A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Boone vs. Montreal for Attractions, Nightlife, Food, and Families

Should you visit Boone or Montreal?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Boone and Montreal can help you decide which place is right for you.

Boone

Boone is a picturesque, charming, and relaxing town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, skiing, and nightlife.

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 shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Boone and Montreal: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to the Blue Ridge Parkway
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Public transit not as usable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
  • Big city activities


Is there more to do in Boone or Montreal?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Montreal. Although Boone and Montreal are popular destinations, Montreal has more sights and attractions for tourists. Montreal is very popular for its museums & sights, food, nightlife, music, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Boone attracts visitors for its skiing, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Boone is famous for its proximity to great hiking, skiing, and small town charm. Montreal is famous for its music, fashion, and cultural activities. It is also well known for Notre-Dame Basilica.

How is Boone different from Montreal?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Boone or Montreal Better for Skiing?

Boone
Montreal

Boone is great for skiing. However, Montreal is not a skiing destination.

Boone draws a large crowd in the winter for its impressive snow skiing opportunities. It's a very popular ski destination in North Carolina. There are family-friendly slopes as well as more challenging options. Head to the popular Appalachian Ski Mountain, nearby Beech Mountain, or Sugar Mountain for some of the area's best skiing.

Montreal is not a skiing destination.


Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Boone or Montreal?

Boone
Montreal

Montreal is an amazing city to visit for its historical sights. Also, Boone is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its sights and museums.

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.

Boone is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Most people spend the majority of their time exploring the natural beauty, but there are also several small local museums such as the Banner House Museum.

Is the Food Better in Boone or Montreal? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Boone
Montreal

Montreal is a great city for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Boone is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

Boone offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. You'll find farm to table restaurants, local cafes, and all of the standard chain restaurants nearby. Check for a High Country Grown certification if you want to prioritize locally sourced ingredients.

Is Boone or Montreal Better for Nightlife?

Boone
Montreal

Montreal is an amazing city to visit for its evening party scene. Also, Boone is not as popular, but is still a nice town for nightlife.

Montreal has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. 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.

Boone offers plenty to do in the evening. It's a small town, but there are local breweries and a great nightlife scene that is, in large part, influenced by the large student population.


Is Boone or Montreal Better for Music?

Boone
Montreal

Montreal is an amazing city to visit for its music scene. However, Boone 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.

Boone is not a live music destination.

Is Boone or Montreal Better for its Old Town?

Boone
Montreal

Montreal is a great city for its historic old town charm. However, Boone does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Montreal. 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.

Boone does not have a historic old town.

Is Boone or Montreal Better for Hiking?

Boone
Montreal

Boone is great for hiking. However, Montreal is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Boone for the hiking trails. The area is filled with wonderful hikes, particularly around Grandfather Mountain and along the Blue Ridge Parkway. The famed Appalachian Trail passes through the area as well. Many hikes take you through beautiful forests, passed dramatic waterfalls, and to breathtaking viewpoints.

Montreal is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Boone or Montreal?

Boone
Montreal

Montreal is an amazing city to visit for its shopping areas. Also, Boone is not as popular, but is still a nice town 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.

Boone is an extremely popular place for shoppers. Wander along King Street for some of the town's best shopping. There are independent vendors and antique shops that are fun to pop into. The town is also known for its farmer's markets.

Is Boone or Montreal Better for Families?

Boone
Montreal

You'll find very good kid-friendly activities in either Boone or Montreal.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Boone. Near town you'll find kid-friendly hikes, such as Linville Falls. There are also several places where kids can go ziplining or rock climbing. Parks and outdoor activities are abundant and the whole family will enjoy the setting.

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 Boone or Montreal Better for Couples?

Boone
Montreal

Both Boone and Montreal are very good destinations to visit as a couple.

Boone is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. The charming town has a romantic setting with local restaurants, beautiful hikes, and plenty of shopping. Couples enjoy staying at bed and breakfasts and enjoying the quaint atmosphere.

Montreal is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.


Is Boone or Montreal Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Boone
Montreal

For backpackers, both Boone and Montreal are nice places to visit.

Boone is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. While there aren't many hostels in the area, there are plenty of campgrounds. The nearby Appalachian State University also ensures that there are plenty of fun activities for young visitors.

It's common for backpackers to visit Montreal. 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 Boone or Montreal Better for Students?

Boone
Montreal

For students, both Boone and Montreal are fantastic places to visit.

Students come from all over the world to visit Boone. This mountain town offers a great setting for students who enjoy hiking and skiing. Appalachian State University is a fun college with plenty of activities going on.

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.

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

Boone
Montreal

Montreal is a great city for times when you don't have a car. However, Boone is not known for its public transit.

Montreal offers a very effecient public transportation network. There's an efficient and reliable metro and bus system.

Public transit is generally limited in Boone. You really need a car to make the most of your time.


Is Boone or Montreal a more walkable city?

