A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Fairbanks vs. Toronto for Attractions, Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Fairbanks or Toronto?

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

Should I visit Fairbanks or Toronto? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Fairbanks

Fairbanks is a remote, Arctic, and unique city. Fairbanks is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums. See Fairbanks 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. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums. See Toronto travel costs.

Fairbanks and Toronto: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Fairbanks or Toronto?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Toronto than Fairbanks, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Toronto is better known for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Fairbanks is more popular for its skiing, hiking, and impressive beauty. Toronto is more touristy than Fairbanks and is known for its art and culture, diverse cuisine, and multi-cultural population. Also, Toronto is famous for the CN Tower. Fairbanks is well known for its remote wilderness setting, access to the Arctic, unique winter sports, and popularity for seeing the northern lights.

How is Fairbanks different from Toronto?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Fairbanks or Toronto Better for Skiing?

Fairbanks is a decent place to visit for skiing and snowboarding. However, Toronto is not a skiing destination.

Locals like to visit Fairbanks to take advantage of their winter sports. The closest ski areas are the ski resorts of Fort Wainwright/Birch Hill, Moose Mountain and Skiland. The area also has dog mushing, snowshoeing, sledding, tubing and sleigh riding.

Toronto is not a skiing destination.

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

Toronto is an amazing city to visit for its museums and history. Also, Fairbanks is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Toronto has many famous sights for visitors. 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.

Fairbanks is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The city is mostly known for its outdoor activities, but you can also visit the Morris Thompson Cultural & Visitors Center, the Aurora Ice Museum, Fountainhead Auto Museum, the Museum of the North, and Pioneer Park.

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

Toronto is a very popular place for its restaurants. However, Fairbanks is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

Toronto has a number of nationally recognized food spots and 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.

Fairbanks offers some easy restaurants to choose from. Food can be expensive and of varying quality, but many restaurants use local meats and seafood. There's a surprising number of international restaurants in town as well. Also make sure you try the local specialties like reindeer sausage, Yukon gold potatoes, and Alaskan salmon.

Is Fairbanks or Toronto Better for Nightlife?

Toronto is an amazing city to visit for its evening party scene. However, Fairbanks is lacking in good options for nightlife.

Toronto has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. 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.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Fairbanks. You will find some bars around town, but for the most part, the city stays quiet at night.

Is Fairbanks or Toronto Better for Hiking?

Fairbanks 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 Fairbanks. While the town serves as a gateway to the Arctic and all that it has to offer, there are also hiking trails both in town and nearby. There are trails that connect the city's historic sites as well as day hikes that start at the edge of town.

Toronto is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Fairbanks or Toronto?

Toronto is an amazing city to visit for its shopping areas. Also, Fairbanks is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

Many people travel to Toronto specifically to go shopping. 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.

Fairbanks is a great destination for shopping. There are interesting local shops and boutiques that sell native Alaskan handmade items. You'll find "Made in Alaska" merchandise at many boutiques and souvenir shops. There are also larger retailers available in case you forgot clothing or other items at home.

Is Fairbanks or Toronto More Beautiful?

Fairbanks is terrific for its scenery and beauty. However, Toronto is not a destination known for its beauty.

Fairbanks is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. The city offers access to Alaska's interior, as well as the Arctic. The scenery is spectacular and the wildlife is abundant. Fairbanks is also the best place in Alaska to see the Northern Lights. They are best seen between the months of August and April.

Toronto is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Fairbanks or Toronto Better for Families?

Toronto is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Fairbanks is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Toronto. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Fairbanks. Kids who enjoy searching for wildlife, playing in the snow, and exploring nature will love a visit to Fairbanks. Make sure you visit the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge as well as Pioneer Park.

Is Fairbanks or Toronto Better for Couples?

Toronto is a very popular place for couples. Also, Fairbanks is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Toronto makes for a fun place to visit for 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.

Fairbanks is a nice destination for couples. Couples who enjoy hiking and nature will love a visit here. If you're hoping to see the northern lights, Fairbanks is your best destination in Alaska. Try to visit sometime between August to April for the best chance of enjoying the lights.

