Full Menu / Blog / Tim Hortons vs Subway
Tim Hortons offers better everyday value, faster drive-thru convenience, and superior breakfast sandwiches made with freshly cracked Canadian eggs for $4.29 to $6.49 CAD. Subway provides superior lunch customization, fresh vegetable variety, and larger portions, but a 6-inch sub costs $6.99 to $10.49 CAD and footlongs reach $10.99 to $17.99 CAD.
Canadians rely on Tim Hortons and Subway as everyday quick-service staples, yet each chain solves a completely different midday appetite. Tim Hortons built its reputation in Hamilton, Ontario in 1964 as a coffee and donut shop before expanding into warm breakfast sandwiches, breakfast wraps, soups, and hot lunch wraps. Subway was founded in Bridgeport, Connecticut in 1965 and built a global franchise around made-to-order submarine sandwiches built along a transparent glass assembly counter.
Choosing between them comes down to whether your priority is breakfast speed and morning value under $6 CAD, or a fully customized lunch sub loaded with fresh produce. This guide benchmarks Canadian menu prices, egg quality, sandwich portions, calorie counts, and ordering convenience across Canada as of late 2026.
The Quick Verdict: Which Chain Wins for What?
- Cheapest breakfast: Tim Hortons. A Classic Breakfast Sandwich on an English muffin costs $4.29 to $4.79 CAD, compared to $5.49 to $6.29 CAD for a Subway breakfast sub.
- Best breakfast eggs: Tim Hortons. Tim Hortons uses 100% Canadian Grade A freshly cracked eggs prepared on a flat grill, while Subway warms pre-formed folded egg patties.
- Cheapest lunch: Tim Hortons. Warm Craveable sandwiches and Loaded Wraps cost between $5.49 and $8.99 CAD, whereas Subway 6-inch subs start around $6.99 CAD and Footlongs range from $10.99 to $17.99 CAD.
- Best sandwich customization: Subway. Subway offers six fresh breads, four cheeses, dozens of free vegetables, and signature sauces assembled to your exact preference.
- Healthiest meal builder: Subway. A 6-inch Veggie Delite or Turkey Breast sub allows you to stack spinach, cucumbers, and tomatoes for under 300 calories and minimal saturated fat.
- Fastest drive-thru and convenience: Tim Hortons. With approximately 3,900 Canadian restaurants and optimized double-lane drive-thrus, Tim Hortons serves morning commuters within two to three minutes.
- Coffee and baked treats: Tim Hortons. Brewed coffee and donuts are core specialties at Tim Hortons, while Subway treats hot coffee as a secondary station and focuses on cookies.
Tim Hortons vs Subway at a Glance
| Category | Tim Hortons | Subway |
|---|---|---|
| Founded | 1964, Hamilton, Ontario | 1965, Bridgeport, Connecticut |
| Parent Company | Restaurant Brands International (RBI) | Roark Capital Group |
| Canadian Footprint | Approximately 3,900 locations | Approximately 2,900 locations |
| Global Unit Count | Approximately 5,700 locations | Approximately 36,700 locations |
| Primary Food Focus | Coffee, donuts, breakfast sandwiches, wraps | Submarine sandwiches, wraps, salads |
| Breakfast Price Range | $3.99 – $6.49 CAD | $5.49 – $7.29 CAD |
| Lunch Price Range | $5.49 – $9.29 CAD | $6.99 – $17.99 CAD |
| Egg Preparation | Freshly cracked 100% Canadian Grade A eggs | Pre-cooked folded egg patties (heated) |
| Vegetable Selection | Lettuce, tomato, onion (fixed recipe builds) | Lettuce, spinach, tomatoes, cucumbers, pickles, peppers, olives |
| Drive-Thru Availability | High (majority of standalone locations) | Low (primarily strip malls and counter setups) |
| Best Overall For | Morning coffee, quick breakfast, sub-$7 lunch | Custom lunch subs, high-vegetable diets, large appetites |
Which Is Cheaper, Tim Hortons or Subway?
