A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Pocono Mountains vs. Victoria for Hiking, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Pocono Mountains 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 Pocono Mountains 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.

Pocono Mountains

Pocono Mountains is a beautiful, magnificent, and relaxing region. Pocono Mountains offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the food, hiking, and shopping. See Pocono Mountains travel costs.

Victoria

Victoria is a relaxing, cultural, and scenic city. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and hiking. See Victoria travel costs.

Pocono Mountains and Victoria: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Nice resorts
  • Good for hiking
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • 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 Pocono Mountains or Victoria?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Pocono Mountains. Although Pocono Mountains and Victoria are both popular with visitors, Pocono Mountains has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Pocono Mountains is more popular for its skiing, resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Victoria is known for its nightlife. Pocono Mountains is popular for its hiking trails, boating and fishing, and small towns. It is also home to Bushkill Falls. Victoria is popular for its colonial buildings and public parks.

How is Pocono Mountains different from Victoria?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Pocono Mountains or Victoria Better for Skiing?

Pocono Mountains
Victoria

Pocono Mountains is a very popular place for skiing and snowboarding. However, Victoria is not a skiing destination.

Pocono Mountains draws a large crowd in the winter for its impressive snow skiing opportunities. There are a number of ski resorts in the area that offer family-friendly skiing or more advanced options. Some of the most popular ski areas are Big Boulder, Blue Mountain, Camelback Mountain, and Jack Frost Mountain.

Victoria is not a skiing destination.


Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Pocono Mountains or Victoria?

Pocono Mountains
Victoria

Plenty of people visit the good sights and museums in both Pocono Mountains and Victoria.

Pocono Mountains offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Visiting a local museum is a great way to learn about the area's history and Native American population. For a glimpse back in time, you can visit the Asa Packer Mansion, Grey Towers National Historic Landmark, or Columns Museum. The Old Jail Museum is a fascinating place to visit and even offers ghost tours. The Pocono Indian Museum and Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm are both worth a visit as well.

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.

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

Pocono Mountains
Victoria

Both Pocono Mountains and Victoria offer a number of good restaurants to choose from.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Pocono Mountains. Family-friendly restaurants are common. Many serve up casual American cuisine like burgers or pasta. There are also more upscale restaurants, some with impressive views, that will elevate your culinary experience. For a local experience, find a restaurant with a seasonal menu that makes the most of the local ingredients.

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.

Is Pocono Mountains or Victoria Better for Nightlife?

Pocono Mountains
Victoria

Victoria is a city with good options for nightlife and partying. However, Pocono Mountains is a mediocre region for its evening party scene.

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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Pocono Mountains. There are some resorts with casinos and bars as well as local breweries and bars. You'll also find a theater or two in the area.


Is Pocono Mountains or Victoria Better for Resorts?

Pocono Mountains
Victoria

Pocono Mountains is a good destination for its luxury resorts. However, Victoria is not a resort destination.

Pocono Mountains has a few great resort options. Resorts range from family-friendly to romantic. Many have indoor pools or even water parks. Some also have spas, restaurants, and plenty of amenities.

Victoria is not a resort destination.

Is Pocono Mountains or Victoria Better for Hiking?

Pocono Mountains
Victoria

Pocono Mountains 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 Pocono Mountains. There are miles of hiking trails that take you through forests or to spectacular waterfalls. Trails range from easy to challenging and each offers a great way to escape into nature. Some of the more popular trails are found in Tobyhanna State Park and Promised Land State Park. The Appalachian Trail also passes through the area.

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 Pocono Mountains or Victoria?

Pocono Mountains
Victoria

Both Pocono Mountains and Victoria are good shopping destinations.

Pocono Mountains offers some nice shopping areas. Head to the towns for some the best local shopping. The downtown areas in each of the major towns - Jim Thorpe, Stroudsburg, Milford, and Honesdale - have local vendors, antique shops, and the occasional flea market or farmer's market.

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.


Is Pocono Mountains or Victoria More Beautiful?

Pocono Mountains
Victoria

Pocono Mountains is a good destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Victoria is not a destination known for its beauty.

Pocono Mountains offers plenty of beauty for visitors. The mountains, valleys, lakes, and streams offer impressive beauty and a peaceful setting.

Victoria is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Pocono Mountains or Victoria Better for Families?

