A Travel Price Comparison for Canada Toronto vs. Vancouver for Attractions, Nightlife, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Toronto or Vancouver?

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 Vancouver 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. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food. See Toronto travel costs.

Vancouver

Vancouver is a outdoorsy, scenic, and diverse city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. Vancouver is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and hiking. See Vancouver travel costs.

Toronto and Vancouver: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Toronto or Vancouver?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Vancouver than Toronto. While Toronto is larger than Vancouver, Vancouver has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Vancouver is more popular for its hiking and impressive beauty, while Toronto is known for its nightlife. Toronto is popular for its art and culture, diverse cuisine, and multi-cultural population. Vancouver is popular for its beautiful setting, sweeping views, and welcoming atmosphere. It is also home to Stanley Park.

How is Toronto different from Vancouver?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Vancouver 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 Vancouver?

Spend time exploring the fantastic sights and museums in either Toronto or Vancouver.

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.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Vancouver are among the most recognizable in the world. There are tons of museums and sights around town such as the Vancouver Aquarium, the Museum of Anthropology, the Museum of Vancouver, and Science World. Also make sure you take a walk over the Capilano Suspension Bridge.

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

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

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in 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.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Vancouver. You'll find diverse restaurants and fresh ingredients. Local seafood is a staple in many restaurants so make sure you try the prawns, salmon, and even sea urchin. Asian food is also excellent around town. Sushi, Japanese hot dogs, and dim sum are all worth sampling.

Is Toronto or Vancouver Better for Nightlife?

Toronto is a must-visit destination for nightlife. Also, Vancouver is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife and partying.

Toronto is a world class 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.

Vancouver has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The city has a vibrant nightlife scene. Most of the activity is centered around The Granville Entertainment District in the downtown area. It runs along Granville Street between Robson Street and Davie Street. In the area you'll find a high concentration of bars and nightclubs.

Is Toronto or Vancouver Better for Hiking?

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

Around Vancouver visitors will find world-class hiking trails. The city is surrounded by water and mountains, making it one of the best hiking cities in the world. You don't have to go far to enjoy spectacular vistas, serene rainforests, and rugged coastline. The trails range from casual strolls to more strenuous day long hikes.

Toronto is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Toronto or Vancouver?

Shoppers can find a variety of fantastic stores in both Toronto and Vancouver.

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.

The abundance of shops in Vancouver make it a world-class shopping destination. The shopping is as diverse as the city itself. You can enjoy strolling through Chinatown, hitting up a public market, or wandering around a large shopping mall.

Is Toronto or Vancouver More Beautiful?

Vancouver is a very popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Toronto is not a destination known for its beauty.

Vancouver is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It sits between the Pacific Ocean and high reaching mountains, so the city offers spectacular views.

Toronto is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Toronto or Vancouver Better for Families?

Both Toronto and Vancouver are very good 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.

Vancouver is a very kid-friendly city. There are great kid-friendly museums like the Science Museum, as well as outdoor markets, public parks, and easy access to the nearby nature. A visit to Grouse Mountain is a must for many families. You can see the bears, take a gondola, and see the a lumberjack show.

Is Toronto or Vancouver Better for Couples?

Vancouver is terrific for romance. Also, Toronto is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Vancouver is a great city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. Most of the activities take advantage of the beautiful outdoor setting. You can take a carriage ride in Stanley Park or visit the Sun Yat Sen Chinese Garden. Eat dim sum in Chinatown and then wander through the diverse neighborhood. End the day with a show at Orpheum Theater.

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 Toronto or Vancouver Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Toronto and Vancouver are both very good destinations for backpackers.

Toronto is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are a number of hostels around town and there's often a good crowd of backpackers.

Vancouver is a great city to visit for backpackers. It's a favorite city for backpackers who enjoy the many outdoor activities. There are also many hostels available around town.

Is Toronto or Vancouver Better for Students?

Toronto is a must-visit destination for its student-friendly activities. Also, Vancouver is not as popular, but is still a nice city for 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.

Vancouver is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. The cities friendly personality and fun energy make it a great place to study.

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

Visitors will find fantastic public transit in both Toronto and Vancouver.

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.

Vancouver has a great public transit system. Public transit is efficient and comfortable. The Translink system includes buses, the SeaBus ferry, and the SkyTrain light rail system.

Is Toronto or Vancouver a more walkable city?

Vancouver is terrific for its walkability. Also, Toronto is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Vancouver. The downtown area is very compact and fun to explore on foot.

Toronto is a very walkable city. 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 Toronto Worth Visiting? and Is Vancouver Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Vancouver or Toronto?

How long in Toronto or Vancouver?

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

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

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

One day in Toronto or Vancouver?

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.

In Vancouver, you'll find nightlife and food. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking 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.

A weekend in Toronto or Vancouver?

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.

In Vancouver, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Toronto or Vancouver?

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.

Vancouver 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 Vancouver has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Toronto or Vancouver?

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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Vancouver. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Vancouver. 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.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Toronto or Vancouver?

Toronto has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Vancouver. When comparing the sizes of Toronto and Vancouver, 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 Toronto or Vancouver?

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 Toronto or Vancouver in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Toronto and Vancouver. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Toronto this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Vancouver for the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

Toronto is a little warmer than Vancouver in the summer. The daily temperature in Toronto averages around 21°C (70°F) in July, and Vancouver fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Vancouver this time of the year. In Toronto, it's very sunny this time of the year. Toronto usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Vancouver during summer. Toronto gets 281 hours of sunny skies, while Vancouver receives 296 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Toronto usually receives more rain than Vancouver. Toronto gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Vancouver receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Toronto or Vancouver in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Toronto as well as Vancouver. Many travelers come to Toronto for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Vancouver in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Toronto is around the same temperature as Vancouver. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Toronto in October average around 11°C (51°F), and Vancouver averages at about 11°C (51°F).

In the autumn, Toronto often gets more sunshine than Vancouver. Toronto gets 153 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vancouver receives 124 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Vancouver. Toronto usually gets less rain in October than Vancouver. Toronto gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Vancouver receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Toronto or Vancouver in the Winter?

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

Vancouver can be very cold during winter. Toronto can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Toronto is generally much colder than Vancouver. Daily temperatures in Toronto average around -4°C (25°F), and Vancouver fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).

Toronto usually receives more sunshine than Vancouver during winter. Toronto gets 87 hours of sunny skies, while Vancouver receives 55 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Vancouver. In January, Toronto usually receives less rain than Vancouver. Toronto gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Vancouver receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Toronto or Vancouver in the Spring?

Both Vancouver and Toronto during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Toronto for the activities around the city during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Vancouver because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

Toronto is cooler than Vancouver in the spring. The daily temperature in Toronto averages around 7°C (44°F) in April, and Vancouver fluctuates around 9°C (49°F).

In the spring, Toronto often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Vancouver. Toronto gets 179 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vancouver receives 172 hours of full sun.

Vancouver gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Toronto usually gets less rain in April than Vancouver. Toronto gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Vancouver receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Vancouver and Toronto