Tim Hortons is significantly cheaper than Subway across both breakfast and lunch menus in Canada. An average breakfast sandwich and coffee at Tim Hortons costs between $6.50 and $7.50 CAD before tax, whereas a Subway breakfast sub combo runs between $8.50 and $10.50 CAD. For lunch, Tim Hortons sandwiches stay within the $5.49 to $9.29 CAD bracket, while a Subway Footlong easily exceeds $13.00 to $17.00 CAD.
Both restaurant chains operate primarily through independent franchise owners across Canadian provinces, meaning prices can fluctuate between Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta, and rural regions. However, menu audits consistently show Tim Hortons maintaining an entry-level price advantage of 20% to 45% across matched food categories.
Breakfast Price Comparison
Tim Hortons undercuts Subway on morning sandwiches by $1.00 to $2.00 CAD per item. A classic bacon or sausage breakfast sandwich on an English muffin at Tim Hortons costs $4.49 CAD before tax in most Canadian markets, with simple egg-and-cheese biscuits priced at $3.99 to $4.29 CAD. A signature Bacon Farmer's Wrap costs approximately $5.49 CAD, providing a full meal with a hash brown bundled inside.
Subway's breakfast menu starts at a higher baseline price. A 6-inch Egg & Cheese sub or flatbread typically costs $5.49 CAD, while adding bacon, sausage, or steak pushes the price between $6.49 and $7.29 CAD. If you upgrade to a Footlong breakfast sub, the price jumps to $9.99 to $11.49 CAD.
| Breakfast Item | Tim Hortons (CAD) | Subway 6-Inch Equivalent (CAD) | Price Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Egg & Cheese | $3.99 – $4.29 | $5.49 – $5.99 | Tim Hortons costs ~$1.50 less |
| Bacon, Egg & Cheese | $4.49 – $4.99 | $6.49 – $6.99 | Tim Hortons costs ~$2.00 less |
| Sausage, Egg & Cheese | $4.49 – $4.99 | $6.79 – $7.29 | Tim Hortons costs ~$2.30 less |
| Steak & Egg Sandwich | $5.19 – $5.49 | $7.29 – $7.79 | Tim Hortons costs ~$2.10 less |
| Breakfast Wrap / Flatbread | $5.49 – $6.49 (Farmer's Wrap) | $6.49 – $7.49 (Breakfast Flatbread) | Tim Hortons costs ~$1.00 less |
For diners seeking the lowest morning receipt, the Tim Hortons breakfast menu delivers unmatched savings.
Lunch Sandwich and Wrap Prices
Tim Hortons keeps every lunch sandwich and wrap under $10 CAD, whereas Subway prices vary dramatically between single-portion 6-inch subs and premium Footlongs. A standard lunch at Tim Hortons—such as a Turkey Bacon Club or a Crispy Chicken Bacon Ranch Wrap—costs between $7.49 and $8.49 CAD. Their hearty Cilantro Lime Chicken Loaded Wrap lists at $8.49 to $8.99 CAD.
Subway discontinued its legacy $5 footlong promotion years ago, and modern Canadian pricing reflects substantial inflation. Classic 6-inch subs like the Cold Cut Combo or Turkey Breast cost $6.99 to $8.49 CAD, while Subway Series subs (such as The Great Canadian Club or The Beast) cost $8.99 to $11.49 CAD for a 6-inch and $13.99 to $17.99 CAD for a Footlong.
| Lunch Item | Tim Hortons (CAD) | Subway 6-Inch (CAD) | Subway Footlong (CAD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deli Meat / Ham Sandwich | $6.49 (Ham & Cheddar) | $7.49 (Black Forest Ham) | $11.99 |
| Turkey & Bacon Club | $7.79 – $8.49 (Turkey Bacon Club) | $9.49 (Great Canadian Club) | $15.49 |
| Chicken / Poultry Wrap | $7.49 – $8.29 (Chicken Wrap) | $8.99 – $9.99 (Signature Wrap) | n/a |
| Specialty Loaded Wrap / Sub | $8.49 – $9.29 (Loaded Wrap) | $9.99 (Steak & Cheese) | $16.29 |
| Warm Melt / Grilled Cheese | $5.49 – $6.29 (Grilled Cheese Melt) | $7.99 – $8.99 (Subway Series Melt) | $13.49 |
Review the full Tim Hortons sandwiches menu and lunch menu to check local lunch availability.
