Toronto and Montreal are two of Canada’s most celebrated cities, each with a unique mix of culture, charm and attractions. Just 335 miles apart — a 5.5-hour drive or an 80-minute flight — it’s possible to explore both in one trip. But if time is limited and you can only visit one, how do you choose? Whether it’s the skyscrapers of Toronto or the cobblestone streets of Montreal, both cities have endless adventures to offer.
From must-see sights to culinary scenes and vibrant nightlife, here are the key contrasts between Toronto and Montreal to help you decide. As always, check for travel guidelines and closures before planning your trip.
The Basics
Toronto
Toronto, on the shores of Lake Ontario, is Canada’s largest city and a global financial and cultural hub. The sheer scale of Toronto is one of its defining features, with towering skyscrapers and sprawling neighborhoods that give the city an impressive metropolitan feel. Known for its diversity, Toronto celebrates a blend of cultures, languages and cuisines from around the world.
While winter brings chilly temperatures and invites cozy city explorations, summer is a busy season for festivals and waterfront outings. Spring and early fall can be considered the best times to visit, offering pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
Toronto is perfect for urban explorers, families and culture enthusiasts. With the Toronto Islands, Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada, Hockey Hall of Fame and iconic sights like the CN Tower, it’s a city full of attractions for all ages.
Montreal
Situated on an island in the St. Lawrence River in Quebec, Montreal is known for its old-world charm and blend of European and North American influences. The city has a more intimate, walkable layout compared to Toronto, with cobblestone streets, storied architecture and a distinct artistic spirit.
Montreal’s winters are snowy and magical, making it a great destination for festive events like Igloofest. Summertime brings outdoor dining and world-class festivals, such as the famed Montreal Jazz Festival, which showcase the city’s passion for music and arts.
Montreal’s romantic vibe appeals to history buffs, couples and foodies. Families will also enjoy the Montreal Biodome and Science Centre, where interactive and immersive exhibits engage visitors of all ages.
Activities
Toronto
There’s no shortage of compelling things to do in Toronto. Art aficionados can spend hours at the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO), where extensive collections of Canadian, Indigenous and international art are displayed. Not far from the AGO, the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) showcases everything from dinosaur skeletons to ancient cultural artifacts, making it a favorite for families and culture lovers alike.
For a true thrill, head to the CN Tower, one of Toronto’s most iconic structures. Here, adventure-seekers can stroll along the EdgeWalk, a nerve-wracking walk around the tower’s outside ledge, which is suspended 1,168 feet above the ground. Then wander the cobblestone streets and beautifully preserved 19th-century industrial buildings of The Distillery District to enjoy boutiques, art galleries and breweries.
The Toronto Islands are a short ferry ride away and provide a peaceful escape with beaches, picnic spots and bike trails to explore.
For day trips, Niagara Falls tops the list for many visitors, and it’s just a 90-minute drive from Toronto. The Bruce Peninsula, home to Bruce Peninsula National Park and Fathom Five National Marine Park, is about a 3.5-hour drive away but well worth exploring for breathtaking turquoise waters, dramatic cliffs and scenic hiking trails.
Given Toronto’s vastness and the breadth of activities available to urban explorers, art connoisseurs and nature buffs, it’s wise to allow extra time to truly discover the city’s neighborhoods, museums and outdoor venues.
Montreal
Old Montreal is a must-visit for its European ambience and notable sites like Notre-Dame Basilica (where Canadian superstar Celine Dion was wed) and the Old Port, where you can enjoy scenic river cruises. For panoramic views, head up to Mount Royal Park, a lush oasis offering incredible views of the city skyline.
Montreal is bursting with artistic energy, from museum collections to live performances and festivals. The annual Montreal Cirque Festival (also known as Montréal Complètement Cirque) takes center stage each summer, transforming the city’s parks, streets and theaters into a playground filled with acrobatic acts, street performances and interactive shows. This festival showcases Montreal’s devotion to the circus arts, offering everything from classic Cirque du Soleil spectacles to experimental performances by up-and-coming artists.
