A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Canberra vs. Montreal for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Canberra or Montreal?

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

Should I visit Canberra or Montreal? 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: Canberra or Montreal?

Canberra

There is something special about the capital city of Australia. Canberra's not just a wonderful spot for outdoor adventures. It's a city completely designed and built up around the coast of an artificial lake. When architects Walter Burley and Marion Mahony Griffin proposed their plans for Canberra it was met with a lot of criticism. Many people thought it would be a "waste of a good sheep pasture."

Montreal

While Quebec City is the political capital of Quebec Province, Montreal is the economic and cultural capital. It's also the second largest city in Canada, with a population of about 1.9 million and 4 million in the metropolitan area. It's the second largest French speaking city in the world behind Paris.

Montreal is a very trendy and vibrant city with an active nightlife and countless activities to enjoy. It's located on an island in the St. Lawrence River and has a humid continental climate. There are four distinct seasons. Summers are warm or hot and humid. Spring and fall are mild and winters are cold and snowy. You can expect about 2 meters of snow every year, but there are also more than 2,000 hours of sunshine annually.

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


Which place is cheaper, Montreal or Canberra?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Canberra is $135, while the average daily cost in Montreal is $210. 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 Canberra and Montreal in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Canberra $83
    Montreal $132
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Canberra $166
    Montreal $264
Compare Hotels in Canberra and Montreal

Looking for a hotel in Canberra 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 Canberra


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: Canberra Hotel Prices and Montreal Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Canberra $25
    Montreal $21

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Canberra

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

  • Guided Tour of Floriade Festival with Transfers: $118
  • Private Transfer from Canberra city hotels to Eden Cruise Port: $82
  • Private Transfer from Canberra Airport CBR to Eden Cruise Port : $82
  • Canberra Airport (CBR) to Canberra - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $68
  • Canberra to Canberra Int Airport - Departure Private Transfer: $34
  • Canberra Int'l Airport to Canberra - Arrival Private Transfer: $34

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Montreal

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

  • Transfer in private vehicle from Montreal CityCenter- to Montreal Airport (YUL): $67
  • Private Transfer: Montreal to Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau Airport (YUL): $87
  • Private Transfer: Montreal City Center to Pierre E.T. Airport-YUL: $48
  • Private Transfer from Montreal Cruise Port to Montreal City: $36
  • Private One-way Montreal Airport Transfer To/From Montreal: $58
  • Private Departure Transfer to Montreal Airport YUL: $116
  • Arrival Transfer from International Airport: $65
  • Montreal Private Transfer to Montreal Airport YUL in Luxury SUV: $163
  • Montreal Private Transfer to Montreal Airport YUL in Business Car: $117
  • Montreal Best Private Transfer services : $82
  • Le Terminal Cruise Port to Québec Airport YQB Departure Transfer: $57
  • Downtown Direct: Montreal's Exclusive Airport Transfer: $79

Is it cheaper to fly into Canberra or Montreal?

Prices for flights to both Montreal and Canberra 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
    Canberra $35
    Montreal $36
Typical Food Prices in Canberra

For Canberra, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Lunch
    $17

Typical Food Prices in Montreal

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


  • Tim Hortons breakfast and coffee
    $9.04

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Montreal

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

  • Le Bateau-Mouche À La Carte Menu Dinner Cruise: $59
  • No Diet Club: Walking food Tour with many tastings: $59
  • Beyond the Market Food Tour by Spade & Palacio: $74
  • Montreal Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $74
  • Old Montreal Food & Drink Tour by Local Montreal Food Tours: $103
  • Cooking Class and Tasting Menu with Michelin Chef: $130
  • Montréal: 5-Course Dinner Cruise with Music & VIP Option: $160
  • Personalized Private Food Tour with a Local Foodie: $207
  • Cooking Class in Montreal with a Michelin-Star Trained Chef: $224

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Canberra $17
    Montreal $21

Tours and Activities in Canberra

For Canberra, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour in Canberra: $30
  • Australian Institute of Sport: The AIS Tour: $14
  • Best of Wildlife and Birds Tour: $98
  • Building + Architecture Tour | 10am Daily: $13
  • Canberra Floriade Tour: $118
  • Canberra Small Group Winery Tour: $149
  • Beer, Wine, and Spirits Tasting Tour: $112
  • Best of Wildlife Tour: $89
  • City Highlights Day Tour with Entrance Fees: $118
  • Capital Christmas: Private Festive Tour in Canberra: $646
  • Discover Canberra’s Heritage: A Full-Day Private Tour: $870
  • Discover Pearls of Canberra - Private Walking Tour: $133

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.

