Differences Between Toronto and Vancouver

toronto vs vancouver

When people find out that I moved from Toronto to Vancouver, one of the questions I get asked most is, “Which one do you like better?” or “What is the main difference between the two?”.

It’s a hard question to answer, because despite both being Canadian cities, they are just so different. It’s a classic apples to oranges comparison.

Both cities boast some great attributes and both have a multitude of things I would change about them, but it’s easy to recognize three very distinct (and maybe somewhat obvious) qualities that truly show the difference between these two Canadian powerhouses.

 

Here are three differences between Vancouver and Toronto:

 

Toronto in February
vanwinter
Vancouver in February

Climate

In my opinion, the weather stands out as the biggest difference between Vancouver and Toronto. Last year, when I was flying to the Caribbean on February 1st, the temperature in Toronto (with windchill) was -40°C in comparison to Vancouver where it was +10°C on the same day. Vancouver is essentially the only city in Canada that doesn’t experience the harsh winters our country is known for, unlike Toronto that experienced its coldest month in recorded history in February 2015.

 

Rush hour at Union Station, Toronto

Size

Greater Toronto’s population boasts more people than the entire province of British Columbia, where there are now over 6 million people living – compared to 2.4 million in the Greater Vancouver area. Moreso, the city of Vancouver “proper” only boasts approximately 600,000 people whereas the city of Toronto has some 2.6 million, making it the fourth most populated city in North America after Mexico City, New York City and Los Angeles.

Despite being a big city, Vancouver has a “small-town” vibe. It’s very walkable, meaning you can essentially get from one side of the downtown core to the other – on foot – in about 30 minutes (depending on how fast you walk). The city of Toronto is huge and can be far more overwhelming and intimidating if you don’t know your way around.

 

Diversity 

I know I will probably get some flack for this, but it’s a fact. Vancouver isn’t nearly as diverse as Toronto.

Toronto is known as one of the most multicultural cities in the world, where over 140 different languages and dialects are spoken and 30% of residents speak a language other than English or French at home. In Toronto, you can find neighbourhoods that are built around culturefestivals/ events throughout the year that celebrate heritage and diverse ethnic food-filled hubs to satisfy any craving you might have. Toronto really represents what Canada prides itself on; being a cultural mosaic.

In comparison, Vancouver is known for its Asian culture and for a good reason; Vancouver is currently the most Asian city outside of Asia, where 43% of Metro Vancouver residents have an Asian heritage. This of course is not a bad thing in my opinion, but it’s a noticeable difference.

 

Have you been to Toronto and Vancouver? What differences did you notice?

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10 Comments

  1. October 8, 2015 / 5:29 pm

    Never been to Toronto nor Vancouver but I think they’re both beautiful places. Been really planning to migrate to Canada. <3

    x, Kat of Nested Thoughts

    • wanderbeforewhat
      Author
      October 10, 2015 / 8:56 am

      Hi Kat,

      Do it! Pack your bags and get over here. We’re waiting! 🙂

      ~Sarah Lynn

  2. Amy Ann
    October 8, 2015 / 6:36 pm

    Thank you so much for your kind words and shout-out! Great blog. I’ve always wanted to visit Canada.

    Amy Ann
    Straight A Style

    • wanderbeforewhat
      Author
      October 10, 2015 / 8:58 am

      Amy,

      Thank YOU for a great blog. You should make your way up here – we’re right next door! 🙂

      ~Sarah Lynn

    • wanderbeforewhat
      Author
      October 10, 2015 / 9:00 am

      Hey Kelsey,

      Either one will be a great experience. Two truly awesome cities.

      ~Sarah Lynn

  3. October 8, 2015 / 9:33 pm

    This was so interesting to me because I’ve been wanting to travel to Canada but I have no idea where to go! This really helps me understand the differences between these two popular cities. I tend to enjoy smaller cities a bit more than big cities so I’ll definitely have to check on Vancouver 🙂

    • wanderbeforewhat
      Author
      October 10, 2015 / 9:01 am

      Hi Kate,

      You’ll love them both, but if you’re more interested in the small cities, Canada sure has lots of those 🙂 Maybe plan a road trip!?

      ~Sarah Lynn

  4. Christine
    August 27, 2016 / 1:21 pm

    We want to immigrate to Canada! We still aren’t clear in where we should plan to settle. I love a city vibe, but we would like to have a family in the new future…

  5. FD
    October 18, 2017 / 5:14 pm

    This is a good article! Other differences I see:

    – Because of its size, there are simply more jobs in Toronto. I am not a young guy anymore, but I had 4 job offers in 2 months after I was laid off from my IT job in Toronto. Would I have found the same success in Vancouver?

    – Vancouver is simply a more beautiful city with the mountains and the Pacific Ocean right next door.

    – In my opinion, people are less stressed and more polite in Vancouver. Toronto is more of a rat race.

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