A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Denali National Park vs. Toronto for Attractions, Backpackers, Food, and Families

Should you visit Denali National Park or Toronto?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Denali National Park and Toronto can help you decide which place is right for you.

Denali National Park

Denali National Park is a rugged, spectacular, and epic park. Denali National Park is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include hiking. See Denali National Park travel costs.

Toronto

Toronto is a diverse, vibrant, and cultural city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food. See Toronto travel costs.

Denali National Park and Toronto: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Nice resorts
  • Good for hiking
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to Denali (Mount McKinley)
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
  • Big city activities


Is there more to do in Denali National Park or Toronto?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Toronto. Although Denali National Park and Toronto are popular destinations, Toronto has more sights and attractions for tourists. Toronto is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Denali National Park attracts visitors for its resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty. Denali National Park is famous for its vast wilderness and iconic Alaskan wildlife. Toronto is famous for its art and culture, diverse cuisine, and multi-cultural population. It is also well known for the CN Tower.

How is Denali National Park different from Toronto?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Denali National Park or Toronto?

Denali National Park
Toronto

Toronto is a must-visit destination for its historical sights. However, Denali National Park is not known for its sights and museums.

The museums and tourist attractions in Toronto are world-renowned. 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.

Denali National Park offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Denali's Museum Collection includes more than 25,000 different items that reflect the region's history, culture, and geology.


Is the Food Better in Denali National Park or Toronto? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Denali National Park
Toronto

Toronto is a great city for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Denali National Park is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Toronto has a huge number of terrific restaurants. 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.

Denali National Park may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. During the summer months there are restaurants open along Highway 3 as well as the Morino Grill near the Denali Visitor Center.

Is Denali National Park or Toronto Better for Nightlife?

Denali National Park
Toronto

Toronto is a must-visit destination for nightlife and partying. However, Denali National Park is not known for its evening party scene.

Toronto is a world class party destination. 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.

People don't go to Denali National Park for the nightlife. Visitors come to the park to see the nature, not for the nightlife.

Is Denali National Park or Toronto Better for Resorts?

Denali National Park
Toronto

Denali National Park is a park with good options for its luxury resorts. However, Toronto is not a resort destination.

Denali National Park has a handful of resorts to choose from. Most visitors stay nearby the Denali Park Entrance. It has the most affordable hotels and lodges, some of which have a lot of personality. Alternatively, you could stay in the more remote area of Kantishna. These lodges are more expensive and all-inclusive, but they are also far away from most conveniences.

Toronto is not a resort destination.


Is Denali National Park or Toronto Better for Hiking?

Denali National Park
Toronto

Denali National Park is a park with good options for its hiking trails. However, Toronto is not a hiking destination.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Denali National Park. If you're looking for a marked trail, there are limited options within the park. Those that do exist are located near the park entrance and are usually just a couple of miles long. Off-trail hiking is what makes for the most memorable experience. Make sure you stop off at the visitor center for information and knowledge before you venture into the wilderness without a trail. For obvious reasons, you should fully understand what this entails before beginning your adventure.

Toronto is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Denali National Park or Toronto?

Denali National Park
Toronto

Toronto is a must-visit destination for its shopping opportunities. However, Denali National Park is not known for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, Toronto draws large crowds to its stores. 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.

Denali National Park has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. There are several park stores and shops in and near the park where you can pick up gifts, books, and souvenirs.

Is Denali National Park or Toronto More Beautiful?

Denali National Park
Toronto

Denali National Park is terrific for its scenery and beauty. However, Toronto is not a destination known for its beauty.

Denali National Park is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Home to the highest peak in North America, the park is famous for its dramatic beauty and rugged landscapes.

Toronto is not a destination known for its beauty.


Is Denali National Park or Toronto Better for Families?

Denali National Park
Toronto

Toronto is a great city for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Denali National Park is not as popular, but is still a nice park for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Toronto is very family-friendly. 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.

