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

Should you visit Montreal or Niagara Falls?

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 Niagara Falls can help you decide which place is right for you.

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. And you can't forget about the food, shopping, and museums. See Montreal travel costs.

Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls is a impressive, iconic, and breathtaking city. With stunning beauty, Niagara Falls attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and food. See Niagara Falls travel costs.

Montreal and Niagara Falls: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Montreal or Niagara Falls?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Montreal than Niagara Falls, 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 Niagara Falls is known for its hiking and impressive beauty. Niagara Falls is more touristy than Montreal and is popular for the large volume of water that flows over it. Montreal is popular for its music, fashion, and cultural activities. It is also home to Notre-Dame Basilica.

How is Montreal different from Niagara Falls?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Niagara Falls 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 Niagara Falls?

Montreal is an amazing city to visit for its sights and museums. However, Niagara Falls is a mediocre city for its museums and history.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Montreal are among the most recognizable in the world. 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 Niagara Falls specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. The Niagara Falls History Museum is one of the best museums in the area. There are also more touristy museums and attractions that you can visit as well. There's also a butterfly conservancy that is worth checking out.

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

Montreal is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Niagara Falls is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit 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.

Niagara Falls is becoming an appealing option for foodies. It's an iconic Canadian destination so, of course, you should try all things Canadian while you're in town. Maple syrup, poutine, butter tart, and beavertail (fried dough) are all things that should be on your list. Also make sure you sample some of the local game meat.

Is Montreal or Niagara Falls Better for Nightlife?

Montreal is an amazing city to visit for nightlife and partying. Also, Niagara Falls is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Niagara Falls. There's a decent concentration of clubs, pubs, and bars around town that keep things fun late into the evening.

Is Montreal or Niagara Falls Better for Music?

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

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone 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.

Niagara Falls is not a live music destination.

Is Montreal or Niagara Falls Better for its Old Town?

Montreal is notable for its old town. However, Niagara Falls does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting 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.

Niagara Falls does not have a historic old town.

Is Montreal or Niagara Falls Better for Hiking?

Niagara Falls is great for hiking. However, Montreal is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Niagara Falls for the hiking trails. The nearby area is filled with hiking trails that let you escape into nature and enjoy impressive views.

Montreal is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Montreal or Niagara Falls?

Montreal is an amazing city to visit for its shopping opportunities. Also, Niagara Falls is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Montreal make it a world-class shopping destination. 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.

Niagara Falls has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find touristy souvenir shops as well as outlets and malls nearby.

Is Montreal or Niagara Falls More Beautiful?

Niagara Falls is great for its scenery and beauty. However, Montreal is not a destination known for its beauty.

With stunning beauty, Niagara Falls attracts visitors from all around. It's an impressive sight and the Canadian side offers the best views. It's definitely something you should try and see at least once.

Montreal is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Montreal or Niagara Falls Better for Families?

Niagara Falls is terrific for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Montreal is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

Niagara Falls is one of the most popular family destinations. The views and setting are spectacular, and kids will love the boat tours or taking a ride on the Whirlpool Aero Car. There's also an indoor waterpark, a butterfly conservatory, and plenty of nature to explore.

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.

Is Montreal or Niagara Falls Better for Couples?

Both Montreal and Niagara Falls are great 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.

Niagara Falls is a very popular place to visit for couples. The setting has long brought to mind romance, and to this day couples still honeymoon at this iconic destination. There are boat tours, nature trails, luxury hotels, and even wineries to explore.

Is Montreal or Niagara Falls Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Montreal and Niagara Falls are good 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 Niagara Falls. There's a hostel or two where you can stay for cheap and meet other travelers.

Is Montreal or Niagara Falls Better for Students?

Montreal is an amazing city to visit for students. However, Niagara Falls is not popular with students.

Many students frequent 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.

Niagara Falls is not popular with students.

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

Montreal is notable for its public transit. Also, Niagara Falls is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

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

Niagara Falls has some public transit options. There is a bus system through town.

Is Montreal or Niagara Falls a more walkable city?

Montreal is notable for its high level of walkability. Also, Niagara Falls is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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.

Niagara Falls is a somewhat walkable city. Most of the attractions and close together by the falls, so it's relatively walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Niagara Falls or Montreal?

How long in Montreal or Niagara Falls?

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

Couples should spend more time in Montreal than Niagara Falls. 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 Niagara Falls 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 Niagara Falls?

Montreal is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

The beautiful city of Niagara Falls offers nightlife and food. 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 Niagara Falls?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Montreal. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Niagara Falls 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. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Niagara Falls, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Montreal or Niagara Falls?

Montreal is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. Five days is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Niagara Falls 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 Niagara Falls?

You'll find food and shopping around the city of Montreal. 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. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Niagara Falls is a great place to explore. 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 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 Niagara Falls, we can see that Montreal is more expensive. And not only is Niagara Falls much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Niagara Falls would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Niagara Falls 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 Niagara Falls.

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

Which is Bigger, Montreal or Niagara Falls?

Montreal has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Niagara Falls. When comparing the sizes of Montreal and Niagara Falls, 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 Niagara Falls?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Montreal or Niagara Falls in the Summer?

Both Niagara Falls and Montreal during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Montreal for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Niagara Falls because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Montreal is generally cooler than Niagara Falls. Daily temperatures in Montreal average around 21°C (69°F), and Niagara Falls fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

In Niagara Falls, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Montreal. In the summer, Montreal often gets less sunshine than Niagara Falls. Montreal gets 276 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Niagara Falls receives 306 hours of full sun.

Montreal usually gets more rain in July than Niagara Falls. Montreal gets 91 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Niagara Falls receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Montreal or Niagara Falls in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Montreal and Niagara Falls. The autumn months attract visitors to Montreal because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Niagara Falls this time of year.

Montreal is cooler than Niagara Falls in the autumn. The daily temperature in Montreal averages around 8°C (47°F) in October, and Niagara Falls fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Montreal usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Niagara Falls during autumn. Montreal gets 141 hours of sunny skies, while Niagara Falls receives 148 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Montreal usually receives more rain than Niagara Falls. Montreal gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Niagara Falls receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Montreal or Niagara Falls in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Montreal as well as Niagara Falls. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Montreal this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Niagara Falls for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Niagara Falls. It's quite cold in Montreal in the winter. In the winter, Montreal is much colder than Niagara Falls. Typically, the winter temperatures in Montreal in January average around -10°C (14°F), and Niagara Falls averages at about -4°C (26°F).

In the winter, Montreal often gets more sunshine than Niagara Falls. Montreal gets 103 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Niagara Falls receives 89 hours of full sun.

Montreal usually gets more rain in January than Niagara Falls. Montreal gets 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Niagara Falls receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Montreal or Niagara Falls in the Spring?

Both Niagara Falls and Montreal are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Montreal for the activities around the city. Also, many visitors come to Niagara Falls in the spring for the natural beauty.

In April, Montreal is generally much colder than Niagara Falls. Daily temperatures in Montreal average around 6°C (43°F), and Niagara Falls fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

It's quite sunny in Niagara Falls. Montreal usually receives less sunshine than Niagara Falls during spring. Montreal gets 183 hours of sunny skies, while Niagara Falls receives 203 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Montreal usually receives more rain than Niagara Falls. Montreal gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Niagara Falls receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Niagara Falls and Montreal