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

Should you visit Gatlinburg 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 Gatlinburg and Toronto can help you decide which place is right for you.

Gatlinburg

Gatlinburg is a flashy, high energy, and wild city. Other reasons to visit include skiing, nightlife, and hiking. See Gatlinburg travel costs.

Toronto

Toronto is a cultural, diverse, and vibrant city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food. See Toronto travel costs.

Gatlinburg and Toronto: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Gatlinburg or Toronto?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Toronto. Although Gatlinburg and Toronto are both popular with visitors, Toronto has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Toronto is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, shopping, and big city activities, while Gatlinburg is known for its skiing, resorts, and hiking. Gatlinburg is more touristy than Toronto and is known for its countless entertainment venues as well as its easy access to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Toronto is popular for its art and culture, diverse cuisine, and multi-cultural population. It is also home to the CN Tower.

How is Gatlinburg different from Toronto?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Gatlinburg or Toronto Better for Skiing?

Gatlinburg is a city with good options for skiing and snowboarding. However, Toronto is not a skiing destination.

Gatlinburg is a great destination for skiing with plenty areas to explore. Ober Gatlinburg is the only ski area in Tennessee. The winter activities open after Thanksgiving and include snow skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, and tubing.

Toronto is not a skiing destination.

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

Toronto is renowned for its historical sights. Also, Gatlinburg is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

Travelers visit Toronto from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. 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.

Gatlinburg offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Museums range from gaudy to quirky. Check out the Hollywood Star Cars Museum, the Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum, Ripley's Believe It or Not, the Hollywood Wax Museum, and the Titanic Museum. There's also the Gatlinburg Space Needle and the Gatlinburg SkyBridge.

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

Toronto is great for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Gatlinburg is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Gatlinburg. Staying true to form, restaurants in Gatlinburg cater to the tourist scene and serve up burgers, pizza, pancakes, and other classic favorites.

Is Gatlinburg or Toronto Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is amazing in both Gatlinburg and Toronto.

Gatlinburg is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. Live music, theatrical shows, as well as bars and clubs that stay open late into the night give this town a huge party atmosphere. During the peak season the town is packed with people looking to have a good time and you'll find tons of things to do by simply walking down the main drag.

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.

Is Gatlinburg or Toronto Better for Resorts?

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

In Gatlinburg, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. There are plenty of resorts and vacation clubs near town. Many have pools, waterslides, or hot tubs.

Toronto is not a resort destination.

Is Gatlinburg or Toronto Better for Hiking?

Gatlinburg 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 Gatlinburg. You'll need to head out of town into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, but once you're there the hiking is impressive. There are waterfall hikes, trails to viewpoints, and loops that take you through wildflowers. Some of the most popular trails include Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, Middle Prong Trail, and the Gatlinburg Trail.

Toronto is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Gatlinburg or Toronto?

Toronto is renowned for shopping. Also, Gatlinburg is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its shopping opportunities.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Toronto. 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.

Gatlinburg offers some nice shopping areas. There are tourist traps and souvenir shops around town, but you can also head to the Great Smoky Arts and Crafts Community where you can meet local artists and learn about their work.

Is Gatlinburg or Toronto Better for Families?

Toronto is great for its kid-friendly activities. However, Gatlinburg is not a family-friendly destination.

Toronto is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

Gatlinburg is not a family-friendly destination. Ober Gatlinburg is a combination ski resort and amusement park that is a highlight for many families. During the warmer season, horseback riding and waterparks are popular. There's also a Ripley's Aquarium, minigolf, and Gatlin's Fun Center. Nearby you'll find Dollywood and Pigeon Forge.

Is Gatlinburg or Toronto Better for Couples?

Both Gatlinburg and Toronto are superb destinations to visit as a couple.

Gatlinburg is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. If you're looking for a flashy and ostentatious experience, then there are all the typical activities around town - Ripley's Believe It or Not, the Gatlinburg Space Needle, or Ober Gatlinburg. For a bit more nature, you can head out of town and enjoy one of the many hiking trails. There are also breweries and wineries in the area, as well as a range of resorts.

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 Gatlinburg or Toronto Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Toronto is great for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Gatlinburg is not a good destination for backpackers.

Toronto is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are a number of hostels around town and there's often a good crowd of backpackers.

