A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Cape Cod vs. Victoria for Food, Families, Couples, and Hiking

Should you visit Cape Cod or Victoria?

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 Cape Cod and Victoria. 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.

Cape Cod

Cape Cod is a wealthy, maritime, and beautiful beach destination. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. With stunning beauty, Cape Cod attracts visitors from all around. Because of its quaint atmosphere, it draws plenty of visitors, too. It's also popular because of the beaches, hiking, and shopping. See Cape Cod travel costs.

Victoria

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

Cape Cod and Victoria: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
  • Quaint atmosphere
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers


Is there more to do in Cape Cod or Victoria?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Cape Cod. Although Cape Cod and Victoria are popular destinations, Cape Cod has more sights and attractions for tourists. Cape Cod is very popular for its food, resorts, beaches, shopping, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Victoria attracts visitors for its museums and attractions and nightlife. Cape Cod is famous for its long scenic coastline, charming compact towns, and magnificent migrating whales. It is also well known for The Cape Cod National Seashore. Victoria is famous for its colonial buildings and public parks.

How is Cape Cod different from Victoria?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Cape Cod or Victoria?

Cape Cod
Victoria

Victoria is a good destination for its historical sights. However, Cape Cod does not have 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.

Cape Cod does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Cape Cod
Victoria

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

Cape Cod has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The region is famous for its fresh seafood and popular dishes include the fried clams and broiled lobster. There are also many diners and brunch cafes where you can enjoy pancakes or eggs benedict.

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 Cape Cod or Victoria Better for Nightlife?

Cape Cod
Victoria

Victoria is a good destination for its evening party scene. However, Cape Cod is not a good destination for nightlife.

If you're looking for night time activities Victoria has a few options to choose from. 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.

People don't go to Cape Cod for the nightlife. This area isn't really known for its nightlife, but the downtown of Hyannis has some activity at night.

Is Cape Cod or Victoria Better for Resorts?

Cape Cod
Victoria

Cape Cod is a good destination for its luxury resorts. However, Victoria is not a resort destination.

Cape Cod has a few great resort options. Wequassett Resort and Golf Club, White Elephant Resorts, and Chatham Bars Inn are favorite resorts in the Cape Cod area.

Victoria is not a resort destination.


Is Cape Cod or Victoria Better for Beaches?

Cape Cod
Victoria

Cape Cod is a very popular place for the beach. However, Victoria is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Cape Cod for it's beautiful beaches. Beaches in the area include long stretches of soft sand as well as tidal pools where kids can play. Several of the best beaches around Cape Cod include Mayflower Beach, Marconi Beach, and Race Point Beach.

Victoria is not a beach destination.

Is Cape Cod or Victoria Better for Hiking?

Cape Cod
Victoria

Hiking trails can be found around both Cape Cod and Victoria, and they are nice.

Cape Cod offers some nice hiking trails. Hikes range from casual strolls to longer trails. Popular options include Bass Hole Boardwalk in Yarmouth and the 22 mile Cape Cod Rail Trail.

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 Cape Cod or Victoria?

Cape Cod
Victoria

Cape Cod is a very popular place for its shopping areas. Also, Victoria is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Cape Cod. Many of the area's towns have charming Main Streets where you can enjoy shopping and dining.

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


Is Cape Cod or Victoria More Beautiful?

Cape Cod
Victoria

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

With stunning beauty, Cape Cod attracts visitors from all around. Beautiful beaches, quaint towns, and picturesque scenery make this area truly unique.

Victoria is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Cape Cod or Victoria Better for Families?

Cape Cod
Victoria

Both Cape Cod and Victoria are excellent family-friendly destinations.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Cape Cod. The coastal towns have a number of kid-friendly activities. In the Upper Cape, Falmouth is one of the best towns for families. On Mid Cape, Dennis and Yarmouth are both kid-friendly. Dennis has a resorty vibe and Yarmouth has kid-friendly museums. On the Lower Cape, both Harwich and Orleans are family-friendly options.

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 Cape Cod or Victoria Better for Couples?

Cape Cod
Victoria

Cape Cod and Victoria both excellent destinations for a couple.

Cape Cod is a great beach destination if you're traveling as a couple. With its charming character and relaxing beach setting, honeymooners and couples will appreciate all that the area has to offer. There are peaceful settings and charming villages to explore. There are also award-winning restaurants and beautiful views.

Victoria is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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 Cape Cod or Victoria Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cape Cod
Victoria

Victoria is a good destination for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Cape Cod is not a good destination for backpackers.

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

Cape Cod is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. This area is more focused on luxury and family vacationers than it is on backpackers and budget travelers.

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

Cape Cod
Victoria

Cape Cod and Victoria both offer reasonable public transit to get you around.

Public transit is mostly limited in Cape Cod. While there are buses and shuttles to help you get around, a car really is necessary to explore the area.

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 Cape Cod or Victoria a more walkable city?

Cape Cod
Victoria

Victoria is great for its ease of walking around. Also, Cape Cod is not as popular, but is still a nice beach destination for its walkability.

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

Cape Cod is somewhat walkable. Many of the small towns in the area have compact and walkable areas, but the region is spread out so it's helpful to have a car to get from place to place.


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

Should I spend more time in Victoria or Cape Cod?

How long in Cape Cod or Victoria?

It's fun to spend time in either Cape Cod or Victoria. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Cape Cod due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Cape Cod, and 3-4 days is enough time in Victoria.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Victoria than Cape Cod 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 Cape Cod or Victoria? Ideal Length of Stay
    Cape Cod 5-7 
    Victoria 3-4

One day in Cape Cod or Victoria?

