A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Wisconsin Dells vs. Victoria for Families, Nightlife, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Wisconsin Dells or Victoria?

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

Should I visit Wisconsin Dells or Victoria? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Wisconsin Dells

Wisconsin Dells is a high energy, fun-filled, and lighthearted city. It's also popular because of the hiking, nightlife, and food. See Wisconsin Dells travel costs.

Victoria

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

Wisconsin Dells and Victoria: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
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


Is there more to do in Wisconsin Dells or Victoria?

Both Victoria and Wisconsin Dells have plenty of things to do for travelers. Both provide a wide variety of sights and activities for tourists. Wisconsin Dells is more popular for its nightlife and resorts, while Victoria is known for its museums and attractions and shopping. Wisconsin Dells is more touristy than Victoria and is popular for its many waterparks and unapologetically playful atmosphere. Victoria is popular for its colonial buildings and public parks.

How is Wisconsin Dells different from Victoria?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Wisconsin Dells or Victoria?

Wisconsin Dells
Victoria

Victoria is a popular place for its museums and landmarks. However, Wisconsin Dells is a city with minimal options for its historical sights.

Victoria offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are several popular museums like the Royal BC Museum and Craigdarroch Castle. Also make sure you check out the Parliament Buildings.

While most people don't head to Wisconsin Dells specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. There are a couple of art galleries in the area, but most visitors spend the majority of their time at the theme parks and waterparks.


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

Wisconsin Dells
Victoria

Foodies will find both Wisconsin Dells and Victoria both to be good destinations.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Wisconsin Dells. Pizza, pasta, burgers, and steak in a family-friendly atmosphere are the most common options in the area. There are also a few fine dining restaurants as well as pubs and brunch places to choose from.

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 Wisconsin Dells or Victoria Better for Nightlife?

Wisconsin Dells
Victoria

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

Wisconsin Dells has a large number of nightlife venues. In the evening the fun-filled atmosphere takes on a different vibe. There are bars, clubs, casinos, and shows that keep things lively throughout the evening.

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 Wisconsin Dells or Victoria Better for Resorts?

Wisconsin Dells
Victoria

Wisconsin Dells is a good destination for its luxury resorts. However, Victoria is not a resort destination.

Wisconsin Dells has a few great resort options. Many of the waterparks in the area have affiliated resorts that offer family-friendly entertainment.

Victoria is not a resort destination.


Is Wisconsin Dells or Victoria Better for Hiking?

Wisconsin Dells
Victoria

If you're looking to go hiking, Wisconsin Dells and Victoria both have good trails.

Wisconsin Dells is a good destination for hiking. Visitors often forget that this was originally a destination for its natural beauty. There are still many hiking trails in the area with some of the favorites found at Mirror Lake State Park, Rocky Arbor State Park, and Chimney Rock Private Park.

Many people include a hike when visiting Victoria. 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 Wisconsin Dells or Victoria?

Wisconsin Dells
Victoria

Victoria is a popular place for its shopping opportunities. However, Wisconsin Dells is a city with minimal options for its shopping areas.

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

Wisconsin Dells has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. You'll find shopping malls and shopping centers, as well as gift shops in the area.

Is Wisconsin Dells or Victoria Better for Families?

Wisconsin Dells
Victoria

Wisconsin Dells is an amazing city to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Victoria is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Wisconsin Dells is very family-friendly. While it used to be known for its impressive sandstone formations along the Wisconsin River, today it has a more touristy atmosphere with theme parks and amusement parks. It's also become known as the "Water Park Capital of the World", and it won't disappoint. There are both indoor and outdoor waterparks as well as train rides, boat rides, and plenty of family-friendly restaurants.

Victoria is a very family-friendly place to visit. 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 Wisconsin Dells or Victoria Better for Couples?

Wisconsin Dells
Victoria

Victoria is a great destination for its romantic activities. Also, Wisconsin Dells is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

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.

Wisconsin Dells is a good city for couples to visit. There are a number of resorts with spas and romantic atmospheres. There are also wineries and plenty of entertainment options in the area.

Is Wisconsin Dells or Victoria Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Wisconsin Dells
Victoria

Victoria is a popular place for backpackers. However, Wisconsin Dells is a city with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

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

Wisconsin Dells is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. You'll find campgrounds in the area, but most places are very built up and don't have the natural setting that backpackers appreciate.

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

Wisconsin Dells
Victoria

Victoria is a city with a few options for its public transit. However, Wisconsin Dells is a city with minimal options 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 Wisconsin Dells. There's no real public transportation in the area.


Is Wisconsin Dells or Victoria a more walkable city?

Wisconsin Dells
Victoria

Victoria is a great destination for its high level of walkability. However, Wisconsin Dells is a city with minimal options for its ease of walking around.

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

Wisconsin Dells is generally not a very walkable city. While the downtown area is walkable, you really need a car to access everything that the area has to offer.

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

Should I spend more time in Victoria or Wisconsin Dells?

How long in Wisconsin Dells or Victoria?

It's fun to spend time in either Wisconsin Dells or Victoria. In our opinion, Victoria has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Victoria than Wisconsin Dells. In general, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Wisconsin Dells, and 3-4 days is enough time in Victoria.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Victoria than Wisconsin Dells 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 Wisconsin Dells or Victoria? Ideal Length of Stay
    Wisconsin Dells 2-4 
    Victoria 3-4

One day in Wisconsin Dells or Victoria?

