Whether you find yourself in the thick of Toronto with its heady melange of multiculturalism, culinary prowess and pulsating art and culture scene spread out across the city’s myriad neighbourhoods; or on the coastlines of Vancouver with its bucolic natural beauty and easygoing West Coast vibe – Canada never seems to disappoint. Though the two destinations find themselves coexisting within the same vast country, they couldn’t be further apart, with each city clinging to a distinct character all its own. In this guide, we compare two of Canada’s largest and most iconic cities – the bustling metropolises of Toronto vs Vancouver.
Toronto vs Vancouver – Natural attractions
Toronto: While Toronto may be better known as an urban playground, it’s also home to its fair share of natural attractions and green spaces. Try exploring the sandy beaches of the Toronto Islands, the zoo, lush green hiking trails and gardens at High Park, the Toronto Waterfront Trail with its panoramic views of Lake Ontario and the city skyline, or go bird watching at Rouge National Urban Park. Evergreen Brick Works is also worth a visit – this former industrial quarry has been converted into a beautiful park with a small forest, gardens, ponds and a meadow, and plays host to workshops to help visitors learn about sustainability initiatives.
Vancouver, on the other, is blessed with an abundance of natural attractions thanks to its stunning coastal location and proximity to majestic mountains and lush rainforests. These offerings include the ever-famous Stanley Park – 400 hectares of forest, gardens and seawall pathways; Grouse Mountain – just a short drive from downtown Vancouver with walking paths, ski runs and stunning panoramic views of the city; Lynn Canyon Park with its lush rainforest hiking trails; and Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, nestled within an old-growth forest and suspended over a stunning salmon-filled river, where you can make like a bird and explore the treetops and rainforest canopy.
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The best time to visit
Toronto is best visited during the summer months (June to August) when the weather is warm, the city is buzzing, and outdoor festivals and concerts are spread out across the city. Spring and fall are also good times to visit to avoid the summer crowds while still being able to enjoy pleasant, balmy weather. The best time to visit Vancouver is typically during the summer months (June to August) when the weather is mild, the days are long and outdoor activities are in full swing. However, spring (April to May) and fall (September to October) are lovely with cooler temperatures and fewer tourists. Explore our guide to enjoy Canada’s most spectacular fall foliage by train.
Toronto vs Vancouver for budget considerations
Overall, Toronto tends to be slightly more expensive in terms of accommodation and overall cost of living compared to Vancouver. However, both cities offer a range of options to suit different budgets, from budget-friendly hostels and street food to upscale hotels and fine dining. As a rough estimate, budget travellers might aim for around USD 72 to USD 109 (HKD 562 to HKD 851) per day for basic expenses like accommodation, meals, and local transportation in both cities. It’s advisable for travellers to research and budget accordingly based on individual preferences and travel plans.
Best places to visit in Toronto vs Vancouver
Toronto: Toronto is an economic powerhouse, a dynamic melting pot of multiculturalism, and a city of sprawling neighbourhoods; stroll through Kensington Market and Queen Street West for vintage stores, exposed brick hipster-ified coffee shops, and some truly captivating street art all along Graffiti Alley. Try Chinatown for some cracking dim sum, or venture into Little Italy for traditional trattorias, pizzerias and gelato shops coexisting with sexy cocktail bars and artsy music venues. The iconic CN Tower is high on every tourist’s must-visit list, and visiting St. Lawrence Market is a great way to get a literal taste of the city’s vast multiculturalism – this Victorian-era covered market was founded in 1803 and features Ukrainian, Chinese, Greek and Italian food stands along with an antiques market on Sundays.
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Vancouver: When in Vancouver, don’t miss a visit to Granville Island. Wander through the bustling Granville Island Public Market with its wonderfully wide array of fresh produce, gourmet food, artisanal crafts, and live entertainment, surrounded by placid waterfront views. Stroll through the charming neighbourhood of Gastown and immerse yourself in Vancouver’s history and culture – the neighbourhood is its own little world of cobblestone streets, heritage buildings, pop-up art galleries and the iconic steam clock. Explore the diverse neighbourhoods of Yaletown and Kitsilano for their trendy boutiques and gourmet dining options, and for breathtaking views of the city and surrounding mountains, hop on the Skyride to the top of the incredible Vancouver Lookout.
Things to do in Toronto vs Vancouver
Toronto: Toronto is a mecca for all things art and culture with an equally exciting restaurant and bar scene. Wander through the cobblestone pathways of the historic Distillery District lined with Victorian-era architecture and teeming with eateries and bars – don’t miss the tiny but buzzy El Rey Mezcal Bar. Spend the day exploring the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM, to the locals), make a pilgrimage to The Museum of Contemporary Art, and end the day at the Aga Khan, an incredibly fascinating Islamic art museum. If you’re ready to down a Molson Canadian and get riled up and rowdy with your fellow Canucks, catch a game at the Scotiabank Arena or Rogers Centre, home to the Toronto Raptors (NBA), Toronto Maple Leafs (NHL), and Toronto Blue Jays (MLB).
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Vancouver: Take a dip in the ice-cold Pacific Ocean and get a little sun and sand at Kitsilano Beach, then check out the interactive exhibits on local history at the Museum of North Vancouver. Spend the afternoon exploring more than 12,000 artworks at the Vancouver Art Gallery located in a former courthouse in the heart of downtown Vancouver, or pay a visit to Arts Off Main, a fabulous collective gallery co-owned by 9 local artists and featuring a range of different mediums within the gallery’s beautifully adorned walls. Finally, delve into Indigenous art, culture, and history at the Museum of Anthropology, with an impressive collection of First Nations artefacts and artworks on display.
