Should you visit Alaska or Quebec?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Alaska or Quebec? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Where Should I go: Alaska or Quebec?
Alaska
Alaska joined the United States of America as the 49th state. The US purchased the area from the Russian Empire in 1867 for just 7.2 million dollars (about two cents an acre). It became an organized territory in 1912 and a state in 1959. It is separated from the rest of the country by Canada and, although it is the largest state, it is the least densely populated and for many years had the lowest population. It covers an area equal to California, Texas and Montana combined and lies on the Arctic Circle. Many people consider Alaska to be the United State's "final frontier" because of its vast wilderness. It is also where you will find the highest point in North America.
Quebec
The culture and history of Europe is alive and well in North America. The largest province in Canada, Quebec, was a French colony from the time of Jacques Cartier in 1534 until 1760. Today, it is the only province in Canada where French is the official language. With the second largest population in the country, approximately 6.4 million, or 80% of the people speak French as their native language.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, The Best Historical Tours in United States of America, The Best G Adventures Tours to Canada, and The Best 3-Day Tours from Vancouver.
Which place is cheaper, Quebec or Alaska?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
The average daily cost (per person) in Alaska is $280, while the average daily cost in Quebec is $188. 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 Alaska and Quebec in more detail.
Accommodation
Looking for a hotel in Alaska or Quebec? 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.
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.
Local Transportation
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Alaska
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Alaska:
-
Private Transfer, Seward Cruise ship to Anchorage:
$299
-
Private Transfer, Anchorage to Seward Cruise Ship Terminal:
$299
-
Seward to Anchorage Scenic Transfer Photo Tour:
$295
-
Seward Cruise Transfer with Wildlife & Scenic Tour to Anchorage:
$249
-
Seward to Anchorage Cruise Transfer & Wildlife Tour:
$227
-
Whittier Cruise Transfer with Wildlife&Glacier tour to Anchorage:
$199
-
Whittier to Anchorage Transfer on Sprinter Van:
$199
-
Whittier to Anchorage Cruise Transfer & Wildlife Tour:
$197
-
Private Transfer Alaska Anchorage Airport ANC to Anchorage City:
$180
-
Portage Glacier Express with Van Transfer from Anchorage:
$123
-
Anchorage to Whittier Cruise Transfer with Wildlife:
$120
-
Seward to Anchorage Direct Transfer Tour:
$85
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Quebec
Also for Quebec, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
-
Private Transfer from Montreal Airport YUL to Montreal / Bromont:
$33
-
Private Departure Transfer to Montreal Airport YUL:
$48
-
Departure transfer Montreal to Montreal Airport YUL by Car or SUV:
$62
-
Private One-way Transfer from Montreal Airport to Montreal:
$62
-
Montreal hotel or port to Montréal Airport (YUL) - Departure Private Transfer:
$68
-
Private Transfer from Montreal Port to Montreal Airport (YUL):
$69
-
Private Transfer from Montreal Cruise Port to Montreal City:
$69
-
Private Transfer from Montreal Airport (YUL) to Montreal Port:
$69
-
Montreal hotels to Montréal Airport (YUL) - Private Transfer:
$69
-
From Quebec City: Grosse Île Tour & Cruise + Bus Transfer:
$92
-
Private Transfer from Jean Lesage Airport (YQB) to Québec City:
$93
-
Private Transfer from Québec City to Jean Lesage Airport (YQB):
$93
Is it cheaper to fly into Alaska or Quebec?
Prices for flights to both Quebec and Alaska 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
Alaska $94
Quebec $59
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Alaska
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Alaska.
