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

Should you visit Hershey or Toronto?

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

Should I visit Hershey 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.

Hershey

Hershey is a lighthearted, fun-filled, and playful town. Other reasons to visit include shopping and museums. See Hershey 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. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Toronto travel costs.

Hershey and Toronto: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Nice resorts
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • 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 Hershey or Toronto?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Toronto. Although Hershey 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, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Hershey is known for its resorts. Hershey is more touristy than Toronto and is popular for being the home of the Hershey's milk chocolate bar. Toronto is popular for its art and culture, diverse cuisine, and multi-cultural population. It is also home to the CN Tower.

How is Hershey different from Toronto?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Hershey
Toronto

Toronto is very popular for its museums and landmarks. Also, Hershey is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Toronto that are not to be missed. 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.

Hershey offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. In addition to Hershey's Chocolate World, there's the Hershey Story Museum, the Hershey Historic Center, and the Pennsylvania State Police Museum. There's also the AACA Museum (a car museum).


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

Hershey
Toronto

Toronto is a great destination for its restaurant scene. However, Hershey is a town with minimal options for its local flavors and cuisine.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Toronto makes for a great culinary experience. 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 Hershey. Restaurants range from casual to fine dining, and many have a very family-friendly atmosphere.

Is Hershey or Toronto Better for Nightlife?

Hershey
Toronto

Toronto is very popular for nightlife. However, Hershey is a town with minimal options for nightlife and partying.

Toronto is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. 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.

Hershey doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. Head to downtown Harrisburg for the best nightlife. You'll find some bars and casino's in the area.

Is Hershey or Toronto Better for Resorts?

Hershey
Toronto

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

In Hershey, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. There are a few of resorts affiliated with Hersheypark including a lodge, a hotel, and even camping.

Toronto is not a resort destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Hershey or Toronto?

Hershey
Toronto

Toronto is very popular for shopping. Also, Hershey is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

Toronto is a famous shopping destination with plenty of 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Hershey. You'll find shops, boutiques, and plenty of Hershey apparel that you can pick up in town.

Is Hershey or Toronto Better for Families?

Hershey
Toronto

Hershey is terrific for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Toronto is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Hershey is an extremely popular town to visit for families. Hersheypark offers family-friendly resorts and camping. There's also the themed amusement park and even a zoo. When the weather's warm there's a water park and, of course, there's the famous Hershey's Chocolate World.

Toronto is a very kid-friendly town. 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.

Is Hershey or Toronto Better for Couples?

Hershey
Toronto

With fun activities for couples, both Hershey and Toronto make for a excellent place to visit.

Couples visit Hershey frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. If you don't take yourself too seriously, couples can enjoy a fun and active few days exploring the activities in the area.

Toronto is a great 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 Hershey or Toronto Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hershey
Toronto

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

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.

Hershey is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not the most popular destination for backpackers, but there are some fun activities in the area.

Is Hershey or Toronto Better for Students?

Hershey
Toronto

Toronto is very popular for students. However, Hershey 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.

Hershey is not popular with students.

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

Hershey
Toronto

Toronto is very popular for its public transit. However, Hershey is a town with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

Toronto has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere in the city. Union Station is the hub of the city's transportation system, which includes subways, buses and streetcars.

Public transit is mostly limited in Hershey. While there is a bus system, it's very limited and most visitors do not rely on it.


Is Hershey or Toronto a more walkable city?

Hershey
Toronto

Toronto is a great destination for its walkability. However, Hershey is a town with minimal options for its high level of walkability.

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.

Hershey is generally not a very walkable town. You really need a car to get to the area's attractions.

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

Should I spend more time in Toronto or Hershey?

How long in Hershey or Toronto?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Toronto than Hershey. 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 Hershey 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 Hershey or Toronto? Ideal Length of Stay
    Hershey 2-3 
    Toronto 3-7

One day in Hershey or Toronto?

