Victoria

For budget backpackers, Victoria can be a financial challenge, but the rewards are immense for those who love the outdoors and historic architecture. The current vibe in late February is quiet and chilly, meaning you can often find slightly lower rates at the few dedicated hostels downtown before the massive summer cruise crowds arrive. While street food isn't as ubiquitous as in SE Asia, the inner harbor offers affordable fish and chips, and the public markets provide locally sourced groceries for those with access to a kitchen. Free activities are your best friend here: walking through the inner harbor, exploring the many public parks like Beacon Hill, and hiking around the scenic rugged coastlines of East Sooke. To save money, stick to the local BC Transit bus system rather than harbor ferries, and look for 'Happy Hour' specials in the downtown pubs which are legendary. A daily budget of $52 will get you a dorm bed, affordable grocery-store meals, and a few local bus fares, but expect to pay more if you want to enter major attractions like the Royal BC Museum.