Pocono Mountains
Victoria

Both Pocono Mountains and Victoria are very good to visit with kids.

Pocono Mountains is a very kid-friendly region. There's horseback riding in the warmer seasons and kid-friendly skiing in the winter. The kids will also enjoy the hiking, ziplining, and indoor waterparks in the area. Animal farms and petting zoos are also popular, particularly with the younger kids.

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.

Is Pocono Mountains or Victoria Better for Couples?

Pocono Mountains
Victoria

Both Pocono Mountains and Victoria are very good destinations for a couple's getaway.

Pocono Mountains is a very popular place to visit for couples. Romantic resorts, cozy cabins, and luxurious spas all make this a wonderful couples destination. Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy the hiking and adventure sports in the area, while those looking for a more relaxed experience will appreciate the dining and cultural activities.

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.


Is Pocono Mountains or Victoria Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Pocono Mountains
Victoria

Pocono Mountains is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Victoria is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Pocono Mountains. There's no shortage of campgrounds, cabins, and hiking opportunities that will let backpackers enjoy a bit of nature.

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

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

Pocono Mountains
Victoria

Both Pocono Mountains and Victoria offer decent public transit options.

Public transit is generally limited in Pocono Mountains. There are some bus services that run between a few towns, but they're not an efficient way to get around.

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 Pocono Mountains or Victoria a more walkable city?

Pocono Mountains
Victoria

Victoria is notable for its high level of walkability. However, Pocono Mountains is a mediocre region for its ease of walking around.

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

Pocono Mountains is generally not a very walkable region. While there are plenty of hiking trails and some walkable towns, you really need a car to explore the area.


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

Should I spend more time in Victoria or Pocono Mountains?

How long in Pocono Mountains or Victoria?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Pocono Mountains than Victoria 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 Pocono Mountains.


  • How many days in Pocono Mountains or Victoria? Ideal Length of Stay
    Pocono Mountains 3-7 
    Victoria 3-4

One day in Pocono Mountains or Victoria?

The region of Pocono Mountains offers food and shopping. 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.

You'll find food and shopping around the cultural destination of Victoria. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

A weekend in Pocono Mountains or Victoria?

Pocono Mountains is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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.

You'll find shopping and museums around the relaxing city of Victoria. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

Five days in Pocono Mountains or Victoria?

Pocono Mountains is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Pocono Mountains, 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.


A week in Pocono Mountains or Victoria?

Pocono Mountains is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Pocono Mountains has to offer. This region offers something for everyone.

Victoria is a great place to explore. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.


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 Pocono Mountains?

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

  • Pocono Mountains Prices
    USA Prices
    Victoria Prices
    Canada Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Pocono Mountains $213
    Victoria $201

The average daily cost (per person) in Pocono Mountains is $213, 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 Pocono Mountains and Victoria in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Pocono Mountains $89
    Victoria $113
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Pocono Mountains $178
    Victoria $226
Compare Hotels in Pocono Mountains and Victoria

Looking for a hotel in Pocono Mountains 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 Pocono Mountains


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: Victoria Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Pocono Mountains $49
    Victoria $37

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Victoria

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

  • Victoria to Vancouver Ferry with Bus Transfer: $75
  • Victoria to Vancouver - Coach Bus Transfer: $77
  • Victoria to Vancouver - Vancouver Airport (YVR) Drop Off - Coach Bus Transfer: $91
  • Victoria to Vancouver - Vancouver Cruise Terminal Drop Off - Coach Bus Transfer: $91
  • Private Transfer from Victoria City Hotels to Nanaimo Cruise Port: $131
  • Victoria to Vancouver Scenic Seaplane Transfer: One Way: $289
  • Private Cruise Transfer with City Sightseeing Tour: $682

Is it cheaper to fly into Pocono Mountains or Victoria?

