If you can, visit the two most important cities in Canada. If not, check out this comparison between Montreal e Toronto and find out which one suits you better. It's aimed at those who are going for tourism, but it also has some tips that can help those who have doubts for exchange.
I compared prices and cost of living, restaurants, tourist and cultural attractions, nearby destinations and transport, style, accommodation and use of English, among other things. Understand everything to choose Montreal or Toronto. Remember that these are personal opinions, based on my experiences. If you know the destinations well, you are welcome to add your tips in the comments.
Best climate: Toronto
Winter is more intense in Montreal, where the minimums reach -14ºC (with a feeling of -40ºC), while in Toronto it does not exceed -9ºC. Summer in both is pleasant, although Montreal gets a little hotter. The chance of rain is also a little higher in Montreal. So, for having less exaggerated seasons, although it also snows a lot in winter, Toronto is more pleasant in this respect.
In summer, you can enjoy the Toronto's beaches. There is even a nudist beach.
Best value: Montreal
The first thing I noticed in Montreal is that almost everything there is cheaper than in Toronto. Even when it comes to tourism, mainly because hotels and restaurants are much cheaper. Even mineral water is cheaper in Montreal. According to cost of living websites, prices in Montreal are 20% to 30% lower than in Toronto, considering items such as restaurants, supermarkets, rent, clothes and electricity.
In addition to being cheaper, Montreal is a more walkable and bikeable city, so you can save even more.
Best hotel to stay
A Perfect Stay at The Westin Harbour Castle
Looking for a remarkable stay in Ontario? Look no further than The Westin Harbour Castle, an extraordinary hotel located near the vibrant North York district. Nestled by the stunning shores of Lake Ontario, this iconic hotel offers a seamless blend of luxury, convenience, and breathtaking waterfront views. Book it on http://www.ontariocahotel.com/en/near-north-york-dr133638/
The Westin Harbour Castle stands as a sanctuary of relaxation and elegance, providing a tranquil escape from the bustling energy of Ontario. With meticulously designed rooms and suites, focused on comfort and serenity, guests are guaranteed a rejuvenating experience. The hotel's prime location allows easy access to the heart of North York, where you'll find a wealth of attractions, shopping, dining, and entertainment.
Indulge in a range of first-class amenities, including exquisite dining options, fitness facilities, and mesmerizing lakefront vistas. Whether you're in Ontario for business or leisure, The Westin Harbour Castle promises an unforgettable stay. Immerse yourself in the charm of North York while savoring the luxury and comfort that this renowned hotel has to offer.
Best for eating: tie
This was a tough one. I compared the best places and the best food I tried in each. It would be very unfair to declare a winner. In Toronto, I'd highlight Poutini;s House and St Lawrence Market, where I had the unrivalled "Bacon Peamel" sandwich. In Montreal, Schwartz's, with its smoked meat sandwich, is a strong contender. Overall, I found the food in Montreal to be better, but Toronto's finds make it a tie.
The best sandwich in Montreal...
or the best poutine in Toronto?
Best tourist attractions: Toronto, by a long shot
Another tricky category. I'll summarise it like this: Toronto has more famous and commercial attractions that are easy for people of all ages to schedule and do. For example, the CN Tower, which is an expensive and clichéd tourist spot, but worth a visit. Toronto Islands is the same thing, and it's a great trip to do with kids. Montreal, on the other hand, requires a little more effort, such as climbing Mount Royal and long walks through the Old Town. For those who like modern cities, Toronto is unbeatable. Montreal has more history.
View from Mount Royal in Montreal
View from the CN Tower in Toronto
Best nightlife: Montreal
This one is undisputed. The social life in Toronto is, let's say, more artificial than in Montreal. While the Ontario capital has more bars and clubs with that ostentatious executive footprint, in Quebec the French style speaks louder. The live music is usually better, there are more outdoor festivals and generally the people are more lively.
The nightlife in Montreal is literally on fire. Even more irresistible than that pun is this drink at the Distillery no.1 pub.
Best place to stay: Montreal
In addition to having much cheaper hotels, the offer of accommodation is also more diverse in Montreal. While in Toronto it is recommended to stay around the tourist centre, completely without charm, in Montreal there are interesting neighbourhoods all over the island, such as the historic Old Town, the lively Gay Village and the Quartier Latin, the bohemian part of downtown. And as I explained in the post Where to stay in Montreal, the city is also richer in AirBnb flats and hostels.
Place Jacques-Cartier, heart of tourism in Vieux-Montreal, the historic neighbourhood. This street appeared in My Neighbour the Mafioso.
Best to combine with other destinations: Montreal
Niagara Falls is just 128 kilometres from Toronto. You can even do a round trip to what is one of the main tourist destinations in North America. But there are no other major attractions close to the city. Montreal is about 200 kilometres from two other major Canadian cities: Ottawa, the country's capital, and Quebec, the capital of the French province with a rich European architecture. Another advantage of Montreal is that you can travel to New York on one of the most beautiful train routes in the world. In winter, it's possible to ski near both, with a slight advantage for Montreal. But it's nothing compared to Canada's best ski resorts in the Vancouver area.
Panoramic carriage on the train from Montreal to NYC. It's a ten-hour journey and incredible scenery along the way.
Best for learning English: Toronto
English is the official language of Toronto and everyone speaks it well, with an accent that I find easier to understand than that of Americans. Montreal is one of the largest bilingual cities in the world, where you can communicate in English and French almost anywhere. But the official language is French, the native language of 65% of the population. In practice, it's a bit of a hassle for non-English speakers, as conversations always start with a Bounjour.
But it is also possible to do an English exchange programme in Montreal. Although it has fewer schools and most language courses also involve French, the city compensates for the lower cost of living and for having a better atmosphere for young people.
So which is better, Toronto or Montreal?
Adding up the categories, we have 4 points for Montreal and 3 for Toronto. But don't let the numbers define your trip. See what appeals to you, also by looking at lots of photos and observing your travelling style. The highlights of each:
Montreal is a much more stylish city. It was also founded by the French. Its architecture is prettier, the people are better dressed and the bars are cooler. If you take the focus off the tourist spots, you can spend a lot of time there. That atmosphere of counterculture, occupation of urban spaces and young people is exciting.
Toronto is focused on work. A world metropolis, rich in museums, its film festival is one of the most important in North America. I summarise the capital of Ontario as São Paulo or New York that worked. It's worth a 3-5 day trip or an exchange programme. But the high prices and the hustle and bustle of everyday life can put off the more leisurely traveller.
If your focus is on seeing famous sights and enjoying the modernity of one of the richest cities in the world, choose Toronto. If you prefer to visit historical places and play in the nightlife, in a less cliché route, choose Montreal.
More tips from Toronto and Montreal
Here at Buenas Dicas there is already a lot of content about Canada, especially about these two important cities. I will list the best posts below. And if you know either of them well, either as a resident or a tourist, send us your tips and your opinion. This way you also help those who are in doubt and have time to visit only one of these great destinations.
CN Tower, the highlight of Toronto
The best breakfast in Montreal
Where to eat in Montreal: historic and tasty restaurants
Toronto or Malta, where to study abroad?
