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

Should you visit Kamloops or Montreal?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Kamloops and Montreal can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Kamloops

Kamloops is a laid-back, outdoorsy, and nature-filled city. It's also popular because of the hiking, shopping, and skiing. See Kamloops travel costs.

Montreal

Montreal is a vibrant, colorful, and cultural city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. Visitors also love the nightlife, live music, and food. See Montreal travel costs.

Kamloops and Montreal: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
  • Big city activities


Is there more to do in Kamloops or Montreal?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Montreal than Kamloops, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Montreal is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, music, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Kamloops is known for its skiing and hiking. Montreal is more touristy than Kamloops and is known for its music, fashion, and cultural activities. It is also home to Notre-Dame Basilica. Kamloops is popular for its hiking trails, bike paths, and golf courses.

How is Kamloops different from Montreal?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Kamloops or Montreal Better for Skiing?

Kamloops
Montreal

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

Kamloops draws a large crowd in the winter for its impressive snow skiing opportunities. There's a long ski season that runs from mid-November to mid-April. The region has two major ski resorts - Sun Peaks Resorts and Harper Mountain.

Montreal is not a skiing destination.


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

Kamloops
Montreal

Montreal is an amazing city to visit for its museums and history. However, Kamloops is lacking in options for its museums and landmarks.

The museums and tourist attractions in Montreal are world-renowned. 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.

Kamloops offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. There are a couple of museums in the area that highlight the local culture and the region's heritage.

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

Kamloops
Montreal

Montreal is an excellent place to visit for its restaurants. Also, Kamloops is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Montreal has a huge number of terrific 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.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Kamloops area. You'll find restaurants that range from casual to fine dining. There are also international options like Jamaican, Indian, or Chinese.

Is Kamloops or Montreal Better for Nightlife?

Kamloops
Montreal

Montreal is an amazing city to visit for nightlife and partying. Also, Kamloops is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

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.

Kamloops has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. You'll find pubs, bars, breweries and night clubs around town that range in personality and style.


Is Kamloops or Montreal Better for Music?

Kamloops
Montreal

Montreal is an amazing city to visit for its live music scene. However, Kamloops is not a live music destination.

With so many music venues, you're guaranteed a show any night of the week in Montreal. 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.

Kamloops is not a live music destination.

Is Kamloops or Montreal Better for its Old Town?

Kamloops
Montreal

Montreal is an excellent place to visit for its old town. However, Kamloops does not have a historic old town.

Montreal is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. 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.

Kamloops does not have a historic old town.

Is Kamloops or Montreal Better for Hiking?

Kamloops
Montreal

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

Many people include a hike when visiting Kamloops. The area is filled with hiking trails that pass through grasslands, desert landscapes, and pine forests. There is something for every skill level.

Montreal is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Kamloops or Montreal?

Kamloops
Montreal

Montreal is an amazing city to visit for its shopping opportunities. Also, Kamloops is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, Montreal draws large crowds to its 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.

Many visitors go to Kamloops to go shopping. Downtown you'll find local boutiques and eclectic shops. You could also head to Aberdeen Mall for all of the major brands and recognizable stores.

Is Kamloops or Montreal Better for Families?

Kamloops
Montreal

Both Kamloops and Montreal are superb to visit with kids.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Kamloops is very family-friendly. There are great parks and outdoor spaces for kids as well as the Deep Creek Tool Museum, Westsyde Centennial Park and Petting Zoo, and Hells Gate Air Tram. You can also take a ride on the Kettle Valley Railway Steam Engine. Animal lovers will enjoy a visit to either Kamloops Wildlife Park or Kangaroo Creek Farm.

Montreal is known to be 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 Kamloops or Montreal Better for Couples?

Kamloops
Montreal

Montreal is an excellent place to visit for its romantic activities. Also, Kamloops is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Montreal makes for a fun place to visit for 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.

Kamloops is a good city for couples to visit. The area is filled with great hikes and nice parks. There are also great restaurants that make for a good date night.


Is Kamloops or Montreal Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kamloops
Montreal

Montreal is a city with good options for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Kamloops is lacking in options for backpackers.

Montreal is a good city to visit for backpackers. There's a decent number of hostels as well as a great nightlife scene and plenty of younger visitors looking to meet other travelers.

Kamloops is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's often overlooked by backpackers, but there is a hostel in town.

