A Travel Price Comparison for Canada Montreal vs. Toronto for Attractions, Nightlife, Food, and Families

Should you visit Montreal or Toronto?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Montreal and Toronto can help you decide which place is right for you.

Montreal

Montreal is a cultural, vibrant, and colorful city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, live music, and food. See Montreal travel costs.

Toronto

Toronto is a vibrant, cultural, and diverse city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Toronto travel costs.

Montreal and Toronto: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Montreal or Toronto?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Montreal than Toronto. While Toronto is larger than Montreal, Montreal has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Montreal is well known for its music, fashion, and cultural activities. Also, Montreal is famous for Notre-Dame Basilica. Toronto is well known for its art and culture, diverse cuisine, and multi-cultural population.

How is Montreal different from Toronto?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

You'll find a number of amazing museums and attractions in both Toronto and Montreal.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Montreal has many famous sights for visitors. The city is filled with world-class museums and historic sites such as Notre-Dame Basilica, St. Joseph's Oratory, the Biosphere, and the Fine Arts Museum.

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.

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

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Montreal and Toronto.

Montreal has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. There are both local and international restaurants that serve up excellent dishes. Some of the local recipes that you should try include tourtiere (a meat pie), a smoked meat sandwich, and, of course, poutine.

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.

Is Montreal or Toronto Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is amazing in both Montreal and Toronto.

Montreal is a must-see party destination. The city's nightlife scene is centered around its live music scene, which is excellent. There are also many bars and clubs, as well as a young population that keep evenings lively.

Toronto is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. 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.

Is Montreal or Toronto Better for Music?

Montreal is terrific for live music. However, Toronto is not a live music destination.

Montreal is known as a music capital around the world. The music scene is thriving and world class. One of the most unique aspects of the city's music scene is its impromptu nature. You'll find many talented street performers and you'll likely stumble into many high quality performers. There's also a great indie scene as well as hip hop, classical, jazz, and heavy metal at the many live music venues.

Toronto is not a live music destination.

Is Montreal or Toronto Better for its Old Town?

Montreal is a very popular place for its historic old town. However, Toronto does not have a historic old town.

Montreal is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. Vieux-Montreal is the historic part of the city, and it's filled with cobblestone streets and historic buildings. This is also where you'll find the Old Port, which has a waterfront promenade.

Toronto does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Montreal or Toronto?

If you're looking to go shopping, Montreal and Toronto both offer plenty of amazing spots.

Many people travel to Montreal specifically to go shopping. It's known for its fashion scene and there are many independent and local vendors around town. Bonsecours Market is both historic and fascinating, but also make sure you check out Mont-Royal Avenue, which is the main shopping and dining street in town.

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.

Is Montreal or Toronto Better for Families?

You'll find superb kid-friendly activities in either Montreal or Toronto.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Montreal. Kids and teens will love the many science museums, parks and gardens, and the nearby La Ronde Amusement Park. If your kids are music lovers, there are many talented street performers in the city that will entertain the young and old alike.

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.

Is Montreal or Toronto Better for Couples?

Both Montreal and Toronto are superb destinations to visit as a couple.

Montreal is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. The city is filled with romance, from the world class music scene to the romantic restaurants and sunset river cruises. If you're in town during the fall months, check out the Botanical Gardens, which come to life with the annual Gardens of Light.

Toronto is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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 Montreal or Toronto Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Toronto is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Montreal is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Toronto. There are a number of hostels around town and there's often a good crowd of backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Montreal. There's a decent number of hostels as well as a great nightlife scene and plenty of younger visitors looking to meet other travelers.

Is Montreal or Toronto Better for Students?

For students, both Montreal and Toronto are amazing places to visit.

Students come from all over the world to visit Montreal. It's regularly ranked as one of the top cities in North America for students. There are many students around town, a great nightlife scene, and plenty of opportunities to receive a world-class education.

Toronto is a great destination 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.

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

Toronto is terrific for times when you don't have a car. Also, Montreal is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

The thorough and effecient public transit system of Toronto can take you anywhere. Union Station is the hub of the city's transportation system, which includes subways, buses and streetcars.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Montreal. There's an efficient and reliable metro and bus system.

Is Montreal or Toronto a more walkable city?

Montreal and Toronto are superb when it comes to walkability.

Montreal is a very walkable destination. The city is very walkable, particularly in the areas that are popular with tourists.

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.

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

Should I spend more time in Toronto or Montreal?

How long in Montreal or Toronto?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Toronto than Montreal 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 Montreal or Toronto?

Because Montreal is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

The city of Toronto offers food and shopping. 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.

A weekend in Montreal or Toronto?

Because Montreal is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Toronto is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. 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.

Five days in Montreal or Toronto?

Montreal is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Montreal has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Toronto is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Toronto, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Montreal or Toronto?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Montreal. Many people enjoy the live music and food when visiting Montreal. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Toronto is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Toronto has to offer. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Train & Rail Tours in Canada, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Canada, The Best Camping Tours in Canada, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Canada.

When comparing the travel costs between Montreal 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 Montreal Expensive? and Is Toronto Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Montreal or Toronto?

Toronto has a larger population, and is about 41% larger than the population of Montreal. When comparing the sizes of Montreal 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 Montreal 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 Montreal or Toronto in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Montreal and Toronto. Many travelers come to Montreal for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Toronto in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Montreal is around the same temperature as Toronto. Typically, the summer temperatures in Montreal in July average around 21°C (69°F), and Toronto averages at about 21°C (70°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Toronto this time of the year. In Montreal, it's very sunny this time of the year. Montreal usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Toronto during summer. Montreal gets 276 hours of sunny skies, while Toronto receives 281 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Montreal usually receives more rain than Toronto. Montreal gets 91 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Toronto receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Montreal or Toronto in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Montreal as well as Toronto. Many visitors come to Montreal in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Additionally, most visitors come to Toronto for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

In October, Montreal is generally cooler than Toronto. Daily temperatures in Montreal average around 8°C (47°F), and Toronto fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In the autumn, Montreal often gets less sunshine than Toronto. Montreal gets 141 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toronto receives 153 hours of full sun.

Montreal usually gets more rain in October than Toronto. Montreal gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Toronto receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Montreal or Toronto in the Winter?

Both Toronto and Montreal are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Montreal for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Toronto because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Toronto can be very cold. Montreal can be very cold during winter. Montreal is much colder than Toronto in the winter. The daily temperature in Montreal averages around -10°C (14°F) in January, and Toronto fluctuates around -4°C (25°F).

Montreal usually receives more sunshine than Toronto during winter. Montreal gets 103 hours of sunny skies, while Toronto receives 87 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Montreal usually receives more rain than Toronto. Montreal gets 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Toronto receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Montreal or Toronto in the Spring?

Both Toronto and Montreal during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Montreal because of the activities around the city. Also, the activities around the city are the main draw to Toronto this time of year.

In the spring, Montreal is cooler than Toronto. Typically, the spring temperatures in Montreal in April average around 6°C (43°F), and Toronto averages at about 7°C (44°F).

In the spring, Montreal often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Toronto. Montreal gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toronto receives 179 hours of full sun.

Montreal usually gets more rain in April than Toronto. Montreal gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Toronto receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Toronto and Montreal