A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Napa Valley vs. Victoria for Food, Couples, Nightlife, and Hiking

Should you visit Napa Valley 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 Napa Valley 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.

Napa Valley

Napa Valley is a idyllic, scenic, and picturesque area. Napa Valley is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the food, hiking, and shopping. See Napa Valley 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.

Napa Valley and Victoria: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • 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
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food


Is there more to do in Napa Valley or Victoria?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Napa Valley than Victoria. While Victoria is larger than Napa Valley, Napa Valley has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Napa Valley is very popular for its food, nightlife, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Victoria attracts visitors for its museums and attractions. Napa Valley is famous for its world class wineries and beautiful countryside. It is also well known for Louis M. Martini Winery. Victoria is famous for its colonial buildings and public parks.

How is Napa Valley different from Victoria?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Napa Valley or Victoria?

Napa Valley
Victoria

Victoria is a city with good options for its historical sights. However, Napa Valley is not known for its sights and museums.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Victoria. There are several popular museums like the Royal BC Museum and Craigdarroch Castle. Also make sure you check out the Parliament Buildings.

Napa Valley offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Most visitors spend their time visiting vineyards, but there are a couple of local museums and galleries in the area that are worth checking out.


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

Napa Valley
Victoria

Napa Valley is an amazing area to visit for its restaurants. Also, Victoria is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Eat your way through Napa Valley, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. It's most known for its world-class wine, but Napa Valley is also filled with Michelin starred restaurants and charming local eateries. Whether you're looking for a casual meal or something more upscale, there is no shortage of options. Most places take advantage of local ingredients that are very fresh. Menus change regularly and seasonal ingredients are common. And, of course, you'll find a wide selection of local wines.

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 Napa Valley or Victoria Better for Nightlife?

Napa Valley
Victoria

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

Napa Valley has a large number of nightlife venues. In the evening, visitors will enjoy the area's live music scene, theaters, and bars. There are also plenty of wine bars where you can continue to enjoy local wines.

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 Napa Valley or Victoria Better for Hiking?

Napa Valley
Victoria

Napa Valley 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 Napa Valley. There are a number of state parks in the area, and there are also trails that pass by vineyards. Some of the best hiking trails are found in Alston Park, Bothe-Napa Valley State Park, or Las Posadas State Forest.

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 Napa Valley or Victoria?

Napa Valley
Victoria

Napa Valley 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 Napa Valley. There are many interesting local boutiques in the different towns. You'll find shops selling clothing, jewelry, local items, and gifts. Some of the best shopping is found along First Street in downtown Napa.

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

Is Napa Valley or Victoria More Beautiful?

Napa Valley
Victoria

Napa Valley is an amazing area to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Victoria is not a destination known for its beauty.

Napa Valley is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It is filled with rows of vineyards, classic chateaus, and picturesque settings, which make this a beautiful destination to explore.

Victoria is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Napa Valley or Victoria Better for Families?

Napa Valley
Victoria

Victoria is a great city for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Napa Valley is not as popular, but is still a nice area for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Victoria. 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.

Napa Valley is a family-friendly place to visit. Vineyards and wine tasting may be what comes to mind for most travelers in Napa Valley, but those visiting with kids will appreciate the hiking trails, markets, and outdoor activities.


Is Napa Valley or Victoria Better for Couples?

Napa Valley
Victoria

Napa Valley is an amazing area to visit for couples. Also, Victoria is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Napa Valley is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. It's long been considered a favorite honeymoon destination for newly-weds. The scenic vineyards and charming hotels make this the perfect couple's destination, whether you're celebrating an anniversary or simply want some time away together.

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 Napa Valley or Victoria Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Napa Valley
Victoria

Victoria is a city with good options for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Napa Valley is not known 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.

Napa Valley is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's considered to be more of a luxury destination than a backpacker's retreat, but there are a few affordable places to stay in the area.