Which Chain Serves a Better Breakfast Sandwich?
Tim Hortons serves a superior breakfast sandwich because of its freshly cracked egg program, traditional breakfast breads, and iconic Farmer's Wrap recipe. In national taste tests by Canadian publications like Daily Hive, Tim Hortons consistently outranks Subway in morning execution because its items are designed natively for breakfast rather than adapted from deli sandwich components.
Subway's main breakfast advantage is customizable vegetable additions like fresh spinach and green peppers. However, its egg preparation and sandwich breads receive mixed reviews from early-morning diners.
Egg Quality and Bread Options
Tim Hortons wins decisively on egg preparation by using 100% Canadian Grade A eggs that are cracked fresh directly onto the restaurant grill. This gives Tim Hortons breakfast sandwiches a tender fried-egg texture with a distinct yolk and white structure. In contrast, Subway prepares breakfast using pre-cooked, pre-folded egg patties stored frozen and heated in microwave or rapid-cook toaster ovens, which can yield a spongy or rubbery consistency.
Bread selection also favors Tim Hortons in the morning. Tim Hortons bakes flaky homestyle buttermilk biscuits, soft English muffins, and freshly toasted Montreal-style bagels. Subway serves breakfast on toasted Italian sub rolls or flatbreads. While Subway's flatbread is a convenient handheld option, eating long submarine bread before 10 a.m. often feels unsuited to traditional breakfast expectations.
Tim Hortons Farmer's Wrap vs Subway Breakfast Flatbread
The Tim Hortons Farmer's Wrap is Canada's most popular morning wrap because it combines a freshly cracked egg, savory breakfast sausage or crispy bacon, real cheddar cheese, a golden fried hash brown, and smoky chipotle sauce inside a warm grilled tortilla. The inclusion of the crispy hash brown inside the wrap creates a distinct balance of crunch, savory meat, and melting cheese that Subway cannot replicate.
Subway offers breakfast flatbreads that allow diners to add eggs, meat, and unlimited vegetables like spinach, tomatoes, and red onions. While Subway's flatbread provides greater fresh produce options and lower carbohydrates, it lacks the signature texture and sauce integration of the Farmer's Wrap. For the complete range of breakfast options, browse the Tim Hortons wraps menu.
How Do Tim Hortons and Subway Lunch Sandwiches Compare?
Subway outperforms Tim Hortons on lunch sandwich variety, ingredient freshness, and portion size, while Tim Hortons wins on budget speed and comfort food pairings. A Subway sub is built entirely around fresh bread baked on-site throughout the day, freshly sliced vegetables, and customizable dressings. Tim Hortons sandwiches are assembled using pre-set recipes with limited ingredient modifications.
If you desire a substantial, customized submarine sandwich packed with greens, Subway is the clear winner. If you prefer a compact warm sandwich paired with soup or chili, Tim Hortons provides a more cohesive meal.
Bread, Meats, and Vegetable Freshness
Subway offers a dramatically better vegetable selection than Tim Hortons. Subway's refrigerated counter displays fresh spinach, shredded iceberg lettuce, sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, green peppers, red onions, black olives, pickles, and jalapeños, all added at no extra charge. Tim Hortons keeps a minimal produce station consisting of shredded lettuce and sliced tomatoes used primarily for the Turkey Bacon Club and BLT.
Bread freshness is also central to Subway's identity. Subway bakes Italian, Italian Herbs & Cheese, and Multigrain breads on-site daily, giving each sub an airy crumb and toasted crust. Tim Hortons uses pre-baked artisan buns, wraps, and sandwich breads that are toasted on a contact grill. While warm and crisp, Tim Hortons' lunch bread lacks the artisanal chew of freshly baked sub rolls.
For meats, Subway features sliced deli meats (ham, turkey, salami, pepperoni) alongside warm meatballs, rotisserie-style chicken, and shaved steak. Tim Hortons focuses on crispy chicken strips, slow-cooked shredded chicken, bacon, and roast beef melts.
