Montreal and Toronto are two of the largest cities in Canada. They have a lot of differences, but which one should you visit? This blog post will compare Montreal vs. Toronto to see which city is best for your next Canadian getaway!

A Bit About Montreal

Montreal is one of the largest cities in Quebec, with a population of about two million. It’s set at the confluence of rivers and has grown as one of the best cities for jobs in Canada.

Montreal gets its name from Mont Royal, a small mountain in the middle of Montreal. Montreal is one of the oldest cities in Canada, as it was founded in 1462. Today, this area is called Old Montreal, which contains many historic sites like Notre Dame Basilica and Place Jacques Cartier.

 

A Bit about Toronto

Toronto is often said to be  Canada’s most diverse city due to its high number of immigrants from around the world. People compare it to New York City as it is the largest city in Canada.

It has a population of more than three million people and is located in Southern Ontario near the western shore of Lake Ontario.

The majority speak English, but there are also large groups that speak both French and Italian.

How are Montreal and Toronto the same?

Montreal and Toronto are both large Canadian cities that are popular tourist destinations.

Montreal is in Southern Quebec, near the Canada-US border, while Toronto is located on Lake Ontario’s western shore. Both cities have miles of waterfronts with beautiful scenery and have lots of things for tourists to do like,museums, restaurants, galleries, and parks.

Both cities are also known for their food scenes, and you would be hard pressed to pick a favorite after eating your way through each city.

Finally, Montreal and Toronto are home to world-class universities and the student population in each makes the cities continue to grow each year.

These 2 largest Canadian Cities are very similar but have many differences as well.

 

How are Toronto and Montreal Different?

Montreal and Toronto are two of the largest cities in Canada, and while they share some similarities, they are also quite different in many ways.

One of the main differences between the two cities is their cultural makeup. Montreal is the largest city in the province of Quebec, which has a French-speaking culture and heritage. As a result, Montreal is a bilingual city, with French being widely spoken alongside English. Toronto, on the other hand, is located in the province of Ontario, which is predominantly English-speaking.

Another difference between the two cities is their architecture and layout. Montreal is known for its historic buildings and narrow, winding streets, while Toronto has a more modern and grid-like layout, with skyscrapers taking up a good part of the downtown.

In terms of lifestyle and atmosphere, Montreal is often seen as more laid-back and bohemian, with a thriving arts and music scene, while Toronto is known for its fast-paced business environment and multiculturalism.

In short, Montreal is a French-speaking town with European architecture and more affordable prices for food and entertainment, while Toronto has more modern amenities such as malls to shop in, skyscrapers that seem like they are touching the sky, bright lights at night that give it an exciting atmosphere, higher prices for food, admissions and car rentals but better sporting venues.

 

Which city has better food? Montreal vs Toronto

This is a hard one, as I have eaten fabulous food in both cities, but here we go.

Both are home to large food markets like the Jean-Talon Market in Montreal and the St. Lawrence Market with over a hundred vendors. They are similar in what they offer at these markets and are a great way to get some local food.

Montreal is a restaurant city. You could have French, Italian, or even Lebanese cuisine for lunch in Montreal and then enjoy “new world” fare such as sushi or steak frites at dinner.  Fine-dining French restaurants are some of the best-regarded in the world.

If you love French pastries, you will love Montreal! Plus, they have such great poutine!!

Toronto’s culinary scene has food from everywhere on earth due to its large immigrant population. Toronto is also home to some of the best Indian and Vietnamese food. There is fine dining and tons of places to grab a quick bite.

Toronto is quite like New York City in the food department. You can find thousands of good restaurants, but it would be hard to put your finger on what the food style is. It’s just delicious!

Winner: Montreal

Toronto vs. Montreal, which has better arts/culture?

Montreal’s cultural scene thrives in its many museums, concert halls, and diverse festivals celebrating everything from music to film. It does not matter what interests you; Montreal offers something for everyone!

Montreal has great museums as well as the Art Public Montreal. Some plays and concerts are in French, but many are in English, too!

 

Toronto’s museums are great, too! There’s more of them than Montreal, but most importantly, there’s “The Art Gallery of Ontario” (AGO), which houses some pretty impressive collections as well as hosting tons of new exhibitions every year from all over the world.

Toronto also has a theater that brings in Broadway shows and major musicians. Toronto, in general just has more going on.