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

Napa Valley
Victoria

Victoria is adequate for times when you don't have a car. However, Napa Valley is not known 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 Napa Valley. Public transit in the area is limited but within the city of Napa there are buses operated by the Vine Transit.


Is Napa Valley or Victoria a more walkable city?

Napa Valley
Victoria

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

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

Napa Valley is not a walkable area. The vineyards are spread out and require a car or bike to access.

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

Should I spend more time in Victoria or Napa Valley?

How long in Napa Valley or Victoria?

It's fun to spend time in either Napa Valley or Victoria. In our opinion, Napa Valley has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Napa Valley than Victoria. In general, 1-4 days is a good amount of time for Napa Valley, and 3-4 days is enough time in Victoria.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Victoria than Napa Valley 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 Napa Valley or Victoria? Ideal Length of Stay
    Napa Valley 1-4 
    Victoria 3-4

One day in Napa Valley or Victoria?

The beautiful area of Napa Valley offers nightlife and food. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the cultural city of Victoria. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Napa Valley or Victoria?

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

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the scenic destination of Victoria. This city offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.


Five days in Napa Valley or Victoria?

Napa Valley is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. 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.

The cultural city of Victoria offers shopping and museums. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Napa Valley or Victoria?

Napa Valley is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. 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 area offers something for everyone.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Victoria. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America, The Best G Adventures 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 Napa Valley?

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

  • Napa Valley Prices
    USA Prices
    Victoria Prices
    Canada Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Napa Valley $333
    Victoria $201

The average daily cost (per person) in Napa Valley is $333, 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 Napa Valley and Victoria in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Napa Valley $126
    Victoria $113
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Napa Valley $252
    Victoria $226
Compare Hotels in Napa Valley and Victoria

Looking for a hotel in Napa Valley 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 Napa Valley


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: Napa Valley Hotel Prices and Victoria Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Napa Valley $183
    Victoria $37

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Napa Valley

Also for Napa Valley, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • San Francisco Airport Private Transfer to Napa Valley: $108

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 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
  • Victoria to Vancouver Ferry with Bus Transfer: $75

Is it cheaper to fly into Napa Valley or Victoria?

Prices for flights to both Victoria and Napa Valley 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
    Napa Valley $108
    Victoria $47

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Napa Valley

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

  • Zero Proof Libations and Food Tour of Downtown Napa: $159

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.
    Napa Valley $28
    Victoria $45

Tours and Activities in Napa Valley

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

  • 3 Hour Electric Trike Sunset Tour at Sonoma: $175
  • A Self-Guided Audio Tour Around Bodega Head : $9.99
  • Behind-the-Scenes Food and Wine E-Bike Tour: $159
  • Full-Day Napa Valley E-Bike Tour with Picnic Lunch: $224
  • Half Day Bike Tour: $139
  • Half Day Tour: $139
  • Half-Day Napa Valley E-Bike Tour: $169
  • Napa Puzzling Adventure: $35
  • Napa Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour and Game: $25
  • Napa Valley & Sonoma Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour: $25
  • Napa Valley Daily Join In Group Wineries Tour Including Lunch: $125
  • Napa Valley Mountainside Small Group Winery Tour: $141

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
  • 60-minute Haunted Halloween 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: $104
  • Chinatown and Hidden Alleys Pedicab Tour: $92
  • Craigdarroch Castle Pedicab Tour: $176
  • Downtown Victoria Food & City Tour: $88
  • East Sooke Park Coastal Hiking Tour with a Bite and Beer: $128

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Napa Valley $66
    Victoria $16

Sample the Local Flavors in Napa Valley

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

  • Napa Exploration Wine Tasting: $78
  • Serene and Romantic Wine Tasting Next to the Vines in Napa Valley: $85
  • Guided Wine Tour with Picnic Lunch: $137
  • ATV Vineyard Tour and Wine Tasting: $150
  • ATV Vineyard Tour with Wine Tasting: $155
  • Intro to Wine Tasting with Napa Sommelière : $156
  • #1 Sonoma Walking Food, Wine Tasting & History Tour (Public Tour): $189
  • Healdsburg Cycling Wine Tour : $199
  • Napa & Sonoma Wine Tour | 6-8hr Private Fully Customized.*XL SUV: $250