Boone
Montreal

Boone and Montreal are very good when it comes to walkability.

Boone is a very walkable destination. Head to King Street for the best shopping and the most pedestrian-friendly part of town.

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

For even more information, also check out Is Boone Worth Visiting? and Is Montreal Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Montreal or Boone?

How long in Boone or Montreal?

In either Boone or Montreal, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Montreal than Boone because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Boone, and 3-5 days is enough time in Montreal.

Families should spend more time in Montreal than Boone. 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 Boone. 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 Boone 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 Boone or Montreal? Ideal Length of Stay
    Boone 2-4 
    Montreal 3-5

One day in Boone or Montreal?

Boone is a small town where visitors enjoy the museums and skiing. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Each neighborhood in Montreal has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Boone or Montreal?

Boone is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town 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 Boone, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Montreal. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.


Five days in Boone or Montreal?

Boone 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.

Montreal is a fun place to experience. Each neighborhood in Montreal has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Boone or Montreal?

Boone 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 town offers something for everyone.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the cultural big city of Montreal. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, The Best Train & Rail Tours in Canada, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Canada.


Which place is cheaper, Montreal or Boone?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Boone is $173, while the average daily cost in Montreal is $212. 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 Boone and Montreal in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Boone $91
    Montreal $133
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Boone $182
    Montreal $266
Compare Hotels in Boone and Montreal

Looking for a hotel in Boone 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 Boone


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: Boone Hotel Prices and Montreal Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Boone $33
    Montreal $21

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
  • Private Transfer Montreal International Airport to Ottawa: $703
  • Private Transfer To Quebec From Montreal YUL Airport: $404
  • Private Transfer To Ottawa From YUL Airport: $235
  • 8 Passengers Transfer from or to Montreal Airport YUL to Montreal City Center : $226
  • Private Transfer To Mont-Tremblant From Montreal YUL Airport: $220
  • Ottawa: Private Transfer To Montreal Airport: $217
  • Private Transfer from Montreal Airport to Ottawa: $217
  • Transfer Montreal International Airport to Downtown Montreal: $187
  • Departure Private Transfer: Montreal to Montreal Airport YUL in Luxury SUV: $168
  • Montreal Private Transfer to Montreal Airport YUL in Luxury SUV: $168
  • Departure Transfer Montreal to Montreal Airport by Limos or Bus: $153

Is it cheaper to fly into Boone or Montreal?

Prices for flights to both Montreal and Boone 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
    Boone $53
    Montreal $36
Typical Food Prices in Boone

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


  • Restaurant Lunch for 2
    $20

Typical Food Prices in Montreal

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


  • Tim Hortons breakfast and coffee
    $9.10

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Montreal

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

  • Bateau-Mouche Cruise with A La Carte Dinner Option: $28
  • No Diet Club: Walking food Tour with many tastings: $61
  • Jean-Talon Market Non Touristy Walking Food Tour: $70
  • Montreal Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $72
  • Montreal's Jean-Talon Market and Little Italy Walking Food Tour: $72
  • Secret Food Tours: Montreal - Jean-Talon & Little Italy: $73
  • Beyond the Market Food Tour by Spade & Palacio: $75
  • Historical Food Tour with 6 Tastings: $75
  • Montreal Cooking Class - Learn to make Dim Sums: $84
  • Mile End Montreal Original Food Tour - by Local Montreal Tours: $102
  • Old Montreal Food & Drink Tour by Local Montreal Food Tours: $113
  • Cooking Class & Tasting with Michelin-Trained Chef: $138

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Boone $53
    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)
    $54

Tours and Activities in Montreal

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

  • Angrignon-Lasalle 4 Hours Cycling Tour: $72
  • 1 Day Tour at Kingston City 1000 Island Cruise: $127
  • 1 Hour Downtown Montreal Tour: $29
  • 1 Hour Tour of Old-Montreal in Vintage Convertible Cadillac: $222
  • 2 hour Tour of The Montreal Bagel: $56
  • 3 Hour Montreal City Bike Tour with Wine or Beer (AM & PM): $65
  • 3-Hour Scooter Sightseeing in Montreal: $79
  • APP Self-Guided Tours Montreal with Audioguide: $9.04
  • Awesome Curling Experience : $72
  • Bell Centre: Montreal Canadiens Ice Hockey Game Ticket: $48
  • Best of Montreal Small Group Tour with River Cruise + Notre Dame: $165
  • Beyond the Basilica Non-Touristy Montreal Walking Tour: $51

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Boone $26
    Montreal $17

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 Montreal Pub Crawl: $22
  • Haunted Montreal Pub Crawl: $23
  • Guided Bar Crawl with Free Shots and Club Entry: $43
  • Guided Pub Crawl of the City's Rooftop Bars: $88


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

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


Which is Bigger, Boone or Montreal?

Montreal has a larger population, and is about 250 times larger than the population of Boone. When comparing the sizes of Boone and Montreal, 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.