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

Should you visit Acadia National Park or Moncton?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Acadia National Park or Moncton, 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.

Acadia National Park

Acadia National Park is a scenic, picturesque, and beautiful national park. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the beaches and hiking.

Moncton

Moncton is a cultural, quaint, and compact city. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and shopping.

Acadia National Park and Moncton: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for shopping
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Acadia National Park or Moncton?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Acadia National Park. Although Acadia National Park and Moncton are popular destinations, Acadia National Park has more sights and attractions for tourists. Acadia National Park is very popular for its beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Moncton attracts visitors for its museums & sights, food, nightlife, and shopping. Acadia National Park is more touristy than Moncton and is known for its scenic drives, beautiful fall foliage, and cross country skiing in the winter. It is also well known for Cadillac Mountain. Moncton is famous for its unique sense of place and its cultural activities.

How is Acadia National Park different from Moncton?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Acadia National Park or Moncton?

Acadia National Park
Moncton

Moncton is a nice place to visit for its museums and history. However, Acadia National Park is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Moncton. The city has a zoo at Magnetic Hill as well as several great museums and historic sites like Fort Beauséjour and the Acadian Museum.

Acadia National Park offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. There are educational centers and Ranger Programs at the visitor centers in the park.


Is the Food Better in Acadia National Park or Moncton? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Acadia National Park
Moncton

Moncton is a nice place to visit for its restaurants. However, Acadia National Park is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

Moncton is becoming an appealing option for foodies. You'll find a range of casual eateries around town as well as wine tasting and a few upscales places. Poutine is the local favorite, but you can also try fried seafood or a local stew.

Acadia National Park offers some easy restaurants to choose from. There's one restaurant in the park, the Jordan Pond House Restaurant, which serves lunch and dinner between mid-May and October. Many visitors prefer to bring their own food and enjoy meals at one of the six picnic areas.

Is Acadia National Park or Moncton Better for Nightlife?

Acadia National Park
Moncton

Moncton is a decent place to visit for its evening party scene. However, Acadia National Park is lacking in good options for nightlife.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Moncton. Many of the local bars and clubs are geared toward a slightly younger crowd.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Acadia National Park. The park is more about sunsets and stargazing than lively nightlife parties.

Is Acadia National Park or Moncton Better for Beaches?

Acadia National Park
Moncton

Acadia National Park is a good destination for the beach. However, Moncton is not a beach destination.

Acadia National Park offers a nice beach destination. There is one oceanside beach in the park, Sand Beach, as well as two lakefront beaches, Echo Lake Beach and Lake Wood. Many visitors enjoy swimming during the warmer months.

Moncton is not a beach destination.


Is Acadia National Park or Moncton Better for Hiking?

Acadia National Park
Moncton

Acadia National Park is great for hiking. However, Moncton is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Acadia National Park for the hiking trails. With 158 miles of hiking trails, this is a favorite activity for visitors to the park. There are diverse habitats that trails pass through including forests, estuaries, and coastal settings.

Moncton is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Acadia National Park or Moncton?

Acadia National Park
Moncton

Moncton is a nice place to visit for its shopping areas. However, Acadia National Park is lacking in good options for shopping.

Moncton has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There's a mix of independent shops and larger big box stores. Some of the largest shopping areas include Mapleton Plaza and Wheeler Park Power Centre.

Acadia National Park has some shopping areas for those that seek them out. There are several park stores near visitor centers and campgrounds.

Is Acadia National Park or Moncton Better for Families?

Acadia National Park
Moncton

Acadia National Park is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Moncton is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Acadia National Park. There are campgrounds and games that kids will enjoy. There are also Ranger Programs and hiking trails that are great for kids of all ages.

Moncton is a family-friendly place to visit. It's a family-friendly town with indoor play spaces and outdoor parks. Highlights for families include a visit to Magnetic Hill Zoo and a stop at Butterfly World and the Boardwalk.


Is Acadia National Park or Moncton Better for Couples?

Acadia National Park
Moncton

Acadia National Park and Moncton are both nice to visit as a couple.

Acadia National Park is a good national park for couples to visit. The natural beauty and scenic trails make this a romantic destination for couples.

Moncton is a nice destination for couples. There are some great date night ideas like wine tasting at Magnetic Hill Winery or seeing a show at the theater.

Is Acadia National Park or Moncton Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Acadia National Park
Moncton

Acadia National Park is a good destination for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Moncton is not a good destination for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Acadia National Park. There are campgrounds and hiking trails that attracts hikers and backpackers who enjoy the beautiful natural setting.

Moncton is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. While there is a hostel in town, this is little more than a stopover for most backpackers.

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

Acadia National Park
Moncton

Visitors will find reasonable public transit in both Acadia National Park and Moncton.

Public transit is mostly limited in Acadia National Park. The Island Explorer Shuttle Bus operates between late June and early October.

Public transit is generally limited in Moncton. There is a bus system but it's better not to rely on it.


Is Acadia National Park or Moncton a more walkable city?

Acadia National Park
Moncton

Moncton is a nice place to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Acadia National Park is lacking in good options for its walkability.

Moncton is a somewhat walkable city. It's relatively compact and dense enough to get around on foot in many parts.

Acadia National Park is generally not very walkable. There are countless hiking trails, but having a car allows more efficient access to everything that the park has to offer.

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

Should I spend more time in Moncton or Acadia National Park?