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 : $143
  • Cowichan Valley Premium Wine Tour: $474


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Napa Valley and Victoria, we can see that Napa Valley is more expensive. And not only is Victoria much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Victoria would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Victoria and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Napa Valley would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Napa Valley than you might in Victoria.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Napa Valley Expensive? and Is Victoria Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Napa Valley or Victoria?

Victoria has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Napa Valley. When comparing the sizes of Napa Valley 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 Napa Valley 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 Napa Valley or Victoria in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Napa Valley and Victoria. The hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Napa Valley this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Victoria for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

Napa Valley is a little warmer than Victoria in the summer. The daily temperature in Napa Valley averages around 73°F (23°C) in July, and Victoria fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

In July, Napa Valley usually receives less rain than Victoria. Napa Valley gets 0.1 inches (2 mm) of rain, while Victoria receives 13 mm (0.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Napa Valley 73°F (23°C) 
    Victoria 16°C (60°F)

Should I visit Napa Valley or Victoria in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Napa Valley as well as Victoria. Many travelers come to Napa Valley for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Victoria in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Napa Valley is much warmer than Victoria. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Napa Valley in October average around 62°F (17°C), and Victoria averages at about 11°C (52°F).

Napa Valley usually gets less rain in October than Victoria. Napa Valley gets 1.3 inches (33 mm) of rain, while Victoria receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Napa Valley 62°F (17°C) 
    Victoria 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Napa Valley or Victoria in the Winter?

Both Victoria and Napa Valley are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Napa Valley 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, Napa Valley is generally much warmer than Victoria. Daily temperatures in Napa Valley average around 46°F (8°C), and Victoria fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Victoria. In January, Napa Valley usually receives less rain than Victoria. Napa Valley gets 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain, while Victoria receives 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Napa Valley 46°F (8°C) 
    Victoria 5°C (41°F)

Should I visit Napa Valley or Victoria in the Spring?

Both Victoria and Napa Valley during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Napa Valley for the natural beauty during these months.

Napa Valley is a little warmer than Victoria in the spring. The daily temperature in Napa Valley averages around 56°F (13°C) in April, and Victoria fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

Napa Valley usually gets less rain in April than Victoria. Napa Valley gets 1.2 inches (31 mm) of rain, while Victoria receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Napa Valley 56°F (13°C) 
    Victoria 10°C (49°F)

Typical Weather for Victoria and Napa Valley

Napa Valley Victoria
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 46°F (8°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm) 5°C (41°F) 138 mm (5.4 in)
Feb 51°F (11°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 7°C (44°F) 112 mm (4.4 in)
Mar 54°F (12°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 8°C (46°F) 67 mm (2.7 in)
Apr 56°F (13°C) 1.2 inches (31 mm) 10°C (49°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
May 64°F (18°C) 0.2 inches (5 mm) 12°C (54°F) 29 mm (1.1 in)
Jun 69°F (21°C) 0.1 inches (3 mm) 14°C (58°F) 24 mm (0.9 in)
Jul 73°F (23°C) 0.1 inches (2 mm) 16°C (60°F) 13 mm (0.5 in)
Aug 72°F (22°C) 0.1 inches (1 mm) 16°C (61°F) 19 mm (0.8 in)
Sep 70°F (21°C) 0.3 inches (7 mm) 15°C (58°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Oct 62°F (17°C) 1.3 inches (33 mm) 11°C (52°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Nov 54°F (12°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm) 8°C (46°F) 140 mm (5.5 in)
Dec 46°F (8°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 5°C (42°F) 153 mm (6 in)