Montréal vs. Toronto: How do you decide between Canada's two largest cities?

Planning a trip to Canada? You're in for an amazing experience.

As the second-largest country globally, visiting it all in one go isn't feasible. You'll need to make choices, possibly between its two biggest cities. Will you choose the artistic, vibrant atmosphere of Montréal with its lovely parks and friendly feel? Or will you opt for the dynamic and diverse Toronto, known for its exceptional food scene?

We asked two travel writers to advocate for the Canadian city that holds a special place in their hearts.

Montréal, how can this even be a question?

Though originally from Ottawa, Joel Balsam has spent over a decade living in Montréal intermittently, and his father was born there. He also contributed the Québec chapter in the forthcoming Dinogo Planet Canada guidebook.

As Canadians often say: Toronto is the place to work, while Montréal is where you truly live. So, as a traveler, are you looking to immerse yourself in the hustle or savor the good life? The latter? I thought so.

Toronto is all about the hustle, with towering skyscrapers and busy folks who barely pause to chat as they scramble to pay their rent or mortgage. It’s reminiscent of Manhattan, though not quite as chic. Unfortunately, this fast-paced lifestyle has earned Toronto the title of the loneliest city in Canada. In contrast, Montréal exudes joie de vivre and possesses that elusive je ne sais quoi. While Torontonians worry about housing costs, Montrealers are busy discussing art, concerts, and enjoyment (with the occasional mention of roadwork and language laws, but perfection is overrated). Throughout the summer, Montréal’s streets come alive with free festivals like Complètement Cirque, Mural, and the Festival International de Jazz. There’s always something captivating at Musée des Beaux-Arts or Quartiers des Spectacles, plus countless trendy bars and clubs. Some even refer to Montréal as “Little Berlin,” highlighting its vibrant scene.

Montréal, designed primarily before the advent of cars, is far more walkable than Toronto, with many of its key streets transformed into pedestrian zones every summer. Strolling through the quaint alleys of Old Montréal is sure to evoke a sense of romance. The ruelles vertes (or “green streets”) in neighborhoods like the Plateau and Villeray offer lush, semi-hidden paths for getting around town.

In Toronto, parks are sparse and often overcrowded—Trinity Bellwoods on a sunny Saturday feels like a circus. Conversely, Montréal boasts a wealth of spacious parks perfect for spreading out a picnic blanket loaded with gourmet cheeses, a fresh baguette, and a nice bottle of wine. You won’t find anything quite like the long-standing hippie dance fest known as Tam Tams, held every Sunday at Parc Jeanne-Mance, while Parc du Mont-Royal offers an unmatched view of the city, complete with a giant Leonard Cohen mural.

While Toronto is known for its excellent restaurants, especially in Asian cuisine, Montréal holds its own in the culinary scene. Vin Mon Lapin has been recognized as the best restaurant in Canada, and Montréal is famed for having the finest smoked meat and bagels in the world (sorry, New York). You've probably heard the phrase “as Canadian as maple syrup,” right? Or how Chef Jamie Oliver dubbed poutine the “unofficial official dish of Canada?” By that standard, Montréal (and all of Québec) is the ultimate destination to experience Canada—producing on average 90% of the country’s maple syrup and being the birthplace of poutine. What does Ontario have? Butter tarts?

I have to confess, I feel a little guilty criticizing Toronto, considering I’m from Ontario. However, as a travel writer, my priority is to ensure you, dear traveler, have an unforgettable experience while visiting Canada. So, forget about Toronto and head to Montréal instead.

It has to be Toronto, naturally.

Travel writer and guidebook author James March lived in Toronto for several years, and it will always be his first love in Canada, even after exploring the country from coast to coast. He makes it a point to return to the nation’s largest city as often as he can.

My first summer in Toronto was a warm blur of riding the city’s iconic streetcars (once lovingly called Red Rockets), enjoying happy-hour beers on bustling patios, mingling in lively hostels, and forming fleeting connections with travelers from around the world. I wandered through Greek street-food festivals on Danforth Ave, scored nosebleed Blue Jays baseball tickets, and spent part of the game captivated by the changing lights of the CN Tower. I had no idea where this adventure would take me, but I was spellbound by Canada’s largest city.

Before I packed my bags in Birmingham, England, I had heard a bit about Toronto’s reputation. Many in Canada said the city was dull, conservative, and pretentious—a tedious stronghold of finance. While there’s some truth to that, Toronto also bursts with life. Few cities on the planet are as diverse; over half of its three million residents were born outside Canada, and more than 180 languages are spoken. The vibrant tapestry of multicultural neighborhoods offers endless culinary adventures, from delicious steamed dumplings in Koreatown to spicy curries in Little India and so much more.

Though skyscrapers dominate the Toronto skyline, there’s a wealth of cultural significance below. The Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) showcases a wide array of exhibits, from dinosaur fossils to textile and costume displays, while the Hockey Hall of Fame dives deep into a sport that’s a cornerstone of Canadian culture. Massey Hall is a beautifully ornate 19th-century concert venue that draws top-tier musicians, and down by the waterfront, the expansive Harbourfront Centre hosts the Toronto International Festival of Authors (TIFA) every September—Canada’s largest and longest-running literary festival.

The spire of the CN Tower served as a convenient landmark when I was still finding my way around (for Gen Z, this was back in the prehistoric era before smartphones and Google Maps!). Towering at 553 meters (1,814 feet), it remains Toronto’s most famous attraction. On a clear day, you can see across Lake Ontario to the distant Niagara Falls from its various observation decks. For the adventurous, the thrilling Edgewalk allows you to walk along the outer edge of the tower’s main “pod,” secured by a harness. From those heights, you’ll spot the Toronto Islands, a perfect escape from the city buzz where you can cycle the trails of Ward’s Island.

But let’s move beyond downtown. The true essence of Toronto lies in its neighborhoods, so hop on a modern streetcar (now equipped with air conditioning!) or take the subway to explore the city’s eclectic spirit. Marvel at the vibrant street art in Graffiti Alley, enjoy affordable dim sum in Chinatown, grab fresh pastries in the relaxed Harbord Village, browse vintage clothing in the artsy Kensington Market, and bar-hop along the lively Ossington Ave. Stay in boutique hotels in the artistic hub of West Queen West, wander through the serene High Park, relax at the Beaches and nearby Queen East cafés, or sip artisanal coffee in the trendy and historic Junction neighborhood. The truth is, while I could keep going, not many visitors tend to explore these areas, even though they’re just a short trip from downtown.

While summer in the city can get surprisingly hot, it’s also the best time to visit. This is partly because locals always find a reason to enjoy the patios, but also due to the abundance of festivals. From smaller gatherings like the Beaches Jazz Festival and the Dundas St festival Do West Fest, to major events like TIFF (Toronto International Film Festival) and Pride Toronto, it seems like there’s something happening every weekend.

Yes, Montréal is known for its vibrant nightlife, and yes, Toronto has seen its fair share of condos, and yes, Justin Trudeau wasn’t even born the last time the Maple Leafs clinched the Stanley Cup. But Toronto has plenty to celebrate. So set aside the stereotypes and immerse yourself in a dynamic metropolis that welcomes newcomers from all walks of life.