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

Should you visit Jekyll Island or Victoria?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Jekyll Island and Victoria can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Jekyll Island

Jekyll Island is a secluded, natural, and relaxing island. It's also popular because of the museums, beaches, and hiking. See Jekyll Island travel costs.

Victoria

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

Jekyll Island and Victoria: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Very walkable


Is there more to do in Jekyll Island or Victoria?

Both Victoria and Jekyll Island have plenty of things to do for visitors. Both offer a variety of sights, activities, and attractions for tourists. Jekyll Island is very popular for its resorts, beaches, and hiking, while Victoria attracts visitors for its food, nightlife, and shopping. Victoria is more touristy than Jekyll Island and is known for its colonial buildings and public parks. Jekyll Island is famous for its quiet beaches and its Historic District.

How is Jekyll Island different from Victoria?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Jekyll Island or Victoria?

Jekyll Island
Victoria

You'll find a number of nice museums and attractions in both Victoria and Jekyll Island.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Jekyll Island. Mosaic is the history museum on the island. The museum also offers historic tours of the area's sites. The Historic District is a popular place to visit with its well-maintained historic cottages and other structures.

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.


Is the Food Better in Jekyll Island or Victoria? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Jekyll Island
Victoria

Victoria is a city with good options for its restaurants. However, Jekyll Island is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

Victoria is becoming an appealing option for foodies. You'll find tons of fresh seafood around town. Make sure you try to the Dungeness crab, wild caught salmon, and fish chowder.

Jekyll Island offers some easy restaurants to choose from. Many restaurants are casual with low country dishes or fried seafood. You'll find some brunch places as well as cafes and quick dining eateries around town.

Is Jekyll Island or Victoria Better for Nightlife?

Jekyll Island
Victoria

Victoria is a city with good options for its evening party scene. However, Jekyll Island is lacking in good options for nightlife.

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 Jekyll Island. There are sunset cruises, but otherwise the nightlife scene is quiet.

Is Jekyll Island or Victoria Better for Resorts?

Jekyll Island
Victoria

Jekyll Island is a decent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Victoria is not a resort destination.

You might not think of Jekyll Island as a resort destination, but it has a few places. You'll mostly find mid-range hotels on the island.

Victoria is not a resort destination.


Is Jekyll Island or Victoria Better for Beaches?

Jekyll Island
Victoria

Jekyll Island is a very popular place for the beach. However, Victoria is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Jekyll Island for it's beautiful beaches. Unspoiled beaches are the biggest draw. Some areas are rocky, but the beaches are peaceful and perfect for walks if you want to get away from the crowds. Much of the island is a state park, so it's undeveloped and pristine.

Victoria is not a beach destination.

Is Jekyll Island or Victoria Better for Hiking?

Jekyll Island
Victoria

Jekyll Island 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 Jekyll Island. The state park has some trails that are nice. There are also beach walks, bike trails, and routes that take you through historic sites.

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 Jekyll Island or Victoria?

Jekyll Island
Victoria

Victoria is a city with good options for its shopping areas. However, Jekyll Island is lacking in good options for shopping.

Victoria has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are plenty of larger shopping malls as well as local boutiques and farmer's markets.

Jekyll Island is a good destination for shopping. You'll find a few gift shops and boutiques, but in general, shopping options are limited.


Is Jekyll Island or Victoria Better for Families?

Jekyll Island
Victoria

Both Jekyll Island and Victoria are very good to visit with kids.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Jekyll Island. Kids will love climbing and playing at Driftwood Beach, which is like a natural playground. Animal lovers will enjoy dolphin cruises or a visit to a turtle hospital. There's also the standard beach activities like minigolf, bike rental, and tram tours.

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 Jekyll Island or Victoria Better for Couples?

Jekyll Island
Victoria

Victoria is a very popular place for couples. Also, Jekyll Island is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

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.

Jekyll Island is a nice destination for couples. There are several basic hotels as well as a few campgrounds. Couples will enjoy the beaches, but the island is small with limited activities and restaurant options. If you love natural scenery then this is a great destination, but there are fewer amenities than there are in many beach areas.

Is Jekyll Island or Victoria Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Jekyll Island
Victoria

Victoria is a city with good options for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Jekyll Island is lacking in good options for backpackers.

Victoria is a good city to visit for backpackers. There are a few hostels around town that attract the backpacker and budget traveler crowd.

Jekyll Island is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a few campgrounds in the area as well as some nice beaches.


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

Jekyll Island
Victoria

Victoria is a decent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Jekyll Island 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 Jekyll Island. There are bus and trolley tours, but public transportation is mostly non-existent.

Is Jekyll Island or Victoria a more walkable city?

Jekyll Island
Victoria

Victoria is a very popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Jekyll Island is lacking in good options for its walkability.

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

Jekyll Island is not a walkable island. Resources are spread out, so you really need a car to get around.

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

Should I spend more time in Victoria or Jekyll Island?

How long in Jekyll Island or Victoria?

