A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Fort Lauderdale vs. Victoria for Couples, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Fort Lauderdale 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 Fort Lauderdale 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.

Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale is a high energy, scenic, and bustling coastal city. With stunning beauty, Fort Lauderdale attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches. See Fort Lauderdale travel costs.

Victoria

Victoria is a scenic, relaxing, and cultural city. It's also known for food, hiking, and shopping. See Victoria travel costs.

Fort Lauderdale and Victoria: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Fort Lauderdale or Victoria?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Fort Lauderdale than Victoria. While Victoria is larger than Fort Lauderdale, Fort Lauderdale has more sights and attractions for tourists. Fort Lauderdale is better known for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty, while Victoria is more popular for its museums and attractions and hiking. Fort Lauderdale is more touristy than Victoria and is popular for its canals, beaches, walkable waterfront, and luxury resorts. Also, Fort Lauderdale is famous for The Local Beaches. Victoria is well known for its colonial buildings and public parks.

How is Fort Lauderdale different from Victoria?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Fort Lauderdale or Victoria?

Victoria is a good destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Fort Lauderdale does not have museums and landmarks.

Victoria is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are several popular museums like the Royal BC Museum and Craigdarroch Castle. Also make sure you check out the Parliament Buildings.

Fort Lauderdale does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Fort Lauderdale or Victoria? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Fort Lauderdale has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Seafood is the obvious option with popular dishes being fish tacos, sea bass, and scallop risotto. There are many waterfront restaurants or you could head to Las Olas Boulevard, which has many bistros, cafes, and restaurants.

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 Fort Lauderdale or Victoria Better for Nightlife?

Fort Lauderdale is a very popular place for its evening party scene. Also, Victoria is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife.

Fort Lauderdale has a large number of nightlife venues. Trendy and upscale partying is the name of the game in this Florida city. Most people head to the beach, Las Olas Blvd, River Front and The New Hard Rock Seminole Hotel Complex for the best bars and clubs. You'll find the most activity around the weekends, but there really is something going on any night of the week.

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 Fort Lauderdale or Victoria Better for Resorts?

Fort Lauderdale is an amazing coastal city to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Victoria is not a resort destination.

Vacationers flock to Fort Lauderdale for its luxury resorts. Luxury beachfront resorts are plentiful in the area. Several of the most impressive include the Ritz-Carlton, W Fort Lauderdale, and the Dalmar. Most resorts have a beachfront pool, hot tubs, and depending on the resort, a kid's club.

Victoria is not a resort destination.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Victoria Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Fort Lauderdale is a good destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Victoria is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery in Fort Lauderdale. Although the snorkeling doesn't compare to what you'll find further south around the Florida Keys, there are some great places to pull your mask and fins out in the area. Popular snorkeling spots nearby include the Vista Park Reef, Pompano Beach, and Hollywood North Beach Park.

Victoria is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Victoria Better for Beaches?

Fort Lauderdale is an amazing coastal city to visit for the beach. However, Victoria is not a beach destination.

Fort Lauderdale offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. With seven miles of beautiful sandy beaches, a fun boardwalk, and impressive views, the beaches here are among the best in the area. They are surprisingly walkable and, while there can be crowds, there's still a laid-back and relaxing atmosphere.

Victoria is not a beach destination.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Victoria Better for Hiking?

Victoria is a good destination for its hiking experiences. However, Fort Lauderdale is not a hiking destination.

Victoria offers some nice hiking trails. 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.

Fort Lauderdale is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Fort Lauderdale or Victoria?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Victoria and Fort Lauderdale.

Fort Lauderdale is a great destination for shopping. For interesting local boutiques head to Las Olas Boulevard and for name brand stores you'll want to visit Sawgrass Mills Mall.

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

Is Fort Lauderdale or Victoria More Beautiful?

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

With stunning beauty, Fort Lauderdale attracts visitors from all around. Seven miles of scenic coastline with a boardwalk to explore make this a beautiful Florida beach destination.

Victoria is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Victoria Better for Families?

Both Fort Lauderdale and Victoria are excellent family-friendly destinations.

