A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Adirondack Mountains vs. Montreal for Attractions, Nightlife, Food, and Families

Should you visit Adirondack Mountains or Montreal?

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

Should I visit Adirondack Mountains 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.

Adirondack Mountains

Adirondack Mountains is a pristine, scenic, and serene region. With stunning beauty, Adirondack Mountains attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, skiing, and nightlife. See Adirondack Mountains travel costs.

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.

Adirondack Mountains and Montreal: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Adirondack Mountains or Montreal?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Montreal. Although Adirondack Mountains and Montreal are both popular with visitors, Montreal has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Montreal is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, music, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Adirondack Mountains is known for its skiing, resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty. Adirondack Mountains is popular for its miles of hiking trails, beautiful lakes, and pristine forests. Montreal is popular for its music, fashion, and cultural activities. It is also home to Notre-Dame Basilica.

How is Adirondack Mountains different from Montreal?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Adirondack Mountains or Montreal Better for Skiing?

Adirondack Mountains is very good for skiing. However, Montreal is not a skiing destination.

Head to Adirondack Mountains for some great skiing and other winter activities. There are a number of ski resorts in the area with some of the most popular being Whiteface, Titus Mountain, and Oak Mountain.

Montreal is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Adirondack Mountains or Montreal?

Montreal is an amazing city to visit for its sights and museums. Also, Adirondack Mountains is not as famous, but is still a good region to visit 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Adirondack Mountains. You can learn about local culture and heritage at any of the museums in the area. At the Adirondack Experience you can visit a vast campus that offers an open-air experience relating to the region's history. Other educational centers in the area include a wildlife center, several art museums, as well as battlefields, forts, and war museums.

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

Montreal is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Adirondack Mountains is not as famous, but is still a good region 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.

Adirondack Mountains is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Steakhouses, pancake shops, and local diners all serve up fresh and local dishes. Many visitors like to pack a picnic that they can enjoy along a hiking trail, but if you're looking for a sit down option, there are also plenty of restaurants to choose from.

Is Adirondack Mountains or Montreal Better for Nightlife?

Montreal is an amazing city to visit for nightlife and partying. Also, Adirondack Mountains is not as famous, but is still a good region 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 Adirondack Mountains. There are laid back bars and pubs in the area, but for the best nightlife scene, head to Lake Placid.

Is Adirondack Mountains or Montreal Better for Music?

Montreal is an amazing city to visit for its live music scene. However, Adirondack Mountains 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.

Adirondack Mountains is not a live music destination.

Is Adirondack Mountains or Montreal Better for Resorts?

Adirondack Mountains is great for its luxury resorts. However, Montreal is not a resort destination.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Adirondack Mountains. Lodges and inns fill with vacationers who enjoy the pools and scenic settings that many of the resorts offer. Many places have a summer camp atmosphere that feels both wholesome and adventurous.

Montreal is not a resort destination.

Is Adirondack Mountains or Montreal Better for its Old Town?

Montreal is notable for its old town. However, Adirondack Mountains 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.

Adirondack Mountains does not have a historic old town.

Is Adirondack Mountains or Montreal Better for Hiking?

Adirondack Mountains is great for hiking. However, Montreal is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Adirondack Mountains for the hiking trails. Trails range from easy to challenging and each passes through beautiful and diverse landscapes. You can climb to scenic viewpoints or explore pristine forests. It's the perfect way to escape into nature for a bit.

Montreal is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Adirondack Mountains or Montreal?

Montreal is an amazing city to visit for its shopping opportunities. Also, Adirondack Mountains is not as famous, but is still a good region 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.

Adirondack Mountains has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Many of the towns have a "general store" where you can pick up souvenirs or local items. There are also local artisan shops and even outlet malls in the area.

Is Adirondack Mountains or Montreal More Beautiful?

Adirondack Mountains is great for its scenery and beauty. However, Montreal is not a destination known for its beauty.

With stunning beauty, Adirondack Mountains attracts visitors from all around. Beautiful lakes and waterfalls, serene settings, and striking viewpoints make this a beautiful destination where you can escape into nature.

Montreal is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Adirondack Mountains or Montreal Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Adirondack Mountains or Montreal.

Adirondack Mountains is a very kid-friendly region. There area is filled with ropes courses, adventure parks, and hiking trails. There are nature centers with information programs for young ones. The kids will also be a enchanted by the waterfalls as the adults are.

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.

Is Adirondack Mountains or Montreal Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Adirondack Mountains and Montreal make for a great place to visit.

