A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Yosemite National Park vs. Montreal for Nightlife, Backpackers, Food, and Families

Should you visit Yosemite National Park or Montreal?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Yosemite National Park or Montreal? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Yosemite National Park

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

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. Other popular activities here include food, shopping, and museums. See Montreal travel costs.

Yosemite National Park and Montreal: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Nice resorts
  • Good for hiking
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to El Capitan
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
  • Very walkable
  • Big city activities
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers


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

Travelers will usually find more to do in Montreal. Although Yosemite National Park and Montreal are popular destinations, Montreal has more sights and attractions for tourists. Montreal is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, music, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Yosemite National Park attracts visitors for its resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty. Yosemite National Park is more touristy than Montreal and is popular for its stunning hikes, giant Sequoias, breathtaking vistas, and the granite cliffs of Half Dome. Montreal is famous for its music, fashion, and cultural activities. It is also well known for Notre-Dame Basilica.

How is Yosemite National Park different from Montreal?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Yosemite National Park or Montreal?

Yosemite National Park
Montreal

Montreal is a world-class destination for its sights and museums. However, Yosemite National Park does not have museums and landmarks.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Montreal on the map. 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.

Yosemite National Park does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Yosemite National Park
Montreal

Montreal is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Yosemite National Park is not a good national park for its restaurants.

Dining out in Montreal is an experience not to be missed. 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.

Yosemite National Park offers some easy restaurants to choose from. There are a few varied restaurants in the park that offer casual food or packaged meals that you can take away. The food is generally expensive and not always the best, so you'll likely enjoy packing your own picnic food to enjoy within the park.

Is Yosemite National Park or Montreal Better for Nightlife?

Yosemite National Park
Montreal

Montreal is a world-class destination for its evening party scene. However, Yosemite National Park is not a good national park for nightlife.

People head to Montreal just to party. 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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Yosemite National Park. There are some bars near the park that make a nice spot to grab a drink.

Is Yosemite National Park or Montreal Better for Music?

Yosemite National Park
Montreal

Montreal is a world-class destination for its music scene. However, Yosemite National Park is not a live music destination.

In Montreal you'll find nightly musicians performing at a variety of venues. 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.

Yosemite National Park is not a live music destination.


Is Yosemite National Park or Montreal Better for Resorts?

Yosemite National Park
Montreal

Yosemite National Park is great for its luxury resorts. However, Montreal is not a resort destination.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Yosemite National Park. There are several grand hotels and lodges within the park. Reservations are a must, especially if you're traveling during peak seasons.

Montreal is not a resort destination.

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

Yosemite National Park
Montreal

Montreal is a well-known place for its historic old town charm. However, Yosemite National Park 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.

Yosemite National Park does not have a historic old town.

Is Yosemite National Park or Montreal Better for Hiking?

Yosemite National Park
Montreal

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

Many people visit Yosemite National Park specifically for its hiking. This park has many famous hikes that take you by Half Dome, near Yosemite Falls, and through breathtaking landscapes. Popular hikes in the area include Mist Trail to Vernal Fall and Nevada Fall and Mirror Lake Trail.

Montreal is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Yosemite National Park or Montreal?

Yosemite National Park
Montreal

Montreal is a world-class destination for its shopping areas. However, Yosemite National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Montreal is a world class destination for shoppers. 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.

Yosemite National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Yosemite National Park or Montreal More Beautiful?

Yosemite National Park
Montreal

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

Many visitors also come to Yosemite National Park because of it's amazing beauty. This park has a sense of natural beauty that's hard to find anywhere else in the world. The breathtaking landscapes, surreal waterfalls, and stunning granite rock formations are unlike any other park or setting.

Montreal is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Yosemite National Park or Montreal Better for Families?

Yosemite National Park
Montreal

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Yosemite National Park or Montreal.

