A Travel Price Comparison for Canada Montreal vs. Jasper National Park for Attractions, Backpackers, Food, and Families

Should you visit Montreal or Jasper National Park?

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 Jasper National Park 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. It's also known for museums, nightlife, and live music. See Montreal travel costs.

Jasper National Park

Jasper National Park is a adventure-filled, stunning, and breathtaking national park. Many visitors also come to Jasper National Park because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the hiking. See Jasper National Park travel costs.

Montreal and Jasper National Park: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Montreal or Jasper National Park?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Montreal than Jasper National Park, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Montreal is better known for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, music, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Jasper National Park is more popular for its hiking and impressive beauty. Montreal is well known for its music, fashion, and cultural activities. Also, Montreal is famous for Notre-Dame Basilica. Jasper National Park is well known for its wildlife and pristine natural beauty

How is Montreal different from Jasper National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Jasper National Park 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 Jasper National Park?

Montreal is terrific for its museums and landmarks. However, Jasper National Park is not particularly known for its historical sights.

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.

While most people don't head to Jasper National Park specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. You can learn about the area with a visit to the Jasper Yellowhead Museum & Archive.

Is the Food Better in Montreal or Jasper National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Montreal is well known for its restaurant scene. However, Jasper National Park is not particularly known for its local flavors and cuisine.

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 Jasper National Park. There are several decent restaurants and bistros near or in the park. Many are connected to lodges and some offer great views.

Is Montreal or Jasper National Park Better for Nightlife?

Montreal is terrific for nightlife. However, Jasper National Park is not particularly known for nightlife and partying.

Montreal is a must-see party destination. 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.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Jasper National Park Stargazing and sitting by an open fire is the best way to spend the evening.

Is Montreal or Jasper National Park Better for Music?

Montreal is terrific for live music. However, Jasper National Park 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.

Jasper National Park is not a live music destination.

Is Montreal or Jasper National Park Better for its Old Town?

Montreal is well known for its historic old town. However, Jasper National Park 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.

Jasper National Park does not have a historic old town.

Is Montreal or Jasper National Park Better for Hiking?

Jasper National Park is terrific for hiking. However, Montreal is not a hiking destination.

Many people visit Jasper National Park specifically for its hiking. Hiking is a truly world class experience in this large park. There are miles of trails, both backcountry and more accessible, that allow access to the park's stunning beauty. Whether you're looking for a shorter family-friendly hike, or planning a multi-week backcountry adventure, this park has it all.

Montreal is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Montreal or Jasper National Park?

Montreal is terrific for shopping. However, Jasper National Park is not particularly known 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.

If you're looking to go shopping, Jasper National Park has some nice offerings. In town you'll find shops where you can pick up souvenirs or things you may have forgotten.

Is Montreal or Jasper National Park More Beautiful?

Jasper National Park is terrific for its scenery and beauty. However, Montreal is not a destination known for its beauty.

Many visitors also come to Jasper National Park because of it's amazing beauty. The Canadian Rockies create a stunning backdrop for this beautiful and vast national park.

Montreal is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Montreal or Jasper National Park Better for Families?

You'll find excellent kid-friendly activities in either Montreal or Jasper National Park.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Montreal. 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.

Jasper National Park is a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids who love running, hiking, and exploring will enjoy a visit to this iconic park. The hiking trails are world class and you'll likely see some wildlife during your trip. Camping with s'mores and hot dogs will make for a memorable family vacation.

Is Montreal or Jasper National Park Better for Couples?

Both Montreal and Jasper National Park are excellent destinations to visit as a couple.

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.

Jasper National Park is a very popular place to visit for couples. There are lodges where couples can enjoy a romantic getaway. For the more adventurous, camping is a great way to experience the park. If you enjoy outdoor adventures together, then this is a great place to spend some time in nature.

Is Montreal or Jasper National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Jasper National Park is terrific for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Montreal is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Jasper National Park, as it is a very popular national park for budget travelers. Camping is the best way to experience the park in full. You'll be surrounded by nature, and if you're lucky, some wildlife might pass by as well.

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 Montreal or Jasper National Park Better for Students?

Montreal is terrific for students. However, Jasper National Park 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.

Jasper National Park is not popular with students.

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

Montreal is well known for its public transit. However, Jasper National Park is not particularly known 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.

Public transit is quite limited in Jasper National Park. If you don't have your own vehicle, a bus tour is your best option for experiencing the park.

Is Montreal or Jasper National Park a more walkable city?

Montreal is well known for its walkability. However, Jasper National Park is not particularly known for its high level of walkability.

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

Jasper National Park is not a very walkable city. The park is large, and a vehicle is necessary to reach most trailheads.

For even more information, also check out Is Montreal Worth Visiting? and Is Jasper National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Jasper National Park or Montreal?

How long in Montreal or Jasper National Park?

In either Montreal or Jasper National Park, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. In our opinion, Montreal has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Montreal than Jasper National Park. In general, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Montreal, and 2-5 days is enough time in Jasper National Park.

Families should spend more time in Montreal than Jasper National Park. 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 Jasper National Park. 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 Jasper National Park 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 Jasper National Park?

Montreal is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

The beautiful national park of Jasper National Park offers . Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Jasper National Park?

Montreal is a fun place to experience. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Jasper National Park is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this national park makes for a great vacation. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Jasper National Park, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Montreal or Jasper National Park?

Many people visit Montreal for five days. Montreal is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. Visiting the old town is also a must. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

Jasper National Park is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Jasper National Park, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Montreal or Jasper National Park?

The colorful big city of Montreal offers museums and nightlife. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Jasper National Park is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This national park 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 Jasper National Park, we can see that Montreal is more expensive. And not only is Jasper National Park much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Jasper National Park would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Jasper National Park 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 Jasper National Park.

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