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

Should you visit Lancaster or Victoria?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Lancaster or Victoria, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Lancaster

Lancaster is a picturesque, scenic, and traditional town. With stunning beauty, Lancaster attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and shopping. See Lancaster travel costs.

Victoria

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

Lancaster and Victoria: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Impressive beauty
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 Lancaster or Victoria?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Victoria than Lancaster. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Victoria is very popular for its nightlife and hiking, while Lancaster attracts visitors for its museums and attractions, food, shopping, and impressive beauty. Victoria is more touristy than Lancaster and is known for its colonial buildings and public parks. It is also well known for Butchart Gardens. Lancaster is famous for its history and long running Amish community.

How is Lancaster different from Victoria?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Lancaster
Victoria

Lancaster is a very popular place for its museums and history. Also, Victoria is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Lancaster. Filled with history and local culture, there are many educational opportunities in the area where you can learn about Amish traditions. The Amish Village has tours and unique experiences. The town also has James Buchanan's Wheatland, the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania, the National Toy Train Museum, the Ephrata Cloister, and the National Watch & Clock Museum, among many others.

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 Lancaster or Victoria? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Lancaster
Victoria

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

Lancaster has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. You can sample authentic Pennsylvania Dutch dishes at one of the Amish restaurants in the area. Many places serve food family-style and dishes include chicken pot pie, ham balls, and pork and sauerkraut. Whoopie pies also originated in the area.

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 Lancaster or Victoria Better for Nightlife?

Lancaster
Victoria

Victoria is a nice place to visit for its evening party scene. However, Lancaster is not known for nightlife.

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.

Most people don't head to Lancaster specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. It's a small town, but you'll still find local pubs and cozy bars where you can enjoy a drink in a laid back atmosphere.

Is Lancaster or Victoria Better for Hiking?

Lancaster
Victoria

Victoria is a nice place to visit for hiking. However, Lancaster is not a hiking destination.

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.

Lancaster is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Lancaster or Victoria?

Lancaster
Victoria

Lancaster is a very popular place for its shopping areas. Also, Victoria is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Lancaster. Many visitors pick up hand-crafted Amish items while they're in town. Furniture and Amish quilts are particularly popular. Farmers markets and antique shopping are both unique in the area and there are also art galleries and several outlet stores that you can visit.

Victoria is a great destination for shopping. There are plenty of larger shopping malls as well as local boutiques and farmer's markets.

Is Lancaster or Victoria More Beautiful?

Lancaster
Victoria

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

With stunning beauty, Lancaster attracts visitors from all around. The countryside is beautiful, with preserved farmland, covered bridges, and beautiful gardens.

Victoria is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Lancaster or Victoria Better for Families?

Lancaster
Victoria

Lancaster and Victoria are both great destinations for the whole family.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Lancaster. In you area you'll find farms and petting zoos, amusement parks, and train rides. They can learn about a unique lifestyle at the Amish Experience or soak up the local beauty and farmland in the surrounding countryside.

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 Lancaster or Victoria Better for Couples?

Lancaster
Victoria

Lancaster and Victoria are both great to visit as a couple.

Lancaster is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. This region is known for it's local beauty and serene farmland, making it a relaxing and peaceful destination for couples. There are walking trails, outdoor activities, buggy rides, and a variety of dining experiences. You can also stay at a bed and breakfast or local inn.

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 Lancaster or Victoria Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lancaster
Victoria

Victoria is a nice place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Lancaster is not known for backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Victoria. There are a few hostels around town that attract the backpacker and budget traveler crowd.

Lancaster is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Although it's often overlooked by backpackers, the region offers a unique cultural experience.

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

Lancaster
Victoria

Lancaster and Victoria both offer reasonable public transit to get you around.

Public transit is mostly limited in Lancaster. The city has buses and several transportation options, but once you're outside of the urban core, your options are limited.

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 Lancaster or Victoria a more walkable city?

Lancaster
Victoria

Victoria is a great city for its ease of walking around. However, Lancaster is not known for its walkability.

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

Lancaster is generally not very walkable. While the city itself has walkable areas, most visitors want to get out and explore the countryside, which requires a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Victoria or Lancaster?

How long in Lancaster or Victoria?

It's fun to spend time in either Lancaster 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 Lancaster, and 3-4 days is enough time in Victoria.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Victoria than Lancaster 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 Lancaster or Victoria? Ideal Length of Stay
    Lancaster 2-3 
    Victoria 3-4

One day in Lancaster or Victoria?

The beautiful town of Lancaster 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.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Victoria. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Lancaster or Victoria?

Lancaster is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Lancaster, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the relaxing destination of Victoria. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.


Five days in Lancaster or Victoria?

Lancaster 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 cultural city of Victoria. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Lancaster or Victoria?

Lancaster 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 town offers something for everyone.

Victoria is a popular choice for travelers. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, The Best Family-Friendly 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 Lancaster?

