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

Should you visit Montreal or Halifax?

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 Montreal and Halifax can help you decide which place is right for you.

Montreal

Montreal is a cultural, vibrant, and colorful city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and live music. See Montreal travel costs.

Halifax

Halifax is a friendly, cultural, and historical city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Halifax travel costs.

Montreal and Halifax: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Montreal or Halifax?

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

How is Montreal different from Halifax?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Montreal is renowned for its museums and history. Also, Halifax is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

Travelers visit Montreal from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. 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.

Halifax offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. You should head to Pier 21, where you'll find the Canadian Museum of Immigration. The Discovery Center is a great spot for kids, as is the Natural History Museum. Finally, check out the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic and the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site.

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

Montreal is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Halifax is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Montreal. 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.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Halifax. You'll find lobster rolls and other seafood around town, but also make sure you try the Halifax donair, which is a shaved beef sandwich wrap that can be found a many pizza restaurants.

Is Montreal or Halifax Better for Nightlife?

Montreal is renowned for nightlife. Also, Halifax is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Montreal is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. 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.

Halifax has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There's a laid back atmosphere to the nightlife scene. There are casual bars and pubs where you can meet the locals and a few nightclubs where there's a relaxed but fun atmosphere.

Is Montreal or Halifax Better for Music?

Montreal is renowned for live music. However, Halifax is not a live music destination.

Montreal is known as a music capital 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.

Halifax is not a live music destination.

Is Montreal or Halifax Better for its Old Town?

Montreal is a very popular place for its historic old town. However, Halifax does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Montreal to see the historical old town. 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.

Halifax does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Montreal or Halifax?

Montreal is renowned for shopping. Also, Halifax is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Montreal. 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.

Halifax offers some nice shopping areas. You'll find a mix of boutiques, artisan shops, large malls, and shopping centers.

Is Montreal or Halifax Better for Families?

Montreal is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Halifax is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Montreal is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Halifax. There are a handful of kid-friendly museums like the Museum of Natural History. Kids will also appreciate a visit to the Discovery Center or stretching their legs at Point Pleasant Park. History lovers should go see the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site.

Is Montreal or Halifax Better for Couples?

Montreal is a very popular place for romance. Also, Halifax is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

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.

Halifax makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples can wander down the waterfront or take a stroll through Point Pleasant Park. The city also has number of romantic restaurants and hotels.

Is Montreal or Halifax Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Montreal and Halifax are notable places to visit.

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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Halifax. There's actually a decent number of hostels around town for backpackers and budget travelers.

Is Montreal or Halifax Better for Students?

Montreal is renowned for its student-friendly activities. However, Halifax is not popular with students.

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.

Halifax is not popular with students.

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

Montreal is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. Also, Halifax is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Public transit in Montreal is fairly effecient and thorough. There's an efficient and reliable metro and bus system.

You'll find some public transit in Halifax, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses around town as well as a ferry to Dartmouth.

Is Montreal or Halifax a more walkable city?

Montreal is a very popular place for its walkability. Also, Halifax is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

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

Halifax is a somewhat walkable place. It's a compact town that's relatively easy to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Halifax or Montreal?

How long in Montreal or Halifax?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Montreal and Halifax. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Montreal than in Halifax. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Montreal, and 2-3 days is enough time in Halifax.

Families should spend more time in Montreal than Halifax. 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 Halifax. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Montreal that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Montreal than Halifax 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 Montreal or Halifax?

Because Montreal is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

The city of Halifax offers food and shopping. 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 Montreal or Halifax?

Because Montreal is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Halifax 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 Halifax, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Montreal or Halifax?

Montreal is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Montreal has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Halifax 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.

A week in Montreal or Halifax?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Montreal. Many people enjoy the live music and food when visiting Montreal. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Halifax 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.

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.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Montreal or Halifax?

Montreal has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Halifax. When comparing the sizes of Montreal and Halifax, 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 Montreal or Halifax?

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 Montreal or Halifax in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Montreal and Halifax. The city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Montreal this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Halifax for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Montreal is a little warmer than Halifax. Typically, the summer temperatures in Montreal in July average around 21°C (69°F), and Halifax averages at about 18°C (64°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Halifax this time of the year. In Montreal, it's very sunny this time of the year. Montreal usually receives more sunshine than Halifax during summer. Montreal gets 276 hours of sunny skies, while Halifax receives 230 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Montreal usually receives less rain than Halifax. Montreal gets 91 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Halifax receives 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Montreal or Halifax in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Montreal as well as Halifax. Many travelers come to Montreal for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Additionally, many visitors come to Halifax in the autumn for the shopping scene.

In October, Montreal is generally cooler than Halifax. Daily temperatures in Montreal average around 8°C (47°F), and Halifax fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

In the autumn, Montreal often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Halifax. Montreal gets 141 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Halifax receives 148 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Halifax. Montreal usually gets less rain in October than Halifax. Montreal gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Halifax receives 121 mm (4.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Montreal or Halifax in the Winter?

Both Halifax and Montreal are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Montreal in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Halifax for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Halifax can be very cold during winter. Montreal can get quite cold in the winter. Montreal is much colder than Halifax in the winter. The daily temperature in Montreal averages around -10°C (14°F) in January, and Halifax fluctuates around -4°C (24°F).

Montreal usually receives less sunshine than Halifax during winter. Montreal gets 103 hours of sunny skies, while Halifax receives 111 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Halifax. In January, Montreal usually receives less rain than Halifax. Montreal gets 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Halifax receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Montreal or Halifax in the Spring?

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

The weather in Halifax can be very cold. In the spring, Montreal is a little warmer than Halifax. Typically, the spring temperatures in Montreal in April average around 6°C (43°F), and Halifax averages at about 4°C (39°F).

In the spring, Montreal often gets more sunshine than Halifax. Montreal gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Halifax receives 148 hours of full sun.

Halifax gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Montreal usually gets less rain in April than Halifax. Montreal gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Halifax receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Halifax and Montreal