Montreal is also home to Just for Laughs, the world’s largest international comedy festival. Every summer, this renowned festival fills the streets with laughter, featuring stand-up routines, improv shows and comedy acts from around the globe.
For fans of the visual arts, Montreal offers a mix of classical and contemporary works at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts and colorful street murals in Plateau Mont-Royal. With its combination of historical charm and a thriving arts scene, Montreal promises inspiration at every corner.
Food
Toronto
Toronto’s food scene is incredibly diverse thanks to its multicultural population. St. Lawrence Market is made for the food obsessed, featuring local and international flavors, while Kensington Market offers a mix of global dishes that reflect the city’s vibrant immigrant communities.
For an upscale meal, Canoe delivers Canadian-inspired cuisine with impressive city views. Oji Seichi in Toronto’s East Chinatown offers a masterful take on ramen, with rich, perfectly balanced broth and housemade noodles.
If you’re staying near the waterfront, Delta Hotels by Marriott Toronto offers easy access to the city’s eclectic dining options, making it an ideal base for culinary enthusiasts.
Montreal
Montreal’s culinary scene draws from its French-Canadian roots, making it famous for dishes like poutine, bagels and smoked meat. Schwartz’s Deli is a local institution for its smoked-meat sandwiches and St-Viateur Bagels is a must-visit for its Montreal-style bagels, which are smaller, denser and sweeter than New York bagels and are often made with honey in the dough.
Joe Beef serves epicurean treats in a romantic, moody atmosphere, while L’Avenue is popular for its creative brunch options.
Stay in the heart of the action at Le Centre Sheraton Montreal Hotel. This hotel is conveniently located near some of the city’s best dining spots, making it ideal if you want to savor Montreal’s flavors.
Nightlife
Toronto
Toronto’s nightlife offers huge variety, including trendy rooftop lounges, live music and comedy clubs. The Fifth Social Club is known as an upscale venue with an energetic dance floor. For unique cocktails and tapas, Bar Raval delivers an unforgettable experience and Comedy Bar is a local favorite for stand-up comedy.
If you’d like to stay close to the city’s nightlife offerings, the Toronto Marriott City Centre Hotel provides comfortable accommodations near the Entertainment District.
Montreal
Montreal’s nightlife is as varied and colorful as its culture, with everything from intimate jazz clubs to lively burlesque shows and creative cocktail lounges. La Distillerie is famous for its inventive drinks, while Club Soda is a hot spot for live music performances. Arcade MTL offers a nostalgic twist with vintage arcade games and drinks for night owls.
Located in the heart of downtown, W Montreal places guests near some of the city’s best nightlife venues and boasts its own chic bar scene, including the Living Room bar, Vinyl Bar and LIVE HOUSE – Speakeasy Karaoke. It’s a prime choice if you’re eager to dive into Montreal’s exciting after-hours culture.
Getting Around
Toronto
Toronto has an extensive public transportation system, including subways, streetcars and buses operated by the TTC, as well as bike-sharing programs. Driving isn’t recommended due to traffic and limited parking options, but public transit provides an efficient way to see the main sights.
Downtown Toronto is quite walkable, though the city’s size might make navigation a bit overwhelming for some, especially families with young children. Families should plan ahead, give themselves extra time to get around and choose a hotel near the areas they wish to explore, as Toronto’s size means some travel time is inevitable.
Montreal
Montreal’s compact city center is highly walkable and the metro system makes getting around easy and convenient. In the winter, the city’s 20 miles of underground pathways, known as La Ville Souterraine provide a warm escape from the cold, allowing you to explore restaurants, cafés and shops comfortably.
Montreal also has extensive bike paths, making it easy for solo travelers or couples to enjoy the city’s laid-back pace without needing a car. With its manageable size, Montreal is a perfect destination for those who prefer a relaxed pace and want to explore by foot or bike.
So, which one will it be? Toronto’s urban pulse and endless options make it ideal for travelers seeking a dynamic city break, while Montreal’s historic charm and cultural vibrancy offer a more intimate escape with European-inspired flair. The choice is yours — but either way, you’re bound to create incredible memories in one of Canada’s most captivating destinations.
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