-
Alaska Cabin Nite Dinner Theatre Experience:
$95
-
Aurora Viewing and Dinner:
$120
-
Anchorage Sightseeing and Food Tour - Available All Year Long!:
$195
-
Northern Lights Experience and Cabin Dinner:
$200
-
Kenai Fjords National Park Glacier Dinner Cruise from Seward:
$228
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Quebec
For Quebec, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
-
Guided Happy Hour Brew Tour in Montreal with Dinner:
$87
-
Montreal Mile End Food Tour: Bagels, Smoked Meat & Poutine:
$87
-
Jean Talon Market & Little Italy Food Tour with 8 Local Tastings:
$87
-
The Only Locally Owned Non-Touristy Food Tour by Spade & Palacio:
$94
-
Montreal Mile End Food Tour with Bagel, Poutine & 7 Tastings:
$99
-
Montreal Mile End Guided Food Tour by Local Montreal Tours:
$99
-
Quebec : Best Street Food Tour With A Local Guide:
$108
-
Food Tour in Quebec With A Local Guide:
$111
-
Montreal Home Dining & Dim Sum Cooking Class:
$115
-
Private Authentic Cooking Class in Montreal with Sokun:
$115
-
Old Montreal Guided Food Tour with 8+ Local Delicacies Tastings:
$116
-
Old Quebec City Food Tour with 10+ Local Tastings:
$122
Entertainment
Tours and Activities in Alaska
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Alaska are as follows:
-
1 Hour Snowmobile Tour in Fairbanks Alaska:
$175
-
1-hr. Dog Sledding Tour in Fairbanks (without transportation):
$175
-
14 passenger Whale Watching Tours in Icy Strait aka Hoonah AK:
$293
-
2 Hour Alaska Rainforest Walk and Totem Park Small Group Tour:
$95
-
2 Hour Chichagof Island Guided Driving Tour:
$125
-
2 Hour Private Marine Wildlife Tour:
$200
-
2.5 Hour Tour in Ketchikan on the Tongass Trolley:
$85
-
2.5-Hour Denali Wilderness ATV Adventure Tour:
$146
-
3 Hour Fishing Experience/Class in Juneau:
$225
-
3 Hour Rainforest Walk & Totem Park Wild Wolf Tours:
$125
-
3 Hour SHERP Tour: Denali Fat Truck Tours:
$249
-
3 Hour Scenic Birding Cruise:
$175
Tours and Activities in Quebec
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Quebec.
-
Québec: City Highlights Walking Tour | 3-Hour:
$5.00
-
Old Montreal Walking Tour: History, Culture & Landmarks:
$5.46
-
Self Guided Walking Tour of Montréal with Audio Guide:
$5.83
-
Quebec City Self-Guided Audio Tour:
$6.00
-
Montreal Self Guided Audio Tour:
$6.00
-
Old Montreal: Self-Guided Tour from Place D‘Armes to Old Port:
$12
-
La Citadelle de Québec Ticket and Guided Tour:
$16
-
Quebec City: MNBAQ National Fine Arts Museum Entry Ticket:
$18
-
Old Quebec Walking Tour with a Certified Local Guide:
$18
-
Quebec City: Guided Tour of Fairmont Le Château Frontenac:
$18
-
Quebec : Death in New-France Animated Walking tour:
$19
-
Crimes of New France Animated Walking Tour:
$19
Alcohol
Sample the Local Flavors in Alaska
Also in Alaska, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
-
Distillery Tour in the Heart of Anchorage:
$25
-
Denali Husky Sled Dog Experience & Local Brewery Visit:
$130
-
Distillery Tour and Signature Bottle Infusion Experience:
$149
-
Craft Brews & Epic Views: Juneau's Brewery & Sightseeing Tour:
$159
-
Wilderness and Wine Tasting out of Anchorage:
$239
Sample the Local Flavors in Quebec
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Quebec:
-
Guided visits and tasting at a Quebec distillery:
$16
-
Quebec City: Honey and Distillery Tour with Tasting:
$20
-
Quebec City: Island of Orleans Wine Tour:
$93
-
Wine Tasting on Ile d'Orleans:
$96
-
Quebec City: Montmorency Falls and Microbrewery eBike Tour:
$145
-
Quebec City: Montmorency Falls and Microbrewery eBike Tour:
$150
-
Experience the Flavors of Montérégie on a Guided Wine Tour:
$285
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Alaska and Quebec, we can see that Alaska is more expensive. And not only is Quebec much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Quebec would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Quebec 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 Alaska would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Alaska than you might in Quebec.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Alaska Expensive? and Is Quebec Expensive?.
Which has a larger population, Alaska or Quebec?
Quebec has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Alaska. When comparing the sizes of Alaska and Quebec, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.
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