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

Should you visit Denali National Park or Victoria?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Denali National Park and Victoria can help you decide which place is right for you.

Denali National Park

Denali National Park is a rugged, spectacular, and epic park. Denali National Park is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the hiking. See Denali National Park travel costs.

Victoria

Victoria is a relaxing, cultural, and scenic city. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Victoria travel costs.

Denali National Park and Victoria: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Nice resorts
  • Good for hiking
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to Denali (Mount McKinley)
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Very walkable
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers


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

Tourists will generally find more to do in Victoria. Although Denali National Park and Victoria are both popular with visitors, Victoria has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Victoria is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, and shopping, while Denali National Park is known for its resorts and impressive beauty. Denali National Park is popular for its vast wilderness and iconic Alaskan wildlife. Victoria is popular for its colonial buildings and public parks. It is also home to Butchart Gardens.

How is Denali National Park different from Victoria?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Denali National Park
Victoria

Victoria is very good for its historical sights. However, Denali National Park is not known for its sights and museums.

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.

Denali National Park offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Denali's Museum Collection includes more than 25,000 different items that reflect the region's history, culture, and geology.


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

Denali National Park
Victoria

Victoria is very good for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Denali National Park is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Victoria has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. You'll find tons of fresh seafood around town. Make sure you try to the Dungeness crab, wild caught salmon, and fish chowder.

Denali National Park may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. During the summer months there are restaurants open along Highway 3 as well as the Morino Grill near the Denali Visitor Center.

Is Denali National Park or Victoria Better for Nightlife?

Denali National Park
Victoria

Victoria is very good for nightlife and partying. However, Denali National Park is not known for its evening party scene.

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 Denali National Park for the nightlife. Visitors come to the park to see the nature, not for the nightlife.

Is Denali National Park or Victoria Better for Resorts?

Denali National Park
Victoria

Denali National Park is a good destination for its luxury resorts. However, Victoria is not a resort destination.

Denali National Park has a few great resort options. Most visitors stay nearby the Denali Park Entrance. It has the most affordable hotels and lodges, some of which have a lot of personality. Alternatively, you could stay in the more remote area of Kantishna. These lodges are more expensive and all-inclusive, but they are also far away from most conveniences.

Victoria is not a resort destination.


Is Denali National Park or Victoria Better for Hiking?

Denali National Park
Victoria

You'll find good hiking in both Denali National Park and Victoria.

Many people include a hike when visiting Denali National Park. If you're looking for a marked trail, there are limited options within the park. Those that do exist are located near the park entrance and are usually just a couple of miles long. Off-trail hiking is what makes for the most memorable experience. Make sure you stop off at the visitor center for information and knowledge before you venture into the wilderness without a trail. For obvious reasons, you should fully understand what this entails before beginning your adventure.

Victoria has hiking trails worth exploring. 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 Denali National Park or Victoria?

Denali National Park
Victoria

Victoria is very good for its shopping opportunities. However, Denali National Park is not known for its shopping areas.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Victoria. There are plenty of larger shopping malls as well as local boutiques and farmer's markets.

Denali National Park has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. There are several park stores and shops in and near the park where you can pick up gifts, books, and souvenirs.

Is Denali National Park or Victoria More Beautiful?

Denali National Park
Victoria

Denali National Park is an amazing park to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Victoria is not a destination known for its beauty.

Denali National Park is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Home to the highest peak in North America, the park is famous for its dramatic beauty and rugged landscapes.

Victoria is not a destination known for its beauty.


Is Denali National Park or Victoria Better for Families?

Denali National Park
Victoria

Victoria is a great city for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Denali National Park is not as popular, but is still a nice park 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.

Denali National Park is a family-friendly place to visit. Most people visit the park as part of a tour, so it's important to book a tour that is designed with families in mind. This will help ensure the kids stay entertained even during long bus rides.

Is Denali National Park or Victoria Better for Couples?

Denali National Park
Victoria

Both Denali National Park and Victoria are high quality destinations to visit as a couple.

Denali National Park is a great park if you're traveling as a couple. Couples who enjoy outdoor adventures and stunning scenery will find the ultimate romance in this impressive park.

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 Denali National Park or Victoria Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Denali National Park
Victoria

Denali National Park is an amazing park to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Victoria is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Denali National Park, as it is a very popular park for budget travelers. There are millions of acres in the park as well as campgrounds, hostels, and vast backcountry (which requires a permit).

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


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

Denali National Park
Victoria

Denali National Park and Victoria both offer decent public transit to get you around.

Public transit is mostly limited in Denali National Park. There are free shuttle buses that leave from the entrance area, but many visitors organize a tour to get around.

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 Denali National Park or Victoria a more walkable city?

Denali National Park
Victoria

Victoria is a great city for its high level of walkability. However, Denali National Park is not known for its ease of walking around.

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

Denali National Park is not a walkable park. The park is vast and you need some form of transportation to get around, whether it's a private vehicle or a pre-arranged tour.

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

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

How long in Denali National Park or Victoria?

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

Families should spend more time in Victoria than Denali 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 Denali 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 Denali 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 Denali National Park or Victoria? Ideal Length of Stay
    Denali National Park 2-4 
    Victoria 3-4

One day in Denali National Park or Victoria?

The beautiful park of Denali National Park offers . 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.

