A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Redwood National Park vs. Victoria for Hiking, Backpackers, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Redwood National Park or Victoria?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Redwood National Park and Victoria. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Redwood National Park

Redwood National Park is a monumental, grand, and impressive park. Redwood National Park is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the beaches and hiking. See Redwood National Park travel costs.

Victoria

Victoria is a cultural, scenic, and relaxing city. Other popular activities here include food, hiking, and shopping. See Victoria travel costs.

Redwood National Park and Victoria: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Very walkable
Things to Consider
  • Less hiking options
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Redwood National Park or Victoria?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Victoria. Although Redwood National Park and Victoria are popular destinations, Victoria has more sights and attractions for tourists. Victoria is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, and shopping, while Redwood National Park attracts visitors for its beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Redwood National Park is famous for being the home of the world's tallest trees. Victoria is famous for its colonial buildings and public parks. It is also well known for Butchart Gardens.

How is Redwood National Park different from Victoria?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Redwood National Park or Victoria?

Redwood National Park
Victoria

Victoria is a good destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Redwood National Park is not particularly known for its historical sights.

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.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Redwood National Park. There is little in the form of museums, but you can visit the Thomas H. Kuchel Visitor Center on the south side of the park and see exhibits about Yurok culture and the area's ecology.


Is the Food Better in Redwood National Park or Victoria? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Redwood National Park
Victoria

Victoria is a good destination for its restaurant scene. However, Redwood National Park is not particularly known for its local flavors and cuisine.

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

While Redwood National Park is not famous for its food, you'll find what you need there. There are no dining or grocery options within the park but there are some options just outside the park.

Is Redwood National Park or Victoria Better for Nightlife?

Redwood National Park
Victoria

Victoria is a good destination for its evening party scene. However, Redwood National Park is not particularly known for nightlife.

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.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Redwood National Park The laid back setting offers little in the form of nightlife.

Is Redwood National Park or Victoria Better for Beaches?

Redwood National Park
Victoria

Redwood National Park is a good destination for the beach. However, Victoria is not a beach destination.

Redwood National Park offers a nice beach destination. The park runs along the Pacific coastline and there are 70 miles of coastal trail in the park. Beaches are rugged and sandy and favorite sections include Gold Bluff Beach, Crescent Beach, and Enderts Beach, which has great tidal pools.

Victoria is not a beach destination.


Is Redwood National Park or Victoria Better for Hiking?

Redwood National Park
Victoria

Redwood National Park is an amazing park to visit for its hiking trails. Also, Victoria is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

Redwood National Park is well-known for its hiking and trekking. Hikes range from coastal trails to world-renowned hikes through the redwoods. You'll feel humbled in the presence of these grand and majestic trees. Several of the most well-known hikes include Fern Canyon, the Cathedral Trees Trail, and Redwood Creek Trail.

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 Redwood National Park or Victoria?

Redwood National Park
Victoria

Victoria is a good destination for its shopping areas. However, Redwood National Park is not particularly known for shopping.

Many visitors go to Victoria to go shopping. There are plenty of larger shopping malls as well as local boutiques and farmer's markets.

Shopping in Redwood National Park can be found for those interested. You'll find park stores at the visitor centers if you want to pick up a small gift or souvenir.

Is Redwood National Park or Victoria More Beautiful?

Redwood National Park
Victoria

Redwood National Park is an amazing park to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Victoria is not a destination known for its beauty.

Redwood National Park is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. The majestic redwood trees will take your breath away. These ancient forests offer a truly unique experience and you'll feel small in comparison to their grand height.

Victoria is not a destination known for its beauty.


Is Redwood National Park or Victoria Better for Families?

Redwood National Park
Victoria

Both Redwood National Park and Victoria are excellent family-friendly destinations.

Redwood National Park is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. There are plenty of kid-friendly hikes in the park and the kids will love exploring the varied landscapes and diverse ecosystems. Less than a mile long, Fern Canyon is the perfect hike for little kids and it's not-to-be-missed. Cathedral Trees Trail is three miles, and also a highlight of any trip to the park.

