A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Durango vs. Victoria for Hiking, Families, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Durango 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 Durango 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.

Durango

Durango is a nature-filled, historic, and charming small town. With amazing attractions and sights, it's also a fun small town not to be missed. Durango offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Because of its quaint atmosphere, it draws plenty of visitors, too. It's also popular because of the hiking and museums. See Durango travel costs.

Victoria

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

Durango and Victoria: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Durango or Victoria?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Durango than Victoria, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Durango is better known for its skiing, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Victoria is more popular for its food, nightlife, and shopping. Victoria is more touristy than Durango and is known for its colonial buildings and public parks. Durango is well known for its historic narrow gauge railroad, its charming small town atmosphere, and its many family-friendly activities. Also, Durango is famous for The Silverton & Durango Narrow Gauge Railroad.

How is Durango different from Victoria?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Durango or Victoria Better for Skiing?

Durango is a decent place to visit for skiing and snowboarding. However, Victoria is not a skiing destination.

While in the area, visitors like to go to Durango for snow skiing. Purgatory Ski Resort is about 20 minutes from town and it's a family-friendly mountain with beginner and intermediate runs. It's small, and geared specifically to the beginner and younger crowd.

Victoria is not a skiing destination.

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

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

Durango is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Most visitors come to town specifically to ride the Silverton & Durango Narrow Gauge Railroad. There's also the D&SNGRR Railroad Museum, and the Fish Hatchery and Wildlife Museum.

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 Durango or Victoria? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Victoria is a good destination for its restaurants. However, Durango 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 Durango. Most of the restaurants are casual and family-friendly, serving up burgers or sandwiches for a reasonable price. You'll also find some coffeeshops and even a few food trucks and international restaurants.

Is Durango or Victoria Better for Nightlife?

Victoria is a good destination for nightlife. However, Durango is lacking in good options for nightlife and partying.

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 Durango. It's a small town that attracts tourists mainly for its train, so you won't find much in the way of a nightlife scene.

Is Durango or Victoria Better for its Old Town?

Durango is a good destination for its historic old town charm. However, Victoria does not have a historic old town.

Durango has an old town worth visiting. Filled with character, the downtown feels like you've stepped into a Western. The town has a long history as a mining and railroad community, which you can see throughout the historic area. It really feels like you're in the "Wild West."

Victoria does not have a historic old town.

Is Durango or Victoria Better for Hiking?

Durango 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 Durango. It's surrounded by plenty of natural beautiful and there is an endless supply of hikes in the region. Popular nearby hikes include Animas Mountain Trail, Falls Creek Trail, and Purgatory 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 Durango or Victoria?

Victoria is a good destination for shopping. However, Durango is lacking in good options for its shopping opportunities.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Victoria. There are plenty of larger shopping malls as well as local boutiques and farmer's markets.

If you're looking to go shopping, Durango has some nice offerings. The charming town has some boutiques that sell beautifully made Native American jewelry and other interesting items. There are also souvenir shops and other venues that target tourists specifically.

Is Durango or Victoria More Beautiful?

Durango is a good destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Victoria is not a destination known for its beauty.

Durango offers plenty of beauty for visitors. The town is surrounded by plenty of natural beauty.

Victoria is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Durango or Victoria Better for Families?

Both Durango and Victoria are excellent family-friendly destinations.

Durango is a very family-friendly destination. In the area you'll find ziplining, alpine slides, and plenty of outdoor areas to explore - and of course there's the railroad.

Victoria is a very kid-friendly small town. 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 Durango or Victoria Better for Couples?

Victoria is a very popular place for romance. However, Durango 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 Durango as a couple's destination. The town may not be the first romantic destination that comes to mind, but the railroad combined with wandering the downtown can make for a great couple's getaway.

Is Durango or Victoria Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Durango and Victoria are both notable destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Durango. With plenty of parks and outdoor areas nearby, backpackers will have plenty of places to explore.

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

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

Victoria is a decent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Durango is lacking in good options for its public transit.

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 limited or non-existant in Durango. It's a small town with no real public transit options so a car is a must.

Is Durango or Victoria a more walkable city?

Victoria is a very popular place for its walkability. However, Durango is lacking in good options for its high level of walkability.

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

Durango is generally not very walkable. While the Main Street through town is walkable, it's not as pedestrian-friendly as some small towns.

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

Should I spend more time in Victoria or Durango?

How long in Durango or Victoria?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Victoria than Durango. 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 Durango 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 Durango or Victoria?

Durango is a small town where visitors enjoy the museums. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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.

In Victoria, you'll find nightlife and food. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Durango or Victoria?

Durango is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this small town 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 Durango, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

In Victoria, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Durango or Victoria?

Durango 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 great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Durango or Victoria?

Durango 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 small town offers something for everyone.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Victoria. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Victoria. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, The Best Adventure Tours to Canada, and The Best Eco Tours in Canada.

When comparing the travel costs between Durango 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 Durango Expensive? and Is Victoria Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Durango or Victoria?

Victoria has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Durango. When comparing the sizes of Durango 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.