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

Should you visit Lake District National Park or Toronto?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Lake District National Park and Toronto. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Lake District National Park

Lake District National Park is a beautiful, spectacular, and relaxing national park. Lake District National Park is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include food and hiking. See Lake District National Park 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.

Lake District National Park and Toronto: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Good for hiking
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • 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 Lake District National Park or Toronto?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Toronto than Lake District National Park, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Toronto is better known for its museums and attractions, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Lake District National Park is more popular for its hiking and impressive beauty. Lake District National Park is well known for its mountains, lakes, stunning natural beauty, and amazing 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 Lake District National Park different from Toronto?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Lake District National Park
Toronto

Toronto is a world-class destination for its museums and history. However, Lake District National Park does not have 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.

Lake District National Park does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Lake District National Park
Toronto

Foodies will find both Lake District National Park and Toronto both to be very good destinations.

Lake District National Park has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. There's a long history of culinary arts in the region and you'll enjoy locally sourced ingredients at many restaurants. There are also a number of Michelin starred restaurants to choose from.

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.

Is Lake District National Park or Toronto Better for Nightlife?

Lake District National Park
Toronto

Toronto is a world-class destination for its evening party scene. However, Lake District National Park is lacking in options for nightlife.

People head to Toronto just to party. 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 Lake District National Park. There are some places to grab a drink in Kendal, but not much else in the form of nightlife.

Is Lake District National Park or Toronto Better for Hiking?

Lake District National Park
Toronto

Lake District National Park is terrific for its hiking trails. However, Toronto is not a hiking destination.

Around Lake District National Park visitors will find world-class hiking trails. There's a huge selection of hikes to choose from in the area, ranging from easy strolls to more strenuous climbs. The park offers some of the best hiking in the country and you can spend days exploring. Some of the favorite hikes in the area include Scafell Pike, Helvellyn, and Catbells.

Toronto is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Lake District National Park or Toronto?

Lake District National Park
Toronto

Toronto is a world-class destination for its shopping areas. However, Lake District National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Lake District National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Lake District National Park or Toronto More Beautiful?

Lake District National Park
Toronto

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

Lake District National Park is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. The park offers some of the best scenery in the area and this is arguably one of the best national parks in the country.

Toronto is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Lake District National Park or Toronto Better for Families?

Lake District National Park
Toronto

Both Lake District National Park and Toronto are very good family-friendly destinations.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Lake District National Park. Kids will enjoy getting out in nature as much as the adults do. They can stretch their legs and run around, or you can check out some of the family-friendly activities in the area. Popular options include the Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway, the World of Beatrix Potter, Wray Castle, and the adventure park Brockhole on Windermere. There's also Lakes Aquarium, Lake District Wildlife Park, and Lake District Coast Aquarium for animal lovers.

Toronto is 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.


Is Lake District National Park or Toronto Better for Couples?

Lake District National Park
Toronto

Lake District National Park and Toronto both very good destinations for a couple.

Lake District National Park makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. One of the most impressive national parks in the country, couples will enjoy hiking, camping, and exploring this stunning setting. Whether you're watching the sunset from a mountaintop or enjoy a relaxing boat ride on the water, this park is a perfect place to relax.

Couples visit Toronto frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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 Lake District National Park or Toronto Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lake District National Park
Toronto

Lake District 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 Lake District National Park. There are plenty of camping options throughout the park with a range of hookup facilities to meet everyone's needs. Waterfront campsites are also available.

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

Is Lake District National Park or Toronto Better for Students?

Lake District National Park
Toronto

Toronto is a world-class destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Lake District National Park is not popular with students.

Toronto is a very popular place to visit 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.

Lake District National Park is not popular with students.


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

Lake District National Park
Toronto

Toronto is a world-class destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Lake District National Park is lacking in options for its public transit.

With a huge network, the transit system in Toronto can get you around easily. Union Station is the hub of the city's transportation system, which includes subways, buses and streetcars.

Public transit is generally limited in Lake District National Park. There are shuttlebuses in parts of the park.

Is Lake District National Park or Toronto a more walkable city?

Lake District National Park
Toronto

Toronto is an excellent place to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Lake District National Park is lacking in 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.