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.

Is Redwood National Park or Victoria Better for Couples?

Redwood National Park
Victoria

Redwood National Park and Victoria both excellent destinations for a couple.

Couples visit Redwood National Park frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. There are historic lodges that make for a romantic getaway. You can fill your days with hikes through magical landscapes and breathtaking settings surrounded by the impressive redwoods.

Victoria is a great park if you're traveling as 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 Redwood National Park or Victoria Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Redwood National Park
Victoria

Redwood National Park is an amazing park to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Victoria is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Redwood National Park, as it is a very popular park for budget travelers. There are miles of backcountry trails that let you can explore the park in relative peace and solitude. This is an amazing way to experience the park, but do make sure you purchase a permit in advance.

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


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

Redwood National Park
Victoria

Victoria is a city with a few options for its public transit. However, Redwood National Park is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

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.

Public transit is quite limited in Redwood National Park. There's no public transportation within the park.

Is Redwood National Park or Victoria a more walkable city?

Redwood National Park
Victoria

Victoria is well known for its ease of walking around. However, Redwood National Park is not particularly known for its walkability.

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

Redwood National Park is not a very walkable park. The park is large and spread out, so you'll need a car to get around.

For even more information, also check out Is Redwood National Park Worth Visiting? and Is Victoria Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Victoria or Redwood National Park?

How long in Redwood National Park or Victoria?

It's fun to spend time in either Redwood National Park or Victoria. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Redwood National Park due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Redwood National Park, and 3-4 days is enough time in Victoria.

Families should spend more time in Victoria than Redwood National Park. 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 Redwood National Park. 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.


  • How many days in Redwood National Park or Victoria? Ideal Length of Stay
    Redwood National Park 3-5 
    Victoria 3-4

One day in Redwood National Park or Victoria?

The beautiful park of Redwood National Park offers . 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.

In Victoria, you'll find shopping and museums. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.


A weekend in Redwood National Park or Victoria?

Redwood National Park 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Victoria. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. It offers something for everyone.

Five days in Redwood National Park or Victoria?

Redwood National Park is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Redwood National Park, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Victoria is a fun place to experience. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Redwood National Park or Victoria?

Redwood National Park is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that hiking 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 park offers something for everyone.

You'll find food and shopping around the relaxing destination of Victoria. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best Adventure Tours to Canada, and The Best Eco Tours in Canada.


Which place is cheaper, Victoria or Redwood National Park?

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

  • Redwood National Park Prices
    USA Prices
    Victoria Prices
    Canada Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Redwood National Park $135
    Victoria $201

The average daily cost (per person) in Redwood National Park is $135, 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 Redwood National Park and Victoria in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Redwood National Park $44
    Victoria $113
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Redwood National Park $88
    Victoria $226
Compare Hotels in Redwood National Park and Victoria

Looking for a hotel in Redwood National Park 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 Redwood National Park


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.
    Redwood National Park $53
    Victoria $37

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Victoria

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

  • Private Transfer from Victoria City Hotels to Nanaimo Cruise Port: $131
  • 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
  • Victoria to Vancouver Ferry with Bus Transfer: $75
  • Victoria to Vancouver Scenic Seaplane Transfer: One Way: $289
  • Private Cruise Transfer with City Sightseeing Tour: $682

Is it cheaper to fly into Redwood National Park or Victoria?

