A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Surfers Paradise vs. Toronto for Attractions, Nightlife, Families, and Backpackers

Should you visit Surfers Paradise or Toronto?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Surfers Paradise or Toronto, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Surfers Paradise

Surfers Paradise is a high energy, thrilling, and active city. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums. See Surfers Paradise 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 food, shopping, and museums. See Toronto travel costs.

Surfers Paradise and Toronto: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Surfers Paradise or Toronto?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Toronto than Surfers Paradise, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Toronto is better known for its museums and attractions and big city activities, while Surfers Paradise is more popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and hiking. Surfers Paradise is more touristy than Toronto and is known for its long sandy beaches, glamourous party scene, colorful amusement parks, and active water sports. Toronto is well known for its art and culture, diverse cuisine, and multi-cultural population. Also, Toronto is famous for the CN Tower.

How is Surfers Paradise different from Toronto?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Surfers Paradise or Toronto?

Toronto is terrific for its museums and history. Also, Surfers Paradise is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Toronto has many famous sights for visitors. 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.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Surfers Paradise. For the best views of the coastline head to the SkyPoint Observation Deck at the Q1 Resort and Spa. It's in Australia's tallest residential tower. You can also visit the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, or the Sea World Marine Park, as well as countless other amusement parks or entertainment centers.

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

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

Surfers Paradise has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. There's a trendy food scene with a number of award winning restaurants in the area. There are high end seafood restaurants, modern international eateries, and niche food bars that all cater to the tourist crowd.

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 Surfers Paradise or Toronto Better for Nightlife?

The first-rate nightlife scene is relatively similar in Surfers Paradise and Toronto.

Surfers Paradise is a must-see party destination. This high energy area is filled with glitzy nightclubs and trendy cocktail bars. There are parties that last until the early morning hours and you'll find the most active nightlife scene along the famous Surfers Paradise glitter strip.

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 Surfers Paradise or Toronto Better for Resorts?

Surfers Paradise is terrific for its luxury resorts. However, Toronto is not a resort destination.

Surfers Paradise is a world class resort vacation destination. The high-rise skyline is filled with luxury resorts and trendy hotels. Fancy pools and rooftop views make this is a glitzy and lively place to stay.

Toronto is not a resort destination.

Is Surfers Paradise or Toronto Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Surfers Paradise is a very popular place for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Toronto is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Surfers Paradise is an extremely popular place to visit for scuba diving and snorkeling. There's no shortage of scuba diving and snorkeling excursions that leave from the area. You'll see a diversity of marine life and interesting undersea reefs.

Toronto is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Surfers Paradise or Toronto Better for Beaches?

Surfers Paradise is terrific for its beaches. However, Toronto is not a beach destination.

Surfers Paradise is considered to be a world-class beach destination. It's at the heart of the Gold Coast, and you'll enjoy two kilometers of golden sand and beautiful surf. The beaches are lined with high rise buildings and there's plenty of energy and amenities for visitors. This is a popular tourist destination and there is no shortage of water sports and other activities along the beaches.

Toronto is not a beach destination.

Is Surfers Paradise or Toronto Better for Hiking?

Surfers Paradise is a city with good options for its hiking trails. However, Toronto is not a hiking destination.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Surfers Paradise. Outside of town you'll find many coastal hikes and inland trails. You can see waterfalls or breathtaking views of the water.

Toronto is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Surfers Paradise or Toronto?

Shoppers can find a variety of first-rate stores in both Surfers Paradise and Toronto.

Many people travel to Surfers Paradise specifically to go shopping. Beachside markets sell local items. There are also large shopping malls that are filled with international fashion brands and boutique shops that sell unique items.

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 Surfers Paradise or Toronto Better for Families?

Surfers Paradise is terrific for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Toronto is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Surfers Paradise is an extremely popular city to visit for families. It's filled with activities that kids and adults will enjoy. There's everything from sandy beaches to amusement park rides and entertainment centers. Check out Infinity, Ripley's Believe It Or Not, or the view from Q1 SkyPoint. There's also countless minigolf places, kayaking, and other water sports.

Toronto is a very kid-friendly city. 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 Surfers Paradise or Toronto Better for Couples?

Surfers Paradise and Toronto are both high quality to visit as a couple.

Surfers Paradise makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Walk along the beach or take in the view from Q1 SkyPoint. There are also many fun-filled adventure activities as well as restaurants and a lively party scene.

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 Surfers Paradise or Toronto Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Surfers Paradise is terrific for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Toronto is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent Surfers Paradise. Backpackers who want fun entertainment, a lively beach scene, and water sports will find their place here. There are also hostels with reasonable rates and plenty of backpackers to hang out with.

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

Is Surfers Paradise or Toronto Better for Students?

