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

Should you visit Mazatlan or Toronto?

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

Should I visit Mazatlan 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.

Mazatlan

Mazatlan is a historical, cultural, and authentic city. Other reasons to visit include beaches, shopping, and museums. See Mazatlan 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. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Toronto travel costs.

Mazatlan and Toronto: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Mazatlan or Toronto?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Toronto than Mazatlan. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Toronto is very popular for its museums and attractions, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Mazatlan attracts visitors for its scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and historical sights. Toronto is more touristy than Mazatlan and is popular for its art and culture, diverse cuisine, and multi-cultural population. It is also well known for the CN Tower. Mazatlan is famous for its historic center, authenticity, and surfing areas.

How is Mazatlan different from Toronto?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Toronto is a world-class destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Mazatlan is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Toronto are among the most recognizable in the world. 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.

Many visitors head to Mazatlan specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. There are colonial buildings around the Centro Historico. You should also check out the Historic Cathedral and the Angela Peralta Theater.

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

Foodies will find both Mazatlan and Toronto both to be excellent destinations.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Mazatlan. Stewed meats and shrimp are a big part of the cuisine here. Many recipes have a little bit of spice. The restaurants around town are authentic and local, making for a great dining experience.

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.

Is Mazatlan or Toronto Better for Nightlife?

Toronto is a world-class destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Mazatlan is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

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.

If you're looking for night time activities Mazatlan has a few options to choose from. There are plenty of bars and clubs around town, particularly along the beach. Like anywhere else, remember to stay cautious late at night around town. This is considered to be one of the less safe parts of Mexico.

Is Mazatlan or Toronto Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Mazatlan is a city with good options for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Toronto is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life in Mazatlan. Most of the diving takes place around the Pajaros, Venados and Lobos islands. This is where you'll see the most tropical fish.

Toronto is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Mazatlan or Toronto Better for Beaches?

Mazatlan is a very popular place for its beaches. However, Toronto is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Mazatlan attract visitors from all over. There are many stretches of beach around town. Most notable is the 13 miles that run along Malecon where there's a boardwalk. Surfing is also popular in the area.

Toronto is not a beach destination.

Is Mazatlan or Toronto Better for its Old Town?

Mazatlan is a very popular place for its historic old town. However, Toronto does not have a historic old town.

Mazatlan is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. It's a historic port city with a charming colonial old town.

Toronto does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Mazatlan or Toronto?

Toronto is a world-class destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Mazatlan is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Toronto make it a world-class shopping destination. 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.

Mazatlan has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are local shops, big box stores, and souvenir vendors where you can pick up anything you may need or items to commemorate your trip.

Is Mazatlan or Toronto Better for Families?

Toronto is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Mazatlan is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Toronto is a very kid-friendly city. 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.

Mazatlan offers lots of family activities. Kids will enjoy the all-inclusive resorts and the waterfront setting. There are also many cultural opportunities such as markets, history, and shows. The food is very kid-friendly as well.

Is Mazatlan or Toronto Better for Couples?

Toronto is well known for its romantic activities. Also, Mazatlan is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

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.

Mazatlan is a good city for couples to visit. The resorts are romantic and the beaches are stunning. If you're looking for an idyllic escape that also has culture, authenticity, and great food, then this is your spot.

Is Mazatlan or Toronto Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Mazatlan and Toronto are excellent places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Mazatlan is a great city to visit for backpackers. The laid back atmosphere makes this a great stopover for backpackers who want to experience the Mexican culture. Stick to the touristy areas if possible.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Toronto. There are a number of hostels around town and there's often a good crowd of backpackers.

Is Mazatlan or Toronto Better for Students?

Toronto is a world-class destination for students. However, Mazatlan 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.

Mazatlan is not popular with students.

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

Toronto is a world-class destination for its public transit. Also, Mazatlan is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

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.

While Mazatlan offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are city buses around town.

Is Mazatlan or Toronto a more walkable city?

Mazatlan and Toronto both are excellent when exploring on foot.

Mazatlan is a very walkable city. The city is relatively walkable.

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.

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

Should I spend more time in Toronto or Mazatlan?

How long in Mazatlan or Toronto?

Both Mazatlan 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 Mazatlan. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Mazatlan, and 3-7 days is enough time in Toronto.

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

In Mazatlan, you'll find shopping and museums. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Toronto is a big city with plenty to do. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Mazatlan or Toronto?

In Mazatlan, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Toronto is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Mazatlan or Toronto?

Mazatlan is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Mazatlan has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Toronto is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Toronto, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Mazatlan or Toronto?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Mazatlan. Many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting Mazatlan. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Toronto is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Toronto has to offer. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Mexico, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Mexico, The Best Northern Lights Tours in Canada, and The Best Luxury Tours to Canada.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Mazatlan and Toronto, we can see that Toronto is more expensive. And not only is Mazatlan much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Mazatlan would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Mazatlan 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 Mazatlan.

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

Which is Bigger, Mazatlan or Toronto?

Toronto has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Mazatlan. When comparing the sizes of Mazatlan 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 Mazatlan 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 Mazatlan or Toronto in the Summer?

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

In July, Mazatlan is generally a little warmer than Toronto. Daily temperatures in Mazatlan average around 29°C (83°F), 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 Mazatlan this time of the year. In the summer, Mazatlan often gets less sunshine than Toronto. Mazatlan gets 216 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toronto receives 281 hours of full sun.

Mazatlan receives a lot of rain in the summer. Mazatlan usually gets more rain in July than Toronto. Mazatlan gets 199 mm (7.8 in) of rain, while Toronto receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Mazatlan or Toronto in the Autumn?

Both Toronto and Mazatlan are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Mazatlan 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.

Mazatlan is much warmer than Toronto in the autumn. The daily temperature in Mazatlan averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Toronto fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Mazatlan. Mazatlan usually receives more sunshine than Toronto during autumn. Mazatlan gets 233 hours of sunny skies, while Toronto receives 153 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Mazatlan usually receives more rain than Toronto. Mazatlan gets 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Toronto receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Mazatlan or Toronto in the Winter?

Both Toronto and Mazatlan during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Mazatlan because of 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. In the winter, Mazatlan is much warmer than Toronto. Typically, the winter temperatures in Mazatlan in January average around 20°C (67°F), and Toronto averages at about -4°C (25°F).

It's quite sunny in Mazatlan. In the winter, Mazatlan often gets more sunshine than Toronto. Mazatlan gets 203 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toronto receives 87 hours of full sun.

Mazatlan usually gets less rain in January than Toronto. Mazatlan gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Toronto receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Mazatlan or Toronto in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Mazatlan and Toronto. The beaches are the main draw to Mazatlan this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Toronto for the activities around the city.

In April, Mazatlan is generally much warmer than Toronto. Daily temperatures in Mazatlan average around 22°C (72°F), and Toronto fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

In Mazatlan, it's very sunny this time of the year. Mazatlan usually receives more sunshine than Toronto during spring. Mazatlan gets 250 hours of sunny skies, while Toronto receives 179 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Mazatlan usually receives less rain than Toronto. Mazatlan gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Toronto receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Toronto and Mazatlan