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

Should you visit Brisbane 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 Brisbane and Montreal can help you decide which place is right for you.

Brisbane

Brisbane is a diverse, cultural, and active coastal city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the hiking, shopping, and museums. See Brisbane 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 shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Montreal travel costs.

Brisbane and Montreal: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Brisbane or Montreal?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Montreal than Brisbane. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Montreal is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, music, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Brisbane attracts visitors for its scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and hiking. Montreal is more touristy than Brisbane and is known for its music, fashion, and cultural activities. It is also well known for Notre-Dame Basilica. Brisbane is famous for its sports culture, beautiful weather, and outdoor areas.

How is Brisbane different from Montreal?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Montreal is an amazing city to visit for its historical sights. Also, Brisbane is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city 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.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Brisbane can be an interesting and educational experience. The Cultural Centre is where you'll find many of the city's museums. It sits on the banks of the Brisbane River and is home to the State Library of Queensland, the Queensland Museum and Sciencentre, and Queensland Art Gallery & Gallery of Modern Art. This is also where you'll find the Queensland Performing Arts Centre. Also popular is the Brisbane Botanic Gardens and the Wheel of Brisbane.

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

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

Brisbane offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. You'll find all of the standard eateries around town, with casual cafes, family-friendly restaurants, and some fine dining experiences to choose from.

Is Brisbane or Montreal Better for Nightlife?

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

Brisbane has plenty to do after the sun goes down. Fortitude Valley is the entertainment district in the city, and it really comes to life at night. There are also many venues that take advantage of the beautiful weather with outdoor and rooftop bars.

Is Brisbane or Montreal Better for Music?

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

Brisbane is not a live music destination.

Is Brisbane or Montreal Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Brisbane is very good for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Montreal is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving in Brisbane. There are some good snorkeling and diving spots near the city. One of the best is the Tangalooma Wrecks off Moreton Island.

Montreal is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Brisbane or Montreal Better for Beaches?

Brisbane is great for the beach. However, Montreal is not a beach destination.

Brisbane is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. For the best beaches, you'll want to take a day trip out of town, but there are also some nice beaches right by the city. About 30 minutes from town is family-friend Suttons Beach, or you can stay in the city center and check out the man-made Streets Beach. Shorncliffe Beach is another option that's less than a half hour from town.

Montreal is not a beach destination.

Is Brisbane or Montreal Better for its Old Town?

Montreal is great for its historic old town charm. However, Brisbane 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.

Brisbane does not have a historic old town.

Is Brisbane or Montreal Better for Hiking?

Brisbane is very good for hiking. However, Montreal is not a hiking destination.

Many people include a hike when visiting Brisbane. There are a number of hikes outside of town that you can enjoy as a day trip. Check out the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail, Keperra Bushland Reserve, or D'Aguilar National Park to the north of town. To the south is Toohey Forest Park, Springwood Conservation Park , and Venmans Bushland National Park.

Montreal is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Brisbane or Montreal?

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

Brisbane is an extremely popular place for shoppers. It's one of the most popular cities for retail therapy in Queensland. Queen Street Mall is an open air shopping mall and James Street is a favorite shopping street in town.

Is Brisbane or Montreal Better for Families?

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

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Brisbane. Kids will love a visit to the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary or White Ridge Farm. And, of course, you should take a ride on the iconic Wheel of Brisbane. If you're willing to head out of town you can visit the fun Tangalooma Island Resort. Streets Beach is also fun to visit.

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 Brisbane or Montreal Better for Couples?

Montreal is great for couples. Also, Brisbane is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for romance.

Montreal is a great city if you're traveling as 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.

Brisbane is a nice destination for couples. The waterfront setting and romantic restaurants offer a nice getaway for couples. There are many outdoor spaces that are fun to explore as well.

Is Brisbane or Montreal Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Brisbane is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Montreal is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Brisbane. Many backpackers breeze through Brisbane in favor of other nearby destinations, but there are actually a number of hostels in town and some interesting things to do.

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 Brisbane or Montreal Better for Students?

Montreal is an amazing city to visit for its student-friendly activities. Also, Brisbane is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for students.

Students come from all over the world to visit Montreal. 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.