Denali National Park is a family-friendly place to visit. Most people visit the park as part of a tour, so it's important to book a tour that is designed with families in mind. This will help ensure the kids stay entertained even during long bus rides.

Is Denali National Park or Toronto Better for Couples?

Denali National Park
Toronto

Both Denali National Park and Toronto are superb destinations to visit as a couple.

Denali National Park is a great park if you're traveling as a couple. Couples who enjoy outdoor adventures and stunning scenery will find the ultimate romance in this impressive park.

Toronto is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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 Denali National Park or Toronto Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Denali National Park
Toronto

Denali National Park is terrific for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Toronto is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent Denali National Park. There are millions of acres in the park as well as campgrounds, hostels, and vast backcountry (which requires a permit).

Toronto is a great park to visit for backpackers. There are a number of hostels around town and there's often a good crowd of backpackers.


Is Denali National Park or Toronto Better for Students?

Denali National Park
Toronto

Toronto is a must-visit destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Denali National Park is not popular with students.

Students come from all over the world to visit Toronto. 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.

Denali National Park is not popular with students.

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

Denali National Park
Toronto

Toronto is a must-visit destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Denali National Park is not known for its public transit.

Toronto has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. Union Station is the hub of the city's transportation system, which includes subways, buses and streetcars.

Public transit is generally limited in Denali National Park. There are free shuttle buses that leave from the entrance area, but many visitors organize a tour to get around.

Is Denali National Park or Toronto a more walkable city?

Denali National Park
Toronto

Toronto is a great city for its high level of walkability. However, Denali National Park is not known for its ease of walking around.

Toronto is a very walkable city. 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.

Denali National Park is not a walkable park. The park is vast and you need some form of transportation to get around, whether it's a private vehicle or a pre-arranged tour.


For even more information, also check out Is Denali National Park Worth Visiting? and Is Toronto Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Toronto or Denali National Park?

How long in Denali National Park or Toronto?

Both Denali National Park 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 Denali National Park. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Denali National Park, and 3-7 days is enough time in Toronto.

Families should spend more time in Toronto than Denali National Park. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Toronto, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Toronto than Denali National Park 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.


  • How many days in Denali National Park or Toronto? Ideal Length of Stay
    Denali National Park 2-4 
    Toronto 3-7

One day in Denali National Park or Toronto?

In Denali National Park, you'll find . This park offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Toronto is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Denali National Park or Toronto?

In Denali National Park, you'll find . The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Denali National Park has to offer.

Toronto is a fun place to experience. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Denali National Park or Toronto?

Denali National Park is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Many people visit Toronto for five days. Toronto is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.


A week in Denali National Park or Toronto?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Denali National Park. Many people enjoy the when visiting Denali National Park. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Toronto is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. Many people spend one week here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Toronto, one week is sufficent for most.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in United States of America, The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America, The Best Northern Lights Tours in Canada, and The Best Luxury Tours to Canada.


Which place is cheaper, Toronto or Denali National Park?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Denali National Park Prices
    USA Prices
    Toronto Prices
    Canada Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Denali National Park $260
    Toronto $249

The average daily cost (per person) in Denali National Park is $260, while the average daily cost in Toronto is $249. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Denali National Park and Toronto in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Denali National Park $116
    Toronto $86
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Denali National Park $232
    Toronto $172
Compare Hotels in Denali National Park and Toronto

Looking for a hotel in Denali National Park or Toronto? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Denali National Park


Hotels in Toronto


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Toronto Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Denali National Park $76
    Toronto $32

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Toronto

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Toronto are as follows:


  • Airport Shuttle
    $26
  • Train: 2 Day Passes
    $16

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Toronto

Also for Toronto, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Toronto Pearson Airport (YYZ) Transfer to Downtown Montreal: $1,618
  • Toronto Pearson Airport (YYZ) Transfer to Kingston: $856
  • Private Transfer to Kingston City or Queen's Unive…: $816
  • Niagara Falls: Private Transfer to/from Toronto Airport: $700
  • Pearson Airport to Blue Mountain Resort Transfer: $666
  • Low cost Transfer: Toronto Downtown to Niagara Falls (Lake): $657
  • Guided layover and stopover tour with transfers.: $500
  • Pvt. Transfer St. Catharines Airport to Pearson Int Airport: $476
  • Toronto Pearson Airport (YYZ) Transfer to Niagara Falls: $442
  • Toronto Pearson Airport (YYZ) Transfer to Port Hope: $439
  • Private Transfer to and from Kitchener Waterloo Region - Toronto Pearson Airport: $294
  • Toronto Pearson Airport (YYZ) Transfer to Hamilton: $281

Is it cheaper to fly into Denali National Park or Toronto?

Prices for flights to both Toronto and Denali National Park change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Denali National Park $98
    Toronto $112

Typical Food Prices in Toronto

For Toronto, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Lunch at St. Lawrence Market for Two
    $23
  • Dinner at Mill Street Brewery (for 2)
    $56

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Toronto

For Toronto, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Premium Harbor Cruise with Lunch, Brunch, or Dinner: $46
  • Great White North Food Tour: $54
  • Great White North Toronto Food Tour: $55
  • Pasta Making Cooking Class at a Local Distillery: $61
  • Toronto Delicious Donut Adventure and Walking Food Tour: $65
  • Toronto Premier Dinner Cruise on Odyssey in Toronto Harbour: $66
  • St Lawrence Market Food Tour with 6 Food Tastings: $71
  • Kensington Market 'Taste the World' Food Tour: $72
  • Must-Do Toronto Food Tour by Toronto's First Food Tour Company: $73
  • St Lawrence Market Food Tour with 6 Tastings: $78
  • French Bistro Cooking Class in Toronto (Includes 3-Course Meal): $80
  • Niagara Falls Evening Tour with Boat, Journey, Dinner & Fireworks: $81

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Denali National Park $30
    Toronto $31

Tours and Activities in Denali National Park

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Denali National Park.

  • 2.5-Hour Denali Wilderness ATV Adventure Tour: $135
  • 3 Hour Naturalist Walking Tour in Denali National Park: $139
  • 4 Hour Off-Trail Hiking Tour in Denali: $209
  • 5-Hour Mountain Hiking Tour in the Alaska Range - Denali Area: $199
  • Alaskan Back Country Side by Side ATV Adventure with Meal: $163
  • Classic ATV Adventure with Back Country Dining: $163
  • Denali 4 Hour Hiking Adventure with Naturalist Guide: $160
  • Denali 5 Hour Hiking Tour with Naturalist Guide: $182
  • Denali ATV Trailblazer 3.5 Hour Tour : $178
  • Denali Husky Kennel & Brewpub Visit – Half-Day Experience: $130
  • Denali Naturalist Walking Tour: $132
  • Denali Park Zipline Adventure: $190

Typical Entertainment Prices in Toronto

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Toronto's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Art Gallery of Ontario for Two
    $15
  • CN Tower at night for Two
    $36
  • Harbour Dinner Cruise
    $26
  • Bata Shoe Museum (2)
    $7.26

Tours and Activities in Toronto

For Toronto, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Casual Tour of Toronto by Land, Sky and Sea: $111
  • 1 Day City Sightseeing Tour at Toronto City: $69
  • 1-Hour Private Guided Photography Tour in Toronto: $296
  • 1-Hour Toronto Harbour Tour with Live Narration: $25
  • 14-Minute Helicopter Tour Over Toronto: $240
  • 3hr Shared Sailing Adventure: $177
  • 60-Minute Toronto Sightseeing Harbour Tour: $28
  • 7-Minute Helicopter Tour over Toronto: $135
  • Action Film and Television Locations Half Day Tour in Toronto: $150
  • Admission Ticket: Explore Canada in Miniature Scale: $33
  • Algonquin Park Hiking: Adventure Tour from Toronto: $151
  • Algonquin Park and Ragged Falls Hike and Canoe Adventure: $104