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

  • Lancaster Prices
    USA Prices
    Victoria Prices
    Canada Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Lancaster $221
    Victoria $201

The average daily cost (per person) in Lancaster is $221, 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 Lancaster and Victoria in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Lancaster $91
    Victoria $113
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Lancaster $182
    Victoria $226
Compare Hotels in Lancaster and Victoria

Looking for a hotel in Lancaster 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 Lancaster


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: Lancaster Hotel Prices and Victoria Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Lancaster $69
    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 Lancaster or Victoria?

Prices for flights to both Victoria and Lancaster 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
    Lancaster $91
    Victoria $47

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lancaster

For Lancaster, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • International Food Tour Lancaster, PA: $62
  • Red Rose Walking Food Tour in Lancaster: $69
  • 3 Hour Retro Music Variety Show Dinner Theater: $75
  • Outdoor Cooking Class Activity with Customizable Recipes: $80

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.
    Lancaster $19
    Victoria $45

Tours and Activities in Lancaster

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Lancaster.

  • 45-Minute Private Guided Historic Walking Tour in Lititz: $12
  • Amish Experience SuperSaver Package: $35
  • Amish Experience Visit-In-Person Tour: $56
  • Amish Farm and House Day Tour from Washington D.C.: $169
  • Amish Farmlands Tour: $27
  • Authentic Tour & Meal with the Amish!: $89
  • Ghost Tour of Lancaster: $25
  • Guided Ghost Tour of Lititz: $12
  • Guided Tour of the Lititz 1792 Johannes Mueller House: $10
  • Historic Lancaster Photo Shoot Tour: $100
  • Lancaster History and Breakfast Walking Tour: $60
  • Lancaster Puzzling Adventure: $35

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
    Lancaster $11
    Victoria $16

Sample the Local Flavors in Lancaster

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Lancaster:

  • Guided Brewery Walking Tour in Lancaster City: $79

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 Lancaster and Victoria, we can see that Lancaster 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 Lancaster Expensive? and Is Victoria Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Lancaster or Victoria?

Victoria has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Lancaster. When comparing the sizes of Lancaster 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 Lancaster 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 Lancaster or Victoria in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Lancaster and Victoria. Many travelers come to Lancaster for the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Victoria in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

Lancaster is much warmer than Victoria in the summer. The daily temperature in Lancaster averages around 77°F (25°C) in July, and Victoria fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

In July, Lancaster usually receives more rain than Victoria. Lancaster gets 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain, while Victoria receives 13 mm (0.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Lancaster 77°F (25°C) 
    Victoria 16°C (60°F)

Should I visit Lancaster or Victoria in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Lancaster as well as Victoria. Many visitors come to Lancaster in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Victoria for the hiking trails and the shopping scene during these months.

In the autumn, Lancaster is a little warmer than Victoria. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Lancaster in October average around 56°F (13°C), and Victoria averages at about 11°C (52°F).

Lancaster usually gets more rain in October than Victoria. Lancaster gets 2.9 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Victoria receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Lancaster 56°F (13°C) 
    Victoria 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Lancaster or Victoria in the Winter?

Both Victoria and Lancaster are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Lancaster for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Victoria because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Victoria can be very cold. Lancaster can be very cold during winter. In January, Lancaster is generally much colder than Victoria. Daily temperatures in Lancaster average around 30°F (-1°C), and Victoria fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Victoria. In January, Lancaster usually receives less rain than Victoria. Lancaster gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Victoria receives 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Lancaster 30°F (-1°C) 
    Victoria 5°C (41°F)

Should I visit Lancaster or Victoria in the Spring?

Both Victoria and Lancaster during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Lancaster because of the natural beauty.

Lancaster is a little warmer than Victoria in the spring. The daily temperature in Lancaster averages around 53°F (12°C) in April, and Victoria fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

Lancaster usually gets more rain in April than Victoria. Lancaster gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Victoria receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Lancaster 53°F (12°C) 
    Victoria 10°C (49°F)

Typical Weather for Victoria and Lancaster

Lancaster Victoria
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 30°F (-1°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 5°C (41°F) 138 mm (5.4 in)
Feb 33°F (0°C) 2.9 inches (75 mm) 7°C (44°F) 112 mm (4.4 in)
Mar 42°F (6°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 8°C (46°F) 67 mm (2.7 in)
Apr 53°F (12°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 10°C (49°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
May 63°F (17°C) 4.3 inches (108 mm) 12°C (54°F) 29 mm (1.1 in)
Jun 72°F (22°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm) 14°C (58°F) 24 mm (0.9 in)
Jul 77°F (25°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm) 16°C (60°F) 13 mm (0.5 in)
Aug 75°F (24°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm) 16°C (61°F) 19 mm (0.8 in)
Sep 68°F (20°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 15°C (58°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Oct 56°F (13°C) 2.9 inches (75 mm) 11°C (52°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Nov 46°F (8°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm) 8°C (46°F) 140 mm (5.5 in)
Dec 35°F (2°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 5°C (42°F) 153 mm (6 in)