In Hershey, you'll find shopping and museums. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Because Toronto is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Hershey or Toronto?

In Hershey, you'll find museums and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Hershey has to offer.

Because Toronto is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.


Five days in Hershey or Toronto?

Hershey 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 is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Toronto has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Hershey or Toronto?

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

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Toronto. Because Toronto is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best Bicycle 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 Hershey?

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

  • Hershey Prices
    USA Prices
    Toronto Prices
    Canada Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Hershey $257
    Toronto $249

The average daily cost (per person) in Hershey is $257, 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 Hershey and Toronto in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Hershey $114
    Toronto $86
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Hershey $228
    Toronto $172
Compare Hotels in Hershey and Toronto

Looking for a hotel in Hershey 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 Hershey


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: Hershey Hotel Prices and Toronto Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Hershey $49
    Toronto $32

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hershey

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Hershey:

  • Private transfer from MDT airport to Harrisburg, Lancaster, York, Hershey: $150

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:

  • Private Transfer:- Toronto Pearson Airport to Waterloo Black Car Service: $92
  • Arrival Private Transfer: Pearson Airport YYZ to Toronto in Luxury Car: $185
  • Arrival Private Transfer: Pearson Airport YYZ to Toronto in Luxury Van: $172
  • Arrival Private Transfer: Toronto Airport YYZ to Niagara Falls in Luxury SUV: $214
  • Arrival Transfer: Pearson Airport YYZ to Toronto in Sedan Car: $167
  • Departure Private Transfer Toronto City to Toronto Airport YYZ by SUV or Minibus: $72
  • Departure Private Transfer: Toronto to Pearson Airport YYZ in Luxury Van: $147
  • Departure Transfer: Toronto to Pearson Airport YYZ in Sedan Car: $166
  • Hamilton to Toronto Pearson Airport (YYZ) - Departure Private Transfer: $137
  • Highlights of Toronto city tour with private transfers: $257
  • Low Cost :- Private Transfer Toronto Downtown to Niagara Falls Ont: $259
  • Low cost Transfer: Toronto Downtown to Niagara Falls (Lake): $657

Is it cheaper to fly into Hershey or Toronto?

Prices for flights to both Toronto and Hershey 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
    Hershey $105
    Toronto $112
Typical Food Prices in Hershey

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Hershey:


  • Frozen Hot Chocolate
    $4.19
  • Plain and Fancy Farm
    $46
  • Homemade Apple Butter
    $7.98

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Hershey

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Hershey.

  • Hershey Trolley Crawl and Evening Food Tour on a Vintage Trolley: $20
  • Hershey Trolley Food Tour Experience: $99
  • Rise and Dine Food Tour in Vintage Style Trolley: $99

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
  • Toronto's First Food Tour: Taste the World in Kensington Market: $73
  • 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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Hershey $53
    Toronto $31
Typical Entertainment Prices in Hershey

Here are a few typical costs in Hershey for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Hershey Chocolate World (for 3)
    $75

Tours and Activities in Hershey

Here are a few actual costs in Hershey for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Harrisburg's Historic Downtown Smartphone Guided Walking Tour: $9.75

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:

  • Explore Niagara Falls with bus ticket from/to Toronto: $3.58
  • Old Town Toronto Highlights 3 Hour Walking Tour | Gratuity-Based : $4.00
  • City Highlights Walking Tour | 3-Hour: $4.02
  • Graffiti in Toronto Walking Tour: $4.40
  • Downtown Toronto Walking Tour: $4.40
  • Old Town Toronto History Walking Tour: $4.44
  • Toronto Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $7.70
  • Discover Toronto's Waterfront with a Smartphone Trivia Tour!: $8.12
  • Best of Toronto and Waterfront Self-Guided Tours: $8.37
  • Historical Ghost Walk: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Downtown Hamilton: $8.99
  • Toronto Self Guided Audio Experience: $9.00
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Toronto by 3Quest Challenge: $10

