A Travel Price Comparison for Canada Toronto vs. Jasper National Park for Attractions, Backpackers, Food, and Families

Should you visit Toronto or Jasper National Park?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Toronto and Jasper National Park 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.

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 shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Toronto travel costs.

Jasper National Park

Jasper National Park is a stunning, breathtaking, and adventure-filled national park. Jasper National Park is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include hiking. See Jasper National Park travel costs.

Toronto and Jasper National Park: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
  • Big city activities
Pros
  • Good for hiking
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to Icefields Parkway
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Toronto or Jasper National Park?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Toronto. Although Toronto and Jasper National Park are both popular with visitors, Toronto has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Toronto is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Jasper National Park is known for its hiking and impressive beauty. Toronto is popular for its art and culture, diverse cuisine, and multi-cultural population. It is also home to the CN Tower. Jasper National Park is popular for its wildlife and pristine natural beauty

How is Toronto different from Jasper National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Toronto or Jasper National Park?

Toronto
Jasper National Park

Toronto is terrific for its museums and landmarks. However, Jasper National Park is not particularly known for its historical sights.

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.

While most people don't head to Jasper National Park specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. You can learn about the area with a visit to the Jasper Yellowhead Museum & Archive.


Is the Food Better in Toronto or Jasper National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Toronto
Jasper National Park

Toronto is well known for its restaurant scene. However, Jasper National Park is not particularly known for its local flavors and cuisine.

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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Jasper National Park. There are several decent restaurants and bistros near or in the park. Many are connected to lodges and some offer great views.

Is Toronto or Jasper National Park Better for Nightlife?

Toronto
Jasper National Park

Toronto is terrific for nightlife. However, Jasper National Park is not particularly known for nightlife and partying.

Toronto is a must-see party destination. 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.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Jasper National Park Stargazing and sitting by an open fire is the best way to spend the evening.

Is Toronto or Jasper National Park Better for Hiking?

Toronto
Jasper National Park

Jasper National Park is terrific for its hiking trails. However, Toronto is not a hiking destination.

Around Jasper National Park visitors will find world-class hiking trails. Hiking is a truly world class experience in this large park. There are miles of trails, both backcountry and more accessible, that allow access to the park's stunning beauty. Whether you're looking for a shorter family-friendly hike, or planning a multi-week backcountry adventure, this park has it all.

Toronto is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Toronto or Jasper National Park?

Toronto
Jasper National Park

Toronto is terrific for shopping. However, Jasper National Park is not particularly known 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.

If you're looking to go shopping, Jasper National Park has some nice offerings. In town you'll find shops where you can pick up souvenirs or things you may have forgotten.

Is Toronto or Jasper National Park More Beautiful?

Toronto
Jasper National Park

Jasper National Park is terrific for its scenery and beauty. However, Toronto is not a destination known for its beauty.

Jasper National Park is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. The Canadian Rockies create a stunning backdrop for this beautiful and vast national park.

Toronto is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Toronto or Jasper National Park Better for Families?

Toronto
Jasper National Park

Both Toronto and Jasper National Park are high quality to visit with kids.

Toronto is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

Jasper National Park is a very kid-friendly city. Kids who love running, hiking, and exploring will enjoy a visit to this iconic park. The hiking trails are world class and you'll likely see some wildlife during your trip. Camping with s'mores and hot dogs will make for a memorable family vacation.


Is Toronto or Jasper National Park Better for Couples?

Toronto
Jasper National Park

Both Toronto and Jasper National Park are high quality destinations for a couple's getaway.

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.

Couples visit Jasper National Park frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. There are lodges where couples can enjoy a romantic getaway. For the more adventurous, camping is a great way to experience the park. If you enjoy outdoor adventures together, then this is a great place to spend some time in nature.

Is Toronto or Jasper National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Toronto
Jasper National Park

Jasper National Park is terrific for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Toronto is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent Jasper National Park. Camping is the best way to experience the park in full. You'll be surrounded by nature, and if you're lucky, some wildlife might pass by as well.

