A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Aspen vs. Toronto for Food, Nightlife, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Aspen or Toronto?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Aspen and Toronto can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Aspen

Aspen is a vibrant, artsy, and outdoorsy ski town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. Aspen is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. Other reasons to visit include food, hiking, and shopping. See Aspen travel costs.

Toronto

Toronto is a vibrant, cultural, and diverse city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Toronto travel costs.

Aspen and Toronto: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Aspen or Toronto?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Toronto than Aspen, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Toronto is better known for its museums and attractions, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Aspen is more popular for its skiing, food, music, resorts, hiking, christmas markets, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Aspen is well known for its world-class skiing, many food, film, and music festivals, and its stunning mountain hikes. Toronto is well known for its art and culture, diverse cuisine, and multi-cultural population. Also, Toronto is famous for the CN Tower.

How is Aspen different from Toronto?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Toronto and Aspen. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Aspen or Toronto Better for Skiing?

Aspen is terrific for skiing and snowboarding. However, Toronto is not a skiing destination.

Visitors will find world class skiing in Aspen. Near the town, there are 4 separate ski resorts. In town you'll find Aspen Mountain, which is known for it's black-diamond runs. Aspen Highlands, a couple miles away, has a mix of slopes and is less crowded. Buttermilk attracts many freestyle skiers and Aspen Snowmass is considered one of the best family-friendly ski areas.

Toronto is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Aspen or Toronto?

Toronto is renowned for its museums and landmarks. However, Aspen does not have museums and landmarks.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Toronto on the map. The city is filled with landmarks and museums such as the CN Tower and the Royal Ontario Museum. Ripley's Aquarium is a highlight for many visitors. It's near the CN Tower and has an underwater tunnel. The city is also filled with art galleries and cultural sights. Another must is a visit to Casa Loma and, of course, the Toronto Zoo.

Aspen does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Aspen or Toronto? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Aspen is terrific for its restaurants. Also, Toronto is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Many restaurants in Aspen have been singled out for their culinary prowess. The town hosts many food festivals and there is a growing selection of diverse restaurants. In town you'll find cafes and restaurants that cater to both the local crowd and the travelers who flock to the area during peak seasons.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Toronto. The food scene is as diverse as the city itself. You'll find classic Canadian favorites like peameal bacon sandwiches and beavertails, as well as almost any international cuisine you could want. Make sure you try the dim sum, roti, and street hot dogs.

Is Aspen or Toronto Better for Nightlife?

Toronto is renowned for its evening party scene. Also, Aspen is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

Toronto is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. It's a diverse nightlife scene, with upscale lounges, dive bars, live music, and high energy nightclubs. Popular areas for nightlife include King Street, the Ossington Strip, College Street, and Kensington Market.

The nightlife in Aspen has something for everybody. The people in Aspen know how to have a good time. The nightlife scene includes craft beer, live music, and dancing. There's a local vibe, particularly during the off-season times when the tourist crowds are less.

Is Aspen or Toronto Better for Music?

Aspen is a very popular place for live music. However, Toronto is not a live music destination.

It's worth checking out the music scene in Aspen while you're in town. Popular music venues in town include Silver City Mountain Saloon and Belly Up Aspen.

Toronto is not a live music destination.

Is Aspen or Toronto Better for Resorts?

Aspen is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Toronto is not a resort destination.

In Aspen, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. Popular resorts in the area include The Little Nell, Hotel Jerome, and St. Regis Aspen.

Toronto is not a resort destination.

Is Aspen or Toronto Better for Hiking?

Aspen is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Toronto is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Aspen. During the summer and fall seasons, hiking is a great way to explore Aspen's nearby beauty. Popular trails include the Ute Trail, the Lost Man Trail, and the famous Maroon Bells Scenic Trail.

Toronto is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Aspen or Toronto?

Toronto is renowned for its shopping areas. Also, Aspen is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

Toronto is a world class destination for shoppers. Shopping is huge here, with plenty of options available that range from large malls to vintage stores or flea markets. Eaton Center on Yonge Street is a major shopping area. Yonge Street is also home to more than 600 retail stores.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Aspen. There are many great local shops and art galleries where you can pick interesting items or fine art.