Gatlinburg is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's a touristy town with plenty of cheap motels in the area. There are also campgrounds and hiking not far away.

Is Gatlinburg or Toronto Better for Students?

Toronto is renowned for its student-friendly activities. However, Gatlinburg 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.

Gatlinburg is not popular with students.

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

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

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

Gatlinburg has a few public transit options. There's a free trolley service that offers a convenient way to get around town.

Is Gatlinburg or Toronto a more walkable city?

Gatlinburg and Toronto are superb when it comes to walkability.

Gatlinburg is very walkable. The downtown area is pedestrian-friendly and most of the attractions in town can be reached on foot. If you want to leave town, a car is a must, but in town traffic and parking can be frustrating, so walk when you can.

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.

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

Should I spend more time in Toronto or Gatlinburg?

How long in Gatlinburg or Toronto?

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

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

In Gatlinburg, you'll find skiing and nightlife. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

When visiting Toronto, people usually allow for lots of time. Anyone can find something fun to do here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Gatlinburg or Toronto?

In Gatlinburg, you'll find nightlife 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. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Gatlinburg has to offer.

When visiting Toronto, people usually allow for lots of time. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Five days in Gatlinburg or Toronto?

Gatlinburg is a great place to explore. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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.

Toronto, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Gatlinburg or Toronto?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Gatlinburg. Many people enjoy the museums and skiing when visiting Gatlinburg. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. It's also a relaxing resort destination. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Toronto is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this city makes for a great vacation. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco, The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, The Best Northern Lights Tours in Canada, and The Best Luxury Tours to Canada.

When comparing the travel costs between Gatlinburg and Toronto, we can see that Gatlinburg 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 Gatlinburg Expensive? and Is Toronto Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Gatlinburg or Toronto?

Toronto has a larger population, and is about 1100 times larger than the population of Gatlinburg. When comparing the sizes of Gatlinburg 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 Gatlinburg 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 Gatlinburg or Toronto in the Summer?

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

Gatlinburg is a little warmer than Toronto in the summer. The daily temperature in Gatlinburg averages around 81°F (27°C) in July, and Toronto fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Toronto this time of the year. In Gatlinburg, it's very sunny this time of the year. Gatlinburg usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Toronto during summer. Gatlinburg gets 294 hours of sunny skies, while Toronto receives 281 hours of full sun in the summer.

Gatlinburg gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Gatlinburg usually receives more rain than Toronto. Gatlinburg gets 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain, while Toronto receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Gatlinburg or Toronto in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Gatlinburg as well as Toronto. Many visitors come to Gatlinburg in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene. Additionally, most visitors come to Toronto for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

In the autumn, Gatlinburg is much warmer than Toronto. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Gatlinburg in October average around 63°F (17°C), and Toronto averages at about 11°C (51°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Gatlinburg this time of the year. In the autumn, Gatlinburg often gets more sunshine than Toronto. Gatlinburg gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toronto receives 153 hours of full sun.

Gatlinburg usually gets more rain in October than Toronto. Gatlinburg gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Toronto receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Gatlinburg or Toronto in the Winter?

Both Toronto and Gatlinburg are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Gatlinburg for the skiing, 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. Gatlinburg can be very cold during winter. In January, Gatlinburg is generally much warmer than Toronto. Daily temperatures in Gatlinburg average around 40°F (5°C), and Toronto fluctuates around -4°C (25°F).

Gatlinburg usually receives more sunshine than Toronto during winter. Gatlinburg gets 134 hours of sunny skies, while Toronto receives 87 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Gatlinburg. In January, Gatlinburg usually receives more rain than Toronto. Gatlinburg gets 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain, while Toronto receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Gatlinburg or Toronto in the Spring?

Both Toronto and Gatlinburg during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, the activities around the city are the main draw to Toronto this time of year.

Gatlinburg is much warmer than Toronto in the spring. The daily temperature in Gatlinburg averages around 62°F (17°C) in April, and Toronto fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

It's quite sunny in Gatlinburg. In the spring, Gatlinburg often gets more sunshine than Toronto. Gatlinburg gets 263 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toronto receives 179 hours of full sun.

Gatlinburg usually gets more rain in April than Toronto. Gatlinburg gets 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain, while Toronto receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Toronto and Gatlinburg