Prices for flights to both Victoria and Pocono Mountains 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
    Pocono Mountains $92
    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.
    Pocono Mountains $30
    Victoria $45

Tours and Activities in Pocono Mountains

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Pocono Mountains are as follows:

  • Delaware Water Gap Air Tour: $141
  • Private Mount Pocono Observation Air Tour: $78
  • Wooden Dough Bowl Candle Making Experience: $70

Tours and Activities in Victoria

For Victoria, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Tips-Based City Highlights Walking Tour | 2.5-Hour: $5.02
  • Butterfly Gardens Admission Ticket: $15
  • Victoria Butterfly Gardens Ticket: $15
  • Ghostly Walking Tour in Victoria: $15
  • Iconic & Obscure Victoria Walking Tour: $16
  • Historical Chinatown Walking Tour: $16
  • Historical Victoria Walking Tour: $16
  • Walking Tour through History and Heritage: $17
  • Ghost Tour of Old Town and Bastion Square: $17
  • Royal BC Museum Admission Ticket: $17
  • Halloween Ghostly Walking Tour in Victoria: $17
  • Royal B.C. Museum in Full-Day Admission Ticket: $21

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Pocono Mountains $13
    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 : $143
  • Cowichan Valley Premium Wine Tour: $474


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


Which is Bigger, Pocono Mountains or Victoria?

Victoria has a larger population, and is about 90 times larger than the population of Pocono Mountains. When comparing the sizes of Pocono Mountains 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 Pocono Mountains 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 Pocono Mountains or Victoria in the Summer?

Both Victoria and Pocono Mountains during the summer are popular places to visit. The hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Pocono Mountains this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Victoria for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Pocono Mountains is much warmer than Victoria. Typically, the summer temperatures in Pocono Mountains in July average around 75°F (24°C), and Victoria averages at about 16°C (60°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Pocono Mountains. Pocono Mountains usually gets more rain in July than Victoria. Pocono Mountains gets 4.4 inches (111 mm) of rain, while Victoria receives 13 mm (0.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Pocono Mountains 75°F (24°C) 
    Victoria 16°C (60°F)

Should I visit Pocono Mountains or Victoria in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Pocono Mountains and Victoria. Many travelers come to Pocono Mountains for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, many visitors come to Victoria in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In October, Pocono Mountains is generally a little warmer than Victoria. Daily temperatures in Pocono Mountains average around 55°F (13°C), and Victoria fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In October, Pocono Mountains usually receives around the same amount of rain as Victoria. Pocono Mountains gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Victoria receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Pocono Mountains 55°F (13°C) 
    Victoria 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Pocono Mountains or Victoria in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Pocono Mountains as well as Victoria. Many visitors come to Pocono Mountains in the winter for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, most visitors come to Victoria for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Victoria can be very cold during winter. Pocono Mountains can get quite cold in the winter. Pocono Mountains is much colder than Victoria in the winter. The daily temperature in Pocono Mountains averages around 28°F (-2°C) in January, and Victoria fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

It's quite rainy in Victoria. Pocono Mountains usually gets less rain in January than Victoria. Pocono Mountains gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while Victoria receives 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Pocono Mountains 28°F (-2°C) 
    Victoria 5°C (41°F)

Should I visit Pocono Mountains or Victoria in the Spring?

Both Victoria and Pocono Mountains are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Pocono Mountains for the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Pocono Mountains is a little warmer than Victoria. Typically, the spring temperatures in Pocono Mountains in April average around 51°F (11°C), and Victoria averages at about 10°C (49°F).

In April, Pocono Mountains usually receives more rain than Victoria. Pocono Mountains gets 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain, while Victoria receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Pocono Mountains 51°F (11°C) 
    Victoria 10°C (49°F)

Typical Weather for Victoria and Pocono Mountains

Pocono Mountains Victoria
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 28°F (-2°C) 3 inches (77 mm) 5°C (41°F) 138 mm (5.4 in)
Feb 31°F (-1°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm) 7°C (44°F) 112 mm (4.4 in)
Mar 41°F (5°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm) 8°C (46°F) 67 mm (2.7 in)
Apr 51°F (11°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm) 10°C (49°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
May 62°F (17°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm) 12°C (54°F) 29 mm (1.1 in)
Jun 71°F (22°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm) 14°C (58°F) 24 mm (0.9 in)
Jul 75°F (24°C) 4.4 inches (111 mm) 16°C (60°F) 13 mm (0.5 in)
Aug 73°F (23°C) 4.2 inches (106 mm) 16°C (61°F) 19 mm (0.8 in)
Sep 66°F (19°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm) 15°C (58°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Oct 55°F (13°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 11°C (52°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Nov 45°F (7°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm) 8°C (46°F) 140 mm (5.5 in)
Dec 33°F (1°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm) 5°C (42°F) 153 mm (6 in)