A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Anchorage vs. Toronto for Attractions, Nightlife, Food, and Families

Should you visit Anchorage or Toronto?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Anchorage and Toronto 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.

Anchorage

Anchorage is a outdoorsy, scenic, and breathtaking city. Anchorage is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums. See Anchorage travel costs.

Toronto

Toronto is a cultural, diverse, and vibrant city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping. See Toronto travel costs.

Anchorage and Toronto: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Anchorage or Toronto?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Toronto than Anchorage, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Toronto is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Anchorage is known for its hiking and impressive beauty. Anchorage is popular for its breathtaking natural beauty, impressive wildlife, stunning hiking trails, and unique local culture. Toronto is popular for its art and culture, diverse cuisine, and multi-cultural population. It is also home to the CN Tower.

How is Anchorage different from Toronto?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Anchorage or Toronto?

Toronto is an unbeatable place for its sights and museums. Also, Anchorage is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Toronto that are not to be missed. The city is filled with landmarks and museums such as the CN Tower and the Royal Ontario Museum. Ripley's Aquarium is a highlight for many visitors. It's near the CN Tower and has an underwater tunnel. The city is also filled with art galleries and cultural sights. Another must is a visit to Casa Loma and, of course, the Toronto Zoo.

Anchorage offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. While most people visit for the outdoor experiences, there are a few museums where you can learn about the local culture and wildlife. Popular museums include the the Alaska Native Heritage Center, the Anchorage Museum at Rasmuson Center, the Alaska Aviation Museum, and the Alaska Museum of Science and Nature.

Is the Food Better in Anchorage or Toronto? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Toronto is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Anchorage is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Toronto makes for a great culinary experience. The food scene is as diverse as the city itself. You'll find classic Canadian favorites like peameal bacon sandwiches and beavertails, as well as almost any international cuisine you could want. Make sure you try the dim sum, roti, and street hot dogs.

Anchorage has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. Food is expensive in town, but there are some unique local specialties that you must try. Many restaurants offer fresh seafood and local meats. Favorites include yak meat, king crab, and fresh oysters.

Is Anchorage or Toronto Better for Nightlife?

Toronto is an unbeatable place for nightlife. However, Anchorage is not a good city for nightlife and partying.

The nightlife in Toronto is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. It's a diverse nightlife scene, with upscale lounges, dive bars, live music, and high energy nightclubs. Popular areas for nightlife include King Street, the Ossington Strip, College Street, and Kensington Market.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Anchorage. The town's nightlife mostly consists of local bars where you can hang out. Check out Koot's, which is a longstanding favorite.

Is Anchorage or Toronto Better for Hiking?

Anchorage is terrific for its hiking trails. However, Toronto is not a hiking destination.

Around Anchorage visitors will find world-class hiking trails. The town is surrounded by wilderness and it's not hard to escape into nature. You can choose between short walks, long day trips, and multi-day treks, with everything in between available as well. There are more than 300 miles of hiking trails near town and several favorites include Byron Glacier Trail, Thunderbird Falls Trail, and Flattop Mountain.

Toronto is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Anchorage or Toronto?

Toronto is an unbeatable place for shopping. Also, Anchorage is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Toronto is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. Shopping is huge here, with plenty of options available that range from large malls to vintage stores or flea markets. Eaton Center on Yonge Street is a major shopping area. Yonge Street is also home to more than 600 retail stores.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Anchorage. There are plenty of local gift shops and boutiques where you can pick up local Alaskan crafts and products. There's no sales tax, but prices can still be a bit steep. But if you're looking for something uniquely local to remember your trip, you don't have to look hard.

Is Anchorage or Toronto More Beautiful?

Anchorage is terrific for its scenery and beauty. However, Toronto is not a destination known for its beauty.

Anchorage is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. The city offers access to spectacular beauty. It's surrounded by awe-inspiring mountains, breathtaking glaciers, and vast wilderness.

Toronto is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Anchorage or Toronto Better for Families?

Toronto is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Anchorage is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Toronto is a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will enjoy the city's many family-friendly museums like the Royal Ontario Museum or the Ontario Science Center. Younger kids will have fun playing at the Centreville Theme Park while all ages will love a day at Canada's Wonderland. Black Creek Pioneer Village is a highlight for many families as well.

Anchorage is a family-friendly city. Kids who appreciate nature will appreciate this unique setting. Everyone will enjoy a glacier cruise, but you can hang out with the locals in Westchester Lagoon, see the animals at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, and learn about the area at the Anchorage Museum.

Is Anchorage or Toronto Better for Couples?

Both Anchorage and Toronto are great destinations for a couple's getaway.

Anchorage is a very popular place to visit for couples. The city makes a good base for couples who want to explore the surrounding beauty. The landscapes make a beautiful backdrop for a romantic trip, and the adventure activities will make for an unforgettable experience. There are plenty of outdoor activities and adventure sports that couples can enjoy together and the beauty of the region is breathtaking.