Lake District National Park is not a walkable national park. The park is large and requires a vehicle to get around.

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

Should I spend more time in Toronto or Lake District National Park?

How long in Lake District National Park or Toronto?

Both Lake District National Park and Toronto have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Toronto has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Toronto than Lake District National Park. However, 3-7 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Toronto than Lake District 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 Lake District 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 Lake District 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 Lake District National Park or Toronto? Ideal Length of Stay
    Lake District National Park 3-7 
    Toronto 3-7

One day in Lake District National Park or Toronto?

In Lake District National Park, you'll find food. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. This national 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. One day 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.


A weekend in Lake District National Park or Toronto?

In Lake District National Park, you'll find food. 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. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Many people visit Toronto for a weekend. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Lake District National Park or Toronto?

Lake District National Park is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Lake District National Park has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Toronto is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Many people spend five days here. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Lake District National Park or Toronto?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Lake District National Park. In Lake District National Park, you'll find food. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Toronto, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for one week. One week is often enough time to do most activities. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from London, The Best 2-Week Tours from Edinburgh, The Best Northern Lights Tours in Canada, and The Best Luxury Tours to Canada.


Which place is cheaper, Toronto or Lake District National Park?

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

  • Lake District National Park Prices
    UK Prices
    Toronto Prices
    Canada Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Lake District National Park £96
    Toronto £184

The average daily cost (per person) in Lake District National Park is £96, while the average daily cost in Toronto is £184. 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 Lake District National Park and Toronto in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Lake District National Park £39
    Toronto £63
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Lake District National Park £78
    Toronto £126
Compare Hotels in Lake District National Park and Toronto

Looking for a hotel in Lake District 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 Lake District 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.
    Lake District National Park £33
    Toronto £24

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Toronto

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


  • Airport Shuttle
    £19
  • Train: 2 Day Passes
    £12

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Toronto

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

  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Toronto APT-HTL (YYZ): $111
  • Transfer from Toronto City Center to Pearson Airport(YYZ): $53
  • Transfer from Pearson Airport(YYZ) to Toronto City Center: $53
  • Transfer Toronto,Canada (Downtown) to Niagara on the Lake,Canada: $177
  • Transfer Toronto,Canada (Downtown) to Niagara Falls, Canada: $176
  • Transfer Toronto Pearson International Airport YYZ to Niagara-on-the-Lake,Canada: $160
  • Transfer Toronto Pearson International Airport YYZ to Niagara Falls, Canada: $160
  • Transfer Toronto Hotels to Toronto Pearson Airport YYZ: $41
  • Shuttle Transfer Between Downtown and Niagara Falls: $112
  • Private Transfer to Niagara Falls: $176
  • Private Transfer to Niagara Falls: $155
  • Private Transfer to Kingston City or Queen's Unive…: $816

Is it cheaper to fly into Lake District National Park or Toronto?

Prices for flights to both Toronto and Lake District 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
    Lake District National Park £36
    Toronto £83

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
    £17
  • Dinner at Mill Street Brewery (for 2)
    £41

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.
    Lake District National Park £20
    Toronto £23

Tours and Activities in Lake District National Park

For Lake District National Park, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • 3-Hours Via Ferrata Experience in Keswick: $150
  • Ghyll Scrambling Water Adventure in the Lake District: $95
  • Northern Lake District: Self Guided Walking Tour of Keswick: $7.99
  • Ullswater Lake District Return Cruise from Glenridding Pier: $33

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
    £11
  • CN Tower at night for Two
    £26
  • Harbour Dinner Cruise
    £19
  • Bata Shoe Museum (2)
    £5.37

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: $110
  • Historic Brothels of Old Toronto Walking Tour: $21
  • 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: $24
  • 14-Minute Helicopter Tour Over Toronto: $240
  • 3hr Shared Sailing Adventure: $175
  • 60-Minute Toronto Luxury Yacht Sightseeing Prosecco Cruise!: $106
  • 60-Minute Toronto Sightseeing Harbour Tour: $27
  • 7-Minute Helicopter Tour over Toronto: $134
  • Action Film and Television Locations Half Day Tour in Toronto: $149
  • Admission Ticket: Explore Canada in Miniature Scale: $33

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Lake District National Park £4.64
    Toronto £16

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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Lake District National Park and Toronto, we can see that Toronto is more expensive. And not only is Lake District National Park much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Lake District National Park is in Europe and Toronto is in North America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Lake District National Park would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Lake District National Park 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 Toronto would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Toronto than you might in Lake District National Park.