Is Aspen or Toronto More Beautiful?

Aspen is a very popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Toronto is not a destination known for its beauty.

Aspen is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Surrounded by the mountains and set amongst a beautiful natural setting, this town will take your breath away.

Toronto is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Aspen or Toronto Better for Families?

Toronto is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Aspen is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Toronto is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will enjoy the city's many family-friendly museums like the Royal Ontario Museum or the Ontario Science Center. Younger kids will have fun playing at the Centreville Theme Park while all ages will love a day at Canada's Wonderland. Black Creek Pioneer Village is a highlight for many families as well.

Aspen offers lots of family activities. Families that enjoy skiing together, hiking, rock climbing, and having adventures will enjoy a visit to this town. Aspen Mountain is not a great option for beginning skiers, but further away, Aspen Snowmass offers good beginner slopes.

Is Aspen or Toronto Better for Couples?

Both Aspen and Toronto are great destinations for a couple's getaway.

Couples visit Aspen frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Aspen is both a popular ski destination as well as an established town. There are many great restaurants and activities that couples can enjoy and the setting is cute and very scenic, making it a beautiful and romantic destination.

Toronto is a great ski town if you're traveling as a couple. This city is full of energy, and couples can enjoy amazing meals, impressive shows, and romantic outings. You can picnic at a park or check out the view from CN Tower. There are also dinner cruises and live theater.

Is Aspen or Toronto Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Toronto is a great destination for backpackers. However, Aspen is a ski town with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Toronto is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. There are a number of hostels around town and there's often a good crowd of backpackers.

Aspen is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Because it is both a town and a ski resort, there are a couple of more affordable accommodation options. Even so, this is an expensive destination that isn't always ideal for budget travelers.

Is Aspen or Toronto Better for Students?

Toronto is renowned for students. However, Aspen is not popular with students.

Toronto is a very popular city for students. The city has a good number of universities that attract students from around the globe. This is a very livable city with a lot of diversity and plenty of entertainment options.

Aspen is not popular with students.

Is Aspen or Toronto Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Toronto is renowned for its public transit. Also, Aspen is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Toronto has a great public transit system. Union Station is the hub of the city's transportation system, which includes subways, buses and streetcars.

While Aspen offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are several shuttle buses around the town.

Is Aspen or Toronto a more walkable city?

Aspen and Toronto both are great when exploring on foot.

Aspen is a very walkable destination. The town is compact enough that it can be explored on foot. If you're planning to head into the mountains to hike, you'll likely need a car.

Toronto is very walkable. It's a pedestrian-friendly city that is great for exploring on foot. The waterfront area has a walkway and there are cycling trails around town as well.

For even more information, also check out Is Aspen Worth Visiting? and Is Toronto Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Toronto or Aspen?

How long in Aspen or Toronto?

Both Aspen and Toronto have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Toronto than in Aspen. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Aspen, and 3-7 days is enough time in Toronto.

Couples should spend more time in Aspen than Toronto. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Aspen that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Toronto than Aspen if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Toronto.

One day in Aspen or Toronto?

Aspen is a small town with plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This ski town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Each neighborhood in Toronto has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Aspen or Toronto?

Aspen might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Toronto. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Aspen or Toronto?

Aspen is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Aspen has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Toronto is a fun place to experience. Each neighborhood in Toronto has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Aspen or Toronto?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Aspen. Since Aspen is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. It's also a relaxing resort destination. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Each neighborhood in Toronto has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best Northern Lights Tours in Canada, and The Best Luxury Tours to Canada.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Aspen and Toronto, we can see that Aspen is more expensive. And not only is Toronto much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Toronto would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Toronto and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Aspen would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Aspen than you might in Toronto.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Aspen Expensive? and Is Toronto Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Aspen or Toronto?

Toronto has a larger population, and is about 800 times larger than the population of Aspen. When comparing the sizes of Aspen and Toronto, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.