Shopping guide: Toronto vs Vancouver
Toronto’s shopping scene reflects the city’s diverse and dynamic atmosphere. The upmarket Yorkville district is the go-to destination for high-end fashion and luxury brands, with iconic stores like Holt Renfrew and Chanel in the neighbourhood. Kensington Market, Ossington Street and Queen Street West are where you go to thrift all things vintage, while historic Old Town is home to more specialised boutiques and the sprawling St. Lawrence Market. The Eaton Centre in downtown Toronto is an all-encompassing one-stop-shopping mall experience with hundreds of stores at your fingertips.
Vancouver: Robson Street in Vancouver stands out as the city’s premier shopping district, with a mix of big-name brands, local boutiques, and trendy cafes. Gastown, with its cobblestone streets and historic charm, features chic boutiques and artisanal shops with more of a focus on local craftsmanship. Pacific Centre, located in the heart of downtown Vancouver, is your quintessential shopping mall experience, home to a wide selection of stores from luxury retailers to popular international brands.
Best hotels in Toronto and Vancouver
Toronto: As the birthplace of famed hotel brands like Fairmont and Four Seasons, Canada is no newcomer to the hospitality game. If it’s luxury you’re looking for, some of the best hotels in Toronto include The Ritz-Carlton Toronto, the Four Seasons Hotel Toronto, the St. Regis Toronto, The Fairmont Royal York and The Omni King Edward Hotel.
Book your stay at Four Seasons Hotel Toronto via Booking.com
Book your stay at Four Seasons Hotel Toronto via Agoda.com
Vancouver: Vancouver also boasts its fair share of luxury hotels – a few of the best include the Fairmont Pacific Rim, Shangri-La Hotel Vancouver, the Rosewood Hotel Georgia, the JW Marriott Park and the Paradox Hotel Vancouver.
Book your stay at Fairmont Pacific Rim via Booking.com
Book your stay at Fairmont Pacific Rim Hotel via Agoda.com
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Tasting two cities: Dining in Toronto vs Vancouver
Toronto: When it comes to restaurant options in Toronto, you are completely spoiled for choice. Sassafraz in the fashionable Yorkville neighbourhood is a must-try, as is Canoe – a supremely chic (or rather stuffy, depending on your mood) institution located on the 54th floor of the TD Tower. The Michelin-starred eatery pays homage to Canadian cuisine and local ingredients with dishes like the Wild Pacific halibut with Savoy cabbage and champagne cream, paired with some of the most magnificent panoramic views of the city below.
While in the city, don’t miss trying Toronto’s famed butter tarts, and sink your teeth into a Peameal Bacon Sandwich – a Toronto classic featuring Canadian bacon served on a bun and topped off with mustard.
Vancouver: Renowned for its innovative take on Indian cuisine, Vij’s in Vancouver offers a creatively offbeat menu featuring items like lamb popsicles, masala-marinated chicken wings and an aromatic jackfruit curry. Farmer’s Apprentice is as charming as the name suggests, a tiny Michelin-starred eatery that bakes fresh sourdough bread on the daily and celebrates the joys of irresistibly fresh local produce.
Also celebrated for its fresh and high-quality sushi, Vancouver has several sushi bars and restaurants dotted around the city. A few of these eateries have even gone as far as to do the unthinkable – and have married the worlds of Canadian and Japanese cuisine. The lovechild of this marriage? The Japadog: a creation unique to Vancouver that is essentially a Japanese-style hot dog with unusual toppings like teriyaki sauce, seaweed, and wasabi mayo. Another delicacy unique to Vancouver is the spot prawn – during spot prawn season (usually in May), Vancouverites flock to local eateries across the area to enjoy these succulent shellfish, often served simply grilled or steamed to highlight their naturally sweet flavour.
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(Feature Image Credit: DasyaDasya/Shutterstock)
All currency conversions were done at the time of writing.
Related: The 21 Most Beautiful Places In Canada, Picturesque Islands And Remote Mountains Included
The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.
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FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Vancouver offers stunning natural landscapes with a milder climate and a focus on outdoor activities like hiking and skiing. Toronto is a bustling metropolis known for its multiculturalism, vibrant arts scene, and diverse restaurant and bar scene.
Toronto is generally better for experiencing ancient history and cultural heritage due to its large selection of museums, historic sites like Fort York, and diverse ethnic neighbourhoods offering a glimpse into various cultural traditions.
Both Toronto and Vancouver are relatively easy to navigate for English-speaking travellers, as English is the primary language spoken in both cities.
Both Toronto and Vancouver are generally safe cities for travellers, with low crime rates compared to many other major cities around the world. However, like any urban area, both cities have their share of petty crime and safety concerns, particularly in certain neighbourhoods.
Vancouver is better for beach lovers, with its picturesque coastline along English Bay, Kitsilano Beach, and Spanish Banks offering sandy shores, stunning views of the ocean, and opportunities for activities like swimming, kayaking, and beach volleyball.
Vancouver offers better opportunities for adventure activities, thanks to its proximity to mountains, forests, and the ocean. Adventure enthusiasts can enjoy hiking, skiing, snowboarding, mountain biking, kayaking, and whale watching in and around Vancouver.
Toronto is generally better for cultural immersion due to its status as one of the most multicultural cities in the world. With diverse neighbourhoods, cultural festivals, ethnic cuisine, and numerous museums and galleries, Toronto offers a rich tapestry of cultural experiences from around the globe.
Toronto tends to be slightly more expensive to travel to compared to Vancouver. However, both cities can be pricey depending on the season and specific activities planned.
As cities within Canada, both Vancouver and Toronto have the same visa policies, as they fall under the jurisdiction of the Canadian government. Visitors to Canada generally need to obtain a visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) depending on their nationality.
Written By
Nirupama Belliappa
Nirupama Belliappa is a features journalist and a classical harpist. She has previously worked at NDTV ..Read More