Cape Cod is a small town where visitors enjoy the shopping and food. Most people come for the beaches. 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 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.

A weekend in Cape Cod or Victoria?

Cape Cod is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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.

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.

Five days in Cape Cod or Victoria?

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

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.


A week in Cape Cod or Victoria?

Cape Cod is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Cape Cod has to offer. This beach destination offers something for everyone.

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.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Photography Tours in United States of America, The Best Camping Tours in United States of America, The Best Adventure Tours to Canada, and The Best Eco Tours in Canada.


Which place is cheaper, Victoria or Cape Cod?

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

  • Cape Cod Prices
    USA Prices
    Victoria Prices
    Canada Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Cape Cod $227
    Victoria $201

The average daily cost (per person) in Cape Cod is $227, 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 Cape Cod and Victoria in more detail.



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

Looking for a hotel in Cape Cod 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 Cape Cod


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.
    Cape Cod $50
    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
  • 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 - Vancouver Cruise Terminal Drop Off - Coach Bus Transfer: $91
  • Victoria to Vancouver - Coach Bus Transfer: $77
  • Victoria to Vancouver Ferry with Bus Transfer: $75

Is it cheaper to fly into Cape Cod or Victoria?

Prices for flights to both Victoria and Cape Cod 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
    Cape Cod $103
    Victoria $47

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.
    Cape Cod $27
    Victoria $45

Tours and Activities in Cape Cod

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

  • National Seashore Tour with Guided Hike: $75
  • Provincetown West End History Tour : $38
  • The Pilgrim Monument Tour- From Harbor to Heights: $52
  • The Tides of Terror A Provincetown Hidden Horrors Tour: $68
  • Cape Cod & Provincetown Self-Guided Driving & Walking Audio Tour: $22
  • Cape Cod Explorer Tour: $80
  • Chatham Bites and Sights Walking Guided Food Tasting Tour: $98
  • Highland House and Cape Cod Lighthouse Tour: $58
  • Kayak The Creek Nature Tour: $80
  • Local Legends and Lobster Roll Tour: $92
  • Lucinda Liphol Provincetown Cemetery Tour: $30
  • Mayflower Trolley Tour!: $46

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
    Cape Cod $19
    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 Cape Cod and Victoria, we can see that Cape Cod 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 Cape Cod Expensive? and Is Victoria Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Cape Cod 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 Cape Cod or Victoria in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Cape Cod and Victoria. The summer months attract visitors to Cape Cod because of the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Victoria this time of year.

Cape Cod is a little warmer than Victoria in the summer. The daily temperature in Cape Cod averages around 68°F (20°C) in July, and Victoria fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

In July, Cape Cod usually receives more rain than Victoria. Cape Cod gets 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain, while Victoria receives 13 mm (0.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Cape Cod 68°F (20°C) 
    Victoria 16°C (60°F)

Should I visit Cape Cod or Victoria in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Cape Cod as well as Victoria. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Cape Cod this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Victoria for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Cape Cod is around the same temperature as Victoria. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cape Cod in October average around 53°F (12°C), and Victoria averages at about 11°C (52°F).

Cape Cod receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Cape Cod usually gets more rain in October than Victoria. Cape Cod gets 4.4 inches (111 mm) of rain, while Victoria receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Cape Cod 53°F (12°C) 
    Victoria 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Cape Cod or Victoria in the Winter?

Both Victoria and Cape Cod are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Cape Cod for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Victoria in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Victoria can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Cape Cod. In January, Cape Cod is generally much colder than Victoria. Daily temperatures in Cape Cod average around 31°F (-0°C), and Victoria fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Victoria. It's quite rainy in Cape Cod. In January, Cape Cod usually receives less rain than Victoria. Cape Cod gets 4.2 inches (106 mm) of rain, while Victoria receives 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Cape Cod 31°F (-0°C) 
    Victoria 5°C (41°F)

Should I visit Cape Cod or Victoria in the Spring?

Both Victoria and Cape Cod during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Cape Cod in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

Cape Cod is cooler than Victoria in the spring. The daily temperature in Cape Cod averages around 45°F (7°C) in April, and Victoria fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Cape Cod. Cape Cod usually gets more rain in April than Victoria. Cape Cod gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Victoria receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Cape Cod 45°F (7°C) 
    Victoria 10°C (49°F)

Typical Weather for Victoria and Cape Cod

Cape Cod Victoria
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 31°F (-0°C) 4.2 inches (106 mm) 5°C (41°F) 138 mm (5.4 in)
Feb 32°F (-0°C) 4.6 inches (117 mm) 7°C (44°F) 112 mm (4.4 in)
Mar 38°F (3°C) 4 inches (102 mm) 8°C (46°F) 67 mm (2.7 in)
Apr 45°F (7°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm) 10°C (49°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
May 53°F (12°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 12°C (54°F) 29 mm (1.1 in)
Jun 62°F (17°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm) 14°C (58°F) 24 mm (0.9 in)
Jul 68°F (20°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm) 16°C (60°F) 13 mm (0.5 in)
Aug 68°F (20°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm) 16°C (61°F) 19 mm (0.8 in)
Sep 62°F (17°C) 4.2 inches (106 mm) 15°C (58°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Oct 53°F (12°C) 4.4 inches (111 mm) 11°C (52°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Nov 46°F (8°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm) 8°C (46°F) 140 mm (5.5 in)
Dec 36°F (2°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm) 5°C (42°F) 153 mm (6 in)