Portion Sizes and Customization Control
Subway provides complete customization control, allowing customers to guide sandwich artists step-by-step through bread selection, cheese type, toasting level, vegetable quantities, and sauce combinations. Diners can double their protein, request extra spinach, or combine sweet onion teriyaki with chipotle southwest dressing.
Tim Hortons operates on a standardized assembly model where customizations are largely restricted to adding or removing pre-determined ingredients. You can ask for extra chipotle sauce or request a sandwich without tomato, but you cannot introduce spinach, cucumbers, or alternative cheeses. However, Tim Hortons' smaller portion sizes (typically 180 to 240 grams) make its sandwiches easier to finish on a 30-minute lunch break without feeling sluggish.
Which Chain Is Healthier, Tim Hortons or Subway?
Subway is generally healthier for lunch because its build-your-own model allows diners to maximize dietary fiber, choose lean proteins, and avoid heavy saturated fats. A 6-inch Subway Veggie Delite contains approximately 200 calories and 2 grams of fat, while a 6-inch Turkey Breast sub contains 270 calories and 21 grams of protein.
However, neither chain is universally healthy. A Subway Footlong sub with double cheese, cured meats, and mayonnaise can easily surpass 1,100 calories and 2,500 mg of sodium. Tim Hortons offers smart low-calorie choices for breakfast—such as Spinach & Egg White Omelette Bites (130 calories) or an Egg & Cheese English Muffin (270 calories)—but its baked goods, Iced Capps, and creamy sauces carry substantial hidden sugars and fats.
Calories, Protein, and Sodium Comparison
Comparing popular menu items highlights the nutritional trade-offs between Subway's made-to-order subs and Tim Hortons' quick-service offerings.
| Chain & Menu Item | Calories | Protein (g) | Total Fat (g) | Sodium (mg) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tim Hortons Egg & Cheese English Muffin | 270 | 13 | 11 | 550 |
| Subway Egg & Cheese 6-Inch Flatbread | 380 | 18 | 15 | 780 |
| Tim Hortons Bacon Farmer's Wrap | 520 | 21 | 29 | 1,080 |
| Tim Hortons Sausage Farmer's Wrap | 640 | 25 | 40 | 1,280 |
| Subway 6-Inch Veggie Delite | 200 | 8 | 2.5 | 320 |
| Subway 6-Inch Turkey Breast Sub | 270 | 21 | 3.5 | 790 |
| Subway 6-Inch Italian B.M.T. | 380 | 19 | 17 | 1,130 |
| Tim Hortons Turkey Bacon Club Sandwich | 550 | 29 | 24 | 1,340 |
| Tim Hortons Cilantro Lime Chicken Loaded Wrap | 590 | 26 | 28 | 1,420 |
| Tim Hortons Chicken Noodle Soup (Regular) | 140 | 7 | 3.5 | 890 |
Notice that sodium levels are high across both brands. Even a modest wrap or sub frequently delivers over 50% of the recommended daily sodium limit of 2,300 mg. For deeper nutritional breakdowns across the entire Canadian menu, consult our guides on Tim Hortons calories and Tim Hortons nutrition facts.
Best Low-Calorie Orders at Both Chains
If you want to keep your meal under 400 calories in Canada, both chains offer reliable orders when chosen carefully:
- At Tim Hortons:
- *Spinach & Egg White Omelette Bites:* 130 calories, 12 grams of protein, and only 390 mg of sodium.
- *Egg & Cheese English Muffin:* 270 calories and 13 grams of protein; swap the biscuit for an English muffin to cut 80 calories.
- *Garden Minestrone or Cream of Broccoli Soup:* 100 calories per regular bowl.
- *Classic Black Brewed Coffee or Steeped Tea:* 0 to 4 calories. See size options on our coffee menu.
- At Subway:
- *6-Inch Veggie Delite on Multigrain:* 200 calories; load with spinach, cucumbers, green peppers, and red wine vinegar.
- *6-Inch Oven-Roasted Turkey Breast:* 270 calories; skip cheese and creamy mayo, opting for mustard instead.
