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

Should you visit Acadia National Park or Montreal?

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 Montreal, 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, Acadia National Park attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the beaches and hiking. See Acadia National Park travel costs.

Montreal

Montreal is a colorful, cultural, and vibrant city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and live music. See Montreal travel costs.

Acadia National Park and Montreal: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Known for its beauty
  • 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 food
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
  • Big city activities


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

Travelers will usually find more to do in Montreal. Although Acadia National Park and Montreal are popular destinations, Montreal has more sights and attractions for tourists. Montreal is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, music, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Acadia National Park attracts visitors for its beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Acadia National Park is famous for its scenic drives, beautiful fall foliage, and cross country skiing in the winter. Montreal is famous for its music, fashion, and cultural activities. It is also well known for Notre-Dame Basilica.

How is Acadia National Park different from Montreal?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Montreal 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 Montreal?

Acadia National Park
Montreal

Montreal is a world-class destination for its museums and history. However, Acadia National Park is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Montreal has many famous sights for visitors. The city is filled with world-class museums and historic sites such as Notre-Dame Basilica, St. Joseph's Oratory, the Biosphere, and the Fine Arts 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 Montreal? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Acadia National Park
Montreal

Montreal is a very popular place for its restaurants. However, Acadia National Park is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

Montreal has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. There are both local and international restaurants that serve up excellent dishes. Some of the local recipes that you should try include tourtiere (a meat pie), a smoked meat sandwich, and, of course, poutine.

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 Montreal Better for Nightlife?

Acadia National Park
Montreal

Montreal is a world-class destination for its evening party scene. However, Acadia National Park is lacking in good options for nightlife.

People head to Montreal just to party. The city's nightlife scene is centered around its live music scene, which is excellent. There are also many bars and clubs, as well as a young population that keep evenings lively.

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 Montreal Better for Music?

Acadia National Park
Montreal

Montreal is a world-class destination for its music scene. However, Acadia National Park is not a live music destination.

Montreal has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. The music scene is thriving and world class. One of the most unique aspects of the city's music scene is its impromptu nature. You'll find many talented street performers and you'll likely stumble into many high quality performers. There's also a great indie scene as well as hip hop, classical, jazz, and heavy metal at the many live music venues.

Acadia National Park is not a live music destination.


Is Acadia National Park or Montreal Better for Beaches?

Acadia National Park
Montreal

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

Many people head to Acadia National Park to enjoy the beach. 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.

Montreal is not a beach destination.

Is Acadia National Park or Montreal Better for its Old Town?

Acadia National Park
Montreal

Montreal is a very popular place for its historic old town charm. However, Acadia National Park does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Montreal to see the historical old town. Vieux-Montreal is the historic part of the city, and it's filled with cobblestone streets and historic buildings. This is also where you'll find the Old Port, which has a waterfront promenade.

Acadia National Park does not have a historic old town.

Is Acadia National Park or Montreal Better for Hiking?

Acadia National Park
Montreal

Acadia National Park is great for hiking. However, Montreal 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.

Montreal is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Acadia National Park or Montreal?

Acadia National Park
Montreal

Montreal is a world-class destination for its shopping areas. However, Acadia National Park is lacking in good options for shopping.

Many people travel to Montreal specifically to go shopping. It's known for its fashion scene and there are many independent and local vendors around town. Bonsecours Market is both historic and fascinating, but also make sure you check out Mont-Royal Avenue, which is the main shopping and dining street in town.

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 Montreal More Beautiful?

Acadia National Park
Montreal

Acadia National Park is great for its scenery and beauty. However, Montreal is not a destination known for its beauty.

With stunning beauty, Acadia National Park attracts visitors from all around. The dramatic ocean views and beautiful hiking trails make this a popular and scenic national park.

Montreal is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Acadia National Park or Montreal Better for Families?

Acadia National Park
Montreal

Acadia National Park and Montreal are both excellent destinations for the whole family.

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.

Montreal is a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids and teens will love the many science museums, parks and gardens, and the nearby La Ronde Amusement Park. If your kids are music lovers, there are many talented street performers in the city that will entertain the young and old alike.


Is Acadia National Park or Montreal Better for Couples?

Acadia National Park
Montreal

Montreal is a very popular place for couples. Also, Acadia National Park is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Montreal makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The city is filled with romance, from the world class music scene to the romantic restaurants and sunset river cruises. If you're in town during the fall months, check out the Botanical Gardens, which come to life with the annual Gardens of Light.

