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

Should you visit Blue Ridge or Toronto?

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 Blue Ridge and Toronto. 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.

Blue Ridge

Blue Ridge is a quaint, charming, and outdoorsy town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include food, hiking, and shopping.

Toronto

Toronto is a cultural, diverse, and vibrant city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Blue Ridge and Toronto: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Blue Ridge or Toronto?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Toronto. Although Blue Ridge and Toronto are both popular with visitors, Toronto has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Toronto is more popular for its museums & sights, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Blue Ridge is known for its hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Toronto is more touristy than Blue Ridge and is known for its art and culture, diverse cuisine, and multi-cultural population. It is also home to the CN Tower. Blue Ridge is popular for its beautiful mountain setting, miles of hiking trails, and small town atmosphere.

How is Blue Ridge different from Toronto?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Blue Ridge or Toronto?

Toronto is an amazing city to visit for its museums and history. However, Blue Ridge is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

Travelers visit Toronto from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. 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.

Blue Ridge offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. While you don't immediately think of museums in the area, there are a couple. The Dahlonega Gold Museum gives information on the gold rush and mining industry in town. In nearby Tennessee, Ducktown Basin Museum is a historic mine site that is open for tours.

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Blue Ridge and Toronto can be difficult as they are each very good in their own way.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Blue Ridge. You'll find plenty of small town restaurants serving local dishes like barbecue, trout, and biscuits with gravy. Southern food is popular, but you'll also find plenty of breweries and wineries in the area. Head downtown for an assortment of options that include southern, vegan, and even international flavors.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Toronto. 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.

Is Blue Ridge or Toronto Better for Nightlife?

Toronto is an amazing city to visit for nightlife. Also, Blue Ridge is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Toronto has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. 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.

Blue Ridge has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. Head downtown for a mix of breweries, bars, and clubs where you'll find live music and a casual meal.

Is Blue Ridge or Toronto Better for Hiking?

Blue Ridge is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Toronto is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Blue Ridge. There are miles of hiking trails in the area that take you to waterfalls and viewpoints. The starting point of the Appalachian Trail is also nearby, and another popular trail is the Benton MacKaye Trail. Options range from beginner to expert with everything in between.

Toronto is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Blue Ridge or Toronto?

Toronto is an amazing city to visit for shopping. Also, Blue Ridge is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Toronto. 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.

Blue Ridge is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. You'll find artisan shops, art galleries, and boutique clothing vendors. Many places are concentrated in the charming downtown area, which is fun to explore for a day or two.

Is Blue Ridge or Toronto Better for Families?

Both Blue Ridge and Toronto are very good family-friendly destinations.

Blue Ridge is a very family-friendly destination. Kids who enjoy hiking and playing outdoors will have fun here. There are waterfall hikes, fruit picking farms, and plenty of playgrounds. There's also a scenic railway and lots of places to sample treats.

Toronto is a very kid-friendly town. 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.

Is Blue Ridge or Toronto Better for Couples?

Blue Ridge and Toronto both very good destinations for a couple.

Blue Ridge makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. If you're looking for a cozy retreat where you can relax in a cabin, take long walks through nature, and enjoy local food, then this is your place. There are plenty of bed and breakfasts, vacation rentals, and rustic cabins with fireplaces and simple pleasures. If you want to escape it all then the mountains are the place to be.

Couples visit Toronto frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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 Blue Ridge or Toronto Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Blue Ridge and Toronto are both very good destinations for backpackers.

Blue Ridge is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are a number of campgrounds in the area as well as plenty of hikes that backpackers will enjoy. Nearby you'll also find the start of the famed Appalachian Trail.

Toronto is a great town to visit for backpackers. There are a number of hostels around town and there's often a good crowd of backpackers.

Is Blue Ridge or Toronto Better for Students?

Toronto is an amazing city to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Blue Ridge is not popular with students.

Toronto is a very popular place to visit 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.

Blue Ridge is not popular with students.