Winner: Toronto

 

Architecture in Toronto vs. Montreal

Montreal has a mix of old and new architecture. The Old Town has some of North America’s most well-preserved buildings. This historic neighborhood will have you walking down cobblestone streets, and visiting the Basilica of Notre Dame de Montreal, and old storefronts.

The old town is a very small part of the city compared to a city like Quebec City, but it is quite charming.

Toronto has some great architecture as well, but it is very modern. The Toronto City Hall is a beautiful building, and the CN Tower is an internationally recognized icon. If you get out of the heart of downtown, you’ll find some magnificent buildings.

 

Winner: Montreal

 

Toronto vs. Montreal Outdoor Spaces

Both cities are built on the water and have some beautiful outdoor spaces.

Montreal has Notre-Dame Island and the Lachine Canal where you’ll find people skating in wintertime. It also has a number of parks such as Mount Royal Park, Parc du Mont-Royal, and Botanical Garden. It is easy to get away from the city feel in Montreal.

Toronto has lots of parks, too. These include High Park (which is the largest park in Toronto at over 800 acres), Rosedale Ravine, and Glen Rouge Preserve. Lake Ontario offers beautiful views and beach and sailing options.

 

Winner: Tie

 

Prices of Hotels in Toronto vs. Montreal

Hotels in Montreal are more expensive than Toronto by 30-40%. If money is tight, I recommend staying just outside of the city to save your dollars. Montreal hotel rooms average around $200 per night.

Toronto hotels are quite inexpensive compared to the price of food and the average hotel room price is around $130 per night.

Winner: Toronto

 

Weather in Montreal vs. Toronto

It is colder in Montreal in the winter but hot and humid in the summer. In general, the weather in these two Canadian cities is similar; however, during winter months, typically November through April, Montreal can experience harsher cold snaps while Toronto sees milder ones.

In Toronto, it is much more temperate due to being close to Lake Ontario. That doesn’t mean it isn’t freezing in the winter, just a little less than Montreal. (I’ve been to both in December, and while Toronto was cold, Montreal was otherworldly cold.)

Winner: Toronto

Transportation in Montreal vs. Toronto

Montreal’s transit system, the Société de transport de Montréal (STM), is smaller than Toronto’s but is known for its efficiency and accessibility. The STM operates a network of buses, metro lines, and commuter trains that connect the city and its suburbs. The metro system is well-regarded, with 68 stations and four lines covering much of the city.

Plus, you are able to use the STM without waiting out in the elements.

Toronto’s transit system, known as the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC), is larger and more complex than Montreal’s. It operates a network of buses, streetcars, and subway lines that cover the city and its suburbs. The subway system has two main lines that intersect in the downtown core, with several extensions planned or under construction.

Overall, both cities have well-developed transit systems that can get you around efficiently and affordably. However, Montreal’s system is generally seen as more user-friendly and easier to navigate, while Toronto’s system is larger and more comprehensive but can be more complex to use.

Winner: Montreal

 

Safety in Montreal vs Toronto

Both Montreal and Toronto are generally considered safe cities, with low crime rates compared to other major cities in North America. However, like any city, there are certain areas that may be more prone to crime than others.

According to the latest crime statistics available, Toronto has a slightly lower overall crime rate than Montreal. However, Montreal has a lower homicide rate than Toronto.

It’s worth noting that both cities have well-trained police forces and a strong commitment to public safety, and visitors and residents alike should take common-sense precautions to stay safe, such as being aware of their surroundings, avoiding poorly lit areas at night, and keeping valuables out of sight.

Both are very safe for tourists, and I would not worry more than anywhere else about being safe.

Winner: Tie

Best city to take a family Montreal vs. Toronto

This is super individual, so I can only speak for myself. I have taken my family to both cities on several occasions. We have enjoyed both cities very much. Both are worth visiting.

My kids love the Montreal Biodome, climbing up Mont Royal, and eating their weight in almond croissants when they are in Montreal.

In Toronto, they love the Science Museum, Ripley’s Aquarium, and eating their weight in Korean food.

With that being said….

Montreal is much easier to get around by car and less crowded. Plus, Montreal is a shorter drive from New England than a road trip to Toronto. If you have young children or kids who are hard to corral, I would pick Montreal.

Winner: Montreal

To learn more about these two amazing destinations, visit our blog posts here:

Best things to do in Montreal

Best things to do in Toronto

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