  • 1 Hour Downtown Montreal Tour: $29
  • 2 hour Tour of The Montreal Bagel: $44
  • 3 Days 2 Nights Tour in New York: $300
  • 3-Hour Scooter Sightseeing in Montreal: $79
  • 3Hr Montreal Architecture Bike Tour with regular or E-bikes Beer & wine included: $64
  • APP Self-Guided Tours Montreal with Audioguide: $8.74
  • All about Montreal's Murals - Saturday Walking Tour: $24
  • Awesome Curling Experience : $82
  • Best of Montreal Small Group Tour with River Cruise + Notre Dame: $211
  • Beyond the Basilica Walking Tour by Spade & Palacio: $54
  • Christmas Walking Tour in Old Montreal: $24
  • City tour; afternoon in Montreal: $100

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Canberra $16
    Montreal $16
Typical Alcohol Prices in Canberra

Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Canberra from other travelers:


  • Drinks at a Bar
    $9.25

Sample the Local Flavors in Canberra

Also in Canberra, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Canberra Brewery and Beer Tour in 3 Hours: $99
  • Canberra Brewery Winery and Distillery Tour: $112
  • Capital Brewery Full-Day Tour: $122
  • CanBEERa Explorer: Capital Brewery Full-Day Tour: $123
  • From Winery, Distillery, & Tasting Tour with Lunch: $149
  • Canberra Wine Tour: $158
  • Full-Day Canberra Brewery, Wineries & Distillery tour /w lunch: $162

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
  • Guided Bar Crawl with Free Shots and Club Entry: $42


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Canberra and Montreal, we can see that Montreal is more expensive. And not only is Canberra much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Canberra 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 Canberra would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Canberra 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 Canberra.

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


Which is Bigger, Canberra or Montreal?

Montreal has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Canberra. When comparing the sizes of Canberra 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 Canberra or Montreal?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Canberra 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 Canberra or Montreal in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Canberra and Montreal. The hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Canberra this time of year.

In the summer, Canberra is around the same temperature as Montreal. Typically, the summer temperatures in Canberra in January average around 20°C (68°F), and Montreal averages at about 21°C (69°F)in July.

In January, Canberra usually receives around the same amount of rain as Montrealin July. Canberra gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Montreal receives 91 mm (3.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January and July
    Canberra 20°C (68°F) 
    Montreal 21°C (69°F)

Should I visit Canberra or Montreal in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Canberra as well as Montreal. Many travelers come to Canberra for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene.

In April, Canberra is generally much warmer than Montrealin October. Daily temperatures in Canberra average around 17°C (63°F), and Montreal fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Canberra receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Canberra usually gets more rain in April than Montrealin October. Canberra gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Montreal receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April and October
    Canberra 17°C (63°F) 
    Montreal 8°C (47°F)

Should I visit Canberra or Montreal in the Winter?

Both Montreal and Canberra are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Canberra in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Montreal can be very cold during winter. Canberra is much warmer than Montreal in the winter. The daily temperature in Canberra averages around 11°C (52°F) in July, and Montreal fluctuates around -10°C (14°F)in January.

In July, Canberra usually receives less rain than Montrealin January. Canberra gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Montreal receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July and January
    Canberra 11°C (52°F) 
    Montreal -10°C (14°F)

Should I visit Canberra or Montreal in the Spring?

Both Montreal and Canberra during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Canberra for the activities around the city during these months.

In the spring, Canberra is much warmer than Montreal. Typically, the spring temperatures in Canberra in October average around 15°C (60°F), and Montreal averages at about 6°C (43°F)in April.

Canberra usually gets more rain in October than Montrealin April. Canberra gets 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Montreal receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October and April
    Canberra 15°C (60°F) 
    Montreal 6°C (43°F)

Typical Weather for Montreal and Canberra

Canberra Montreal
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 20°C (68°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) -10°C (14°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Feb 20°C (68°F) 107 mm (4.2 in) -9°C (16°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Mar 19°C (67°F) 131 mm (5.2 in) -2°C (28°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Apr 17°C (63°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 6°C (43°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
May 14°C (58°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 13°C (55°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Jun 12°C (54°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 18°C (64°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Jul 11°C (52°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 21°C (69°F) 91 mm (3.6 in)
Aug 12°C (53°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 19°C (67°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Sep 14°C (56°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 14°C (58°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Oct 15°C (60°F) 95 mm (3.7 in) 8°C (47°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 17°C (63°F) 104 mm (4.1 in) 2°C (35°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Dec 19°C (66°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) -7°C (20°F) 99 mm (3.9 in)