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 Toronto or Jasper National Park Better for Students?

Toronto
Jasper National Park

Toronto is terrific for students. However, Jasper National Park 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.

Jasper National Park is not popular with students.


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

Toronto
Jasper National Park

Toronto is terrific for its public transit. However, Jasper National Park is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

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.

Public transit is quite limited in Jasper National Park. If you don't have your own vehicle, a bus tour is your best option for experiencing the park.

Is Toronto or Jasper National Park a more walkable city?

Toronto
Jasper National Park

Toronto is well known for its walkability. However, Jasper National Park is not particularly known 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.

Jasper National Park is not a very walkable city. The park is large, and a vehicle is necessary to reach most trailheads.

For even more information, also check out Is Toronto Worth Visiting? and Is Jasper National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Jasper National Park or Toronto?

How long in Toronto or Jasper National Park?

In either Toronto or Jasper National Park, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Toronto than Jasper National Park because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Toronto, and 2-5 days is enough time in Jasper National Park.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Toronto than Jasper National Park 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.


  • How many days in Toronto or Jasper National Park? Ideal Length of Stay
    Toronto 3-7 
    Jasper National Park 2-5

One day in Toronto or Jasper National Park?

Toronto is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

In Jasper National Park, you'll find . Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. This national park offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.


A weekend in Toronto or Jasper National Park?

Toronto is a fun place to experience. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

In Jasper National Park, you'll find . 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 Jasper National Park has to offer.

Five days in Toronto or Jasper National Park?

Many people visit Toronto for five days. Toronto is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

Jasper National Park 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 Jasper National Park has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Toronto or Jasper National Park?

Toronto is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. Many people spend one week here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Toronto, one week is sufficent for most.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Jasper National Park. Many people enjoy the when visiting Jasper National Park. 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.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Northern Lights Tours in Canada, The Best Luxury Tours to Canada, The Best Tours for Seniors to Canada, and The Best Contiki Tours to Canada.


Which place is cheaper, Jasper National Park or Toronto?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Toronto Prices
    Canada Prices
    Jasper National Park Prices
    Canada Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Toronto $248
    Jasper National Park $98

The average daily cost (per person) in Toronto is $248, while the average daily cost in Jasper National Park is $98. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Toronto and Jasper National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Toronto $85
    Jasper National Park $44
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Toronto $170
    Jasper National Park $88
Compare Hotels in Toronto and Jasper National Park

Looking for a hotel in Toronto or Jasper National Park? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Toronto


Hotels in Jasper National Park


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Toronto Hotel Prices and Jasper National Park Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Toronto $32
    Jasper National Park $19
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Toronto

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Toronto are as follows:


  • Airport Shuttle
    $26
  • Train: 2 Day Passes
    $16

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Toronto

Also for Toronto, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Convenient bus transfer between Hamilton Airport and Toronto: $19
  • Departure Private Transfer Toronto City to Toronto Airport YYZ by SUV or Minibus: $72
  • Departure Private Transfer: Toronto to Pearson Airport YYZ in Luxury Car: $161
  • Departure Private Transfer: Toronto to Pearson Airport YYZ in Luxury Van: $141
  • Departure Transfer: Toronto to Pearson Airport YYZ in Sedan Car: $161
  • Highlights of Toronto city tour with private transfers: $258
  • Low Cost :- Private Transfer Toronto Downtown to Niagara Falls Ont: $261
  • Low cost Transfer: Toronto Downtown to Niagara Falls (Lake): $659
  • Niagara Falls private transfers : $277
  • Niagara Falls: Private Transfer to/from Toronto Airport: $703
  • Private Arrival Transfer-Pearson Airport (YYZ) to Niagara Falls: $229
  • Private Departure Transfer to Toronto Pearson Airport (YYZ): $88

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Jasper National Park

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Jasper National Park are as follows:


  • Park Pass
    $14

Is it cheaper to fly into Toronto or Jasper National Park?

