A Travel Price Comparison for Canada Edmonton vs. Montreal for Attractions, Nightlife, Food, and Families

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

Edmonton

Edmonton is a friendly, cultural, and authentic city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and shopping. See Edmonton travel costs.

Montreal

Montreal is a cultural, vibrant, and colorful city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Montreal travel costs.

Edmonton and Montreal: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Edmonton or Montreal?

You'll generally find more things to do in Montreal than Edmonton. Montreal is bigger than Edmonton, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Montreal is more touristy than Edmonton and is popular for its music, fashion, and cultural activities. Also, Montreal is famous for Notre-Dame Basilica. Edmonton is well known for its many festivals and lively personality.

How is Edmonton different from Montreal?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Montreal is an unbeatable place for its sights and museums. Also, Edmonton is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Montreal that are not to be missed. 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 Edmonton can be an interesting and educational experience. You'll find a number of good museums around town such as the Royal Alberta Museum, Muttart Conservatory, the Alberta Aviation Museum, and the Art Gallery of Alberta.

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

Montreal is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Edmonton is not a good city for its restaurants.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Montreal makes for a great culinary experience. 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Edmonton. You'll find a mix of casual cafes, international eateries, and more upscale dining options.

Is Edmonton or Montreal Better for Nightlife?

Montreal is an unbeatable place for nightlife. Also, Edmonton is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife and partying.

The nightlife in Montreal is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Edmonton. There's a mix of nightclubs, bars, and breweries around town. Head to Jasper Avenue for the high end clubs or check out a live show at one of the active theaters around town.

Is Edmonton or Montreal Better for Music?

Montreal is an unbeatable place for live music. However, Edmonton is not a live music destination.

Montreal is a world class music destination. 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.

Edmonton is not a live music destination.

Is Edmonton or Montreal Better for its Old Town?

Montreal is a well-known place for its historic old town. However, Edmonton 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.

Edmonton does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Edmonton or Montreal?

Montreal is an unbeatable place for shopping. Also, Edmonton is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Montreal is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

Edmonton is well-known for its shopping. The city is home to the West Edmonton Mall, which is the largest shopping mall in Canada, and among the largest in the world. The mall includes hundreds of shops, restaurants, a hotel, ice rink, movie theaters, an aquarium, and Galaxyland, which is one of the largest indoor amusement parks in the world. The mall is divided into themed sections that represent iconic places from around the world such as Europa Boulevard and Bourbon Street.

Is Edmonton or Montreal Better for Families?

Montreal is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Edmonton is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

Edmonton is a family-friendly city. Many families live in town so if you're visiting for a few days you'll find plenty to do with kids. Most of the activities are concentrated in the downtown areas and along the south side of the North Saskatchewan River. The whole family will enjoy a visit to Telus World of Science. There's also the Edmonton Valley Zoo, the Alberta Aviation Museum, and Galaxyland, as well as many other activities.

Is Edmonton or Montreal Better for Couples?

Montreal is a well-known place for romance. Also, Edmonton is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its romantic activities.

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.

Edmonton makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There's a good theater scene, so you can enjoy dinner and a show. There are also quaint cafes, mellow breweries, and plenty of cultural activities like art museums.

Is Edmonton or Montreal Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Montreal is very good for backpackers. However, Edmonton is not a good city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Montreal is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There's a decent number of hostels as well as a great nightlife scene and plenty of younger visitors looking to meet other travelers.

Edmonton is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Most backpackers overlook this city, but there is a hostel in town where you can stay.

Is Edmonton or Montreal Better for Students?

Montreal is an unbeatable place for students. However, Edmonton is not popular with 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.

Edmonton is not popular with students.

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

Montreal is a well-known place for its public transit. Also, Edmonton is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Visitors to Montreal can move around easily with public transportation. There's an efficient and reliable metro and bus system.

Edmonton has some public transit options. The city has both bus and light rail systems.

Is Edmonton or Montreal a more walkable city?

Montreal is a well-known place for its walkability. Also, Edmonton is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

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

Edmonton is a somewhat walkable place. There are parts of the city that are very walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Montreal or Edmonton?

How long in Edmonton or Montreal?

In either Edmonton or Montreal, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Montreal than Edmonton because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Edmonton, and 3-5 days is enough time in Montreal.

Families should spend more time in Montreal than Edmonton. 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 Edmonton. 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 Edmonton 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 Edmonton or Montreal?

The city of Edmonton offers nightlife and shopping. 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 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 Edmonton or Montreal?

Edmonton is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Edmonton, 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 Edmonton or Montreal?

Edmonton 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 Edmonton or Montreal?

Edmonton is a great place to explore. 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.

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 Contiki Tours to Canada, The Best G Adventures Tours to Canada, The Best 3-Day Tours from Vancouver, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Vancouver.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Edmonton or Montreal?

Montreal has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Edmonton. When comparing the sizes of Edmonton 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.