Montreal vs Toronto: Best Time to Visit (2026)

Montreal, Canada vs Toronto, Canada: Which Should You Visit in 2026?

Quick Verdict

For a European-inspired charm and a strong cultural identity, Montreal shines. For a truly multicultural, fast-paced urban experience with endless diversity, Toronto is the winner.

Best for Beach Lovers

Toronto, Canada

While neither is a traditional beach destination, Toronto's proximity to Lake Ontario and the Toronto Islands offers more accessible waterfront activities and a distinct 'beach town' feel during warmer months.

Best for Culture

Montreal, Canada

Montreal boasts a rich blend of French and Canadian heritage, evident in its historic districts, art museums, and unique culinary traditions, offering a deeply immersive cultural experience.

Best for Budget Travelers

Montreal, Canada

Generally, Montreal tends to be slightly more affordable than Toronto, particularly when it comes to accommodation and dining options, though both can be explored on a budget.

Best Weather in Summer

Toronto, Canada

Toronto experiences warmer and more consistently pleasant summer temperatures, making it ideal for enjoying outdoor activities and festivals from May to September.

Best Next Step

This comparison is close. Check live prices for both destinations before you decide, flight pricing often makes the winner obvious.

Montreal, Canada

Tours & Activities Compare Flights

Toronto, Canada

Tours & Activities Compare Flights

Choosing between Montreal and Toronto for your Canadian adventure is like deciding between a charming European village and a bustling North American metropolis. Both offer unique cultural experiences, vibrant atmospheres, and a taste of Canadian life, but they cater to different traveler preferences.

Montreal, with its distinct French-Canadian heritage, exudes a European flair, evident in its cobblestone streets, historic architecture, and culinary scene. Toronto, on the other hand, is Canada's largest and most multicultural city, a dynamic hub of global cultures, modern skyscrapers, and a thriving arts and entertainment landscape.

Weather Comparison: Montreal, Canada vs Toronto, Canada

Month	Montreal, Canada High	Montreal, Canada Rain	Toronto, Canada High	Toronto, Canada Rain
Jan	21°F	48mm	30°F	60mm
Feb	25°F	43mm	32°F	50mm
Mar	36°F	65mm	41°F	65mm
Apr	50°F	77mm	54°F	75mm
May	63°F	87mm	66°F	80mm
Jun	72°F	84mm	75°F	75mm
Jul	77°F	85mm	81°F	70mm
Aug	75°F	81mm	79°F	70mm
Sep	66°F	81mm	70°F	75mm
Oct	54°F	87mm	57°F	70mm
Nov	41°F	81mm	45°F	75mm
Dec	28°F	64mm	34°F	65mm

When to Visit

Montreal is best enjoyed in the shoulder seasons of June and September for pleasant weather and fewer crowds, or during its vibrant summer months. Toronto shines from late spring through early fall, with May to September offering the best opportunities for outdoor exploration and festivals.

Montreal, Canada vs Toronto, Canada: Pros & Cons

Montreal, Canada

•Pros: Rich European charm and history, vibrant arts and culture scene, world-renowned culinary delights, bilingual environment (French/English).
•Pros: Unique underground city (RESO) for winter exploration.
•Cons: Winters are very cold and snowy, potentially limiting outdoor activities.
•Cons: Can be perceived as less diverse than Toronto.

Toronto, Canada

•Pros: Extremely multicultural and diverse population, dynamic urban energy, world-class entertainment and sports, beautiful waterfront with islands.
•Pros: More consistently warm summer weather.
•Cons: Can feel more like a typical large North American city, potentially lacking the unique charm of Montreal.
•Cons: Can be more expensive than Montreal.

Planning a trip to Montreal, Canada? Grab a guidebook.

Browse Lonely Planet, Fodor's, Rick Steves, and more on Amazon — packed with maps, itineraries, and local tips.

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Planning a trip to Toronto, Canada? Grab a guidebook.

Browse Lonely Planet, Fodor's, Rick Steves, and more on Amazon — packed with maps, itineraries, and local tips.

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Montreal, Canada or Toronto, Canada cheaper?+

Generally, Montreal tends to be slightly more affordable for travelers. Accommodation, dining, and local transportation can often be found at lower price points compared to Toronto, which as Canada's largest city, can command higher prices.

Which is better in summer?+

Both cities are fantastic in the summer, but Toronto often has warmer and more consistently sunny weather. Montreal's summers are also lovely, filled with festivals and outdoor events, but can be a bit more humid and prone to thunderstorms than Toronto's lakeside climate.

Montreal, Canada or Toronto, Canada for first-time visitors?+

For a first-time visitor seeking a distinctly Canadian experience with a European twist, Montreal offers a charming and culturally rich introduction. For those who prefer a truly global city experience with incredible diversity and a more modern urban vibe, Toronto is an excellent first choice.

How far apart are Montreal, Canada and Toronto, Canada?+

Montreal and Toronto are approximately 540 kilometers (335 miles) apart by road. The journey by train typically takes about 5-6 hours, and by car, it's around a 5-6 hour drive, depending on traffic.

Can you visit both Montreal, Canada and Toronto, Canada in one trip?+

Absolutely! It's very common and highly recommended to visit both cities if time allows. They are well-connected by VIA Rail, making travel between them convenient and enjoyable, offering a fantastic contrast of Canadian experiences.

Get Seasonal Travel Picks

We'll send you the best destinations to visit each month — right timing, less crowds.

Montreal, Canada vs Toronto, Canada: Which Should You Visit in 2026?

Quick Verdict

Best Next Step

Montreal, Canada

Toronto, Canada

Weather Comparison: Montreal, Canada vs Toronto, Canada

When to Visit

Montreal, Canada vs Toronto, Canada: Pros & Cons

Montreal, Canada

Toronto, Canada

Planning a trip to Montreal, Canada? Grab a guidebook.

Planning a trip to Toronto, Canada? Grab a guidebook.

Frequently Asked Questions

Start Planning Your Trip

Montreal, Canada

Toronto, Canada

Get Seasonal Travel Picks

Explore Full Destination Guides