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

Couples should spend more time in Victoria than Jekyll Island. 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 Jekyll Island 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 Jekyll Island or Victoria? Ideal Length of Stay
    Jekyll Island 2-4 
    Victoria 3-4

One day in Jekyll Island or Victoria?

The island of Jekyll Island offers 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.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the relaxing destination of Victoria. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.


A weekend in Jekyll Island or Victoria?

Jekyll Island is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this island makes for a great vacation. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Jekyll Island, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Victoria. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Five days in Jekyll Island or Victoria?

Jekyll Island 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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the scenic destination of Victoria. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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.

A week in Jekyll Island or Victoria?

Jekyll Island 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 island offers something for everyone.

You'll find food and shopping around the city of Victoria. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.


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


Which place is cheaper, Victoria or Jekyll Island?

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

  • Jekyll Island Prices
    USA Prices
    Victoria Prices
    Canada Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Jekyll Island $189
    Victoria $201

The average daily cost (per person) in Jekyll Island is $189, 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 Jekyll Island and Victoria in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Jekyll Island $88
    Victoria $113
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Jekyll Island $176
    Victoria $226
Compare Hotels in Jekyll Island and Victoria

Looking for a hotel in Jekyll Island 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 Jekyll Island


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: Jekyll Island Hotel Prices and Victoria Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Jekyll Island $41
    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
  • Victoria to Vancouver Ferry with Bus Transfer: $75
  • Victoria to Vancouver - Vancouver Cruise Terminal Drop Off - Coach Bus Transfer: $91
  • Victoria to Vancouver - Vancouver Airport (YVR) Drop Off - Coach Bus Transfer: $91
  • Victoria to Vancouver - Coach Bus Transfer: $77
  • Private Transfer from Victoria City Hotels to Nanaimo Cruise Port: $131

Is it cheaper to fly into Jekyll Island or Victoria?

Prices for flights to both Victoria and Jekyll Island 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
    Jekyll Island $77
    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.
    Jekyll Island $10
    Victoria $45

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
    Jekyll Island $6.43
    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 Jekyll Island 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 Jekyll Island Expensive? and Is Victoria Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Jekyll Island 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 Jekyll Island or Victoria in the Summer?

Both Victoria and Jekyll Island are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Jekyll Island this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Victoria for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

Jekyll Island is much warmer than Victoria in the summer. The daily temperature in Jekyll Island averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Victoria fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

It's quite rainy in Jekyll Island. In July, Jekyll Island usually receives more rain than Victoria. Jekyll Island gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Victoria receives 13 mm (0.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Jekyll Island 82°F (28°C) 
    Victoria 16°C (60°F)

Should I visit Jekyll Island or Victoria in the Autumn?

Both Victoria and Jekyll Island during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Jekyll Island for the hiking trails and the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Victoria in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Jekyll Island is much warmer than Victoria. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Jekyll Island in October average around 70°F (21°C), and Victoria averages at about 11°C (52°F).

Jekyll Island usually gets more rain in October than Victoria. Jekyll Island gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Victoria receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Jekyll Island 70°F (21°C) 
    Victoria 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Jekyll Island or Victoria in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Jekyll Island and Victoria. Many visitors come to Jekyll Island in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Victoria for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Victoria can be very cold during winter. In January, Jekyll Island is generally much warmer than Victoria. Daily temperatures in Jekyll Island average around 53°F (12°C), and Victoria fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

Victoria receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Jekyll Island usually receives less rain than Victoria. Jekyll Island gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Victoria receives 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Jekyll Island 53°F (12°C) 
    Victoria 5°C (41°F)

Should I visit Jekyll Island or Victoria in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Jekyll Island as well as Victoria. Most visitors come to Jekyll Island for the beaches during these months.

Jekyll Island is much warmer than Victoria in the spring. The daily temperature in Jekyll Island averages around 68°F (20°C) in April, and Victoria fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

Jekyll Island usually gets more rain in April than Victoria. Jekyll Island gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Victoria receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Jekyll Island 68°F (20°C) 
    Victoria 10°C (49°F)

Typical Weather for Victoria and Jekyll Island

Jekyll Island Victoria
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 5°C (41°F) 138 mm (5.4 in)
Feb 56°F (13°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm) 7°C (44°F) 112 mm (4.4 in)
Mar 62°F (17°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 8°C (46°F) 67 mm (2.7 in)
Apr 68°F (20°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 10°C (49°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
May 74°F (24°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 12°C (54°F) 29 mm (1.1 in)
Jun 80°F (27°C) 5.7 inches (146 mm) 14°C (58°F) 24 mm (0.9 in)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm) 16°C (60°F) 13 mm (0.5 in)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 7.8 inches (199 mm) 16°C (61°F) 19 mm (0.8 in)
Sep 79°F (26°C) 7.1 inches (180 mm) 15°C (58°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Oct 70°F (21°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 11°C (52°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Nov 62°F (17°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm) 8°C (46°F) 140 mm (5.5 in)
Dec 56°F (13°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 5°C (42°F) 153 mm (6 in)