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

Should you visit Marathon or Victoria?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Marathon 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.

Marathon

Marathon is a quaint, beautiful, and relaxing island. With stunning beauty, Marathon attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches. See Marathon travel costs.

Victoria

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

Marathon and Victoria: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Marathon or Victoria?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Victoria than Marathon, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Victoria is better known for its museums and attractions, hiking, and shopping, while Marathon is more popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty. Marathon is well known for its Loggerhead sea turtles, the Dolphin Research Center, Sombrero Beach, and its many places to scuba dive and snorkel. Victoria is well known for its colonial buildings and public parks. Also, Victoria is famous for Butchart Gardens.

How is Marathon different from Victoria?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Victoria is a nice place to visit for its historical sights. However, Marathon 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.

Marathon does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Both Marathon and Victoria offer a number of notable restaurants to choose from.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Marathon. There are restaurants with waterfront terraces, raw bars, and other seafood eateries where you can enjoy fresh caught fish for a reasonable price.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Victoria. You'll find tons of fresh seafood around town. Make sure you try to the Dungeness crab, wild caught salmon, and fish chowder.

Is Marathon or Victoria Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is notable in both Marathon and Victoria.

If you're looking for night time activities Marathon has a few options to choose from. Popular nightlife venues include JJ’s Dog House & Sports Bar, Brass Monkey, and Cabana Club.

There's a variety of activities in the evening 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.

Is Marathon or Victoria Better for Resorts?

Marathon is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Victoria is not a resort destination.

There are plenty of resorts in Marathon to choose from. Popular resorts include Isla Bella Beach Resort and Tranquility Bay Resort.

Victoria is not a resort destination.

Is Marathon or Victoria Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Marathon 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 Marathon. There are many dive shops around Marathon and the area has dive spots that are great for every level. Some of the best sites are Sombrero Reef, Coffins Patch, and Thunderbolt wreck. There are also many snorkeling trips that head out to Sombrero Reef.

Victoria is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Marathon or Victoria Better for Beaches?

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

Many people visit Marathon for it's beautiful beaches. Sombrero Beach is a popular spot for picnics, swimming and seeing the Loggerhead Turtles from April through October.

Victoria is not a beach destination.

Is Marathon or Victoria Better for Hiking?

Victoria is a nice place to visit for hiking. However, Marathon 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.

Marathon is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Marathon or Victoria?

Victoria is a nice place to visit for shopping. However, Marathon is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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

Marathon is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Marathon or Victoria More Beautiful?

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

With stunning beauty, Marathon attracts visitors from all around. The waters are blue and the setting is peaceful, making this area truly beautiful.

Victoria is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Marathon or Victoria Better for Families?

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

Marathon is a very family-friendly destination. Kids will enjoy getting face-to-face with dolphins at the Dolphin Research Center. Families can also explore Pigeon Key or play in the water at Sombrero Beach. Families will find no shortage of activities on the island.

Victoria is a very kid-friendly island. 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 Marathon or Victoria Better for Couples?

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

Marathon is a great island if you're traveling as a couple. With beautiful views, 7 Mile Bridge, and plenty of activities, this area makes a romantic destination for couples. There are beaches and waterfront spots that offer a romantic setting for couples.

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 Marathon or Victoria Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Victoria is a nice place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Marathon is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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

Marathon is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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

Victoria is adequate for times when you don't have a car. However, Marathon is not a good destination 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 Marathon. There's no real public transportation in town. A car is essential.

Is Marathon or Victoria a more walkable city?

Victoria is great for its walkability. However, Marathon is not a good destination for its high level of walkability.

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

Marathon is generally not very walkable. Shops and restaurants and spread out along a central road, making walking difficult to impossible.

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

Should I spend more time in Victoria or Marathon?

How long in Marathon or Victoria?

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

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

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

The beautiful island of Marathon offers nightlife and food. 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 city of Victoria 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.

A weekend in Marathon or Victoria?

Marathon 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.

Victoria is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. 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.

Five days in Marathon or Victoria?

Marathon is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Marathon, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Victoria 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.

A week in Marathon or Victoria?

Marathon is a great place to explore. 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 Marathon has to offer. This island offers something for everyone.

Victoria 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 city offers something for everyone.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Marathon or Victoria?

Victoria has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Marathon. When comparing the sizes of Marathon 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 Marathon 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 Marathon or Victoria in the Summer?

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

In July, Marathon is generally much warmer than Victoria. Daily temperatures in Marathon average around 84°F (29°C), and Victoria fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

In July, Marathon usually receives more rain than Victoria. Marathon gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Victoria receives 13 mm (0.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Marathon or Victoria in the Autumn?

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

Marathon is much warmer than Victoria in the autumn. The daily temperature in Marathon averages around 80°F (27°C) in October, and Victoria fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Marathon receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Marathon usually gets more rain in October than Victoria. Marathon gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while Victoria receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Marathon or Victoria in the Winter?

Both Victoria and Marathon are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Marathon for 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. In the winter, Marathon is much warmer than Victoria. Typically, the winter temperatures in Marathon in January average around 70°F (21°C), and Victoria averages at about 5°C (41°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Victoria. In January, Marathon usually receives less rain than Victoria. Marathon gets 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain, while Victoria receives 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Marathon or Victoria in the Spring?

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

In April, Marathon is generally much warmer than Victoria. Daily temperatures in Marathon average around 77°F (25°C), and Victoria fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

Marathon usually gets less rain in April than Victoria. Marathon gets 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain, while Victoria receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Victoria and Marathon