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Hershey $27
    Toronto $22

Sample the Local Flavors in Toronto

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Toronto:

  • Toronto Distillery District: Whisky Exploration Game and Tour: $7.16
  • Take On Toronto Bar Crawl: $15
  • Distillery District Historic Walking Tour: $20
  • Toronto Distillery District Walking Tour: $21
  • Nickel 9 Distillery Tour and Tasting: $25
  • Illuminarium Toronto in the Distillery District: $26
  • Distillery & Old Town Private Walking Tour: $28
  • Corktown and Distillery District Tour: $29
  • 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


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


Which is Bigger, Hershey or Toronto?

Toronto has a larger population, and is about 350 times larger than the population of Hershey. When comparing the sizes of Hershey 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 Hershey or Toronto?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Hershey or Toronto in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Hershey as well as Toronto. Many visitors come to Hershey in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Toronto for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Hershey is a little warmer than Toronto in the summer. The daily temperature in Hershey averages around 77°F (25°C) in July, and Toronto fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Toronto. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hershey this time of the year. In the summer, Hershey often gets more sunshine than Toronto. Hershey gets 310 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toronto receives 281 hours of full sun.

Hershey usually gets more rain in July than Toronto. Hershey gets 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain, while Toronto receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Hershey 77°F (25°C) 
    Toronto 21°C (70°F)

Should I visit Hershey or Toronto in the Autumn?

Both Toronto and Hershey are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Hershey for the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Toronto because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Hershey is a little warmer than Toronto. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Hershey in October average around 56°F (13°C), and Toronto averages at about 11°C (51°F).

Hershey usually receives more sunshine than Toronto during autumn. Hershey gets 194 hours of sunny skies, while Toronto receives 153 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Hershey usually receives more rain than Toronto. Hershey gets 2.9 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Toronto receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Hershey 56°F (13°C) 
    Toronto 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Hershey or Toronto in the Winter?

Both Toronto and Hershey during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Hershey because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, 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 Hershey can be very cold. In January, Hershey is generally much warmer than Toronto. Daily temperatures in Hershey average around 30°F (-1°C), and Toronto fluctuates around -4°C (25°F).

In the winter, Hershey often gets more sunshine than Toronto. Hershey gets 153 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toronto receives 87 hours of full sun.

Hershey usually gets more rain in January than Toronto. Hershey gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Toronto receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Hershey 30°F (-1°C) 
    Toronto -4°C (25°F)

Should I visit Hershey or Toronto in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Hershey and Toronto. Furthermore, many travelers come to Toronto for the activities around the city.

Hershey is much warmer than Toronto in the spring. The daily temperature in Hershey averages around 53°F (12°C) in April, and Toronto fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

In Hershey, it's very sunny this time of the year. Hershey usually receives more sunshine than Toronto during spring. Hershey gets 237 hours of sunny skies, while Toronto receives 179 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Hershey usually receives more rain than Toronto. Hershey gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Toronto receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Hershey 53°F (12°C) 
    Toronto 7°C (44°F)

Typical Weather for Toronto and Hershey

Hershey Toronto
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 30°F (-1°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) -4°C (25°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Feb 33°F (0°C) 2.9 inches (75 mm) -4°C (26°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Mar 42°F (6°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 1°C (34°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Apr 53°F (12°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 7°C (44°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
May 63°F (17°C) 4.3 inches (108 mm) 12°C (54°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Jun 72°F (22°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm) 18°C (64°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Jul 77°F (25°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm) 21°C (70°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Aug 75°F (24°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm) 21°C (69°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Sep 68°F (20°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 17°C (62°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Oct 56°F (13°C) 2.9 inches (75 mm) 11°C (51°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Nov 46°F (8°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm) 5°C (41°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Dec 35°F (2°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) -1°C (30°F) 75 mm (2.9 in)