Although Canada is a large country, unlike its neighbor, the United States, it does not have many large cities or even more megacities. Today we’re going to talk about two perennial competitors in the tourism industry: Vancouver and Toronto. For most Canadians, this choice has always been hard and not always made at all. Vancouver and Toronto are two really unlike cities, separated by almost 4,500 km. The first city is in the west, the second in the east. Let’s finally decide where it’s best to relax, and to do so, let’s compare different aspects of life. So, let’s go!
CLIMATE
Vancouver has a maritime temperate continental climate. It is characterized by sparsely snowy winters (snowfall averages no more than 10 times per winter), frequent rainfall from November to March (about 50% of the days of this period are rain), and dry passing summers (rainfall is observed on no more than 20% of the days per season). Winter temperatures are preferably between +0.5 and +1.5 °C and rarely fall below -4.0 °C. The highest summer temperature in July averages +22.0 °C and rarely exceeds +30.0 °C. The most number of precipitation falls in November and is about 200 mm. Therefore, a trip to Vancouver, Canada may seem quite fascinating for people who have been too rainy Britain before.
In terms of climate, Toronto is a humid continental city. It is characterized by high precipitation during the summer and harsh snowy winters. Summer temperatures are highest in July at about +27.0 °C and often exceed +30.0 °C. The highest summer temperature ever recorded is +41.0 °C. The coldest temperature in January averages -7.0 °C, but can drop to -15.0 °C. The lowest temperature in the history of observations was measured in January and was -33.0 °C. The snowiest month of the year is January, where about 50% of the days have snow. And the highest number of days with rain is observed in May.
OPINION OF LOCAL DENIZEN
Vancouver is the second-largest city in Canada (area – 115 km², population – 650 thousand people). Gold seekers founded the city about 150 years ago during the gold rush. Residents of the city live at a relaxed pace, without much concern in their cottages, similar to houses in London, for example. In general, the city does not have many pompous skyscrapers or large enterprises. It is more a city for lovers of tourism and leisure. The most attractive part of the city is the historic center, which can be reached by car rental under 21 Vancouver on very favorable terms. Don’t forget that most of the architectural monuments are located just there.
Toronto is the largest city in Canada, with a permanent population of almost 3 million in area 630 km² away. English conquistadors once bought the modern lands of the city from local native tribes, where they founded a small port city on the shores of Lake Ontario. The city is characterized by a very high level of urbanization and a density of buildings. Many skyscrapers, shopping and business centers, and industrial enterprises are guaranteed to provide everyone with a job. Therefore, with this in mind, it is better to travel to Vancouver, Canada, because there is a real opportunity to arrange a well-remembered rest.
WHERE TO GO AND WHAT TO SEE
Vancouver is a true city of adventure. Most Vancouver travel guides give you plenty of places to stay, namely hike the wooden drawbridge over the famous Lynn Canyon, shop exotically at the local Richmond Market, visit Granville Island, or kayak across the Deep Cove River. One of the best trips to Vancouver would be a trip to a haunted house and the city’s spirit park, where you can touch the real otherworld. If you are a budget tourist, to save money on a trip to the ski resort town, it would be more advantageous to car rental in Vancouver, Canada, as it will save you time and money.
Toronto has no special attractions but many parks, zoos, water parks, amusement parks, museums, and galleries. Most of the visitors come to Niagara Falls, the famous High Park, and Toronto Island, which are quiet and peaceful in the heart of Lake Ontario. Given this, its competitor wins unequivocally, so for lovers of outdoor activities, it is better to car rental Vancouver and gets exciting adventures.
STANDARD OF LIVING
Vancouver is one of the permanent places on the list of the most expensive cities to live in the world. Today, this city ranks second in the world’s cost of living. An interesting fact is that about 60% of the city’s population are Chinese, or more precisely, former residents of Hong Kong. Vans began to emigrate here in the 1980s actively and continue today. Vancouver is also called an «Asian city» in a non-Asian country. On average, people here only overpay by 10-15% more than if they lived in another city in Canada. Therefore, master your financial costs before a trip to Vancouver.
One of the best tips on reducing your expenses, at least on driving around the city, is Vancouver car rental because it is much faster and more thrifty.
Toronto is the most cosmopolitan city in the world, as 50% of the population comprises foreigners. Of which Indians, Chinese, and Italians cause up the largest share. Several cultures and traditions of the world come together here. The cost of living is moderate, as it is profitable to live here. Many businesses and companies fill the local goods and services, which helps lower the cost of food, medicine, housing, rent, and other necessary services. You will always find someone from your home country when you are a foreigner.
CONCLUSION
Thus, which is the best place to be? Choosing between Toronto and Vancouver depends on your financial situation, aspirations, and lifestyle. For business people who are used to being always in the center of everything and willing to make a career but prefer a “passive rest” better suits Toronto, and for those who are used to driving in life, it is better to go on a trip to Vancouver. The choice is yours!