Toronto is terrific for its student-friendly activities. However, Surfers Paradise is not popular with students.

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.

Surfers Paradise is not popular with students.

Is Surfers Paradise 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, Surfers Paradise is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

You'll find some public transit in Surfers Paradise, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Without a car, you can use the shuttle buses, public buses, and light rail to get around.

Is Surfers Paradise or Toronto a more walkable city?

Toronto is a very popular place for its ease of walking around. Also, Surfers Paradise is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its walkability.

Toronto is a very walkable destination. 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.

Surfers Paradise is somewhat walkable. There are walking and bike paths around town.

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

Should I spend more time in Toronto or Surfers Paradise?

How long in Surfers Paradise or Toronto?

Both Surfers Paradise and Toronto have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Surfers Paradise has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Surfers Paradise than Toronto. However, 3-7 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

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

One day in Surfers Paradise or Toronto?

In Surfers Paradise, you'll find shopping and museums. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

People visit Toronto because there is so much to do. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

A weekend in Surfers Paradise or Toronto?

In Surfers Paradise, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Most people come for the beaches. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

People visit Toronto because there is so much to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

Five days in Surfers Paradise or Toronto?

Surfers Paradise is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Surfers Paradise has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Toronto is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Surfers Paradise or Toronto?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Surfers Paradise. In Surfers Paradise, you'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Toronto is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Australia, The Best Adventure Tours to Australia, The Best Northern Lights Tours in Canada, and The Best Luxury Tours to Canada.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Surfers Paradise and Toronto, we can see that Toronto is more expensive. And not only is Surfers Paradise much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Surfers Paradise is in Pacific and Toronto is in North America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Surfers Paradise would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Surfers Paradise 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 Surfers Paradise.

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

Which is Bigger, Surfers Paradise or Toronto?

Toronto has a larger population, and is about 250 times larger than the population of Surfers Paradise. When comparing the sizes of Surfers Paradise 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 Surfers Paradise or Toronto?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Surfers Paradise is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Toronto has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Surfers Paradise or Toronto in the Summer?

Both Toronto and Surfers Paradise are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Surfers Paradise this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Toronto for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Surfers Paradise is a little warmer than Toronto. Typically, the summer temperatures in Surfers Paradise in January average around 25°C (77°F), and Toronto averages at about 21°C (70°F)in July.

It's quite sunny in Toronto. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Surfers Paradise. Surfers Paradise usually receives less sunshine than Toronto during summer. Surfers Paradise gets 256 hours of sunny skies, while Toronto receives 281 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Surfers Paradise. In January, Surfers Paradise usually receives more rain than Torontoin July. Surfers Paradise gets 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain, while Toronto receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Surfers Paradise or Toronto in the Autumn?

Both Toronto and Surfers Paradise during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Surfers Paradise for the hiking trails and the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Toronto in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In April, Surfers Paradise is generally much warmer than Torontoin October. Daily temperatures in Surfers Paradise average around 22°C (71°F), and Toronto fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

It's quite sunny in Surfers Paradise. In the autumn, Surfers Paradise often gets more sunshine than Torontoin October. Surfers Paradise gets 214 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toronto receives 153 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Surfers Paradise. Surfers Paradise usually gets more rain in April than Torontoin October. Surfers Paradise gets 101 mm (4 in) of rain, while Toronto receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Surfers Paradise or Toronto in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Surfers Paradise and Toronto. Many visitors come to Surfers Paradise in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Toronto for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Toronto can be very cold during winter. Surfers Paradise is much warmer than Toronto in the winter. The daily temperature in Surfers Paradise averages around 15°C (59°F) in July, and Toronto fluctuates around -4°C (25°F)in January.

In Surfers Paradise, it's very sunny this time of the year. Surfers Paradise usually receives more sunshine than Toronto during winter. Surfers Paradise gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Toronto receives 87 hours of full sun in the winter.

In July, Surfers Paradise usually receives more rain than Torontoin January. Surfers Paradise gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Toronto receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Surfers Paradise or Toronto in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Surfers Paradise as well as Toronto. Most visitors come to Surfers Paradise for the beaches during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Toronto because of the activities around the city.

In the spring, Surfers Paradise is much warmer than Toronto. Typically, the spring temperatures in Surfers Paradise in October average around 21°C (69°F), and Toronto averages at about 7°C (44°F)in April.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Surfers Paradise this time of the year. In the spring, Surfers Paradise often gets more sunshine than Torontoin April. Surfers Paradise gets 259 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toronto receives 179 hours of full sun.

Surfers Paradise receives a lot of rain in the spring. Surfers Paradise usually gets more rain in October than Torontoin April. Surfers Paradise gets 103 mm (4 in) of rain, while Toronto receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Toronto and Surfers Paradise