How long in Acadia National Park or Moncton?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Acadia National Park or Moncton to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Acadia National Park than Moncton because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Acadia National Park, and 1-2 days is enough time in Moncton.

Families should spend more time in Acadia National Park than Moncton. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Acadia National Park, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Moncton than Acadia National Park. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Moncton that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Acadia National Park than Moncton 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 Acadia National Park.


  • How many days in Acadia National Park or Moncton? Ideal Length of Stay
    Acadia National Park 1-3 
    Moncton 1-2

One day in Acadia National Park or Moncton?

In Acadia National Park, you'll find . Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This national park offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Moncton. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Moncton has to offer.

A weekend in Acadia National Park or Moncton?

In Acadia National Park, you'll find . The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Acadia National Park has to offer.

Moncton is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.


Five days in Acadia National Park or Moncton?

Acadia National Park is a great place to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Many people visit Moncton for five days. You'll find museums and food around the city of Moncton. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Acadia National Park or Moncton?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Acadia National Park. Many people enjoy the when visiting Acadia National Park. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

The quaint destination of Moncton offers food and shopping. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Canada, and The Best Camping Tours in Canada.


Which place is cheaper, Moncton or Acadia National Park?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Acadia National Park is $173, while the average daily cost in Moncton is $108. 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 Acadia National Park and Moncton in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Acadia National Park $96
    Moncton $30
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Acadia National Park $192
    Moncton $60
Compare Hotels in Acadia National Park and Moncton

Looking for a hotel in Acadia National Park or Moncton? 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 Acadia National Park


Hotels in Moncton


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: Moncton Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Acadia National Park $46
    Moncton -

Is it cheaper to fly into Acadia National Park or Moncton?

Prices for flights to both Moncton and Acadia 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
    Acadia National Park $45
    Moncton $57
Typical Food Prices in Acadia National Park

For Acadia National Park, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Lunch for 2
    $32

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Acadia National Park $33
    Moncton $80

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Acadia National Park $11
    Moncton $4.60


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Acadia National Park and Moncton, we can see that Acadia National Park is more expensive. And not only is Moncton much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Moncton would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Moncton 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 Acadia National Park would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Acadia National Park than you might in Moncton.

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



When is the best time to visit Acadia National Park or Moncton?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Acadia National Park or Moncton in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Acadia National Park and Moncton. Many travelers come to Acadia National Park for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Moncton in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

Acadia National Park is around the same temperature as Moncton in the summer. The daily temperature in Acadia National Park averages around 69°F (21°C) in July, and Moncton fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

Moncton receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Acadia National Park usually receives less rain than Moncton. Acadia National Park gets 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain, while Moncton receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Acadia National Park 69°F (21°C) 
    Moncton 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Acadia National Park or Moncton in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Acadia National Park as well as Moncton. Many visitors come to Acadia National Park in the autumn for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Moncton for the shopping scene during these months.

In the autumn, Acadia National Park is a little warmer than Moncton. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Acadia National Park in October average around 48°F (9°C), and Moncton averages at about 8°C (46°F).

It's quite rainy in Moncton. Acadia National Park usually gets less rain in October than Moncton. Acadia National Park gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Moncton receives 106 mm (4.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Acadia National Park 48°F (9°C) 
    Moncton 8°C (46°F)

Should I visit Acadia National Park or Moncton in the Winter?

Both Moncton and Acadia National Park are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Acadia National Park for the museums and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Moncton because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Moncton can be very cold. Acadia National Park can be very cold during winter. In January, Acadia National Park is generally around the same temperature as Moncton. Daily temperatures in Acadia National Park average around 18°F (-8°C), and Moncton fluctuates around -8°C (17°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Moncton. In January, Acadia National Park usually receives less rain than Moncton. Acadia National Park gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while Moncton receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Acadia National Park 18°F (-8°C) 
    Moncton -8°C (17°F)

Should I visit Acadia National Park or Moncton in the Spring?

Both Moncton and Acadia National Park during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Acadia National Park because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

It's quite cold in Moncton in the spring. Acadia National Park is much warmer than Moncton in the spring. The daily temperature in Acadia National Park averages around 43°F (6°C) in April, and Moncton fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

Moncton gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Acadia National Park usually gets less rain in April than Moncton. Acadia National Park gets 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain, while Moncton receives 101 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Acadia National Park 43°F (6°C) 
    Moncton 3°C (38°F)

Typical Weather for Moncton and Acadia National Park

Acadia National Park Moncton
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 18°F (-8°C) 3 inches (77 mm) -8°C (17°F) 120 mm (4.7 in)
Feb 20°F (-6°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) -8°C (18°F) 97 mm (3.8 in)
Mar 31°F (-1°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm) -3°C (27°F) 117 mm (4.6 in)
Apr 43°F (6°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm) 3°C (38°F) 101 mm (4 in)
May 54°F (12°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm) 10°C (50°F) 91 mm (3.6 in)
Jun 64°F (18°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm) 16°C (60°F) 93 mm (3.7 in)
Jul 69°F (21°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm) 19°C (66°F) 103 mm (4 in)
Aug 67°F (20°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm) 18°C (65°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Sep 59°F (15°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 13°C (56°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Oct 48°F (9°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 8°C (46°F) 106 mm (4.2 in)
Nov 37°F (3°C) 4.6 inches (116 mm) 2°C (36°F) 114 mm (4.5 in)
Dec 24°F (-5°C) 4 inches (100 mm) -5°C (23°F) 126 mm (5 in)