A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Zion National Park vs. Toronto for Attractions, Backpackers, Food, and Families

Should you visit Zion National Park or Toronto?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Zion National Park or Toronto, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Zion National Park

Zion National Park is a world-renowned, breathtaking, and stunning park. Zion National Park is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include hiking. See Zion National Park 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.

Zion National Park and Toronto: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Nice resorts
  • Good for hiking
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to Angels Landing
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • 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 Zion National Park or Toronto?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Toronto. Although Zion National Park 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 Zion National Park is known for its resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty. Zion National Park is more touristy than Toronto and is popular for its iconic hiking trails, dramatic canyon, and world-class rock climbing. Toronto is popular for its art and culture, diverse cuisine, and multi-cultural population. It is also home to the CN Tower.

How is Zion National Park different from Toronto?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Zion National Park or Toronto?

Zion National Park
Toronto

Toronto is a must-visit destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Zion National Park is not particularly known 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 Zion National Park specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. The best museum in the area is the Zion Human History Museum.


Is the Food Better in Zion National Park or Toronto? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Zion National Park
Toronto

Toronto is well known for its restaurant scene. However, Zion National Park is not particularly known for its local flavors and cuisine.

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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Zion National Park. Within the park there are a couple of restaurants, but it's far better to bring your own food that you can enjoy as a picnic or meal by a campfire.

Is Zion National Park or Toronto Better for Nightlife?

Zion National Park
Toronto

Toronto is a must-visit destination for nightlife. However, Zion National Park is not particularly known for nightlife and partying.

Toronto is a world class party destination. 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.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Zion National Park Stargazing and relaxing by a campfire is how most visitors enjoy the evening hours.

Is Zion National Park or Toronto Better for Resorts?

Zion National Park
Toronto

Zion National Park is a decent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Toronto is not a resort destination.

Zion National Park has a few resort options worth checking out. There's a lodge within the park and many hotel options outside of the park.

Toronto is not a resort destination.


Is Zion National Park or Toronto Better for Hiking?

Zion National Park
Toronto

Zion National Park is terrific for its hiking trails. However, Toronto is not a hiking destination.

Around Zion National Park visitors will find world-class hiking trails. This park is known for its iconic hikes, which include Angels Landing, the Narrows, and the Emerald Pools Trail. There are hikes that range from easy to incredibly difficult, and many visits see this destination as a bucket list hiking opportunity.

Toronto is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Zion National Park or Toronto?

Zion National Park
Toronto

Toronto is a must-visit destination for shopping. However, Zion National Park is not particularly known 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.

Shopping in Zion National Park can be found for those interested. There are park stores, but few other shopping opportunities in the area.

Is Zion National Park or Toronto More Beautiful?

Zion National Park
Toronto

Zion National Park is terrific for its scenery and beauty. However, Toronto is not a destination known for its beauty.

Zion National Park is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. This park will have you feeling as if you're in a painting. There are spectacular views and a stunning natural beauty that will take your breath away.

Toronto is not a destination known for its beauty.


Is Zion National Park or Toronto Better for Families?

Zion National Park
Toronto

Zion National Park and Toronto are both high quality destinations for the whole family.

Zion National Park is a very family-friendly place to visit. One of the most kid-friendly hikes is the Watchman Trail, which starts conveniently near the Visitor Center. Other favorites include the Lower Emerald Pool Trail, the Pa'rus Trail, and the Riverside Walk.

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 Zion National Park or Toronto Better for Couples?

Zion National Park
Toronto

Zion National Park and Toronto are both high quality to visit as a couple.

Couples visit Zion National Park frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. There are world-class hiking trails, spectacular views, and many opportunities for a romantic moment in this well-known park. While the crowds can be intense, particularly during peak seasons, the park is large enough that you should be able to find a moment of solitude.

Toronto is a great park 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 Zion National Park or Toronto Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Zion National Park
Toronto

Zion National Park is terrific for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Toronto is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent Zion National Park. This is a world-famous rock climbing, hiking, and backpacking destination. There are many opportunities for backcountry camping, but you are required to purchase a permit.

Toronto is a great park to visit for backpackers. There are a number of hostels around town and there's often a good crowd of backpackers.


Is Zion National Park or Toronto Better for Students?

Zion National Park
Toronto

Toronto is a must-visit destination for students. However, Zion National Park is not popular with students.

Toronto is a great destination 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.

Zion National Park is not popular with students.

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

Zion National Park
Toronto

Toronto is a must-visit destination for its public transit. Also, Zion National Park is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Toronto has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. Union Station is the hub of the city's transportation system, which includes subways, buses and streetcars.

While Zion National Park offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are free shuttles that travel around the park. They operate during the most popular seasons but the service isn't available during most of the winter months.

Is Zion National Park or Toronto a more walkable city?

Zion National Park
Toronto

Toronto is well known for its walkability. However, Zion National Park is not particularly known 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.

Zion National Park is not a very walkable park. The park is large, and most trailheads are spread out and require a vehicle to access.