Adirondack Mountains is a very popular place to visit for couples. There are many lodges and inns that are tucked away in the mountains and make for a romantic retreat. Couples will enjoy the hiking and beautiful views. Whether you spend your time cozied up by the fire or out on an adventure, this is a wonderful romantic destination.

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 Adirondack Mountains or Montreal Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Adirondack Mountains is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Montreal is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Adirondack Mountains. There are a number of campgrounds and even backcountry camping in the region. The hiking trails and beautiful setting make this a fun place to explore.

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 Adirondack Mountains or Montreal Better for Students?

Montreal is an amazing city to visit for students. However, Adirondack Mountains 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.

Adirondack Mountains is not popular with students.

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

Montreal is notable for its public transit. However, Adirondack Mountains is a mediocre region for times when you don't have a car.

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

Public transit is quite limited in Adirondack Mountains. There is no real public transportation in the park.

Is Adirondack Mountains or Montreal a more walkable city?

Montreal is notable for its high level of walkability. However, Adirondack Mountains is a mediocre region 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.

Adirondack Mountains is not a very walkable region. While there are many hiking trails, to get around and access most destinations, you'll need a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Montreal or Adirondack Mountains?

How long in Adirondack Mountains or Montreal?

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

Families should spend more time in Montreal than Adirondack Mountains. 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 Adirondack Mountains. 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 Adirondack Mountains 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 Adirondack Mountains or Montreal?

The beautiful region of Adirondack Mountains offers museums and skiing. 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 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.

A weekend in Adirondack Mountains or Montreal?

Adirondack Mountains 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 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.

Five days in Adirondack Mountains or Montreal?

Adirondack Mountains is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Adirondack Mountains, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

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.

A week in Adirondack Mountains or Montreal?

Adirondack Mountains is a great place to explore. 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 Adirondack Mountains has to offer. This region offers something for everyone.

The vibrant 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage, The Best Train & Rail Tours in Canada, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Canada.

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

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

When is the best time to visit Adirondack Mountains or Montreal?

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 Adirondack Mountains or Montreal in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Adirondack Mountains as well as Montreal. The hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Adirondack Mountains this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Montreal for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Adirondack Mountains is around the same temperature as Montreal. Typically, the summer temperatures in Adirondack Mountains in July average around 71°F (22°C), and Montreal averages at about 21°C (69°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Montreal. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Adirondack Mountains this time of the year. In the summer, Adirondack Mountains often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Montreal. Adirondack Mountains gets 285 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montreal receives 276 hours of full sun.

Adirondack Mountains usually gets less rain in July than Montreal. Adirondack Mountains gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 91 mm (3.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Adirondack Mountains or Montreal in the Autumn?

Both Montreal and Adirondack Mountains are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Adirondack Mountains for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Montreal in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

In October, Adirondack Mountains is generally a little warmer than Montreal. Daily temperatures in Adirondack Mountains average around 49°F (9°C), and Montreal fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Adirondack Mountains usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Montreal during autumn. Adirondack Mountains gets 144 hours of sunny skies, while Montreal receives 141 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Adirondack Mountains usually receives less rain than Montreal. Adirondack Mountains gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Adirondack Mountains or Montreal in the Winter?

Both Montreal and Adirondack Mountains during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Adirondack Mountains in the winter for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Montreal for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Montreal can be very cold during winter. Adirondack Mountains can get quite cold in the winter. Adirondack Mountains is a little warmer than Montreal in the winter. The daily temperature in Adirondack Mountains averages around 18°F (-8°C) in January, and Montreal fluctuates around -10°C (14°F).

In the winter, Adirondack Mountains often gets more sunshine than Montreal. Adirondack Mountains gets 124 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montreal receives 103 hours of full sun.

Adirondack Mountains usually gets less rain in January than Montreal. Adirondack Mountains gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Adirondack Mountains or Montreal in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Adirondack Mountains and Montreal. Most visitors come to Adirondack Mountains for the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Montreal because of the activities around the city.

In the spring, Adirondack Mountains is a little warmer than Montreal. Typically, the spring temperatures in Adirondack Mountains in April average around 46°F (8°C), and Montreal averages at about 6°C (43°F).

In Adirondack Mountains, it's very sunny this time of the year. Adirondack Mountains usually receives more sunshine than Montreal during spring. Adirondack Mountains gets 210 hours of sunny skies, while Montreal receives 183 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Adirondack Mountains usually receives around the same amount of rain as Montreal. Adirondack Mountains gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Montreal and Adirondack Mountains