Fort Lauderdale is a very family-friendly place to visit. With seven miles of beautiful sandy beaches and a number of kid-oriented activities, the kids will love it here. Fun activities include Bluefoot Pirate Adventures, Butterfly World, and Funderdome. On sunny days there are many outdoor recreation areas and when the weather isn't cooperating, there are hands-on museums.

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.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Victoria Better for Couples?

Fort Lauderdale is an amazing coastal city to visit for couples. Also, Victoria is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Fort Lauderdale is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. Fine dining, beautiful beaches, and great shopping make for a great romantic getaway. Couples and honeymooners love relaxing at the beaches in Fort Lauderdale. A sunset walk on the beach and a stay at a romantic resort will make for an unforgettable trip.

Couples visit Victoria frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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 Fort Lauderdale or Victoria Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Victoria is a good destination for backpackers. However, Fort Lauderdale is a coastal city with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

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

Fort Lauderdale is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. You'll find few backpackers heading to the high end city.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Fort Lauderdale and Victoria.

Public transit is generally limited in Fort Lauderdale. Transportation options include a water taxi and the Sun Trolley Hop-on Bus.

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.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Victoria a more walkable city?

Fort Lauderdale and Victoria both are excellent when exploring on foot.

Fort Lauderdale is very walkable. It is one of the most walkable Florida communities with a boardwalk and several pedestrian areas that are fun to wander around.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Victoria or Fort Lauderdale?

How long in Fort Lauderdale or Victoria?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Victoria than Fort Lauderdale 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 Fort Lauderdale or Victoria?

The beautiful coastal city of Fort Lauderdale offers food and scuba diving and snorkeling. 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 cultural destination of Victoria offers nightlife and food. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Fort Lauderdale or Victoria?

Fort Lauderdale is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.

The city of Victoria offers food and shopping. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Fort Lauderdale or Victoria?

Fort Lauderdale is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Fort Lauderdale, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Victoria is a great place to explore. This city offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Fort Lauderdale or Victoria?

Fort Lauderdale is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. 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 Fort Lauderdale has to offer. This coastal city offers something for everyone.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Victoria. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage, The Best Adventure Tours to Canada, and The Best Eco Tours in Canada.

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

Which is Bigger, Fort Lauderdale or Victoria?

Victoria has a larger population, and is about 70% larger than the population of Fort Lauderdale. When comparing the sizes of Fort Lauderdale 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 Fort Lauderdale or Victoria?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Fort Lauderdale or Victoria in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Fort Lauderdale as well as Victoria. The summer months attract visitors to Fort Lauderdale because of the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Victoria this time of year.

In July, Fort Lauderdale is generally much warmer than Victoria. Daily temperatures in Fort Lauderdale average around 83°F (28°C), and Victoria fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

Fort Lauderdale receives a lot of rain in the summer. Fort Lauderdale usually gets more rain in July than Victoria. Fort Lauderdale gets 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain, while Victoria receives 13 mm (0.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Fort Lauderdale or Victoria in the Autumn?

Both Victoria and Fort Lauderdale are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Fort Lauderdale this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Victoria for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

Fort Lauderdale is much warmer than Victoria in the autumn. The daily temperature in Fort Lauderdale averages around 78°F (26°C) in October, and Victoria fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

It's quite rainy in Fort Lauderdale. In October, Fort Lauderdale usually receives more rain than Victoria. Fort Lauderdale gets 5.6 inches (143 mm) of rain, while Victoria receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Fort Lauderdale or Victoria in the Winter?

Both Victoria and Fort Lauderdale during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Fort Lauderdale for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Furthermore, 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. In the winter, Fort Lauderdale is much warmer than Victoria. Typically, the winter temperatures in Fort Lauderdale in January average around 67°F (20°C), and Victoria averages at about 5°C (41°F).

Victoria gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Fort Lauderdale usually gets less rain in January than Victoria. Fort Lauderdale gets 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain, while Victoria receives 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Fort Lauderdale or Victoria in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Fort Lauderdale and Victoria. Many visitors come to Fort Lauderdale in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Fort Lauderdale is generally much warmer than Victoria. Daily temperatures in Fort Lauderdale average around 75°F (24°C), and Victoria fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

In April, Fort Lauderdale usually receives more rain than Victoria. Fort Lauderdale gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Victoria receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Victoria and Fort Lauderdale