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

Should you visit Montreal or Winnipeg?

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 Winnipeg 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. Visitors also love the nightlife, live music, and food. See Montreal travel costs.

Winnipeg

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

Montreal and Winnipeg: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Montreal or Winnipeg?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Montreal than Winnipeg, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Montreal is more touristy than Winnipeg and is known for its music, fashion, and cultural activities. It is also home to Notre-Dame Basilica. Winnipeg is popular for its festivals, culture, and railway connections.

How is Montreal different from Winnipeg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Montreal is an unbeatable place for its historical sights. Also, Winnipeg is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

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.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Winnipeg. There are some unique museums around town including the Canadian Museum for Human Rights. Other popular museums are the Manitoba Museum and the Manitoba Children's Museum.

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

Montreal is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Winnipeg is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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 Winnipeg area. You'll find a wide variety of restaurants around town that serve a mix of local dishes and international cuisines. A must-see part of the city is the historic Forks Market.

Is Montreal or Winnipeg Better for Nightlife?

Montreal is an unbeatable place for nightlife and partying. Also, Winnipeg is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its evening party scene.

The nightlife in Montreal is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Winnipeg. The city has an active nightlife, even during the winter months. You'll find dance clubs, bars, and pubs around town that are popular with locals and visitors alike.

Is Montreal or Winnipeg Better for Music?

Montreal is an unbeatable place for its live music scene. However, Winnipeg 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.

Winnipeg is not a live music destination.

Is Montreal or Winnipeg Better for its Old Town?

Montreal is great for its old town. However, Winnipeg 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.

Winnipeg does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Montreal or Winnipeg?

Montreal is an unbeatable place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Winnipeg is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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 Winnipeg to go shopping. You'll find all of the standard shopping options around town, from boutiques to big box shops and even some outlets.

Is Montreal or Winnipeg Better for Families?

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

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Montreal is very family-friendly. 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.

Winnipeg is a family-friendly place to visit. Kids will love a visit to the Assiniboine Park Zoo or the Manitoba Children's Museum. There are a number of parks and playgrounds around town as well as the Prairie Dog Central Railway. There are many kid-friendly restaurants in the city as well.

Is Montreal or Winnipeg Better for Couples?

Montreal is great for its romantic activities. Also, Winnipeg is not as popular, but is still a nice city for couples.

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.

Winnipeg is a good city for couples to visit. Many couples enjoy wandering through Assiniboine Park. There are also many romantic restaurants and spas for couples.

Is Montreal or Winnipeg Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Montreal and Winnipeg 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 Winnipeg. While it's often overlooked by backpackers, there are a couple of hostels around town.

Is Montreal or Winnipeg Better for Students?

Montreal is an unbeatable place for its student-friendly activities. However, Winnipeg 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.

Winnipeg is not popular with students.

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

Montreal is great for times when you don't have a car. However, Winnipeg is not a good destination for its public transit.

The public transit in Montreal can get you around easily. There's an efficient and reliable metro and bus system.

Public transit is generally limited in Winnipeg. There's a bus system around town, but many visitors prefer to have a vehicle.

Is Montreal or Winnipeg a more walkable city?

Montreal is great for its high level of walkability. However, Winnipeg is not a good destination 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.

Winnipeg is generally not very walkable. While there are a few walkable neighborhoods, the city itself is not particularly walkable, particularly during the cold winter months.

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

Should I spend more time in Winnipeg or Montreal?

How long in Montreal or Winnipeg?

It's fun to spend time in either Montreal or Winnipeg. 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 2-4 days is enough time in Winnipeg.

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

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 Winnipeg 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 Winnipeg?

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.

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

Five days in Montreal or Winnipeg?

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.

Winnipeg 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 Winnipeg?

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.

Winnipeg 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 comparing the travel costs between Montreal and Winnipeg, we can see that Winnipeg is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Montreal or Winnipeg?

Montreal has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Winnipeg. When comparing the sizes of Montreal and Winnipeg, 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 Winnipeg?

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 Winnipeg in the Summer?

Both Winnipeg and Montreal are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Montreal for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Winnipeg in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Montreal is generally around the same temperature as Winnipeg. Daily temperatures in Montreal average around 21°C (69°F), and Winnipeg fluctuates around 21°C (71°F).

It's quite sunny in Winnipeg. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Montreal. Montreal usually receives less sunshine than Winnipeg during summer. Montreal gets 276 hours of sunny skies, while Winnipeg receives 328 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Montreal usually receives more rain than Winnipeg. Montreal gets 91 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Winnipeg receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Montreal or Winnipeg in the Autumn?

Both Winnipeg and Montreal during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Montreal in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Also, most visitors come to Winnipeg for the shopping scene during these months.

Montreal is a little warmer than Winnipeg in the autumn. The daily temperature in Montreal averages around 8°C (47°F) in October, and Winnipeg fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

In the autumn, Montreal often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Winnipeg. Montreal gets 141 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Winnipeg receives 147 hours of full sun.

Montreal usually gets more rain in October than Winnipeg. Montreal gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Winnipeg receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Montreal or Winnipeg in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Montreal and Winnipeg. Most visitors come to Montreal for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Winnipeg because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Winnipeg can be very cold. Montreal can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Montreal is much warmer than Winnipeg. Typically, the winter temperatures in Montreal in January average around -10°C (14°F), and Winnipeg averages at about -17°C (2°F).

Montreal usually receives less sunshine than Winnipeg during winter. Montreal gets 103 hours of sunny skies, while Winnipeg receives 115 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Montreal usually receives more rain than Winnipeg. Montreal gets 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Winnipeg receives 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Montreal or Winnipeg in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Montreal as well as Winnipeg. The spring months attract visitors to Montreal because of the activities around the city.

In April, Montreal is generally around the same temperature as Winnipeg. Daily temperatures in Montreal average around 6°C (43°F), and Winnipeg fluctuates around 5°C (42°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Winnipeg. In the spring, Montreal often gets less sunshine than Winnipeg. Montreal gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Winnipeg receives 248 hours of full sun.

Montreal usually gets more rain in April than Winnipeg. Montreal gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Winnipeg receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Winnipeg and Montreal