Is Fairbanks or Toronto Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Fairbanks and Toronto are both excellent destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Fairbanks. There are many outdoor recreation areas where backpackers can explore. Alaska, and Fairbanks in particular, can have very harsh conditions, so unless you know what you're doing, it's best to take a guide.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Toronto. There are a number of hostels around town and there's often a good crowd of backpackers.

Is Fairbanks or Toronto Better for Students?

Toronto is an amazing city to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Fairbanks is not popular with students.

Many students frequent 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.

Fairbanks is not popular with students.

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

Toronto is an amazing city to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Fairbanks is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Public transit in Toronto is top-notch. Union Station is the hub of the city's transportation system, which includes subways, buses and streetcars.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Fairbanks. There is a public bus system that connects the downtown area with the shopping areas and the university. However, you really can't rely on it to explore the region and you should have your own vehicle.

Is Fairbanks or Toronto a more walkable city?

Toronto is a very popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Fairbanks is lacking in good options for its walkability.

Toronto is a very walkable destination. 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.

Fairbanks is not a walkable city. The city was built for cars and there are very few walkable areas around town.

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

Should I spend more time in Toronto or Fairbanks?

How long in Fairbanks or Toronto?

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

Families should spend more time in Toronto than Fairbanks. 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 Fairbanks. 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 Fairbanks 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 Fairbanks or Toronto?

In Fairbanks, you'll find shopping and museums. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

People visit Toronto because there is so much to do. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Fairbanks or Toronto?

In Fairbanks, you'll find museums and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Fairbanks has to offer.

People visit Toronto because there is so much to do. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Fairbanks or Toronto?

Fairbanks is a great place to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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.

People visit Toronto because there is so much to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

A week in Fairbanks or Toronto?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Fairbanks. Many people enjoy the museums and shopping when visiting Fairbanks. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Toronto is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Toronto, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage, The Best Northern Lights Tours in Canada, and The Best Luxury Tours to Canada.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Fairbanks and Toronto, we can see that Fairbanks 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 Fairbanks would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Fairbanks 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 Fairbanks Expensive? and Is Toronto Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Fairbanks or Toronto?

Toronto has a larger population, and is about 150 times larger than the population of Fairbanks. When comparing the sizes of Fairbanks 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.

When is the best time to visit Fairbanks 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 Fairbanks or Toronto in the Summer?

Both Toronto and Fairbanks are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Fairbanks in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Toronto for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Fairbanks is cooler than Toronto. Typically, the summer temperatures in Fairbanks in July average around 64°F (18°C), and Toronto averages at about 21°C (70°F).

In July, Fairbanks usually receives less rain than Toronto. Fairbanks gets 2 inches (51 mm) of rain, while Toronto receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Fairbanks or Toronto in the Autumn?

Both Toronto and Fairbanks during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Fairbanks for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Toronto because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Fairbanks can be very cold during autumn. In October, Fairbanks is generally much colder than Toronto. Daily temperatures in Fairbanks average around 27°F (-3°C), and Toronto fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Fairbanks usually gets less rain in October than Toronto. Fairbanks gets 0.9 inches (22 mm) of rain, while Toronto receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Fairbanks or Toronto in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Fairbanks and Toronto. The winter months attract visitors to Fairbanks because of the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Toronto this time of year.

It's quite cold in Toronto in the winter. The weather in Fairbanks can be very cold. Fairbanks is much colder than Toronto in the winter. The daily temperature in Fairbanks averages around -9°F (-23°C) in January, and Toronto fluctuates around -4°C (25°F).

In January, Fairbanks usually receives less rain than Toronto. Fairbanks gets 0.5 inches (13 mm) of rain, while Toronto receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Fairbanks or Toronto in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Fairbanks as well as Toronto. The natural beauty are the main draw to Fairbanks this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Toronto for the activities around the city.

It's quite cold in Fairbanks in the spring. In the spring, Fairbanks is much colder than Toronto. Typically, the spring temperatures in Fairbanks in April average around 32°F (0°C), and Toronto averages at about 7°C (44°F).

Fairbanks usually gets less rain in April than Toronto. Fairbanks gets 0.4 inches (9 mm) of rain, while Toronto receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Toronto and Fairbanks