Acadia National Park is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this national park makes for a great vacation. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Acadia National Park, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Victoria is a fun place to experience. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Acadia National Park or Victoria?

Acadia National Park 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.

Many people visit Victoria for five days. You'll find museums and nightlife around the city of Victoria. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Acadia National Park or Victoria?

Acadia National Park 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 national park offers something for everyone.

The cultural destination of Victoria offers nightlife and food. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, The Best Adventure Tours to Canada, and The Best Eco Tours in Canada.


Which place is cheaper, Victoria or Acadia National Park?

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

  • Acadia National Park Prices
    USA Prices
    Victoria Prices
    Canada Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Acadia National Park $206
    Victoria $201

The average daily cost (per person) in Acadia National Park is $206, while the average daily cost in Victoria is $201. 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 Acadia National Park and Victoria in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Acadia National Park $96
    Victoria $113
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Acadia National Park $192
    Victoria $226
Compare Hotels in Acadia National Park and Victoria

Looking for a hotel in Acadia National Park or Victoria? 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 Acadia National Park


Hotels in Victoria


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.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Acadia National Park $46
    Victoria $37

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: $682
  • Victoria to Vancouver Scenic Seaplane Transfer: One Way: $289
  • Victoria to Vancouver Ferry with Bus Transfer: $75
  • Victoria to Vancouver - Vancouver Cruise Terminal Drop Off - Coach Bus Transfer: $91
  • Victoria to Vancouver - Vancouver Airport (YVR) Drop Off - Coach Bus Transfer: $91
  • Victoria to Vancouver - Coach Bus Transfer: $77
  • Private Transfer from Victoria City Hotels to Nanaimo Cruise Port: $131

Is it cheaper to fly into Acadia National Park or Victoria?

Prices for flights to both Victoria and Acadia National Park 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
    Acadia National Park $78
    Victoria $47
Typical Food Prices in Acadia National Park

For Acadia National Park, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Lunch for 2
    $32

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: $86
  • Hip & Hidden Chinatown + Old Town Food Tour Victoria: $88
  • Vistas and Views Food Tour with 3-Course Meal: $100
  • Indulge in a Wine & Food Tour - Cowichan Valley : $125
  • Sip, Savor, Stroll Evening Food Tour: $144
  • Gourmet Dinner Tour Including Local Beer, Wine and City Highlights: $221

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Acadia National Park $33
    Victoria $45

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: $227
  • 75-Minute The Royal Tour: $279
  • Beacon Hill Park Horse-Drawn Carriage Experience in Victoria: $227
  • Butchart & Beyond: The Grand Victoria Tour: $355
  • 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: $88
  • East Sooke Park Coastal Hiking Tour with a Bite and Beer: $129
  • Eat Like a Canadian Food & Sightseeing Tour: $59
  • Evening Sip, Savor, Stroll Tour: $147

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Acadia National Park $11
    Victoria $16

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: $21
  • Pickle Pub Crawl: Ferry Rides and Appetizers: $52
  • Local Brewery Tour with a Guide: $86
  • Victoria, BC: Food & Wine Tour to the Cowichan Valley: $118
  • 6-Hour Victoria to Cowichan Wine Tour: $126
  • Victoria Wine Tour with Wine Tastings and Charcuterie: $132
  • Private Saanich Peninsula Wine Tour : $144
  • Cowichan Valley Premium Wine Tour: $474


When comparing the travel costs between Acadia National Park and Victoria, we can see that Acadia National Park is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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



When is the best time to visit Acadia National Park 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 Acadia National Park or Victoria in the Summer?

Both Victoria and Acadia National Park are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Acadia National Park for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Victoria in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

Acadia National Park is a little warmer than Victoria in the summer. The daily temperature in Acadia National Park averages around 69°F (21°C) in July, and Victoria fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

In July, Acadia National Park usually receives more rain than Victoria. Acadia National Park gets 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain, while Victoria receives 13 mm (0.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Acadia National Park 69°F (21°C) 
    Victoria 16°C (60°F)

Should I visit Acadia National Park or Victoria in the Autumn?

Both Victoria and Acadia National Park during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Acadia National Park in the autumn for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Victoria for the hiking trails and the shopping scene during these months.

In the autumn, Acadia National Park is cooler than Victoria. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Acadia National Park in October average around 48°F (9°C), and Victoria averages at about 11°C (52°F).

Acadia National Park usually gets more rain in October than Victoria. Acadia National Park gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Victoria receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Acadia National Park 48°F (9°C) 
    Victoria 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Acadia National Park or Victoria in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Acadia National Park and Victoria. Most visitors come to Acadia National Park for the museums and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Victoria because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Victoria can be very cold. Acadia National Park can be very cold during winter. In January, Acadia National Park is generally much colder than Victoria. Daily temperatures in Acadia National Park average around 18°F (-8°C), and Victoria fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

Victoria receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Acadia National Park usually receives less rain than Victoria. Acadia National Park gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while Victoria receives 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Acadia National Park 18°F (-8°C) 
    Victoria 5°C (41°F)

Should I visit Acadia National Park or Victoria in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Acadia National Park as well as Victoria. The spring months attract visitors to Acadia National Park because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

Acadia National Park is much colder than Victoria in the spring. The daily temperature in Acadia National Park averages around 43°F (6°C) in April, and Victoria fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

Acadia National Park usually gets more rain in April than Victoria. Acadia National Park gets 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain, while Victoria receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Acadia National Park 43°F (6°C) 
    Victoria 10°C (49°F)

Typical Weather for Victoria and Acadia National Park

Acadia National Park Victoria
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 18°F (-8°C) 3 inches (77 mm) 5°C (41°F) 138 mm (5.4 in)
Feb 20°F (-6°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 7°C (44°F) 112 mm (4.4 in)
Mar 31°F (-1°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm) 8°C (46°F) 67 mm (2.7 in)
Apr 43°F (6°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm) 10°C (49°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
May 54°F (12°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm) 12°C (54°F) 29 mm (1.1 in)
Jun 64°F (18°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm) 14°C (58°F) 24 mm (0.9 in)
Jul 69°F (21°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm) 16°C (60°F) 13 mm (0.5 in)
Aug 67°F (20°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm) 16°C (61°F) 19 mm (0.8 in)
Sep 59°F (15°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 15°C (58°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Oct 48°F (9°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 11°C (52°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Nov 37°F (3°C) 4.6 inches (116 mm) 8°C (46°F) 140 mm (5.5 in)
Dec 24°F (-5°C) 4 inches (100 mm) 5°C (42°F) 153 mm (6 in)