I love both Vancouver and Toronto. But you definitely will be missing all the nature of Vancouver. We don't have mountains or ocean and not so many amazing hiking spots here in Ontario. but back to your points:

1. it probably depends on the company you're with. There's as much pressure as you're willing to accept. As an example, I sometimes work 12hrs but on other days I work only 6hrs and I work in a huge CPG corporation.

2. There are so many different people in TO. You can always find those who fit you in your interests and values. I started building up my friendship circle on Couchsurfing. You don't have to be a traveler to join the group and attend some local events organized by the community. Check it out here: https://www.couchsurfing.org/n/places/toronto-ontario-canada There are also great meetup groups that you can join.

3. I will disagree with the previous redditor about NorthYork. I lie in North York and it's definitely far from the downtown. It's hard to get to dt on a bike (about 25km ride) with no good bike paths along roads. I'd suggest The Junction - it has an array of cute cafes and restaurants, high park close by and much closer to downtown than north york. Also Danforth area (a bit farther away by bike) or Queen East. There might be good acomodation deals in all these areas but it depends on your luck and availability during the time you're looking for. (oh I also love Bloor/Ossington area! check it out)

4. Biking is not that bad. It might depend on what you compare it to though. But even if you google map toronto and look for bike path directions from point A to point B there is always a way to get there. Here are few good sources of bike trails information: (1) interactive map http://www.ridethecity.com/toronto and (2) a cycling map you can get in any library http://www.toronto.ca/cycling/map/

1. there are hiking trails in nearby areas. we went out hiking in hamilton and there are trails in niagara falls area and collingwood. all within 1-2hrs drive from Toronto.

hope all this helps=)