Acadia National Park is a nice destination for couples. The natural beauty and scenic trails make this a romantic destination for couples.

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

Acadia National Park
Montreal

Acadia National Park and Montreal are both nice destinations for backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Acadia National Park. There are campgrounds and hiking trails that attracts hikers and backpackers who enjoy the beautiful natural setting.

Montreal is a good national park to visit for backpackers. There's a decent number of hostels as well as a great nightlife scene and plenty of younger visitors looking to meet other travelers.

Is Acadia National Park or Montreal Better for Students?

Acadia National Park
Montreal

Montreal is a world-class destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Acadia National Park is not popular with students.

Montreal is a great destination for students. It's regularly ranked as one of the top cities in North America for students. There are many students around town, a great nightlife scene, and plenty of opportunities to receive a world-class education.

Acadia National Park is not popular with students.


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

Acadia National Park
Montreal

Montreal is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Acadia National Park is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Montreal. There's an efficient and reliable metro and bus system.

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

Is Acadia National Park or Montreal a more walkable city?

Acadia National Park
Montreal

Montreal is a very popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Acadia National Park is lacking in good options for its walkability.

Montreal is a very walkable destination. The city is very walkable, particularly in the areas that are popular with tourists.

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 Montreal Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Acadia National Park or Montreal?

In either Acadia National Park or Montreal, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Montreal than Acadia National Park because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Acadia National Park, and 3-5 days is enough time in Montreal.

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

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

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


  • How many days in Acadia National Park or Montreal? Ideal Length of Stay
    Acadia National Park 1-3 
    Montreal 3-5

One day in Acadia National Park or Montreal?

The beautiful national park of Acadia National Park offers . Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Montreal is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.


A weekend in Acadia National Park or Montreal?

Acadia National Park is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this national park makes for a great vacation. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Acadia National Park, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Montreal is a fun place to experience. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Acadia National Park or Montreal?

Acadia National Park is a popular choice for travelers. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Many people visit Montreal for five days. Montreal is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. Visiting the old town is also a must. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

A week in Acadia National Park or Montreal?

Acadia National Park is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This national park offers something for everyone.

The colorful big city of Montreal offers museums and nightlife. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, The Best Train & Rail Tours in Canada, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Canada.


Which place is cheaper, Montreal or Acadia National Park?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Acadia National Park Prices
    USA Prices
    Montreal Prices
    Canada Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Acadia National Park $206
    Montreal $233

The average daily cost (per person) in Acadia National Park is $206, while the average daily cost in Montreal is $233. 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 Montreal in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Acadia National Park $96
    Montreal $130
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Acadia National Park $192
    Montreal $260
Compare Hotels in Acadia National Park and Montreal

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


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: Montreal Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Acadia National Park $46
    Montreal $20

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Montreal

Also for Montreal, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Transfer Montreal International Airport to Quebec City: $995
  • Transfer Montreal International Airport to Downtown Montreal: $187
  • Private Transfer from Montreal hotels to Montréal Airport (YUL): $71
  • Private Transfer from Montreal City to Montreal (YUL) Airport: $105
  • Private Transfer from Montreal Airport YUL to Montreal / Bromont: $33
  • Private Transfer from Montréal Airport (YUL) to Montreal Hotels: $71
  • Private Transfer To Quebec From Montreal YUL Airport: $397
  • Private Transfer To Montreal YUL Airport From Mont-Tremblant: $234
  • Private Transfer To Mont-Tremblant From Montreal YUL Airport: $216
  • Private Transfer Montreal International Airport to Ottawa: $703
  • YUL Airport Private Transfer to Downtown|Hotels: $29
  • Private Transfer to Montreal Airport YUL: $72

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

Prices for flights to both Montreal 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 $78
    Montreal $62
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

Typical Food Prices in Montreal

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Montreal:


  • Tim Hortons breakfast and coffee
    $8.89

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Montreal

For Montreal, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Jean-Talon Market Hidden Gems Guided Food Tour: $69
  • No Diet Club: Walking food Tour with many tastings: $70
  • Jean-Talon Market & Little Italy Walking Secret Food tour: $78
  • Beyond the Market Non-Touristy Food Tour by Spade & Palacio: $80
  • Secret Food Tours: Montreal - Jean-Talon & Little Italy: $80
  • Historical Food Tour with 6 Tastings: $80
  • Montreal Cooking Class - Learn to make Dim Sums: $84
  • Montreal Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $85
  • Guided Happy Hour Brew Tour in Montreal with Dinner: $87
  • Old Montreal Food & Drink Tour by Local Montreal Food Tours: $114
  • Montréal: 3 or 5-Course Dinner Cruise with DJ & Dancing: $127
  • Montreal Gourmet Dinner Cruise with DJ & Dancing: $128

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Acadia National Park $33
    Montreal $21

Typical Entertainment Prices in Montreal

For Montreal, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Botanical Gardens (family of 4)
    $53

Tours and Activities in Montreal

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Montreal.

