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

Should you visit Toronto or Vernon?

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 Vernon 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 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. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Vernon

Vernon is a peaceful, relaxing, and quiet town. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums.

Toronto and Vernon: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • 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
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Toronto or Vernon?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Toronto than Vernon, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Toronto is better known for its museums & sights, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Vernon is more popular for its hiking. Toronto is more touristy than Vernon and is popular for its art and culture, diverse cuisine, and multi-cultural population. Also, Toronto is famous for the CN Tower. Vernon is well known for its surrounding valley with lakes and hiking trails.

How is Toronto different from Vernon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Toronto
Vernon

Toronto is terrific for its sights and museums. Also, Vernon is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its museums and history.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Toronto on the map. 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.

Vernon is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are local galleries and museums that offer information on the region's history and culture. You can visit the Canadian Wildlife Museum, the Caetani Center, the Museum and Archives of Vernon, the Paddlewheel Park Stationhouse Museum, and the Vernon Public Art Gallery.


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

Toronto
Vernon

Toronto is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Vernon is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

Dining out in Toronto is an experience not to be missed. 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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Vernon. The region is known for its vineyards and wineries and many of the local restaurants have been around for generations. The food is often locally produced and prepared with traditional recipes.

Is Toronto or Vernon Better for Nightlife?

Toronto
Vernon

Toronto is terrific for its evening party scene. However, Vernon is not a good town for nightlife.

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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Vernon. The town gets very quiet in the evenings, so you won't find much of a nightlife scene.

Is Toronto or Vernon Better for Hiking?

Toronto
Vernon

Vernon 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 Vernon. The surrounding valley has more than 300 kilometers of hiking trails. They run along pristine lakes, pass by granite rock formations, and take you to impressive viewpoints.

Toronto is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Toronto or Vernon?

Toronto
Vernon

Toronto is terrific for its shopping areas. Also, Vernon is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for shopping.

Toronto is a world class destination for shoppers. 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Vernon. There are a number of boutique shops that are fun to explore in the downtown area.

Is Toronto or Vernon Better for Families?

Toronto
Vernon

Toronto is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Vernon is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Toronto is known to be 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.

Vernon is a family-friendly city. There are biking and hiking trails as well as other outdoor activities. You can also visit the Allan Brooks Nature Center or the Rock Garden Climbing Center.

Is Toronto or Vernon Better for Couples?

Toronto
Vernon

Toronto is a well-known place for couples. Also, Vernon is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for romance.

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.

Vernon is a nice destination for couples. It offers a peaceful getaway for couples. You can visit the Okanagan wineries or enjoy one of the many hiking trails. There are also nice restaurants to try.


Is Toronto or Vernon Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Toronto
Vernon

Toronto is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Vernon is not a good town for backpackers and budget travelers.

Toronto is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. There are a number of hostels around town and there's often a good crowd of backpackers.

Vernon is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There is a hostel in town, but this isn't a popular destination for backpackers.

Is Toronto or Vernon Better for Students?

Toronto
Vernon

Toronto is terrific for students. However, Vernon 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.

Vernon is not popular with students.

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

Toronto
Vernon

Toronto is terrific for its public transit. However, Vernon is not a good town 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 mostly limited in Vernon. There is a bus system, but it's better not to rely on it.


Is Toronto or Vernon a more walkable city?

Toronto
Vernon

Toronto is a well-known place for its ease of walking around. However, Vernon is not a good town 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.

Vernon is generally not a very walkable city. You'll really want to have a car to make the most of your time here.

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

Should I spend more time in Vernon or Toronto?

How long in Toronto or Vernon?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Toronto and Vernon. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Toronto than in Vernon. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Toronto, and 1-3 days is enough time in Vernon.

Families should spend more time in Toronto than Vernon. 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 Vernon. 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 Vernon 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 Vernon? Ideal Length of Stay
    Toronto 3-7 
    Vernon 1-3

One day in Toronto or Vernon?

Toronto is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Vernon, you'll find museums and food. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This town offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Toronto or Vernon?

Toronto is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

In Vernon, you'll find food and shopping. 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 Vernon has to offer.


Five days in Toronto or Vernon?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Toronto. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Vernon is a great place to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Toronto or Vernon?

Toronto is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Vernon. Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Vernon. 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, Vernon or Toronto?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Toronto is $206, while the average daily cost in Vernon is $31. 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 Vernon in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Toronto $87
    Vernon $4.91
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Toronto $174
    Vernon $9.82
Compare Hotels in Toronto and Vernon

Looking for a hotel in Toronto or Vernon? 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 Vernon


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 Vernon Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Toronto $33
    Vernon -
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Toronto

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


  • Airport Shuttle
    $27
  • 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: $3.69
  • Express Train Transfer to/from Pearson Airport: $10
  • One Way: from/to Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) - Private Transfer: $38
  • Private Transfer Toronto Hotels to Toronto Pearson Airport YYZ: $40
  • Pearson Airport Private Hotel Transfer: $42
  • Transfer Toronto Hotels to Toronto Pearson Airport YYZ: $42
  • Transfer from Pearson Airport(YYZ) to Toronto City Center: $49
  • Private Transfer Toronto Airport (YYZ) - City Center: $50
  • Toronto to Toronto Pearson Airport (YYZ) - Departure Private Transfer: $65
  • Toronto Pearson Airport (YYZ) to Toronto hotel/address -Arrival Private Transfer: $65
  • Toronto City to Pearson Airport Departure Private Transfer: $65
  • Departure Private Transfer Toronto City to Toronto Airport YYZ by SUV or Minibus: $66

Is it cheaper to fly into Toronto or Vernon?