Prices for flights to both Jasper National Park and Toronto change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Toronto $111
    Jasper National Park $40
Typical Food Prices in Toronto

For Toronto, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Lunch at St. Lawrence Market for Two
    $23
  • Dinner at Mill Street Brewery (for 2)
    $55

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Toronto

For Toronto, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Premium Harbor Cruise with Lunch, Brunch, or Dinner: $49
  • Kensington Market By The Sidewalk Food Tour: $52
  • Father's Day Premier Cruise with Brunch or Dinner: $56
  • Toronto Premier Dinner Cruise on Odyssey in Toronto Harbour: $61
  • Toronto Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $71
  • Kensington Market 'Taste the World' Food Tour: $72
  • Must-Do Toronto Food Tour by Toronto's First Food Tour Company: $73
  • Niagara Falls Evening Tour with Boat, Dinner & Illumination Tower: $73
  • 3–Hour Secret Food Tour: $77
  • Mother's Day Premier Cruise with Brunch or Dinner: $84
  • Taste of the Continents: International Food Tour : $86
  • Kensington Market International Food Tour: $93

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Jasper National Park

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Jasper National Park.

  • Half-Day Jasper Culture Food Tour: $106

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Toronto $31
    Jasper National Park $7.69
Typical Entertainment Prices in Toronto

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Toronto's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Art Gallery of Ontario for Two
    $15
  • CN Tower at night for Two
    $35
  • Harbour Dinner Cruise
    $26
  • Bata Shoe Museum (2)
    $7.20

Tours and Activities in Toronto

For Toronto, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Explore Niagara Falls with bus ticket from/to Toronto: $3.59
  • Old Town Toronto History Walking Tour: $4.43
  • Gratuity- Based Toronto City Highlights 3 Hour Walking Tour: $5.00
  • City Highlights Walking Tour | 3-Hour: $5.04
  • Historical Ghost Walk: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Downtown Hamilton: $6.99
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Toronto by 3Quest Challenge: $10
  • Bata Shoe Museum Entrance Ticket: $12
  • Toronto Blue Jays Baseball Game Ticket at Rogers Center: $12
  • The Reel Toronto Walking Tour with Smartphone App: $15
  • Toronto Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $15
  • The Reel Toronto Smartphone App Self-Guided GPS Walking Tour: $15
  • Hockey Hall of Fame Entry Ticket: $18

Tours and Activities in Jasper National Park

Here are a few actual costs in Jasper National Park for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 5.5-Hour Jasper Wildlife and Waterfalls Tour with Maligne Lake Cruise from Jasper: $159
  • Class 3 Sunwapta River Rafting Adventure in Jasper: $106
  • Columbia Icefield Tour with Glacier Skywalk from Jasper: $231
  • E-Bike Safari Eco Tour: $176
  • Explore Jasper Tour: $127
  • Explore Jasper Tour with Maligne Lake Cruise: $185
  • From Jasper: Jasper National Park Wildlife Discovery Tour: $62
  • Icefields Parkway Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $17
  • Jasper Evening Wildlife Tour: $63
  • Jasper National Park Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $15
  • Jasper National Park Tour Maligne Valley, Medicine Lake with Walk: $67
  • Jasper National Park Tour: Maligne Valley, Medicine Lake and Spirit Island: $144

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Toronto $22
    Jasper National Park $11

Sample the Local Flavors in Toronto

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Toronto:

  • Distillery District Historic Walking Tour: $20
  • Toronto Distillery District Walking Tour: $21
  • Distillery & Old Town Private Walking Tour: $27
  • Corktown and Distillery District Tour: $29
  • Short Distillery District Segway Tour: $35
  • 30-Minute Distillery District Segway Tour in Toronto: $36
  • Toronto Distillery & Old Town Walking Tour With A Guide: $41
  • Pub Crawl Toronto: $43
  • Pub Crawl Toronto: $43
  • Distillery District Breakfast Walking Tour: $53
  • Distillery District Breakfast Tour: $54
  • Private Corktown and Distillery District Tour: $59


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Toronto and Jasper National Park, we can see that Toronto is more expensive. And not only is Jasper National Park much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Jasper National Park would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Jasper National Park 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 Jasper National Park.

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