Is Calgary Bigger Than Toronto? The Real Size Comparison

When it comes to comparing Canadian cities, a common question pops up: Is Calgary bigger than Toronto? The simple and direct answer is no — Toronto is significantly bigger than Calgary in terms of population. While Calgary covers a larger land area than some Canadian cities, Toronto’s population and economic influence make it Canada’s largest city. Let’s dive deeper into the facts to understand the real size comparison between these two major cities.

Calgary vs Toronto: Population Comparison

Population is one of the key factors when comparing the size of cities.

• Toronto: As of 2025, Toronto has a population of approximately 3 million people within the city proper and over 6.7 million in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). Toronto is Canada’s most populous city and a major economic, cultural, and financial hub.
• Calgary: Calgary has a population of roughly 1.4 million people in the city proper and about 1.5 million in the metropolitan area. While growing fast, Calgary’s population is less than half of Toronto’s.

Key takeaway: Toronto is much larger in terms of people, making it the clear winner in population size.

Land Area Comparison: Is Calgary Bigger Geographically?

While Toronto leads in population, Calgary has a surprising edge when it comes to land area.

• Calgary: Covers around 825 square kilometers. Calgary’s city boundaries include vast open spaces and suburbs, giving it a more spread-out feel.
• Toronto: Covers approximately 630 square kilometers, making it smaller than Calgary geographically.

What this means: Calgary may feel spacious and less crowded, but that doesn’t make it “bigger” in terms of overall influence or population density. Toronto packs more people into a smaller area, making it more bustling and urban.

Population Density: The Urban Experience

Population density tells us how crowded or lively a city feels:

• Toronto: Around 4,800 people per square kilometer, giving the city a vibrant, urban atmosphere.
• Calgary: Roughly 1,700 people per square kilometer, making it more spread out with room for green spaces, parks, and wide streets.

Urban feel: Toronto’s higher density means more public transit, busy streets, and a fast-paced lifestyle. Calgary’s lower density offers a quieter, suburban-friendly environment.

Economic Size and Influence

Size isn’t just about people or land; it’s also about economic impact:

• Toronto: Known as Canada’s financial capital, Toronto is home to the Toronto Stock Exchange, major banks, tech hubs, and countless corporate headquarters. Its economy is larger than Calgary’s and drives much of Canada’s GDP.
• Calgary: Often called Canada’s “energy capital,” Calgary thrives on oil, gas, and energy-related industries. While economically strong, its influence is more specialized compared to Toronto’s diverse economy.

Bottom line: Toronto’s economic size and diversity make it more significant nationally and globally.

Growth Trends: Who’s Growing Faster?

Both cities are growing, but in different ways:

• Calgary: Rapid suburban expansion and new housing developments are fueling growth. Calgary’s population has been steadily increasing, especially as people move for jobs in energy and tech.
• Toronto: Continues to grow quickly, primarily through immigration. Toronto’s multicultural appeal and job opportunities make it a magnet for new Canadians and international professionals.

Insight: While Calgary’s land allows for easy expansion, Toronto’s growth shows no signs of slowing due to its economic opportunities and global connections.

Lifestyle and Space: How Size Impacts Living

The way a city “feels” is influenced by both population and area:

• Calgary: Spacious, lots of parks, easier traffic, and more affordable housing in many areas. Ideal for families seeking space and a quieter lifestyle.
• Toronto: Bustling, vibrant, with endless entertainment, dining, and cultural options. The city feels alive but comes with higher living costs and denser neighborhoods.

Takeaway: Bigger doesn’t always mean better. Calgary offers space; Toronto offers energy and opportunity.

Transportation and Infrastructure

City size also affects how people move around:

• Toronto: Extensive public transit with subways, buses, and streetcars, plus a major international airport. Traffic congestion can be a challenge due to high density.
• Calgary: Smaller public transit network, but less traffic congestion and more driveable streets. Calgary’s international airport supports domestic and limited international travel.

Conclusion: Toronto’s density demands more robust transit, while Calgary’s spread-out nature allows for a car-friendly lifestyle.

The Real Verdict: Bigger vs Better

So, is Calgary bigger than Toronto? The answer depends on how you define “bigger”:

• By population: Toronto is much bigger.
• By land area: Calgary is larger geographically.
• By economic influence: Toronto dominates.
• By lifestyle space: Calgary feels bigger due to lower density.

In short, Calgary may feel bigger because of its open spaces, but Toronto clearly outpaces Calgary in population, economy, and global influence.

Final Thoughts

Size is relative. Calgary shines in offering a spacious, relaxed lifestyle, while Toronto thrives as a dense, economically powerful, and culturally diverse hub. Canadians often debate which city is “bigger,” but the answer depends on whether you’re counting people, land, or influence.