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

Should you visit Mystic 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 Mystic 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.

Mystic

Mystic is a charming, quaint, and laid back town. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and beaches. See Mystic 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 food, shopping, and museums. See Toronto travel costs.

Mystic and Toronto: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • 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 Mystic or Toronto?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Toronto. Although Mystic 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 Mystic is known for its beaches. Mystic is popular for its New England charm and local character. Toronto is popular for its art and culture, diverse cuisine, and multi-cultural population. It is also home to the CN Tower.

How is Mystic different from Toronto?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Mystic
Toronto

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

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.

Mystic offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. There's a decent selection of museums around town with some of the favorites being the Mystic Seaport Museum, the Mystic Museum of Art, the Denison Homestead Museum, and the Old Lighthouse Museum, The Mystic Aquarium is also a popular destination.


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

Mystic
Toronto

Toronto is an excellent place to visit for its restaurants. Also, Mystic is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

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.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Mystic. As a coastal town, you'll find no shortage of seafood at many restaurants. Popular dishes include oysters, shrimp, or fish. There are also many casual restaurants that serve comfort food for classic American favorites like mac and cheese, pasta, or burgers.

Is Mystic or Toronto Better for Nightlife?

Mystic
Toronto

Toronto is an amazing city to visit for nightlife. Also, Mystic is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

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.

Mystic has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. Head downtown for the most interesting bars and breweries. You can sip wine or enjoy a cocktail at a laid back pub with friends or family.

Is Mystic or Toronto Better for Beaches?

Mystic
Toronto

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

The beaches at Mystic attract visitors from all over. The beaches are accessible from town and offer a laid back setting that's not overly developed. Families will like Ocean Beach Park but Williams Beach Park is one of the easiest beaches to access. If you're willing to drive a bit out of town, you should check out Misquamicut State Beach.

Toronto is not a beach destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Mystic or Toronto?

Mystic
Toronto

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

Mystic is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Head downtown for scenic shopping streets with boutiques, artisan craft shops, and jewelry stores.

Is Mystic or Toronto Better for Families?

Mystic
Toronto

Both Mystic and Toronto are very good family-friendly destinations.

Mystic is a very family-friendly destination. Animal lovers will enjoy wandering around the many trails at Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center or visiting the famous Mystic Aquarium. You can also visit the shops around Olde Mistick Village or dine at one of the many kid-friendly restaurants.

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 Mystic or Toronto Better for Couples?

Mystic
Toronto

Toronto is an excellent place to visit for romance. Also, Mystic is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

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.

Mystic makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Check out Mystic Seaport or drive down the coastline and visit the lighthouses. You'll also find breweries around town as well as many fun or romantic restaurants.


Is Mystic or Toronto Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Mystic
Toronto

Toronto is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Mystic is lacking in options 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.

Mystic is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. It's not high on the list for most backpackers.

Is Mystic or Toronto Better for Students?

Mystic
Toronto

Toronto is an amazing city to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Mystic 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.

Mystic is not popular with students.

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

Mystic
Toronto

Toronto is an amazing city to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Mystic is lacking in 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 Mystic. There is a bus but it has limited stops and only runs on weekdays.


Is Mystic or Toronto a more walkable city?

Mystic
Toronto

Toronto is an excellent place to visit for its walkability. However, Mystic is lacking in 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.

Mystic is generally not very walkable. While parts of town are very walkable, you'll need a car if you want to see the sights that are a bit further away.

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

Should I spend more time in Toronto or Mystic?

How long in Mystic or Toronto?

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

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

One day in Mystic or Toronto?

In Mystic, you'll find nightlife and food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This town 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. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Mystic or Toronto?

In Mystic, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Most people come for the beaches. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Mystic has to offer.

Toronto is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.


Five days in Mystic or Toronto?

Mystic is a great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Toronto. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Mystic or Toronto?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Mystic. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Mystic. 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 bustling city that offers something for everyone. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best 3-Week 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 Mystic?

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

  • Mystic Prices
    USA Prices
    Toronto Prices
    Canada Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Mystic $248
    Toronto $249

The average daily cost (per person) in Mystic is $248, 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 Mystic and Toronto in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Mystic $125
    Toronto $86
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Mystic $250
    Toronto $172
Compare Hotels in Mystic and Toronto

Looking for a hotel in Mystic 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 Mystic


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: Mystic Hotel Prices and Toronto Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Mystic $56
    Toronto $32

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:

  • 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 Mystic or Toronto?

