A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Portland, Maine vs. Toronto for Nightlife, Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Portland, Maine or Toronto?

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

Should I visit Portland, Maine 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.

Portland, Maine

Portland, Maine is a scenic, picturesque, and seaside coastal town. Portland, Maine is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and beaches. See Portland, Maine 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. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Toronto travel costs.

Portland, Maine and Toronto: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Portland, Maine or Toronto?

You'll generally find more things to do in Toronto than Portland, Maine. Toronto is bigger than Portland, Maine, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Toronto is better known for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Portland, Maine is more popular for its beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Toronto is more touristy than Portland, Maine and is popular for its art and culture, diverse cuisine, and multi-cultural population. Also, Toronto is famous for the CN Tower. Portland, Maine is well known for its seafood restaurants, scenic lighthouse, and coastal walks.

How is Portland, Maine different from Toronto?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Portland, Maine or Toronto?

Toronto is an amazing city to visit for its museums and landmarks. However, Portland, Maine does not have museums and landmarks.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Toronto on the map. 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.

Portland, Maine does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Portland, Maine or Toronto? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Toronto is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Portland, Maine is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Dining out in Toronto is an experience not to be missed. 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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Portland, Maine. The town has grown into a foodie destination that takes advantage of its waterfront setting. Many restaurants make use of the fresh seafood with lobster rolls and oysters on the half shell being popular. You'll also find a lot of dishes that use haddock and whole lobsters.

Is Portland, Maine or Toronto Better for Nightlife?

Toronto is an amazing city to visit for its evening party scene. Also, Portland, Maine is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

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.

If you're looking for night time activities Portland, Maine has a few options to choose from. The city has many microbreweries, wine bars, taverns, and pubs. You'll find many places concentrated in the Old Port, which has a charming and fun atmosphere.

Is Portland, Maine or Toronto Better for Beaches?

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

The beaches at Portland, Maine attract visitors from all over. It has many sandy and calm beaches. The water may be too cold to swim, but the beaches are perfect for flying a kite or hanging out with family.

Toronto is not a beach destination.

Is Portland, Maine or Toronto Better for Hiking?

Portland, Maine is a coastal town with good options for its hiking trails. However, Toronto is not a hiking destination.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Portland, Maine. In addition to bike trails, there are several good hikes in the area.

Toronto is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Portland, Maine or Toronto?

Toronto is an amazing city to visit for its shopping areas. Also, Portland, Maine is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

Toronto is a world class destination for shoppers. 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Portland, Maine. The town has many nice local boutiques to explore. Head downtown for the best local venues and the most interesting shopping opportunities.

Is Portland, Maine or Toronto More Beautiful?

Portland, Maine is a very popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Toronto is not a destination known for its beauty.

Portland, Maine is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Set against the water's edge, the town offers many beautiful scenes and picturesque settings.

Toronto is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Portland, Maine or Toronto Better for Families?

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

Toronto is known to be 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.

Portland, Maine offers lots of family activities. It is a charming town with a number of kid-friendly museums, walks, and waterfront activities. You can visit the Portland Observatory, Bug Light Park, or grab ice cream in the Old Port. There are also children's museums such as the Children's Museum & Theatre of Maine.

Is Portland, Maine or Toronto Better for Couples?

Toronto is well known for couples. Also, Portland, Maine is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

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.

Portland, Maine is a nice destination for couples. Couples will enjoy the beautiful waterfront setting, the fine dining restaurants, and everything that the city has to offer. Head to the Old Port for romantic restaurants and a great atmosphere or catch a show at Portland Stage.

Is Portland, Maine or Toronto Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Toronto is well known for backpackers. However, Portland, Maine is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Toronto is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. There are a number of hostels around town and there's often a good crowd of backpackers.

Portland, Maine is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It isn't so much a backpacker destination, but there are some budget accommodation options around town.

Is Portland, Maine or Toronto Better for Students?

Toronto is an amazing city to visit for students. However, Portland, Maine 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.

Portland, Maine is not popular with students.

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

Toronto is an amazing city to visit for its public transit. However, Portland, Maine is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

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 quite limited in Portland, Maine. There is a very basic bus system but you really must have a car to explore the city.

Is Portland, Maine or Toronto a more walkable city?

Toronto is well known for its ease of walking around. However, Portland, Maine is not particularly known 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.

Portland, Maine is generally not a very walkable coastal town. Downtown is very walkable but if you want to travel to other areas you'll need a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Toronto or Portland, Maine?

How long in Portland, Maine or Toronto?

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

Families should spend more time in Toronto than Portland, Maine. 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 Portland, Maine. 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 Portland, Maine 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 Portland, Maine or Toronto?

In Portland, Maine, you'll find shopping and nightlife. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This coastal 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 big city with plenty to do. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Portland, Maine or Toronto?

In Portland, Maine, you'll find nightlife and food. 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 Portland, Maine has to offer.

Toronto is a big city with plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Portland, Maine or Toronto?

Portland, Maine 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.

Toronto is a great place to explore. This city offers something for everyone. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

A week in Portland, Maine or Toronto?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Portland, Maine. Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Portland, Maine. 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 big city with plenty to do. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. For many, it makes a great getaway for one week. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage, The Best Northern Lights Tours in Canada, and The Best Luxury Tours to Canada.

When comparing the travel costs between Portland, Maine 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 Portland, Maine Expensive? and Is Toronto Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Portland, Maine or Toronto?

Toronto has a larger population, and is about 70 times larger than the population of Portland, Maine. When comparing the sizes of Portland, Maine 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 Portland, Maine 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 Portland, Maine or Toronto in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Portland, Maine is around the same temperature as Toronto. Typically, the summer temperatures in Portland, Maine in July average around 69°F (20°C), and Toronto averages at about 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 Portland, Maine this time of the year. In the summer, Portland, Maine often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Toronto. Portland, Maine gets 282 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toronto receives 281 hours of full sun.

Portland, Maine usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Toronto. Portland, Maine gets 2.6 inches (66 mm) of rain, while Toronto receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Portland, Maine or Toronto in the Autumn?

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

In October, Portland, Maine is generally cooler than Toronto. Daily temperatures in Portland, Maine average around 49°F (9°C), and Toronto fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Portland, Maine usually receives more sunshine than Toronto during autumn. Portland, Maine gets 196 hours of sunny skies, while Toronto receives 153 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Portland, Maine usually receives more rain than Toronto. Portland, Maine gets 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain, while Toronto receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Portland, Maine or Toronto in the Winter?

Both Toronto and Portland, Maine during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Portland, Maine because of the Christmas ambience, 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. The weather in Portland, Maine can be very cold. Portland, Maine is cooler than Toronto in the winter. The daily temperature in Portland, Maine averages around 21°F (-6°C) in January, and Toronto fluctuates around -4°C (25°F).

In the winter, Portland, Maine often gets more sunshine than Toronto. Portland, Maine gets 163 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toronto receives 87 hours of full sun.

Portland, Maine usually gets more rain in January than Toronto. Portland, Maine gets 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain, while Toronto receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Portland, Maine or Toronto in the Spring?

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

In the spring, Portland, Maine is around the same temperature as Toronto. Typically, the spring temperatures in Portland, Maine in April average around 43°F (6°C), and Toronto averages at about 7°C (44°F).

In Portland, Maine, it's very sunny this time of the year. Portland, Maine usually receives more sunshine than Toronto during spring. Portland, Maine gets 212 hours of sunny skies, while Toronto receives 179 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Portland, Maine usually receives more rain than Toronto. Portland, Maine gets 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain, while Toronto receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Toronto and Portland, Maine