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Denali National Park $12
    Toronto $22

Sample the Local Flavors in Toronto

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Toronto:

  • Distillery District Historic Walking Tour: $20
  • Nickel 9 Distillery Tour and Tasting: $25
  • Illuminarium Toronto in the Distillery District: $26
  • Distillery & Old Town Private Walking Tour: $28
  • Short Distillery District Segway Tour: $35
  • 30-Minute Distillery District Segway Tour: $36
  • Toronto Distillery & Old Town Walking Tour With A Guide: $42
  • Toronto Distillery District Self-Guided Walking Tour: $43
  • Pub Crawl Toronto: $44
  • Pub Crawl Toronto: $44
  • Distillery District Breakfast Walking Tour: $53
  • Distillery District Breakfast Tour: $54


When comparing the travel costs between Denali National Park and Toronto, we can see that Denali National Park is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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



When is the best time to visit Denali National Park or Toronto?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Denali National Park or Toronto in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Denali National Park and Toronto. Many travelers come to Denali National Park for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Toronto in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Denali National Park is generally cooler than Toronto. Daily temperatures in Denali National Park average around 60°F (15°C), and Toronto fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

In July, Denali National Park usually receives more rain than Toronto. Denali National Park gets 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain, while Toronto receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Denali National Park 60°F (15°C) 
    Toronto 21°C (70°F)

Should I visit Denali National Park or Toronto in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Denali National Park as well as Toronto. Many visitors come to Denali National Park in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Toronto for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

Denali National Park can get quite cold in the autumn. Denali National Park is much colder than Toronto in the autumn. The daily temperature in Denali National Park averages around 32°F (0°C) in October, and Toronto fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Denali National Park usually gets more rain in October than Toronto. Denali National Park gets 3.1 inches (79 mm) of rain, while Toronto receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Denali National Park 32°F (0°C) 
    Toronto 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Denali National Park or Toronto in the Winter?

Both Toronto and Denali National Park are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Denali National Park for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Toronto because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Toronto can be very cold. Denali National Park can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Denali National Park is much colder than Toronto. Typically, the winter temperatures in Denali National Park in January average around 11°F (-12°C), and Toronto averages at about -4°C (25°F).

In January, Denali National Park usually receives less rain than Toronto. Denali National Park gets 1.3 inches (33 mm) of rain, while Toronto receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Denali National Park 11°F (-12°C) 
    Toronto -4°C (25°F)

Should I visit Denali National Park or Toronto in the Spring?

Both Toronto and Denali National Park during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Denali National Park because of the natural beauty. Furthermore, the activities around the city are the main draw to Toronto this time of year.

The weather in Denali National Park can be very cold. In April, Denali National Park is generally much colder than Toronto. Daily temperatures in Denali National Park average around 34°F (1°C), and Toronto fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

Denali National Park usually gets less rain in April than Toronto. Denali National Park gets 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain, while Toronto receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Denali National Park 34°F (1°C) 
    Toronto 7°C (44°F)

Typical Weather for Toronto and Denali National Park

Denali National Park Toronto
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 11°F (-12°C) 1.3 inches (33 mm) -4°C (25°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Feb 16°F (-9°C) 1.4 inches (37 mm) -4°C (26°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Mar 23°F (-5°C) 1.5 inches (37 mm) 1°C (34°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Apr 34°F (1°C) 1.6 inches (41 mm) 7°C (44°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
May 46°F (8°C) 1.7 inches (42 mm) 12°C (54°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Jun 56°F (13°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm) 18°C (64°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Jul 60°F (15°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm) 21°C (70°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Aug 56°F (14°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm) 21°C (69°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Sep 47°F (9°C) 4.2 inches (108 mm) 17°C (62°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Oct 32°F (0°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm) 11°C (51°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Nov 18°F (-8°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm) 5°C (41°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Dec 13°F (-11°C) 1.9 inches (49 mm) -1°C (30°F) 75 mm (2.9 in)