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 Denali National Park or Victoria?

Denali National Park is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this park makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Denali 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 Denali National Park or Victoria?

Denali 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 Denali National Park or Victoria?

Denali National Park 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 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 Historical Tours in United States of America, The Best 10-Day 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 Denali National Park?

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

  • Denali National Park Prices
    USA Prices
    Victoria Prices
    Canada Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Denali National Park $260
    Victoria $201

The average daily cost (per person) in Denali National Park is $260, 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 Denali National Park and Victoria in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Denali National Park $116
    Victoria $113
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Denali National Park $232
    Victoria $226
Compare Hotels in Denali National Park and Victoria

Looking for a hotel in Denali 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 Denali 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.
    Denali National Park $76
    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 Denali National Park or Victoria?

Prices for flights to both Victoria and Denali 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
    Denali National Park $98
    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.
    Denali National Park $30
    Victoria $45

Tours and Activities in Denali National Park

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Denali National Park.

  • 2.5-Hour Denali Wilderness ATV Adventure Tour: $135
  • 3 Hour Naturalist Walking Tour in Denali National Park: $139
  • 4 Hour Off-Trail Hiking Tour in Denali: $209
  • 5-Hour Mountain Hiking Tour in the Alaska Range - Denali Area: $199
  • Alaskan Back Country Side by Side ATV Adventure with Meal: $163
  • Classic ATV Adventure with Back Country Dining: $163
  • Denali 4 Hour Hiking Adventure with Naturalist Guide: $160
  • Denali 5 Hour Hiking Tour with Naturalist Guide: $182
  • Denali ATV Trailblazer 3.5 Hour Tour : $178
  • Denali Husky Kennel & Brewpub Visit – Half-Day Experience: $130
  • Denali Naturalist Walking Tour: $132
  • Denali Park Zipline Adventure: $190

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
    Denali National Park $12
    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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Denali National Park and Victoria, we can see that Denali National Park 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 Denali National Park would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Denali National Park 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 Denali National Park Expensive? and Is Victoria Expensive?.



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

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Denali National Park and Victoria. Many visitors come to Denali National Park in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Victoria for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Denali National Park is around the same temperature as Victoria. Typically, the summer temperatures in Denali National Park in July average around 60°F (15°C), and Victoria averages at about 16°C (60°F).

In July, Denali National Park usually receives more rain than Victoria. Denali National Park gets 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain, while Victoria receives 13 mm (0.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Denali National Park 60°F (15°C) 
    Victoria 16°C (60°F)

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

The autumn brings many poeple to Denali National Park as well as Victoria. Most visitors come to Denali National Park for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Victoria because of the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

Denali National Park can be very cold during autumn. In October, Denali National Park is generally much colder than Victoria. Daily temperatures in Denali National Park average around 32°F (0°C), and Victoria fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Denali National Park usually gets more rain in October than Victoria. Denali National Park gets 3.1 inches (79 mm) of rain, while Victoria receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Denali National Park 32°F (0°C) 
    Victoria 11°C (52°F)

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

Both Victoria and Denali National Park are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Denali National Park because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Victoria this time of year.

It's quite cold in Victoria in the winter. The weather in Denali National Park can be very cold. Denali National Park is much colder than Victoria in the winter. The daily temperature in Denali National Park averages around 11°F (-12°C) in January, and Victoria fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Victoria. In January, Denali National Park usually receives less rain than Victoria. Denali National Park gets 1.3 inches (33 mm) of rain, while Victoria receives 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Denali National Park 11°F (-12°C) 
    Victoria 5°C (41°F)

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

Both Victoria and Denali National Park during the spring are popular places to visit. The natural beauty are the main draw to Denali National Park this time of year.

It's quite cold in Denali National Park in the spring. In the spring, Denali National Park is much colder than Victoria. Typically, the spring temperatures in Denali National Park in April average around 34°F (1°C), and Victoria averages at about 10°C (49°F).

Denali National Park usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Victoria. Denali National Park gets 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain, while Victoria receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Denali National Park 34°F (1°C) 
    Victoria 10°C (49°F)

Typical Weather for Victoria and Denali National Park

Denali National Park Victoria
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 11°F (-12°C) 1.3 inches (33 mm) 5°C (41°F) 138 mm (5.4 in)
Feb 16°F (-9°C) 1.4 inches (37 mm) 7°C (44°F) 112 mm (4.4 in)
Mar 23°F (-5°C) 1.5 inches (37 mm) 8°C (46°F) 67 mm (2.7 in)
Apr 34°F (1°C) 1.6 inches (41 mm) 10°C (49°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
May 46°F (8°C) 1.7 inches (42 mm) 12°C (54°F) 29 mm (1.1 in)
Jun 56°F (13°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm) 14°C (58°F) 24 mm (0.9 in)
Jul 60°F (15°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm) 16°C (60°F) 13 mm (0.5 in)
Aug 56°F (14°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm) 16°C (61°F) 19 mm (0.8 in)
Sep 47°F (9°C) 4.2 inches (108 mm) 15°C (58°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Oct 32°F (0°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm) 11°C (52°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Nov 18°F (-8°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm) 8°C (46°F) 140 mm (5.5 in)
Dec 13°F (-11°C) 1.9 inches (49 mm) 5°C (42°F) 153 mm (6 in)