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

Should you visit Saint Simons or Toronto?

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

Should I visit Saint Simons 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.

Saint Simons

Saint Simons is a relaxing, laid back, and scenic island. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. Saint Simons is a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include beaches, hiking, and shopping. See Saint Simons 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.

Saint Simons and Toronto: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Saint Simons or Toronto?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Toronto. Although Saint Simons 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, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Saint Simons is known for its resorts, beaches, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Saint Simons is popular for its beaches, charter fishing, and golf courses. Toronto is popular for its art and culture, diverse cuisine, and multi-cultural population. It is also home to the CN Tower.

How is Saint Simons different from Toronto?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Saint Simons or Toronto?

Toronto is an unbeatable place for its museums and landmarks. However, Saint Simons is a island with minimal options 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.

While most people don't head to Saint Simons specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. St. Simons Lighthouse is a highlight for many visitors. There's a maritime museum attached to the lighthouse as well. Fort Frederica National Monument is another historic site that is worth a visit.

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

Dining out at restaurants in both Saint Simons and Toronto can be an enjoyable experience.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Saint Simons makes for a great culinary experience. There are more than 70 restaurants on the island that range from cafes to fine dining. You can enjoy an eggs benedict for brunch, crab cakes for lunch, and shrimp and grits for dinner. Many restaurants take advantage of the mild climate by offering outdoor seating. There are also several dessert places with ice cream or donuts.

Toronto has a huge number of terrific 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 Saint Simons or Toronto Better for Nightlife?

Toronto is an unbeatable place for nightlife. However, Saint Simons is a island with minimal options for nightlife and partying.

The nightlife in Toronto is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. 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.

Saint Simons doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. There are several family-friendly bars with laid back atmospheres around town, but if you're looking for a wild night out, there aren't a lot of places to go.

Is Saint Simons or Toronto Better for Resorts?

Saint Simons is a island with good options for its luxury resorts. However, Toronto is not a resort destination.

Saint Simons has a handful of resorts to choose from. There are a handful of nice resorts with pools and beachfront settings.

Toronto is not a resort destination.

Is Saint Simons or Toronto Better for Beaches?

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

The beaches at Saint Simons attract visitors from all over. There's golden sand and a beautiful setting. Visitors enjoy swimming or walking along the coastline. You'll also find piers and playgrounds. East Beach is one of the most popular.

Toronto is not a beach destination.

Is Saint Simons or Toronto Better for Hiking?

Saint Simons is a island with good options for its hiking trails. However, Toronto is not a hiking destination.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Saint Simons. There are several parks and natural areas where you can enjoy a walk in nature. Cannon's Point Preserve has a nice trail system. Other trails on the island include John Gilbert Nature Trail, Earth Day Nature Trail, and Wanderer Memorial Trail.

Toronto is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint Simons or Toronto?

Toronto is an unbeatable place for shopping. Also, Saint Simons 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.

Saint Simons is well-known for its shopping. You'll find a good concentration of gift shops and clothing boutiques on the island. Antiquing is also popular. Head to Pier Village for a nice mix of shops.

Is Saint Simons or Toronto More Beautiful?

Saint Simons is a island with good options for its scenery and beauty. However, Toronto is not a destination known for its beauty.

Saint Simons is a gorgeous place to visit. Beautiful beaches and live oaks with Spanish moss give the island a southern charm.

Toronto is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Saint Simons or Toronto Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Saint Simons or Toronto.

Saint Simons is a very family-friendly place to visit. The beaches are kid-friendly and there are many family-friendly restaurants in town. There's also the St. Simons Lighthouse, minigolf, and kayaking, as well as Neptune Park Fun Zone.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Toronto is very family-friendly. 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 Saint Simons or Toronto Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Saint Simons frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. There are romantic restaurants, beautiful beaches, and nice hotels. Sunset walks on the beach or a round of golf all make this a favorite couple's destination.

Toronto is a great island 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 Saint Simons or Toronto Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Toronto is a great destination for backpackers. However, Saint Simons is a island 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.