The city of Wisconsin Dells offers food and nightlife. 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 relaxing destination of Victoria offers nightlife and food. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Wisconsin Dells or Victoria?

Wisconsin Dells 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. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Wisconsin Dells, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

The city of Victoria offers food and shopping. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.


Five days in Wisconsin Dells or Victoria?

Wisconsin Dells 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 great place to explore. This city offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Wisconsin Dells or Victoria?

Wisconsin Dells 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.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Victoria. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, The Best Luxury 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 Wisconsin Dells?

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

  • Wisconsin Dells Prices
    USA Prices
    Victoria Prices
    Canada Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Wisconsin Dells $174
    Victoria $201

The average daily cost (per person) in Wisconsin Dells is $174, 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 Wisconsin Dells and Victoria in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Wisconsin Dells $70
    Victoria $113
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Wisconsin Dells $140
    Victoria $226
Compare Hotels in Wisconsin Dells and Victoria

Looking for a hotel in Wisconsin Dells 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 Wisconsin Dells


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: Wisconsin Dells Hotel Prices and Victoria Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Wisconsin Dells $35
    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 Wisconsin Dells or Victoria?

Prices for flights to both Victoria and Wisconsin Dells 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
    Wisconsin Dells $74
    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.
    Wisconsin Dells $46
    Victoria $45

Tours and Activities in Wisconsin Dells

Here are a few actual costs in Wisconsin Dells for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Haunted History Trolley Tour in Wisconsin Dells: $25

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
    Wisconsin Dells $9.14
    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 comparing the travel costs between Wisconsin Dells and Victoria, we can see that Victoria is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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


Which is Bigger, Wisconsin Dells or Victoria?

Victoria has a larger population, and is about 120 times larger than the population of Wisconsin Dells. When comparing the sizes of Wisconsin Dells 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 Wisconsin Dells 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 Wisconsin Dells or Victoria in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Wisconsin Dells as well as Victoria. Most visitors come to Wisconsin Dells for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Victoria because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Wisconsin Dells is a little warmer than Victoria. Typically, the summer temperatures in Wisconsin Dells in July average around 74°F (24°C), and Victoria averages at about 16°C (60°F).

Wisconsin Dells usually gets more rain in July than Victoria. Wisconsin Dells gets 3 inches (76 mm) of rain, while Victoria receives 13 mm (0.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Wisconsin Dells 74°F (24°C) 
    Victoria 16°C (60°F)

Should I visit Wisconsin Dells or Victoria in the Autumn?

Both Victoria and Wisconsin Dells are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Wisconsin Dells because of the hiking trails and the shopping scene. Also, the hiking trails and the shopping scene are the main draw to Victoria this time of year.

In October, Wisconsin Dells is generally around the same temperature as Victoria. Daily temperatures in Wisconsin Dells average around 52°F (11°C), and Victoria fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In October, Wisconsin Dells usually receives less rain than Victoria. Wisconsin Dells gets 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain, while Victoria receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Wisconsin Dells 52°F (11°C) 
    Victoria 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Wisconsin Dells or Victoria in the Winter?

Both Victoria and Wisconsin Dells during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Wisconsin Dells this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Victoria for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Victoria. It's quite cold in Wisconsin Dells in the winter. Wisconsin Dells is much colder than Victoria in the winter. The daily temperature in Wisconsin Dells averages around 19°F (-7°C) in January, and Victoria fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

Victoria gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Wisconsin Dells usually gets less rain in January than Victoria. Wisconsin Dells gets 1 inches (25 mm) of rain, while Victoria receives 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Wisconsin Dells 19°F (-7°C) 
    Victoria 5°C (41°F)

Should I visit Wisconsin Dells or Victoria in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Wisconsin Dells and Victoria.

In the spring, Wisconsin Dells is around the same temperature as Victoria. Typically, the spring temperatures in Wisconsin Dells in April average around 49°F (10°C), and Victoria averages at about 10°C (49°F).

In April, Wisconsin Dells usually receives more rain than Victoria. Wisconsin Dells gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while Victoria receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Wisconsin Dells 49°F (10°C) 
    Victoria 10°C (49°F)

Typical Weather for Victoria and Wisconsin Dells

Wisconsin Dells Victoria
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 19°F (-7°C) 1 inches (25 mm) 5°C (41°F) 138 mm (5.4 in)
Feb 24°F (-5°C) 0.8 inches (21 mm) 7°C (44°F) 112 mm (4.4 in)
Mar 36°F (2°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm) 8°C (46°F) 67 mm (2.7 in)
Apr 49°F (10°C) 2.6 inches (65 mm) 10°C (49°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
May 60°F (16°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 12°C (54°F) 29 mm (1.1 in)
Jun 70°F (21°C) 3 inches (76 mm) 14°C (58°F) 24 mm (0.9 in)
Jul 74°F (24°C) 3 inches (76 mm) 16°C (60°F) 13 mm (0.5 in)
Aug 72°F (22°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 16°C (61°F) 19 mm (0.8 in)
Sep 63°F (17°C) 2.8 inches (70 mm) 15°C (58°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Oct 52°F (11°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm) 11°C (52°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Nov 39°F (4°C) 1.7 inches (42 mm) 8°C (46°F) 140 mm (5.5 in)
Dec 25°F (-4°C) 1.6 inches (41 mm) 5°C (42°F) 153 mm (6 in)