Is Kamloops or Montreal Better for Students?

Kamloops
Montreal

Montreal is an amazing city to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Kamloops is not popular with students.

Montreal is a very popular city 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.

Kamloops is not popular with students.

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

Kamloops
Montreal

Montreal is an excellent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Kamloops is lacking in options for its public transit.

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

Public transit is generally limited in Kamloops. There is a bus system through the city.


Is Kamloops or Montreal a more walkable city?

Kamloops
Montreal

Montreal is an excellent place to visit for its high level of walkability. However, Kamloops is lacking in options for its ease of walking around.

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

Kamloops is generally not very walkable. The downtown is the most walkable part of town.

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

Should I spend more time in Montreal or Kamloops?

How long in Kamloops or Montreal?

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

Families should spend more time in Montreal than Kamloops. 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 Kamloops. 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 Kamloops 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 Kamloops or Montreal? Ideal Length of Stay
    Kamloops 1-2 
    Montreal 3-5

One day in Kamloops or Montreal?

The city of Kamloops offers nightlife and food. 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 Kamloops or Montreal?

Kamloops 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 Kamloops, 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 Kamloops or Montreal?

Kamloops 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 Kamloops or Montreal?

Kamloops 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 Train & Rail Tours in Canada, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Canada, The Best Camping Tours in Canada, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Canada.


Which place is cheaper, Montreal or Kamloops?

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 Kamloops is $99, while the average daily cost in Montreal is $236. 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 Kamloops and Montreal in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Kamloops $44
    Montreal $132
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Kamloops $88
    Montreal $264
Compare Hotels in Kamloops and Montreal

Looking for a hotel in Kamloops 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 Kamloops


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: Kamloops Hotel Prices and Montreal Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Kamloops $20
    Montreal $20

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
  • Transfer Montreal International Airport to Downtown Montreal: $187
  • Private Transfer from Montreal Port to Montreal Airport (YUL): $97
  • Private Transfer from Montreal Cruise Port to Montreal City: $97
  • Private Transfer from Montreal City to Montreal (YUL) Airport: $108
  • Private Transfer from Montréal Airport (YUL) to Montreal Hotels: $73
  • Private Transfer To Quebec From Montreal YUL Airport: $404
  • Private Transfer To Montreal YUL Airport From Mont-Tremblant: $238
  • Private Transfer To Mont-Tremblant From Montreal YUL Airport: $220
  • Private Transfer Montreal International Airport to Ottawa: $703
  • YUL Airport Private Transfer to Downtown|Hotels: $29
  • Private Transfer to Montreal Airport YUL: $73

Is it cheaper to fly into Kamloops or Montreal?

Prices for flights to both Montreal and Kamloops 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
    Kamloops $41
    Montreal $63
Typical Food Prices in Kamloops

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


  • Pastries
    $5.84
  • Lunch for Two
    $26
  • Coffee and Gelato
    $12

Typical Food Prices in Montreal

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


  • Tim Hortons breakfast and coffee
    $9.02

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: $62
  • Jean-Talon Market Hidden Gems Guided Food Tour: $70
  • Jean-Talon Market & Little Italy Walking Secret Food tour: $78
  • Beyond the Market Non-Touristy Food Tour by Spade & Palacio: $82
  • Historical Food Tour with 6 Tastings: $82
  • Secret Food Tours: Montreal - Jean-Talon & Little Italy: $82
  • Montreal Cooking Class - Learn to make Dim Sums: $84
  • Montreal Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $85
  • Old Montreal Food & Drink Tour by Local Montreal Food Tours: $117
  • Montréal: 3 or 5-Course Dinner Cruise with DJ & Dancing: $129
  • Cooking Class & Tasting with Michelin-Trained Chef: $131
  • Jewish Neighborhood Food Tour: $131

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Kamloops $13
    Montreal $21

Tours and Activities in Kamloops

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

  • BC Wildlife Park Entry Ticket: $15
  • Scenic Kamloops Self Guided Audio Driving Tour to Lake Louise : $13
  • Skip the Line: Kamloops BC Wildlife Park Admission Ticket: $16
  • Smartphone Audio Driving Tour between Kamloops & Revelstoke: $8.28
  • Smartphone Audio Driving Tour between Kamloops and Vancouver: $8.28
  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Kamloops by Zombie Scavengers: $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)
    $53