Prices for flights to both Victoria and Redwood National Park 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
    Redwood National Park $56
    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.
    Redwood National Park $33
    Victoria $45

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
  • Ghostly Walking Tour in Victoria: $15
  • Iconic & Obscure Victoria Walking Tour: $16
  • Historical Chinatown Walking Tour: $16
  • Historical Victoria Walking Tour: $16
  • Ghost Tour of Old Town and Bastion Square: $17
  • Walking Tour through History and Heritage: $17
  • Halloween Ghostly Walking Tour in Victoria: $17
  • Royal B.C. Museum in Full-Day Admission Ticket: $21
  • Axe Throwing Experience: $24
  • Malahat SkyWalk Tickets: $32

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Redwood National Park $11
    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 : $144
  • Cowichan Valley Premium Wine Tour: $474


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Redwood National Park and Victoria, we can see that Victoria is more expensive. And not only is Redwood National Park much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Redwood National Park would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Redwood National Park 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 Victoria would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Victoria than you might in Redwood National Park.

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



When is the best time to visit Redwood National Park 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 Redwood National Park or Victoria in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Redwood National Park as well as Victoria. The summer months attract visitors to Redwood National Park because of the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Victoria this time of year.

Redwood National Park is cooler than Victoria in the summer. The daily temperature in Redwood National Park averages around 57°F (14°C) in July, and Victoria fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

Redwood National Park usually gets less rain in July than Victoria. Redwood National Park gets 0.1 inches (3 mm) of rain, while Victoria receives 13 mm (0.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Redwood National Park 57°F (14°C) 
    Victoria 16°C (60°F)

Should I visit Redwood National Park or Victoria in the Autumn?

Both Victoria and Redwood National Park are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Redwood National Park this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Victoria for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Redwood National Park is a little warmer than Victoria. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Redwood National Park in October average around 55°F (13°C), and Victoria averages at about 11°C (52°F).

In October, Redwood National Park usually receives around the same amount of rain as Victoria. Redwood National Park gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Victoria receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Redwood National Park 55°F (13°C) 
    Victoria 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Redwood National Park or Victoria in the Winter?

Both Victoria and Redwood National Park during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, many visitors come to Victoria in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Victoria can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Redwood National Park is generally much warmer than Victoria. Daily temperatures in Redwood National Park average around 48°F (9°C), and Victoria fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

Victoria gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Redwood National Park. Redwood National Park usually gets more rain in January than Victoria. Redwood National Park gets 6 inches (152 mm) of rain, while Victoria receives 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Redwood National Park 48°F (9°C) 
    Victoria 5°C (41°F)

Should I visit Redwood National Park or Victoria in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Redwood National Park and Victoria. Many visitors come to Redwood National Park in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

Redwood National Park is around the same temperature as Victoria in the spring. The daily temperature in Redwood National Park averages around 50°F (10°C) in April, and Victoria fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

In April, Redwood National Park usually receives more rain than Victoria. Redwood National Park gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Victoria receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Redwood National Park 50°F (10°C) 
    Victoria 10°C (49°F)

Typical Weather for Victoria and Redwood National Park

Redwood National Park Victoria
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 48°F (9°C) 6 inches (152 mm) 5°C (41°F) 138 mm (5.4 in)
Feb 49°F (10°C) 4.7 inches (120 mm) 7°C (44°F) 112 mm (4.4 in)
Mar 50°F (10°C) 5.3 inches (135 mm) 8°C (46°F) 67 mm (2.7 in)
Apr 50°F (10°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 10°C (49°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
May 53°F (12°C) 1.5 inches (37 mm) 12°C (54°F) 29 mm (1.1 in)
Jun 56°F (13°C) 0.5 inches (13 mm) 14°C (58°F) 24 mm (0.9 in)
Jul 57°F (14°C) 0.1 inches (3 mm) 16°C (60°F) 13 mm (0.5 in)
Aug 58°F (14°C) 0.5 inches (12 mm) 16°C (61°F) 19 mm (0.8 in)
Sep 58°F (14°C) 0.9 inches (23 mm) 15°C (58°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Oct 55°F (13°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 11°C (52°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Nov 52°F (11°C) 6.5 inches (164 mm) 8°C (46°F) 140 mm (5.5 in)
Dec 49°F (9°C) 6 inches (153 mm) 5°C (42°F) 153 mm (6 in)