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

Toronto is an amazing city to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Blue Ridge is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Public transit in Toronto is top-notch. Union Station is the hub of the city's transportation system, which includes subways, buses and streetcars.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Blue Ridge. There's no real public transportation system in the area.

Is Blue Ridge or Toronto a more walkable city?

Toronto is a very popular place for its walkability. Also, Blue Ridge is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Blue Ridge is a somewhat walkable place. While the downtown area is relatively walkable, if you want to hike and get out in nature, you'll need to have a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Toronto or Blue Ridge?

How long in Blue Ridge or Toronto?

Both Blue Ridge 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 Blue Ridge. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Blue Ridge, and 3-7 days is enough time in Toronto.

Families should spend more time in Toronto than Blue Ridge. 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 Blue Ridge. 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 Blue Ridge 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 Blue Ridge or Toronto?

Blue Ridge is a small town with plenty to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

When visiting Toronto, people usually allow for lots of time. Anyone can find something fun to do here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Blue Ridge or Toronto?

Blue Ridge might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. 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. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Blue Ridge has to offer.

When visiting Toronto, people usually allow for lots of time. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Five days in Blue Ridge or Toronto?

Blue Ridge is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Blue Ridge has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Toronto, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Blue Ridge or Toronto?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Blue Ridge. Since Blue Ridge is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. 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 place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this city makes for a great vacation. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America, The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Toronto, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Vancouver.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Blue Ridge or Toronto?

Toronto has a larger population, and is about 3910 times larger than the population of Blue Ridge. When comparing the sizes of Blue Ridge 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 Blue Ridge or Toronto?

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 Blue Ridge or Toronto in the Summer?

Both Toronto and Blue Ridge are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Blue Ridge for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Toronto because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Blue Ridge is a little warmer than Toronto in the summer. The daily temperature in Blue Ridge averages around 81°F (27°C) in July, and Toronto fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

It's quite sunny in Toronto. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Blue Ridge. Blue Ridge usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Toronto during summer. Blue Ridge gets 265 hours of sunny skies, while Toronto receives 281 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Blue Ridge. In July, Blue Ridge usually receives more rain than Toronto. Blue Ridge gets 5.2 inches (131 mm) of rain, while Toronto receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Blue Ridge or Toronto in the Autumn?

Both Toronto and Blue Ridge during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Blue Ridge because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Toronto this time of year.

In the autumn, Blue Ridge is much warmer than Toronto. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Blue Ridge in October average around 63°F (17°C), and Toronto averages at about 11°C (51°F).

It's quite sunny in Blue Ridge. In the autumn, Blue Ridge often gets more sunshine than Toronto. Blue Ridge gets 211 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toronto receives 153 hours of full sun.

Blue Ridge usually gets more rain in October than Toronto. Blue Ridge gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Toronto receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Blue Ridge or Toronto in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Blue Ridge and Toronto. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Blue Ridge this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Toronto for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Toronto. It's quite cold in Blue Ridge in the winter. In January, Blue Ridge is generally much warmer than Toronto. Daily temperatures in Blue Ridge average around 40°F (5°C), and Toronto fluctuates around -4°C (25°F).

Blue Ridge usually receives more sunshine than Toronto during winter. Blue Ridge gets 145 hours of sunny skies, while Toronto receives 87 hours of full sun in the winter.

Blue Ridge gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Blue Ridge usually receives more rain than Toronto. Blue Ridge gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Toronto receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Blue Ridge or Toronto in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Blue Ridge as well as Toronto. Many travelers come to Blue Ridge for the small town charm and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Toronto in the spring for the activities around the city.

Blue Ridge is much warmer than Toronto in the spring. The daily temperature in Blue Ridge averages around 62°F (17°C) in April, and Toronto fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Blue Ridge this time of the year. In the spring, Blue Ridge often gets more sunshine than Toronto. Blue Ridge gets 243 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toronto receives 179 hours of full sun.

Blue Ridge receives a lot of rain in the spring. Blue Ridge usually gets more rain in April than Toronto. Blue Ridge gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Toronto receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Toronto and Blue Ridge