For even more information, also check out Is Zion National Park Worth Visiting? and Is Toronto Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Toronto or Zion National Park?

How long in Zion National Park or Toronto?

Both Zion National Park and Toronto have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Toronto has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Toronto than Zion National Park. However, 3-7 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Toronto than Zion National Park. 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 Zion National Park. 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 Zion National Park 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 Zion National Park or Toronto? Ideal Length of Stay
    Zion National Park 3-7 
    Toronto 3-7

One day in Zion National Park or Toronto?

In Zion National Park, you'll find . Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. This park offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Toronto is a cultural big city where you can fill many days. This city 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 Zion National Park or Toronto?

In Zion National Park, you'll find . The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. 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 to visit. Toronto is a diverse city where you can fill many days. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Five days in Zion National Park or Toronto?

Zion National Park is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Zion National Park has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Toronto is a big city destination where you can fill many days. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Toronto has to offer.


A week in Zion National Park or Toronto?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Zion National Park. In Zion National Park, you'll find . One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Toronto is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this city makes for a great vacation. It offers something for everyone. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America, The Best Northern Lights Tours in Canada, and The Best Luxury Tours to Canada.


Which place is cheaper, Toronto or Zion National Park?

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

  • Zion National Park Prices
    USA Prices
    Toronto Prices
    Canada Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Zion National Park $146
    Toronto $249

The average daily cost (per person) in Zion National Park is $146, 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 Zion National Park and Toronto in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Zion National Park $60
    Toronto $86
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Zion National Park $120
    Toronto $172
Compare Hotels in Zion National Park and Toronto

Looking for a hotel in Zion National Park 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 Zion National Park


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: Zion National Park Hotel Prices and Toronto Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Zion National Park $30
    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:

  • Private Transfer:- Toronto Pearson Airport to Waterloo Black Car Service: $92
  • Arrival Private Transfer: Pearson Airport YYZ to Toronto in Luxury Car: $185
  • Arrival Private Transfer: Pearson Airport YYZ to Toronto in Luxury Van: $172
  • Arrival Private Transfer: Toronto Airport YYZ to Niagara Falls in Luxury SUV: $214
  • Arrival Transfer: Pearson Airport YYZ to Toronto in Sedan Car: $167
  • Departure Private Transfer Toronto City to Toronto Airport YYZ by SUV or Minibus: $72
  • Departure Private Transfer: Toronto to Pearson Airport YYZ in Luxury Van: $147
  • Departure Transfer: Toronto to Pearson Airport YYZ in Sedan Car: $166
  • Hamilton to Toronto Pearson Airport (YYZ) - Departure Private Transfer: $137
  • Highlights of Toronto city tour with private transfers: $257
  • Low Cost :- Private Transfer Toronto Downtown to Niagara Falls Ont: $259
  • Low cost Transfer: Toronto Downtown to Niagara Falls (Lake): $657

Is it cheaper to fly into Zion National Park or Toronto?

Prices for flights to both Toronto and Zion National Park 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
    Zion National Park $64
    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.
    Zion National Park $26
    Toronto $31

Tours and Activities in Zion National Park

Here are a few actual costs in Zion National Park for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Private Sunset Guided Tour to Great Chamber by Four-Wheel Drive: $125
  • Slot Canyon Tour & Sandboarding UTV Adventure: $129
  • 2-Hour Private Light Painting Experience on the Sand Dunes: $299
  • 3 Hour Guided E Bike Tour in Zion National Park : $125
  • Award Winning UTV Slot Canyon Tour: $105
  • Coral Pink Sand Dunes Ride Climb and Rappel Adventure: $139
  • East Zion 2.5 Hour Slot Canyon Canyoneering UTV Tour: $119
  • East Zion 4 Hour Slot Canyon Canyoneering UTV Tour: $174
  • East Zion Brushy Cove Jeep Tour: $117
  • East Zion Canyoneering: Elkheart Canyon & UTV Tour: $201
  • East Zion Crimson Canyon Hike & UTV Adventure: $130
  • East Zion Dark Sky Stargazing Tour: $22

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:

  • Explore Niagara Falls with bus ticket from/to Toronto: $3.58
  • Old Town Toronto Highlights 3 Hour Walking Tour | Gratuity-Based : $4.00
  • City Highlights Walking Tour | 3-Hour: $4.02
  • Graffiti in Toronto Walking Tour: $4.40
  • Downtown Toronto Walking Tour: $4.40
  • Old Town Toronto History Walking Tour: $4.44
  • Toronto Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $7.70
  • Discover Toronto's Waterfront with a Smartphone Trivia Tour!: $8.12
  • Best of Toronto and Waterfront Self-Guided Tours: $8.37
  • Historical Ghost Walk: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Downtown Hamilton: $8.99
  • Toronto Self Guided Audio Experience: $9.00
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Toronto by 3Quest Challenge: $10

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Zion National Park $8.28
    Toronto $22

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

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