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

Should you visit Sapporo or Toronto?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Sapporo and Toronto can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Sapporo

Sapporo is a snowy, vibrant, and laid-back city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. Other reasons to visit include skiing, nightlife, and food. See Sapporo 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 museums, nightlife, and food. See Toronto travel costs.

Sapporo and Toronto: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Sapporo or Toronto?

You'll generally find more things to do in Toronto than Sapporo. Toronto is bigger than Sapporo, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Toronto is better known for its museums and attractions, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Sapporo is more popular for its skiing. Sapporo is well known for its skiing, winter activities, and the yearly Sapporo Snow Festival. 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 Sapporo different from Toronto?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Sapporo or Toronto Better for Skiing?

Sapporo is a very popular place for skiing and snowboarding. However, Toronto is not a skiing destination.

Sapporo offers world-class skiing that is fun for everyone. There are many great ski areas that are an easy day trip from the center of town. Very close by you'll find Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort and Sapporo Teine is where the 1972 Winter Olympics were held. It's divided into the family-friendly Olympia Zone and the more advanced Highland Zone.

Toronto is not a skiing destination.

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

Toronto is a world-class destination for its historical sights. Also, Sapporo is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

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.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Sapporo. There are a number of shrines and museums in the city. Make sure you check out Hokkaidō Shrine, Sapporo TV Tower, Sapporo Clock Tower, and the Sapporo Science Center.

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

Foodies will find both Sapporo and Toronto both to be great destinations.

Sapporo has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The local cuisine focuses on the world class fishing in the area as well as the great agriculture. Pork is a common meat ingredient and many dishes include ramen, vegetables, or grilled seafood.

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 Sapporo or Toronto Better for Nightlife?

Toronto is a world-class destination for its evening party scene. Also, Sapporo is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Sapporo offers plenty to do in the evening. The city's nightlife scene is laid back and mostly concentrated in the Susukino area. In particular, King Xmhu is famous for its party nights and wild decor.

Is the Shopping Better in Sapporo or Toronto?

Toronto is a world-class destination for its shopping areas. Also, Sapporo is not as popular, but is still a nice city for shopping.

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.

Sapporo is an extremely popular place for shoppers. Shopping malls are the most popular places to enjoy browsing the stores. This is particularly nice during the snowy winter months when you can escape into the heated malls.

Is Sapporo or Toronto Better for Families?

Both Sapporo and Toronto are great to visit with kids.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Sapporo. The city has many activities for families, any time of year. There's skiing and winter sports in the winter and theme parks and camping in the summer. There's also a Puppet Theater and indoor play areas for when the weather is poor.

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 Sapporo or Toronto Better for Couples?

Both Sapporo and Toronto are great destinations for a couple's getaway.

Sapporo is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. Couples will enjoy the parks, gardens, museums, and winter sports in the area. A highlight for everyone is a visit to the famous Sapporo Snow Festival, which features many ice sculptures.

Toronto is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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 Sapporo or Toronto Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Sapporo and Toronto are great places to visit.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Sapporo. There are a number of hostels around town and many fun activities that backpackers will enjoy.

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.

Is Sapporo or Toronto Better for Students?

Toronto is a world-class destination for its student-friendly activities. Also, Sapporo is not as popular, but is still a nice city for students.

Toronto is a very popular city 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.

Many students visit Sapporo. The city is welcoming to international students and many people enjoy studying at Sapporo International University.

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

Toronto is a world-class destination for times when you don't have a car. Also, Sapporo is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Sapporo. Most visitors use the subway system to get around. There are three lines - the Namboku Line, Tozai Line, and Toho Line- all of which pass through Odori Station. The city also has a streetcar and buses.

Is Sapporo or Toronto a more walkable city?

Sapporo and Toronto are great when it comes to walkability.

Sapporo is a very walkable destination. The city center, where you'll find many of the attractions, is walkable. Susukino Station is about a 20 or 30 minute walk from JR Sapporo Station.

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.

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

Should I spend more time in Toronto or Sapporo?

How long in Sapporo or Toronto?

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

Couples should spend more time in Toronto than Sapporo. 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 Sapporo 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 Sapporo or Toronto?

Because Sapporo is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

In Toronto, you'll find nightlife and food. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Sapporo or Toronto?

Because Sapporo is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Sapporo has to offer.

In Toronto, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Sapporo or Toronto?

Sapporo is a great place to explore. 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. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Toronto has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Sapporo or Toronto?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Sapporo. Many people enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting Sapporo. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Toronto. In Toronto, you'll find museums and nightlife. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Coach Bus Tours in Japan, The Best Adventure Tours to Japan, The Best Northern Lights Tours in Canada, and The Best Luxury Tours to Canada.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Sapporo or Toronto?

Toronto has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Sapporo. When comparing the sizes of Sapporo 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 Sapporo 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 Sapporo or Toronto in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Sapporo and Toronto. The summer months attract visitors to Sapporo because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Toronto this time of year.

In the summer, Sapporo is around the same temperature as Toronto. Typically, the summer temperatures in Sapporo in July average around 21°C (69°F), and Toronto averages at about 21°C (70°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Toronto this time of the year. Sapporo usually receives less sunshine than Toronto during summer. Sapporo gets 179 hours of sunny skies, while Toronto receives 281 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Sapporo usually receives more rain than Toronto. Sapporo gets 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Toronto receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Sapporo or Toronto in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Sapporo as well as Toronto. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Sapporo this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Toronto for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Sapporo is generally around the same temperature as Toronto. Daily temperatures in Sapporo average around 11°C (52°F), and Toronto fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In the autumn, Sapporo often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Toronto. Sapporo gets 156 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toronto receives 153 hours of full sun.

Sapporo receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Sapporo usually gets more rain in October than Toronto. Sapporo gets 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Toronto receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Sapporo or Toronto in the Winter?

Both Toronto and Sapporo are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Sapporo for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Toronto in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Toronto can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Sapporo. Sapporo is cooler than Toronto in the winter. The daily temperature in Sapporo averages around -5°C (24°F) in January, and Toronto fluctuates around -4°C (25°F).

Sapporo usually receives more sunshine than Toronto during winter. Sapporo gets 99 hours of sunny skies, while Toronto receives 87 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Sapporo. In January, Sapporo usually receives more rain than Toronto. Sapporo gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Toronto receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Sapporo or Toronto in the Spring?

Both Toronto and Sapporo during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Sapporo in the spring for the activities around the city. Furthermore, most visitors come to Toronto for the activities around the city during these months.

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

In the spring, Sapporo often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Toronto. Sapporo gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toronto receives 179 hours of full sun.

Sapporo usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Toronto. Sapporo gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Toronto receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Toronto and Sapporo