Toronto makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. This city is full of energy, and couples can enjoy amazing meals, impressive shows, and romantic outings. You can picnic at a park or check out the view from CN Tower. There are also dinner cruises and live theater.

Is Anchorage or Toronto Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Toronto is a well-known place for backpackers. Also, Anchorage is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Toronto. There are a number of hostels around town and there's often a good crowd of backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Anchorage. There are a few good budget places to stay, and backpackers will also have plenty of outdoor wilderness to explore near town. It's important to remember that Alaska is known for its challenging wilderness so, unless you're experienced, you should take a guide.

Is Anchorage or Toronto Better for Students?

Toronto is an unbeatable place for students. However, Anchorage is not popular with students.

Toronto is a very popular city for students. The city has a good number of universities that attract students from around the globe. This is a very livable city with a lot of diversity and plenty of entertainment options.

Anchorage is not popular with students.

Is Anchorage or Toronto Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Toronto is an unbeatable place for its public transit. However, Anchorage is not a good city for times when you don't have a car.

Visitors in Toronto can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. Union Station is the hub of the city's transportation system, which includes subways, buses and streetcars.

Public transit is quite limited in Anchorage. There is the People Mover bus system that transports riders around town, but to truly experience the region, you must have a car.

Is Anchorage or Toronto a more walkable city?

Toronto is a well-known place for its walkability. However, Anchorage is not a good city for its high level of walkability.

Toronto is very walkable. It's a pedestrian-friendly city that is great for exploring on foot. The waterfront area has a walkway and there are cycling trails around town as well.

Anchorage is generally not a very walkable city. The downtown area is compact so you can wander to the nearby shops and restaurants on foot, but most people visit with the goal of exploring outside of town. For that you need a car.

For even more information, also check out Is Anchorage Worth Visiting? and Is Toronto Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Toronto or Anchorage?

How long in Anchorage or Toronto?

Both Anchorage and Toronto have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Toronto than in Anchorage. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Anchorage, and 3-7 days is enough time in Toronto.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Toronto than Anchorage 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 Toronto.

One day in Anchorage or Toronto?

In Anchorage, you'll find museums and food. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

People visit Toronto because there is so much to do. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Anchorage or Toronto?

In Anchorage, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Anchorage has to offer.

People visit Toronto because there is so much to do. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Anchorage or Toronto?

Anchorage is a great place to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

People visit Toronto because there is so much to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

A week in Anchorage or Toronto?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Anchorage. Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Anchorage. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Toronto is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Toronto, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City, The Best Northern Lights Tours in Canada, and The Best Luxury Tours to Canada.

When comparing the travel costs between Anchorage and Toronto, we can see that Toronto 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 Anchorage Expensive? and Is Toronto Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Anchorage or Toronto?

Toronto has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Anchorage. When comparing the sizes of Anchorage and Toronto, 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 Anchorage or Toronto?

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 Anchorage or Toronto in the Summer?

Both Toronto and Anchorage during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Anchorage because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Toronto this time of year.

Anchorage is cooler than Toronto in the summer. The daily temperature in Anchorage averages around 59°F (15°C) in July, and Toronto fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

In Toronto, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Anchorage. In the summer, Anchorage often gets less sunshine than Toronto. Anchorage gets 240 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toronto receives 281 hours of full sun.

Anchorage usually gets less rain in July than Toronto. Anchorage gets 1.7 inches (44 mm) of rain, while Toronto receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Anchorage or Toronto in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Anchorage and Toronto. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Anchorage this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Toronto for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

It's quite cold in Anchorage in the autumn. In the autumn, Anchorage is much colder than Toronto. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Anchorage in October average around 35°F (2°C), and Toronto averages at about 11°C (51°F).

Anchorage usually receives less sunshine than Toronto during autumn. Anchorage gets 118 hours of sunny skies, while Toronto receives 153 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Anchorage usually receives less rain than Toronto. Anchorage gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while Toronto receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Anchorage or Toronto in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Anchorage as well as Toronto. Many travelers come to Anchorage for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Toronto in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Toronto can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Anchorage. In January, Anchorage is generally much colder than Toronto. Daily temperatures in Anchorage average around 15°F (-9°C), and Toronto fluctuates around -4°C (25°F).

In the winter, Anchorage often gets less sunshine than Toronto. Anchorage gets 80 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toronto receives 87 hours of full sun.

Anchorage usually gets less rain in January than Toronto. Anchorage gets 0.7 inches (19 mm) of rain, while Toronto receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Anchorage or Toronto in the Spring?

Both Toronto and Anchorage are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Anchorage in the spring for the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Toronto for the activities around the city during these months.

Anchorage can get quite cold in the spring. Anchorage is much colder than Toronto in the spring. The daily temperature in Anchorage averages around 36°F (2°C) in April, and Toronto fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Anchorage. Anchorage usually receives more sunshine than Toronto during spring. Anchorage gets 233 hours of sunny skies, while Toronto receives 179 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Anchorage usually receives less rain than Toronto. Anchorage gets 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain, while Toronto receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Toronto and Anchorage