- *Rotisserie-Style Chicken Salad:* Approximately 250 calories and over 25 grams of lean protein.
Which Is Faster and More Convenient in Canada?
Tim Hortons is significantly faster and more convenient across Canada, operating around 3,900 locations compared to Subway's approximately 2,900 stores. Tim Hortons stores are engineered for high-volume vehicle throughput, featuring dedicated drive-thrus that serve morning commuters within two to four minutes from speaker to window.
Subway operates predominantly inside strip malls, downtown food courts, gas station kiosks, and suburban shopping plazas. While online mobile pickup has improved Subway's collection times, ordering inside involves waiting in line as sandwich artists assemble each sub sequentially.
Drive-Thru Speed vs Made-to-Order Line Times
Tim Hortons processes dozens of drive-thru transactions every ten minutes during morning rush hours (6:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.) because its items are pre-portioned and rapid-toasted. A driver ordering an Original Blend coffee and a Bacon Farmer's Wrap can routinely receive their hot meal in under 120 seconds.
At Subway, each customer interaction requires multiple decisions: selecting bread, choosing cheese, deciding on toasting, directing vegetable selections item-by-item, and selecting sauces. If two or three customers ahead of you order multiple Footlongs for a family, an in-store wait can easily extend past eight to twelve minutes. While Subway offers select drive-thru windows at suburban franchise locations, the made-to-order sandwich model is fundamentally slower than a coffeehouse assembly line.
Mobile Apps and Rewards Programs
Both chains offer sophisticated Canadian mobile apps with loyalty programs that reward regular spending:
- Tims Rewards: Members earn 10 points for every $1 CAD spent on eligible purchases. Rewards unlock at specific reward tiers, starting at 400 points for a free brewed coffee or classic donut, 800 points for a breakfast sandwich, and 1,800 points for Loaded Wraps or bowls. The app features frequent promotional challenges (like Roll Up To Win) and mobile order-ahead capability.
- Subway MVP Rewards: Members earn 10 points per $1 CAD spent. Once you accumulate 400 points, they automatically convert into $2.00 of Subway Cash redeemable on any food or drink. Subway also features status tiers (Pro and All-Star) that increase point earning rates to 11 or 12 points per dollar for frequent diners.
For everyday coffee drinkers, Tims Rewards delivers faster relative value because free hot beverages require modest cumulative spend ($40 CAD). Subway MVP Rewards functions essentially as a 5% cash-back discount on larger catering or sub purchases.
Which Chain Should You Choose?
Choose Tim Hortons if you want:
- A warm breakfast sandwich made with real freshly cracked eggs under $5 CAD.
- The unmatched crunch and flavor of a Sausage or Bacon Farmer's Wrap.
- Fast morning service through a high-speed drive-thru window.
- Freshly brewed coffee, espresso beverages, Timbits, or donuts alongside your meal.
- A comforting lunch pairing of a Craveable sandwich with hot soup or chili for under $10 CAD.
Choose Subway if you want:
- Complete control over your bread, cheeses, toppings, and sauces.
- A generous serving of fresh, crisp vegetables including spinach, cucumbers, and peppers.
- A substantial 12-inch Footlong sub that satisfies a larger midday or evening appetite.
- High protein paired with low calories by building a custom turkey or rotisserie chicken salad.
- Warm, fresh-baked chocolate chip or white chocolate macadamia nut cookies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Subway cheaper than Tim Hortons in Canada?
No, Tim Hortons is noticeably cheaper than Subway across comparable breakfast and lunch items. A Tim Hortons breakfast sandwich costs between $4.29 and $5.29 CAD, while Subway breakfast subs start at $5.49 to $7.29 CAD. For lunch, Tim Hortons wraps and sandwiches cost $5.49 to $9.29 CAD, whereas Subway 6-inch subs range from $6.99 to $10.49 CAD and Footlongs cost $10.99 to $17.99 CAD.
Does Tim Hortons use real eggs compared to Subway?