Prices for flights to both Toronto and Mystic 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
    Mystic $90
    Toronto $112

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.
    Mystic $24
    Toronto $31

Tours and Activities in Mystic

For Mystic, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Downtown Mystic Ghost Tour: $30
  • Mystic Moonlit Graveyard Ghost Tour: $30
  • Mystic Seaport Museum Adventure : $32
  • Mystic's Ghosts GPS Self Guided Audio Walking Tour w/EMF Reader: $7.80
  • Ghosts of Christmas Past Downtown Walking Tour: $30
  • Guided Ghost Tour of Downtown Mystic at Night: $35
  • Guided Graveyard Ghost Tour by Moonlight: $35

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:

  • 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
    Mystic $31
    Toronto $22

Sample the Local Flavors in Mystic

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Mystic:

  • Paranormal Pub Crawl: Beer Tour: $75
  • Paranormal Pub Crawl: Beer Tour: $75
  • Spirits of Cocktail Pub Crawl: $100
  • Spirits of Cocktail Pub Crawl: $100

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 Mystic and Toronto, we can see that Toronto 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 Mystic Expensive? and Is Toronto Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Mystic or Toronto?

Toronto has a larger population, and is about 930 times larger than the population of Mystic. When comparing the sizes of Mystic 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 Mystic 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 Mystic or Toronto in the Summer?

Both Toronto and Mystic are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Mystic for the beaches 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.

Mystic is around the same temperature as Toronto in the summer. The daily temperature in Mystic averages around 73°F (23°C) in July, and Toronto fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

It's quite sunny in Toronto. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Mystic. Mystic usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Toronto during summer. Mystic gets 293 hours of sunny skies, while Toronto receives 281 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Mystic usually receives around the same amount of rain as Toronto. Mystic gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Toronto receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Mystic 73°F (23°C) 
    Toronto 21°C (70°F)

Should I visit Mystic or Toronto in the Autumn?

Both Toronto and Mystic during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Mystic because of the shopping scene. Furthermore, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Toronto this time of year.

In the autumn, Mystic is a little warmer than Toronto. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Mystic in October average around 53°F (12°C), and Toronto averages at about 11°C (51°F).

It's quite sunny in Mystic. In the autumn, Mystic often gets more sunshine than Toronto. Mystic gets 211 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toronto receives 153 hours of full sun.

Mystic usually gets more rain in October than Toronto. Mystic gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Toronto receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Mystic 53°F (12°C) 
    Toronto 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Mystic or Toronto in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Mystic and Toronto. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Mystic 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 Mystic in the winter. In January, Mystic is generally much warmer than Toronto. Daily temperatures in Mystic average around 28°F (-2°C), and Toronto fluctuates around -4°C (25°F).

Mystic usually receives more sunshine than Toronto during winter. Mystic gets 170 hours of sunny skies, while Toronto receives 87 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Mystic usually receives more rain than Toronto. Mystic gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Toronto receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Mystic 28°F (-2°C) 
    Toronto -4°C (25°F)

Should I visit Mystic or Toronto in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Mystic as well as Toronto. Many travelers come to Mystic for the beaches. Additionally, many visitors come to Toronto in the spring for the activities around the city.

Mystic is a little warmer than Toronto in the spring. The daily temperature in Mystic averages around 48°F (9°C) in April, and Toronto fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Mystic this time of the year. In the spring, Mystic often gets more sunshine than Toronto. Mystic gets 225 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toronto receives 179 hours of full sun.

Mystic usually gets more rain in April than Toronto. Mystic gets 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain, while Toronto receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Mystic 48°F (9°C) 
    Toronto 7°C (44°F)

Typical Weather for Toronto and Mystic

Mystic Toronto
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 28°F (-2°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) -4°C (25°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Feb 30°F (-1°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm) -4°C (26°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Mar 38°F (3°C) 4 inches (101 mm) 1°C (34°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Apr 48°F (9°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm) 7°C (44°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
May 58°F (15°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 12°C (54°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Jun 67°F (20°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm) 18°C (64°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Jul 73°F (23°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 21°C (70°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Aug 72°F (22°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 21°C (69°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Sep 64°F (18°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 17°C (62°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Oct 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 11°C (51°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Nov 44°F (7°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm) 5°C (41°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Dec 33°F (0°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm) -1°C (30°F) 75 mm (2.9 in)