Yosemite National Park is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. This park has many hikes, climbs, and activities that kids of all ages can enjoy. When the weather's warm the kids will enjoy getting wet in Merced River. They'll also be impressed by the giant sequoias and the beautiful waterfalls. In the evening the staff host ranger programs that are fun and educational for everyone. The park also has kid-friendly camping and lodges.

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.


Is Yosemite National Park or Montreal Better for Couples?

Yosemite National Park
Montreal

With fun activities for couples, both Yosemite National Park and Montreal make for a great place to visit.

Yosemite National Park is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples who enjoy nature, rock climbing, hiking, and being outside will enjoy a visit to this park. There is an endless supply of romantic views and fun-filled activities that are perfect for avid hikers or those looking for a more relaxing travel experience.

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.

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

Yosemite National Park
Montreal

Yosemite 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 Yosemite National Park, as it is a very popular national park for budget travelers. Campgrounds and back country trails make this area a backpacker's paradise.

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 Yosemite National Park or Montreal Better for Students?

Yosemite National Park
Montreal

Montreal is a world-class destination for students. However, Yosemite National Park 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.

Yosemite National Park is not popular with students.


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

Yosemite National Park
Montreal

Montreal is a well-known place for its public transit. Also, Yosemite National Park is not as famous, but is still a good national park to visit for times when you don't have a car.

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

Yosemite National Park has some public transit options. There is a free bus service that travels around Yosemite Valley.

Is Yosemite National Park or Montreal a more walkable city?

Yosemite National Park
Montreal

Montreal is a well-known place for its ease of walking around. However, Yosemite National Park is not a good national park for its walkability.

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

Yosemite National Park is generally not a very walkable national park. The park is large and a car is necessary to reach many places within the park.

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

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

How long in Yosemite National Park or Montreal?

In either Yosemite National Park or Montreal, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Yosemite National Park than Montreal because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Yosemite National Park, and 3-5 days is enough time in Montreal.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Montreal than Yosemite 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.


  • How many days in Yosemite National Park or Montreal? Ideal Length of Stay
    Yosemite National Park 3-7 
    Montreal 3-5

One day in Yosemite National Park or Montreal?

The beautiful national park of Yosemite 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.

Montreal is a big city with plenty to do. 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 one day exploring.


A weekend in Yosemite National Park or Montreal?

Yosemite National Park is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.

Montreal is a big city with plenty to do. This city offers something for everyone. Visiting the old town is also a must. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Five days in Yosemite National Park or Montreal?

Yosemite 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 Yosemite National Park, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Montreal. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Yosemite National Park or Montreal?

Yosemite National Park is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. It is common to spend one week here. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Yosemite National Park has to offer. This national park offers something for everyone.

Montreal is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the live music and food when visiting the big city destination of 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.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, The Best Train & Rail Tours in Canada, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Canada.


Which place is cheaper, Montreal or Yosemite National Park?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Yosemite National Park Prices
    USA Prices
    Montreal Prices
    Canada Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Yosemite National Park $158
    Montreal $235

The average daily cost (per person) in Yosemite National Park is $158, while the average daily cost in Montreal is $235. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Yosemite National Park and Montreal in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Yosemite National Park $64
    Montreal $131
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Yosemite National Park $128
    Montreal $262
Compare Hotels in Yosemite National Park and Montreal

Looking for a hotel in Yosemite National Park or Montreal? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Yosemite National Park


Hotels in Montreal


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Yosemite National Park Hotel Prices and Montreal Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Yosemite National Park $41
    Montreal $20

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Montreal

Also for Montreal, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • YUL Airport Private Transfer to Downtown|Hotels: $29
  • Departure transfer Montreal to Montreal Airport YUL by Car or SUV: $60
  • Private One Way Transfer from Montreal to Montreal Airport: $64
  • Private Transfer to Montreal Airport YUL: $71
  • Montreal Best Private Transfer services : $73
  • Arrival Transfer from International Airport: $78
  • Private Transfer from Montreal Cruise Port to Montreal City: $99
  • Private Transfer from Montreal City to Montreal (YUL) Airport: $111
  • Montréal Airport (YUL) to Montreal hotel or port - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $139
  • Montreal Private Transfer to Montreal Airport YUL in Luxury Van: $186
  • Transfer Montreal International Airport to Downtown Montreal: $187
  • Private Transfer from Montreal Airport to Ottawa: $212

Is it cheaper to fly into Yosemite National Park or Montreal?