Prices for flights to both Vernon 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 $66
    Vernon $25
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
    $24
  • Dinner at Mill Street Brewery (for 2)
    $57

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: $50
  • Kensington Market By The Sidewalk Food Tour: $53
  • Toronto Delicious Donut Adventure and Walking Food Tour: $59
  • Kensington Market 'Taste the World' Food Tour: $66
  • Toronto Premier Dinner Cruise on Odyssey in Toronto Harbour: $75
  • Must Do Toronto Food Tour: $75
  • Toronto Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $75
  • 3–Hour Secret Food Tour: $78
  • Taste of the Continents: International Food Tour : $83
  • Kensington Market International Food Tour: $95
  • Toronto Obsession III Dinner Cruise: $130
  • Niagara Falls Day and Evening Tour With Boat Cruise & Dinner (optional): $158

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Toronto $32
    Vernon -
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
    $16
  • CN Tower at night for Two
    $36
  • Harbour Dinner Cruise
    $27
  • Bata Shoe Museum (2)
    $7.39

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: $3.69
  • Toronto Tips-Based Walking Tour | 3-Hour: $5.00
  • Between Huntsville and Smartphone Audio Tour: $5.17
  • 3-hour City Highlights Tour: $5.18
  • Toronto's Waterfront: Smartphone Audio Walking Tour: $6.28
  • Bata Shoe Museum Entrance Ticket: $10
  • The Reel Toronto Walking Tour with Smartphone App: $15
  • The Reel Toronto Smartphone App Self-Guided GPS Walking Tour: $15
  • Guided Harbor and Islands Sightseeing Cruise: $18
  • Hockey Hall of Fame Entry Ticket: $18
  • Royal Ontario Museum Admission Ticket: $19
  • Dark History Nighttime Walking Tour: $21

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Toronto $23
    Vernon $13

Sample the Local Flavors in Toronto

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Toronto:

  • Distillery District Historic Walking Tour: $18
  • The Distillery District Film Tour: $18
  • Corktown and Distillery District Tour: $27
  • Short Distillery District Segway Tour: $36
  • 30-Minute Distillery District Segway Tour in Toronto: $37
  • Pub Crawl Toronto: $39
  • Pub Crawl Toronto: $39
  • Distillery District Breakfast Walking Tour: $41
  • Toronto Distillery District Self-Guided Walking Tour: $43
  • Evening Distillery District Segway Ghost Tour: $44
  • Distillery, Midtown and Brick Works: Guided Bike Tour: $81
  • Guided Bicycle Tour - Toronto Waterfront, Island and Distillery: $83


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

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


Which is Bigger, Toronto or Vernon?

Toronto has a larger population, and is about 100 times larger than the population of Vernon. When comparing the sizes of Toronto and Vernon, 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 Vernon?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Toronto or Vernon in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Toronto as well as Vernon. Most visitors come to Toronto for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Vernon because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Toronto is generally around the same temperature as Vernon. Daily temperatures in Toronto average around 21°C (70°F), and Vernon fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

Toronto usually gets more rain in July than Vernon. Toronto gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Vernon receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Toronto 21°C (70°F) 
    Vernon 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Toronto or Vernon in the Autumn?

Both Vernon and Toronto are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Toronto because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, the hiking trails and the shopping scene are the main draw to Vernon this time of year.

Toronto is around the same temperature as Vernon in the autumn. The daily temperature in Toronto averages around 11°C (51°F) in October, and Vernon fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In October, Toronto usually receives more rain than Vernon. Toronto gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Vernon receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Toronto 11°C (51°F) 
    Vernon 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Toronto or Vernon in the Winter?

Both Vernon and Toronto during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Toronto this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Vernon for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Vernon. It's quite cold in Toronto in the winter. In the winter, Toronto is much colder than Vernon. Typically, the winter temperatures in Toronto in January average around -4°C (25°F), and Vernon averages at about -3°C (27°F).

Toronto usually gets more rain in January than Vernon. Toronto gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Vernon receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Toronto -4°C (25°F) 
    Vernon -3°C (27°F)

Should I visit Toronto or Vernon in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Toronto and Vernon. Many travelers come to Toronto for the activities around the city.

In April, Toronto is generally much colder than Vernon. Daily temperatures in Toronto average around 7°C (44°F), and Vernon fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

In April, Toronto usually receives more rain than Vernon. Toronto gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Vernon receives 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Toronto 7°C (44°F) 
    Vernon 12°C (53°F)

Typical Weather for Vernon and Toronto

Toronto Vernon
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -4°C (25°F) 52 mm (2 in) -3°C (27°F) 26 mm (1 in)
Feb -4°C (26°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 2°C (35°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Mar 1°C (34°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 7°C (44°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Apr 7°C (44°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 12°C (53°F) 15 mm (0.6 in)
May 12°C (54°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 16°C (61°F) 22 mm (0.9 in)
Jun 18°C (64°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 21°C (69°F) 29 mm (1.1 in)
Jul 21°C (70°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 23°C (73°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Aug 21°C (69°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 23°C (73°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Sep 17°C (62°F) 75 mm (3 in) 17°C (63°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Oct 11°C (51°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 11°C (51°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Nov 5°C (41°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 4°C (39°F) 22 mm (0.9 in)
Dec -1°C (30°F) 75 mm (2.9 in) -1°C (30°F) 33 mm (1.3 in)