Located on either side of Canada, Toronto and Vancouver are the country’s largest cities and tourist hubs. Toronto is a short two-hour drive from Buffalo, New York, while Vancouver is a two and a half hour drive from Seattle.
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But, located on either side of Canada and separated by around 2,000 miles, not too many travelers have the chance to visit both hubs. And aside from distance, the two cities are also worlds apart when it comes to culture, attractions, and atmosphere.
Ever wondered about the differences between Toronto and Vancouver? These are the ten key differences to keep in mind.
What are the main differences between Toronto and Vancouver?
Vancouver is surrounded by pristine nature
Nature-lovers will feel right at home in Vancouver. The city is renowned for its park systems and greenery, and it also acts as a gateway to gorgeous forests. Pacific Rim National Park Preserve is home to sandy beaches, perfect for hiking or kayaking. Other hotspots include Gulf Islands National Park, Mount Revelstoke National Park, and the local Stanley Park.
Toronto has a big-city vibe
By contrast, Toronto has a classic metropolitan feel. The city is home to just over seven million residents compared to Vancouver’s 750,000 residents. While Vancouver has a modern skyline with skyscrapers, Toronto is Canada’s financial and economic capital. Its downtown City Centre neighborhood is home to bustling streets with trendy new projects, from food to clubs to shopping.
Vancouver is a lot more laid back
The population difference between Toronto and Vancouver paints a fairly strong picture of their differences: Toronto is a busy metropolis, while Vancouver is a bit more laidback. People move at a slower pace, while residents are more likely to prioritize a work-life balance.
In short, it’s not a place where many people go to make it big—instead, it’s a large enclave for people who want to enjoy life’s simpler pleasures like great coffee, relaxing bike rides, and hiking scenic trails.
Pro sports are big in Toronto
One way that you’ll be able to pick up on Toronto’s role as a cultural capital is its love of sports. The city is home to the Canadian Football League’s most successful team, the Toronto Argonauts. On top of that, it’s got the MLS’s Toronto FC, the NBA’s Toronto Raptors, the MLB’s Toronto Blue Jays, and the NHL’s Toronto Maple Leafs.
It’s one of only five cities in North America whose pro sports teams have all won a championship title, too. In short, sports are a big part of local culture.
Half of Toronto is foreign-born
According to a 2021 census, almost half of Toronto’s population is foreign-born. It’s the first city where immigrants settle—making it a highly diverse city, on par with New York City and San Francisco. If you’re on the hunt for unique projects, whether fusion food or nightlife, Toronto is hard to beat. That being said, Vancouver isn’t too far behind the curve. The same census found that around 40% of locals were born in other countries.
Vancouver is big, but less polluted
Toronto has a long list of neighborhoods that differ in terms of cost, walkability, economic opportunities, and more—and some are cleaner than others. Comparatively, Vancouver is a gem that has been ranked globally in terms of the world’s cleanest cities.
Additionally, the city’s smaller population has made it easier for the city council to implement sustainability practices, like easy recycling programs and the use of hydroelectric power. As an added perk, frequent rain showers help wash away dirt, keeping the city looking clean and fresh.
Entertainment and nightlife are bigger in Toronto
Toronto is Canada’s premier nightlife capital. If you’re into traditional fare, you can head to King Street West or Queen Street West, which are home to dozens of bars, nightclubs, live music spots, and more. There’s even Gay Village, aptly named for its range of LGBTQ-friendly hangouts. In short, there’s something for everyone… and then some.
Vancouver gets PNW-level rain
Vancouver gets rain around 160 days a year, similar to other Pacific Northwest spots like Seattle. Winters are particularly rainy, with November and December averaging around seven inches each month. As a perk, that means Vancouver doesn’t experience the intense winters that Canada is known for. If you want to avoid the rain, visit in July or August, the driest months.
Toronto has intense Canadian winters
Unfortunately, Toronto has long, brutal winters. The city usually gets around 45 inches of snow each year, similar to Milwaukee, thanks to its location on Lake Ontario. If you’re really worried about snowfall, look into meteorological reports. The area’s annual snowfall is regularly impacted by things like El Niño, a North American storm system.
Both are expensive
My last point isn’t a difference—it’s a similarity that you should know about. Both Vancouver and Toronto are pricey for visitors. That being said, most visitors spend significantly less on lodging and food in Vancouver.
One estimate from Budget Your Trip lists the average daily cost of Vancouver as low as $150 compared to Toronto’s $250. That being said, you can’t always plan a budget trip to either location thanks to both cities’ solid public transportation and wide range of lodging, dining, and entertainment options.