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



When is the best time to visit Lake District 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 Lake District National Park or Toronto in the Summer?

Both Toronto and Lake District National Park are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Lake District National Park for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Toronto because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Lake District National Park is cooler than Toronto. Typically, the summer temperatures in Lake District National Park in July average around 15°C (59°F), and Toronto averages at about 21°C (70°F).

It's quite sunny in Toronto. Lake District National Park usually receives less sunshine than Toronto during summer. Lake District National Park gets 159 hours of sunny skies, while Toronto receives 281 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Lake District National Park usually receives more rain than Toronto. Lake District National Park gets 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Toronto receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Lake District National Park 15°C (59°F) 
    Toronto 21°C (70°F)

Should I visit Lake District National Park or Toronto in the Autumn?

Both Toronto and Lake District National Park during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Lake District National Park because of the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Toronto this time of year.

In October, Lake District National Park is generally around the same temperature as Toronto. Daily temperatures in Lake District National Park average around 10°C (49°F), and Toronto fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In the autumn, Lake District National Park often gets less sunshine than Toronto. Lake District National Park gets 69 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toronto receives 153 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Lake District National Park. Lake District National Park usually gets more rain in October than Toronto. Lake District National Park gets 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain, while Toronto receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Lake District National Park 10°C (49°F) 
    Toronto 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Lake District National Park or Toronto in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Lake District National Park and Toronto. The cuisine are the main draw to Lake District National Park this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Toronto for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Toronto. It's quite cold in Lake District National Park in the winter. Lake District National Park is much warmer than Toronto in the winter. The daily temperature in Lake District National Park averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Toronto fluctuates around -4°C (25°F).

Lake District National Park usually receives less sunshine than Toronto during winter. Lake District National Park gets 40 hours of sunny skies, while Toronto receives 87 hours of full sun in the winter.

Lake District National Park gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Lake District National Park usually receives more rain than Toronto. Lake District National Park gets 165 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Toronto receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Lake District National Park 3°C (38°F) 
    Toronto -4°C (25°F)

Should I visit Lake District National Park or Toronto in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Lake District National Park as well as Toronto. Many travelers come to Lake District National Park for the natural beauty. Additionally, many visitors come to Toronto in the spring for the activities around the city.

In the spring, Lake District National Park is around the same temperature as Toronto. Typically, the spring temperatures in Lake District National Park in April average around 7°C (45°F), and Toronto averages at about 7°C (44°F).

In the spring, Lake District National Park often gets less sunshine than Toronto. Lake District National Park gets 134 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toronto receives 179 hours of full sun.

Lake District National Park usually gets more rain in April than Toronto. Lake District National Park gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Toronto receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Lake District National Park 7°C (45°F) 
    Toronto 7°C (44°F)

Typical Weather for Toronto and Lake District National Park

Lake District National Park Toronto
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (38°F) 165 mm (6.5 in) -4°C (25°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Feb 3°C (38°F) 111 mm (4.4 in) -4°C (26°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Mar 5°C (41°F) 136 mm (5.4 in) 1°C (34°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Apr 7°C (45°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 7°C (44°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
May 10°C (51°F) 95 mm (3.7 in) 12°C (54°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Jun 13°C (56°F) 93 mm (3.7 in) 18°C (64°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Jul 15°C (59°F) 99 mm (3.9 in) 21°C (70°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Aug 15°C (58°F) 132 mm (5.2 in) 21°C (69°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Sep 12°C (54°F) 150 mm (5.9 in) 17°C (62°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Oct 10°C (49°F) 163 mm (6.4 in) 11°C (51°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Nov 6°C (42°F) 151 mm (5.9 in) 5°C (41°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Dec 4°C (39°F) 164 mm (6.5 in) -1°C (30°F) 75 mm (2.9 in)