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

Should you visit Montreal or Victoria?

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 Victoria can help you decide which place is right for you.

Montreal

Montreal is a colorful, cultural, and vibrant city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. It's also popular because of the live music, food, and shopping. See Montreal travel costs.

Victoria

Victoria is a cultural, scenic, and relaxing city. It's also popular because of the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Victoria travel costs.

Montreal and Victoria: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Montreal or Victoria?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Montreal than Victoria. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Montreal is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, music, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Victoria attracts visitors for its hiking. Montreal is famous for its music, fashion, and cultural activities. It is also well known for Notre-Dame Basilica. Victoria is famous for its colonial buildings and public parks.

How is Montreal different from Victoria?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Montreal is an amazing city to visit for its museums and history. Also, Victoria is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Montreal has many famous sights for visitors. 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.

Victoria is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are several popular museums like the Royal BC Museum and Craigdarroch Castle. Also make sure you check out the Parliament Buildings.

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

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

Montreal has a number of nationally recognized food spots and 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.

Victoria offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. You'll find tons of fresh seafood around town. Make sure you try to the Dungeness crab, wild caught salmon, and fish chowder.

Is Montreal or Victoria Better for Nightlife?

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

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.

Victoria has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There are a good number of bars and pubs around town. Most offer a relaxed atmosphere where you can enjoy a cold drink in a casual setting.

Is Montreal or Victoria Better for Music?

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

Montreal has become a mecca for musicians from 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.

Victoria is not a live music destination.

Is Montreal or Victoria Better for its Old Town?

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

There are many historical things to see 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.

Victoria does not have a historic old town.

Is Montreal or Victoria Better for Hiking?

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

Many people include a hike when visiting Victoria. There are many outdoor spaces and parks that offer local hiking trails. This is a great way to experience the scenic beauty of the area.

Montreal is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Montreal or Victoria?

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

Many people travel to Montreal specifically to go shopping. 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.

Victoria is a great destination for shopping. There are plenty of larger shopping malls as well as local boutiques and farmer's markets.

Is Montreal or Victoria Better for Families?

You'll find high quality kid-friendly activities in either Montreal or Victoria.

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.

Victoria is a very family-friendly place to visit. There are plenty of opportunities to get outside and get the energy out. Walking trails are popular. You can also do the Malahat SkyWalk which offers impressive views. Cadboro-Gyro Park has a playground, zip-line, and picnic areas. Another hightlight for kids is a visit to the Beacon Hill Children's Farm. If the weather isn't cooperating, you can visit the BC Aviation Museum.

Is Montreal or Victoria Better for Couples?

Both Montreal and Victoria are high quality 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.

Victoria is a very popular place to visit for couples. The city offers many great activities for couples such as a visit to Hatley Park and Castle. The city is also famous for its many flower gardens which are best visited in spring. Kayaking, hiking, and exploring are also favorite activities for couples.

Is Montreal or Victoria Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Montreal and Victoria are nice 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 Victoria. There are a few hostels around town that attract the backpacker and budget traveler crowd.

Is Montreal or Victoria Better for Students?

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

Montreal is a very popular place to visit 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.

Victoria is not popular with students.

Is Montreal or Victoria 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. However, Victoria is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Montreal. There's an efficient and reliable metro and bus system.

Public transit is generally limited in Victoria. While there are buses, it's best not to count on them because they're not particularly reliable.

Is Montreal or Victoria a more walkable city?

Montreal and Victoria are high quality when it comes to walkability.

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

Victoria is very walkable. Many of the sights are close by and easy to walk to.

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

Should I spend more time in Victoria or Montreal?

How long in Montreal or Victoria?

It's fun to spend time in either Montreal or Victoria. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Montreal due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Montreal, and 3-4 days is enough time in Victoria.

Families should spend more time in Montreal than Victoria. 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 Victoria. 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 Victoria 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 Victoria?

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.

The city of Victoria 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 Victoria?

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.

Victoria is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. 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 Montreal or Victoria?

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.

Victoria 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 Victoria?

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.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Montreal or Victoria?

Montreal has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Victoria. When comparing the sizes of Montreal and Victoria, 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 Victoria?

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 Victoria in the Summer?

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

Montreal is a little warmer than Victoria in the summer. The daily temperature in Montreal averages around 21°C (69°F) in July, and Victoria fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

In July, Montreal usually receives more rain than Victoria. Montreal gets 91 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Victoria receives 13 mm (0.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Montreal or Victoria in the Autumn?

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

In the autumn, Montreal is cooler than Victoria. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Montreal in October average around 8°C (47°F), and Victoria averages at about 11°C (52°F).

Montreal usually gets more rain in October than Victoria. Montreal gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Victoria receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Montreal or Victoria in the Winter?

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

It's quite cold in Victoria in the winter. The weather in Montreal can be very cold. In January, Montreal is generally much colder than Victoria. Daily temperatures in Montreal average around -10°C (14°F), and Victoria fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Victoria. In January, Montreal usually receives less rain than Victoria. Montreal gets 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Victoria receives 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Montreal or Victoria in the Spring?

Both Victoria and Montreal during the spring are popular places to visit. The activities around the city are the main draw to Montreal this time of year.

Montreal is much colder than Victoria in the spring. The daily temperature in Montreal averages around 6°C (43°F) in April, and Victoria fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

Montreal usually gets more rain in April than Victoria. Montreal gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Victoria receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Victoria and Montreal