  • Experience Montréal Axe Throwing Adventure: $29
  • Montreal ZOO, private half day tour: $205
  • 1 Hour Downtown Montreal Tour: $24
  • 1-Hour Jet Ski Guided Tour – Explore Montreal Waterways in Style!: $117
  • 1H Scenic StLawrence River Boat Tour -Discover MTL from the water: $22
  • 3 Days 2 Nights Tour in New York: $300
  • 3 Hour Montreal City Bike Tour with Wine or Beer (AM & PM): $67
  • 3-Hour Scooter Sightseeing in Montreal: $79
  • APP Self-Guided Tours Montreal with Audioguide: $9.17
  • All about Montreal's Murals - Saturday Walking Tour: $24
  • Awesome Curling Experience : $92
  • Best of Montreal Small Group Tour with River Cruise + Notre Dame: $161

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Acadia National Park $11
    Montreal $16

Typical Alcohol Prices in Montreal

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Montreal:


  • Vodka
    $18

Sample the Local Flavors in Montreal

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Montreal:

  • Haunted Pub Crawl: $24
  • Guided Bar Crawl with Free Shots and Club Entry: $41
  • Guided Pub Crawl of the City's Skyline Bars: $86
  • Introduction to Wine Tasting, French Natural Wines: $92


When comparing the travel costs between Acadia National Park and Montreal, we can see that Montreal is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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 Montreal Expensive?.



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

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 Montreal in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Acadia National Park and Montreal. Most visitors come to Acadia National Park for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Montreal because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

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

In July, Acadia National Park usually receives around the same amount of rain as Montreal. Acadia National Park gets 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 91 mm (3.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Acadia National Park 69°F (21°C) 
    Montreal 21°C (69°F)

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

The autumn brings many poeple to Acadia National Park as well as Montreal. The autumn months attract visitors to Acadia National Park because of the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene are the main draw to Montreal this time of year.

In the autumn, Acadia National Park is a little warmer than Montreal. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Acadia National Park in October average around 48°F (9°C), and Montreal averages at about 8°C (47°F).

Acadia National Park usually gets more rain in October than Montreal. Acadia National Park gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Acadia National Park 48°F (9°C) 
    Montreal 8°C (47°F)

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

Both Montreal and Acadia National Park are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums and the cuisine are the main draw to Acadia National Park this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Montreal for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Montreal. It's quite cold in Acadia National Park in the winter. In January, Acadia National Park is generally a little warmer than Montreal. Daily temperatures in Acadia National Park average around 18°F (-8°C), and Montreal fluctuates around -10°C (14°F).

In January, Acadia National Park usually receives around the same amount of rain as Montreal. Acadia National Park gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Acadia National Park 18°F (-8°C) 
    Montreal -10°C (14°F)

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

Both Montreal and Acadia National Park during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Acadia National Park for the beaches and the natural beauty. Furthermore, many visitors come to Montreal in the spring for the activities around the city.

Acadia National Park is around the same temperature as Montreal in the spring. The daily temperature in Acadia National Park averages around 43°F (6°C) in April, and Montreal fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

Acadia National Park usually gets more rain in April than Montreal. Acadia National Park gets 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Acadia National Park 43°F (6°C) 
    Montreal 6°C (43°F)

Typical Weather for Montreal and Acadia National Park

Acadia National Park Montreal
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 18°F (-8°C) 3 inches (77 mm) -10°C (14°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Feb 20°F (-6°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) -9°C (16°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Mar 31°F (-1°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm) -2°C (28°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Apr 43°F (6°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm) 6°C (43°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
May 54°F (12°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm) 13°C (55°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Jun 64°F (18°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm) 18°C (64°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Jul 69°F (21°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm) 21°C (69°F) 91 mm (3.6 in)
Aug 67°F (20°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm) 19°C (67°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Sep 59°F (15°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 14°C (58°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Oct 48°F (9°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 8°C (47°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 37°F (3°C) 4.6 inches (116 mm) 2°C (35°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Dec 24°F (-5°C) 4 inches (100 mm) -7°C (20°F) 99 mm (3.9 in)