Tours and Activities in Montreal

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

  • Experience Montréal Axe Throwing Adventure: $29
  • 1 Hour Downtown Montreal Tour: $25
  • 1H Scenic St-Lawrence River Boat Tour - MTL from the water: $26
  • 1H Scenic StLawrence River Boat Tour -Discover MTL from the water: $23
  • 1hr Sunset Boat tour on the St Lawrence River Old Port Montreal: $23
  • 3 Day and 2 Night Tour: Toronto, 1000 Islands, and Niagara Falls: $300
  • 3 Hour Montreal City Bike Tour with Wine or Beer (AM & PM): $68
  • APP Self-Guided Tours Montreal with Audioguide: $9.42
  • All about Montreal's Murals - Saturday Walking Tour: $25
  • Best of Montréal: Private Walking Tour with a Local: $55
  • Best of Montreal Small Group Tour with River Cruise + Notre Dame: $128
  • Beyond the Basilica Non-Touristy Walking Tour by Spade & Palacio: $56

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Kamloops $6.81
    Montreal $16

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 Pub Crawl: $24
  • Haunted Montreal Pub Crawl: $25
  • Guided Bar Crawl with Free Shots and Club Entry: $42
  • Guided Pub Crawl of the City's Skyline Bars: $74
  • Introduction to Wine Tasting, French Natural Wines: $94


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

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


Which is Bigger, Kamloops or Montreal?

Montreal has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Kamloops. When comparing the sizes of Kamloops 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 Kamloops or Montreal?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Kamloops or Montreal in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Kamloops and Montreal. Many visitors come to Kamloops in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Montreal for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Kamloops is a little warmer than Montreal. Typically, the summer temperatures in Kamloops in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Montreal averages at about 21°C (69°F).

In July, Kamloops usually receives less rain than Montreal. Kamloops gets 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Montreal receives 91 mm (3.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Kamloops 23°C (73°F) 
    Montreal 21°C (69°F)

Should I visit Kamloops or Montreal in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Kamloops as well as Montreal. Most visitors come to Kamloops for the hiking trails and the shopping scene during these months. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Montreal because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

In October, Kamloops is generally a little warmer than Montreal. Daily temperatures in Kamloops average around 11°C (51°F), and Montreal fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Kamloops usually gets less rain in October than Montreal. Kamloops gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Montreal receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Kamloops 11°C (51°F) 
    Montreal 8°C (47°F)

Should I visit Kamloops or Montreal in the Winter?

Both Montreal and Kamloops are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Kamloops because of the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Montreal this time of year.

It's quite cold in Montreal in the winter. The weather in Kamloops can be very cold. Kamloops is much warmer than Montreal in the winter. The daily temperature in Kamloops averages around -3°C (27°F) in January, and Montreal fluctuates around -10°C (14°F).

In January, Kamloops usually receives less rain than Montreal. Kamloops gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Montreal receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Kamloops -3°C (27°F) 
    Montreal -10°C (14°F)

Should I visit Kamloops or Montreal in the Spring?

Both Montreal and Kamloops during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Montreal for the activities around the city.

In the spring, Kamloops is much warmer than Montreal. Typically, the spring temperatures in Kamloops in April average around 12°C (53°F), and Montreal averages at about 6°C (43°F).

Kamloops usually gets less rain in April than Montreal. Kamloops gets 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Montreal receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Kamloops 12°C (53°F) 
    Montreal 6°C (43°F)

Typical Weather for Montreal and Kamloops

Kamloops Montreal
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -3°C (27°F) 26 mm (1 in) -10°C (14°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Feb 2°C (35°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) -9°C (16°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Mar 7°C (44°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) -2°C (28°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Apr 12°C (53°F) 15 mm (0.6 in) 6°C (43°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
May 16°C (61°F) 22 mm (0.9 in) 13°C (55°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Jun 21°C (69°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 18°C (64°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 28 mm (1.1 in) 21°C (69°F) 91 mm (3.6 in)
Aug 23°C (73°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 19°C (67°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Sep 17°C (63°F) 28 mm (1.1 in) 14°C (58°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Oct 11°C (51°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 8°C (47°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 4°C (39°F) 22 mm (0.9 in) 2°C (35°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Dec -1°C (30°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) -7°C (20°F) 99 mm (3.9 in)