Brisbane is a great coastal city to visit as a student. Many students appreciate the local vibe, warm weather, and excellent education opportunities that the city offers.

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

Montreal is great for times when you don't have a car. Also, Brisbane is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its public transit.

The public transit in Montreal can get you to most places easily. There's an efficient and reliable metro and bus system.

Brisbane has a few public transit options. There are buses, trains, and ferries around town, but many people prefer to have their own vehicle. Ferries are the most fun and scenic way to get around.

Is Brisbane or Montreal a more walkable city?

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

Brisbane is a very walkable destination. There's a good network of paths that make parts of the city walkable.

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 Brisbane Worth Visiting? and Is Montreal Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Montreal or Brisbane?

How long in Brisbane or Montreal?

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

Families should spend more time in Montreal than Brisbane. 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 Brisbane. 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 Brisbane 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.

One day in Brisbane or Montreal?

The coastal city of Brisbane offers museums and nightlife. Most people come for the beaches. 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.

Montreal is a big city with plenty to do. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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.

A weekend in Brisbane or Montreal?

Brisbane is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this coastal city makes for a great vacation. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Brisbane, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Montreal is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Brisbane or Montreal?

Brisbane 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 popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Montreal, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Brisbane or Montreal?

Brisbane is a great place to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This coastal city offers something for everyone.

Montreal is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Australia, The Best Adventure Tours to Australia, The Best Train & Rail Tours in Canada, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Canada.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Brisbane and Montreal, we can see that Montreal is more expensive. And not only is Brisbane much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Brisbane is in Pacific and Montreal is in North America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Brisbane would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Brisbane 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 Brisbane.

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

Which is Bigger, Brisbane or Montreal?

Montreal has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Brisbane. When comparing the sizes of Brisbane 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.

When is the best time to visit Brisbane or Montreal?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Brisbane is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Montreal has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Brisbane or Montreal in the Summer?

Both Montreal and Brisbane are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Brisbane because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Montreal this time of year.

Brisbane is a little warmer than Montreal in the summer. The daily temperature in Brisbane averages around 25°C (77°F) in January, and Montreal fluctuates around 21°C (69°F)in July.

It's quite sunny in Montreal. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Brisbane. Brisbane usually receives less sunshine than Montreal during summer. Brisbane gets 256 hours of sunny skies, while Montreal receives 276 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Brisbane. In January, Brisbane usually receives more rain than Montrealin July. Brisbane gets 169 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Montreal receives 91 mm (3.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Brisbane or Montreal in the Autumn?

Both Montreal and Brisbane during the autumn are popular places to visit. The hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene are the main draw to Brisbane this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Montreal for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

In the autumn, Brisbane is much warmer than Montreal. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Brisbane in April average around 22°C (71°F), and Montreal averages at about 8°C (47°F)in October.

It's quite sunny in Brisbane. In the autumn, Brisbane often gets more sunshine than Montrealin October. Brisbane gets 214 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montreal receives 141 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Brisbane. Brisbane usually gets more rain in April than Montrealin October. Brisbane gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Montreal receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Brisbane or Montreal in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Brisbane and Montreal. Many travelers come to Brisbane for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Montreal in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Montreal can get quite cold in the winter. In July, Brisbane is generally much warmer than Montrealin January. Daily temperatures in Brisbane average around 15°C (59°F), and Montreal fluctuates around -10°C (14°F).

In Brisbane, it's very sunny this time of the year. Brisbane usually receives more sunshine than Montreal during winter. Brisbane gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Montreal receives 103 hours of full sun in the winter.

In July, Brisbane usually receives less rain than Montrealin January. Brisbane gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Montreal receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Brisbane or Montreal in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Brisbane as well as Montreal. Many visitors come to Brisbane in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city. Also, most visitors come to Montreal for the activities around the city during these months.

Brisbane is much warmer than Montreal in the spring. The daily temperature in Brisbane averages around 21°C (69°F) in October, and Montreal fluctuates around 6°C (43°F)in April.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Brisbane this time of the year. In the spring, Brisbane often gets more sunshine than Montrealin April. Brisbane gets 259 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montreal receives 183 hours of full sun.

Brisbane usually gets more rain in October than Montrealin April. Brisbane gets 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Montreal receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Montreal and Brisbane