Yes, Tim Hortons uses 100% Canadian Grade A freshly cracked eggs prepared on a flat grill for its breakfast sandwiches and Farmer's Wraps. Subway uses pre-cooked, pre-formed egg patties that are frozen and reheated in microwave or rapid-cook convection ovens, which results in a softer, more uniform texture.
Can you get breakfast all day at Tim Hortons and Subway?
Tim Hortons serves its breakfast menu all day at the majority of Canadian locations, allowing customers to order breakfast sandwiches, Farmer's Wraps, and hash browns in the afternoon and evening. Subway's breakfast availability varies by franchise location, with many Canadian restaurants ending breakfast service at 11:00 a.m., though locations stocking flatbread and eggs may prepare them upon request.
Which is healthier: a Tim Hortons wrap or a Subway 6-inch sub?
A Subway 6-inch sub is generally healthier if you choose lean meats and pile on fresh vegetables without heavy sauces. A 6-inch Veggie Delite (200 calories, 2.5g fat) or Turkey Breast sub (270 calories, 3.5g fat) has far less saturated fat than a Tim Hortons Bacon Farmer's Wrap, which contains 520 calories, 29 grams of fat, and 1,080 mg of sodium due to its hash brown and chipotle sauce.
How much does a Tim Hortons Farmer's Wrap cost compared to a Subway breakfast wrap?
A Tim Hortons Farmer's Wrap costs between $5.49 and $6.49 CAD before tax depending on whether you choose bacon, sausage, or egg and cheese. A Subway 6-inch breakfast flatbread or wrap costs between $6.49 and $7.49 CAD, making Tim Hortons approximately $1.00 cheaper while including a hash brown inside the wrap.
Does Subway sell coffee in Canada?
Yes, Subway locations in Canada serve hot brewed drip coffee, but it is treated as a minor beverage add-on rather than a signature product. In contrast, Tim Hortons is Canada's largest dedicated coffee chain, offering Original Blend, Dark Roast, decaf, cold brew, espresso lattes, cappuccinos, and Iced Capps with extensive customization options.
Who owns Tim Hortons and Subway?
Tim Hortons is owned by Restaurant Brands International (RBI), a multinational fast-food conglomerate headquartered in Toronto, Ontario, which also owns Burger King, Popeyes, and Firehouse Subs. Subway is owned by Roark Capital Group, an American private equity firm that finalized its multi-billion-dollar acquisition of the sandwich chain in April 2024.
How many Tim Hortons and Subway locations are there in Canada?
Tim Hortons operates approximately 3,900 restaurant locations across Canada, making it the country's largest restaurant chain by unit count. Subway operates approximately 2,900 Canadian locations, giving both chains an extensive presence in virtually every Canadian city, highway corridor, and suburban commercial center.
Does Subway have drive-thrus in Canada like Tim Hortons?
Subway has relatively few drive-thru locations in Canada, with most stores operating as counter-service restaurants inside strip malls, urban street fronts, and grocery or gas station kiosks. Tim Hortons features drive-thru lanes at the vast majority of its standalone and suburban locations, specifically designed for rapid vehicle turnover.
Which loyalty app gives better free food: Tims Rewards or Subway MVP Rewards?
Tims Rewards provides faster free food for daily beverage and breakfast buyers, as members earn 10 points per dollar and can redeem a free brewed coffee or classic donut at 400 points ($40 CAD spend). Subway MVP Rewards also earns 10 points per dollar, but converts 400 points into $2.00 of Subway Cash, acting more like a 5% rebate toward future sandwich purchases.
Can you customize sandwiches at Tim Hortons like you can at Subway?
No, sandwich customization at Tim Hortons is much more limited than at Subway. At Tim Hortons, you can modify sauces, swap bread types, or remove toppings like tomatoes, but you cannot add extra vegetables beyond what the specific recipe includes. Subway offers complete assembly-line customization where customers choose from over a dozen fresh vegetables, cheeses, and signature condiments.
This is an independent, unofficial comparison guide. TimHortonsDonuts.com is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Tim Hortons, Restaurant Brands International, Subway IP LLC, or Roark Capital Group. Menu prices are Canadian reference averages before tax and vary by location. See Sources.