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

Should you visit Portland 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 Portland 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.

Portland

Portland is a progressive, quirky, and eclectic city. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. Portland offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the live music, hiking, and shopping. See Portland travel costs.

Victoria

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

Portland and Victoria: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Portland or Victoria?

You'll generally find more things to do in Portland than Victoria. Portland is bigger than Victoria, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Portland is better known for its music, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Victoria is more popular for its museums and attractions and food. Portland is well known for its independent and vintage shops, thriving art scene, lush parks and gardens, progressive and quirky personality, and easy access to amazing natural beauty. Also, Portland is famous for Washington Park. Victoria is well known for its colonial buildings and public parks.

How is Portland different from Victoria?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Victoria is a city with good options for its museums and history. However, Portland is lacking in good options for its 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.

Portland offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Visitors usually come for the city's outdoor recreation and eclectic personality more than the landmarks and museums. There are a few places to visit on a rainy day though including Pittock Mansion, the Portland Art Museum, and the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry.

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

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

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Victoria. You'll find tons of fresh seafood around town. Make sure you try to the Dungeness crab, wild caught salmon, and fish chowder.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Portland. The town is more famous for it's craft beer than it's food, but there are still a number of local restaurants that offer unique Oregon dishes. You'll find no shortage of vegetarian and vegan options on most menus. There is also a big farm-to-table scene with many farmers markets around town as well.

Is Portland or Victoria Better for Nightlife?

The notable nightlife scene is relatively similar in Portland and Victoria.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Portland. Famously, this town's nightlife is all about the craft beer and local breweries. Make sure you check out Bailey's Taproom, The Big Legrowlski, and The Commons Brewery.

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 Portland or Victoria Better for Music?

Portland is a good destination for its music scene. However, Victoria is not a live music destination.

You don't have to look far to find a unique music venue in Portland. The town has a thriving live music and international folk dancing scene.

Victoria is not a live music destination.

Is Portland or Victoria Better for Hiking?

Portland 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 Portland. Just outside of town you'll find amazing hikes and stunning natural beauty. In town there are many urban hikes through parks and gardens, but in just a short drive you also have access to Mount Hood and many of the region's most beautiful hikes around the Columbia River Gorge.

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 Portland or Victoria?

Shoppers can find a variety of notable stores in both Portland and Victoria.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Portland. To fully experience shopping in town, head to the local vendors and thrift shops. There are many vintage clothing shops, book stores, and independent sellers around town. The city is also full of farmers markets. For some of the most interesting shopping, check out the Pearl District, Pioneer Place, Union Way, and Downtown neighborhoods.

Victoria offers some nice shopping areas. There are plenty of larger shopping malls as well as local boutiques and farmer's markets.

Is Portland or Victoria More Beautiful?

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

Portland offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Surrounded by mountains and filled with parks and greenspace, many people find this town to be quite beautiful.

Victoria is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Portland or Victoria Better for Families?

Victoria is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Portland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Victoria is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Portland. This is an outdoor city by nature, so families will appreciate the many parks and outdoor recreational activities around town. It's easy to fill a couple of days exploring and having fun with the kids. Kid-friendly activities include the zoo, the aerial tram, and several great museums.

Is Portland or Victoria Better for Couples?

Victoria is a very popular place for romance. Also, Portland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic 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.

Portland makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The laid-back, alternative vibe is fun to explore as a couple. There are independent bookstores, nice parks, and plenty of outdoor activities to choose from. Couples who enjoy an eclectic city, breweries, and nature, will find a lot to do in town.

Is Portland or Victoria Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Portland 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 Portland. The town has drawn young explorers for years, and backpackers who like to step away from the mainstream will feel right at home here.

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

Is Portland or Victoria Better for Students?

Portland is a good destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Victoria is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Portland. It's a young and relaxed city that attracts independent thinkers. There are many bookstores and breweries around town. The cost of living can be a bit high though.

Victoria is not popular with students.

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

Portland is a good destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Victoria is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Portland has some public transit options. The town has a bus and light rail system as well the Aerial tram.

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 Portland or Victoria a more walkable city?

Portland and Victoria are very good when it comes to walkability.

Portland is very walkable. It is quite walkable, particularly in the tourist areas such as Downtown, Pearl, and Old Town Chinatown.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Victoria or Portland?

How long in Portland or Victoria?

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

Families should spend more time in Victoria than Portland. 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 Victoria than Portland. 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 Portland 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 Portland.

One day in Portland or Victoria?

The city of Portland offers nightlife and live music. 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.

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 Portland or Victoria?

Portland is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city 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 Portland, a weekend is sufficent for most. 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 Portland or Victoria?

Portland 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.

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 Portland or Victoria?

Portland 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 city 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 Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, The Best Wildlife 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 Portland and Victoria, we can see that Portland 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 Portland Expensive? and Is Victoria Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Portland or Victoria?

Portland has a larger population, and is about 87% larger than the population of Victoria. When comparing the sizes of Portland 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 Portland 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 Portland or Victoria in the Summer?

Both Victoria and Portland are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The hiking, the small town charm, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Portland this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Victoria for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Portland is generally a little warmer than Victoria. Daily temperatures in Portland average around 68°F (20°C), and Victoria fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

In July, Portland usually receives more rain than Victoria. Portland gets 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain, while Victoria receives 13 mm (0.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Portland or Victoria in the Autumn?

Both Victoria and Portland during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Portland for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the music scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Victoria in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

Portland is a little warmer than Victoria in the autumn. The daily temperature in Portland averages around 55°F (13°C) in October, and Victoria fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Portland usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Victoria. Portland gets 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain, while Victoria receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Portland or Victoria in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Portland and Victoria. Many visitors come to Portland 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. Portland can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Portland is cooler than Victoria. Typically, the winter temperatures in Portland in January average around 40°F (4°C), and Victoria averages at about 5°C (41°F).

Victoria receives a lot of rain in the winter. Portland gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Portland usually receives around the same amount of rain as Victoria. Portland gets 5.2 inches (132 mm) of rain, while Victoria receives 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Portland or Victoria in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Portland as well as Victoria. Most visitors come to Portland for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Portland is generally a little warmer than Victoria. Daily temperatures in Portland average around 51°F (11°C), and Victoria fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

Portland usually gets more rain in April than Victoria. Portland gets 2.4 inches (61 mm) of rain, while Victoria receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Victoria and Portland