A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Columbus vs. Victoria for Families, Couples, Attractions, and Food

Should you visit Columbus or Victoria?

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

Should I visit Columbus or Victoria? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Columbus

Columbus is a friendly, welcoming, and down-to-earth city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and shopping. See Columbus travel costs.

Victoria

Victoria is a scenic, relaxing, and cultural city. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums. See Victoria travel costs.

Columbus and Victoria: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Columbus or Victoria?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Victoria than Columbus. While Columbus is larger than Victoria, Victoria has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Victoria is more touristy than Columbus and is known for its colonial buildings and public parks. Also, Victoria is famous for Butchart Gardens. Columbus is well known for its youthful energy and its growing arts scene.

How is Columbus different from Victoria?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Spend time exploring the notable sights and museums in either Columbus or Victoria.

Columbus is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Popular museums around town include the Center of Science and Technology, the Franklin Park Conservatory, the Columbus Museum of Art, and the Ohio History Center.

Victoria offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. 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 Columbus or Victoria? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Victoria is a popular place for its restaurants. However, Columbus is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Victoria. You'll find tons of fresh seafood around town. Make sure you try to the Dungeness crab, wild caught salmon, and fish chowder.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Columbus. Hearty and heavy comfort food is the mainstay in this town. There's pizza, casseroles, sausage, and milkshakes around town.

Is Columbus or Victoria Better for Nightlife?

The notable nightlife scene is relatively similar in Columbus and Victoria.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Columbus. The live music scene is growing. There are also a growing number of breweries around town.

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 Columbus or Victoria Better for Hiking?

Victoria is a popular place for its hiking trails. However, Columbus is not a hiking destination.

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.

Columbus is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Columbus or Victoria?

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

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Columbus. In addition to the standard shopping malls and retail outlets, there are some interesting shops in the Short North Arts District, German Village, and Easton Town Center.

Victoria offers some nice shopping areas. There are plenty of larger shopping malls as well as local boutiques and farmer's markets.

Is Columbus or Victoria Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Columbus or Victoria.

Columbus is a very family-friendly destination. The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is a highlight for many families. Right by it is the Zoombezi Bay Waterpark. For hands-on science-based activities check out the Center of Science and Industry. Kids will also love the Legoland Discovery Center or the Anthony-Thomas Candy Factory. There are also many outdoor parks, greenways, and playgrounds to visit.

Victoria is a very kid-friendly city. 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 Columbus or Victoria Better for Couples?

Victoria is a very popular place for romance. However, Columbus is lacking in good options for its romantic activities.

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.

Most people don't think of Columbus as a couple's destination. You'll find restaurants and music venues that make for a nice date night. There are also wine tours and other entertainment options.

Is Columbus or Victoria Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Victoria is a popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Columbus is lacking in good options for backpackers.

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

Columbus is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Although it's often overlooked by tourists, there is a hostel in town for backpackers and budget travelers.

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

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

Public transit is mostly limited in Columbus. While there's a bus system, you'll really want to have a vehicle to get around town efficiently.

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 Columbus or Victoria a more walkable city?

Victoria is a very popular place for its walkability. Also, Columbus is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

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

Columbus is a somewhat walkable place. The older neighborhoods are the most walkable, but if you want to get around town, you'll need to have a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Victoria or Columbus?

How long in Columbus or Victoria?

It's fun to spend time in either Columbus or Victoria. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Victoria due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Columbus, and 3-4 days is enough time in Victoria.

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

One day in Columbus or Victoria?

The city of Columbus offers nightlife and shopping. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. 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 Columbus or Victoria?

Columbus 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 Columbus, a weekend is sufficent for most. 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 Columbus or Victoria?

Columbus 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.

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 Columbus or Victoria?

Columbus 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.

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 Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, The Best Adventure Tours to Canada, and The Best Eco Tours in Canada.

When comparing the travel costs between Columbus and Victoria, we can see that Victoria 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 Columbus Expensive? and Is Victoria Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Columbus or Victoria?

Columbus has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Victoria. When comparing the sizes of Columbus and Victoria, 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 Columbus 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 Columbus or Victoria in the Summer?

Both Victoria and Columbus are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Columbus for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Victoria because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Columbus is generally much warmer than Victoria. Daily temperatures in Columbus average around 77°F (25°C), and Victoria fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

It's quite rainy in Columbus. In July, Columbus usually receives more rain than Victoria. Columbus gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Victoria receives 13 mm (0.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Columbus or Victoria in the Autumn?

Both Victoria and Columbus during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Columbus because of the shopping scene. Also, the hiking trails and the shopping scene are the main draw to Victoria this time of year.

Columbus is a little warmer than Victoria in the autumn. The daily temperature in Columbus averages around 57°F (14°C) in October, and Victoria fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Columbus usually gets less rain in October than Victoria. Columbus gets 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain, while Victoria receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Columbus or Victoria in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Columbus and Victoria. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Columbus this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Victoria for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Victoria. It's quite cold in Columbus in the winter. In the winter, Columbus is much colder than Victoria. Typically, the winter temperatures in Columbus in January average around 30°F (-1°C), and Victoria averages at about 5°C (41°F).

Victoria receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Columbus usually receives less rain than Victoria. Columbus gets 2.2 inches (56 mm) of rain, while Victoria receives 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Columbus or Victoria in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Columbus as well as Victoria.

In April, Columbus is generally a little warmer than Victoria. Daily temperatures in Columbus average around 54°F (12°C), and Victoria fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

Columbus usually gets more rain in April than Victoria. Columbus gets 3.2 inches (81 mm) of rain, while Victoria receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Victoria and Columbus