Saint Simons is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are campgrounds in the area that offer access to the island.

Is Saint Simons or Toronto Better for Students?

Toronto is an unbeatable place for students. However, Saint Simons 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.

Saint Simons is not popular with students.

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

Toronto is an unbeatable place for its public transit. However, Saint Simons is a island with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

Visitors in Toronto can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. Union Station is the hub of the city's transportation system, which includes subways, buses and streetcars.

Public transit is quite limited in Saint Simons. While there are trolley tours available, public transportation is basically non-existent.

Is Saint Simons or Toronto a more walkable city?

Toronto is a great destination for its walkability. Also, Saint Simons is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Saint Simons is a somewhat walkable place. The downtown area is walkable, but to access much of what is available, you'll want to have a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Toronto or Saint Simons?

How long in Saint Simons or Toronto?

Both Saint Simons 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 Saint Simons. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Saint Simons, and 3-7 days is enough time in Toronto.

Couples should spend more time in Toronto than Saint Simons. 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 Saint Simons 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 Saint Simons or Toronto?

Saint Simons is a small town with plenty to do. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This island offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Each neighborhood in Toronto has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Saint Simons or Toronto?

Saint Simons might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. 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 Saint Simons has to offer.

Toronto is a fun place to experience. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

Five days in Saint Simons or Toronto?

Saint Simons 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.

Each neighborhood in Toronto has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A week in Saint Simons or Toronto?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Saint Simons. Since Saint Simons is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. 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 popular place to visit. Many people spend one week here. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, The Best Historical Tours in United States of America, The Best Northern Lights Tours in Canada, and The Best Luxury Tours to Canada.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Saint Simons or Toronto?

Toronto has a larger population, and is about 340 times larger than the population of Saint Simons. When comparing the sizes of Saint Simons 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 Saint Simons 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 Saint Simons or Toronto in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Saint Simons as well as Toronto. Many visitors come to Saint Simons in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Toronto for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Saint Simons is a little warmer than Toronto in the summer. The daily temperature in Saint Simons averages around 82°F (28°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 Saint Simons this time of the year. In the summer, Saint Simons often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Toronto. Saint Simons gets 286 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toronto receives 281 hours of full sun.

Saint Simons receives a lot of rain in the summer. Saint Simons usually gets more rain in July than Toronto. Saint Simons gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Toronto receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saint Simons or Toronto in the Autumn?

Both Toronto and Saint Simons are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Saint Simons for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, 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 the autumn, Saint Simons is much warmer than Toronto. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Saint Simons in October average around 70°F (21°C), and Toronto averages at about 11°C (51°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Simons. Saint Simons usually receives more sunshine than Toronto during autumn. Saint Simons gets 214 hours of sunny skies, while Toronto receives 153 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Saint Simons usually receives more rain than Toronto. Saint Simons gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Toronto receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Saint Simons or Toronto in the Winter?

Both Toronto and Saint Simons during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Saint Simons 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. In January, Saint Simons is generally much warmer than Toronto. Daily temperatures in Saint Simons average around 53°F (12°C), and Toronto fluctuates around -4°C (25°F).

In the winter, Saint Simons often gets more sunshine than Toronto. Saint Simons gets 191 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toronto receives 87 hours of full sun.

Saint Simons usually gets more rain in January than Toronto. Saint Simons gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Toronto receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saint Simons or Toronto in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Simons and Toronto. The beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Saint Simons this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Toronto for the activities around the city.

Saint Simons is much warmer than Toronto in the spring. The daily temperature in Saint Simons averages around 68°F (20°C) in April, and Toronto fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

In Saint Simons, it's very sunny this time of the year. Saint Simons usually receives more sunshine than Toronto during spring. Saint Simons gets 285 hours of sunny skies, while Toronto receives 179 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Saint Simons usually receives more rain than Toronto. Saint Simons gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Toronto receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Toronto and Saint Simons