Prices for flights to both Montreal and Yosemite National Park change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Yosemite National Park $69
    Montreal $62

Typical Food Prices in Montreal

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Montreal:


  • Tim Hortons breakfast and coffee
    $8.96

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Montreal

For Montreal, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Bateau-Mouche Cruise with A La Carte Dinner Option: $61
  • Jean-Talon & Little Italy Food Tour with 8 Tasting: $77
  • Jean-Talon Market Hidden Gems Guided Food Tour: $78
  • Beyond the Market Non-Touristy Food Tour by Spade & Palacio: $81
  • Mile End District Food Tour with 8+ Tastings: $81
  • Montreal Cooking Class - Learn to make Dim Sums: $84
  • Jean-Talon Market & Little Italy Food Tour with 8 Tastings: $89
  • Montreal Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $89
  • Old Montreal Food & Drink Tour by Local Montreal Food Tours: $115
  • Cooking Class & Lunch with Michelin-Trained Chef: $128
  • Jewish Neighborhood Food Tour: $129
  • Montreal Gourmet Dinner Cruise with DJ & Dancing: $129

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Yosemite National Park $19
    Montreal $21

Tours and Activities in Yosemite National Park

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Yosemite National Park are as follows:

  • Big Trees Hike & Riverside Cookout Adventure: $180
  • Private Yosemite Valley Tour & Roosevelt Cookout: $270
  • Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Yosemite: $20
  • Semi Private Yosemite Tour with Ahwahnee Lunch and Hotel Pickup: $250
  • The Evolution of Yosemite 3 Hour Hiking Tour: $140
  • The Evolution of Yosemite 3 Hour Walking Tour: $140
  • Yosemite Family Explorers - Customizable Private Tour: $299
  • Yosemite Family Explorers: Customizable Private Tour: $399
  • Yosemite Highlights Small Group Tour: $210
  • Yosemite National Park Self-Guided Audio Tour: $17
  • Yosemite Team Building Adventure Hike: $293
  • Yosemite Valley & Glacier Point Adaptive Tour: $180

Typical Entertainment Prices in Montreal

For Montreal, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Botanical Gardens (family of 4)
    $53

Tours and Activities in Montreal

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Montreal.

  • Montreal City Highlights 3 Hour Walking Tour | Gratuity-Based : $5.00
  • Montreal Prohibition Mystery: Self-Guided Walking Adventure: $7.20
  • Montréal Scavenger Hunt and City Highlights Walking Tour: $7.74
  • Old Montreal Historical Downtown Self Guided Walking Tour: $9.75
  • Montreal's Golden Square Mile: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.99
  • Old Self-Guided Tour from Place D‘Armes to Old Port: $12
  • Art Center and Museum Audio Guided Tour: $12
  • Irish Famine in Montreal Walking Tour: $20
  • Montreal Old Port: Urban Zipline Ticket: $21
  • Musée des Hospitalières Entry & Digital City Tour: $21
  • Old Montreal in 90 Minutes Walking Tour: $22
  • 1hr Sunset Boat tour on the St Lawrence River Old Port Montreal: $23

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Yosemite National Park $11
    Montreal $16

Typical Alcohol Prices in Montreal

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Montreal:


  • Vodka
    $18

Sample the Local Flavors in Montreal

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Montreal:

  • Haunted Pub Crawl: $24
  • Haunted Montreal Pub Crawl: $24
  • Guided Bar Crawl with Free Shots and Club Entry: $41
  • Guided Pub Crawl of the City's Skyline Bars: $85


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

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