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

Should you visit Anchorage or Montreal?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Anchorage and Montreal can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Anchorage

Anchorage is a breathtaking, cultural, and artsy city. Many visitors also come to Anchorage because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and hiking. See Anchorage travel costs.

Montreal

Montreal is a cultural, vibrant, and colorful city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and food. See Montreal travel costs.

Anchorage and Montreal: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Anchorage or Montreal?

You'll generally find more things to do in Montreal than Anchorage. Montreal is bigger than Anchorage, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Montreal is better known for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, music, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Anchorage is more popular for its hiking and impressive beauty. Anchorage is well known for its breathtaking natural beauty, impressive wildlife, stunning hiking trails, and unique local culture. Montreal is well known for its music, fashion, and cultural activities. Also, Montreal is famous for Notre-Dame Basilica.

How is Anchorage different from Montreal?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Anchorage or Montreal?

Montreal is an unbeatable place for its sights and museums. Also, Anchorage is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Montreal that are not to be missed. 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.

Anchorage offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. While most people visit for the outdoor experiences, there are a few museums where you can learn about the local culture and wildlife. Popular museums include the the Alaska Native Heritage Center, the Anchorage Museum at Rasmuson Center, the Alaska Aviation Museum, and the Alaska Museum of Science and Nature.

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

Montreal is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Anchorage is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Montreal makes for a great culinary experience. 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.

Anchorage has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. Food is expensive in town, but there are some unique local specialties that you must try. Many restaurants offer fresh seafood and local meats. Favorites include yak meat, king crab, and fresh oysters.

Is Anchorage or Montreal Better for Nightlife?

Montreal is an unbeatable place for nightlife. However, Anchorage is not a good city for nightlife and partying.

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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Anchorage. The town's nightlife mostly consists of local bars where you can hang out. Check out Koot's, which is a longstanding favorite.

Is Anchorage or Montreal Better for Music?

Montreal is an unbeatable place for live music. However, Anchorage is not a live music destination.

Montreal is a world class music destination. 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.

Anchorage is not a live music destination.

Is Anchorage or Montreal Better for its Old Town?

Montreal is a well-known place for its historic old town. However, Anchorage 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.

Anchorage does not have a historic old town.

Is Anchorage or Montreal Better for Hiking?

Anchorage is terrific for hiking. However, Montreal is not a hiking destination.

Many people visit Anchorage specifically for its hiking. The town is surrounded by wilderness and it's not hard to escape into nature. You can choose between short walks, long day trips, and multi-day treks, with everything in between available as well. There are more than 300 miles of hiking trails near town and several favorites include Byron Glacier Trail, Thunderbird Falls Trail, and Flattop Mountain.

Montreal is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Anchorage or Montreal?

Montreal is an unbeatable place for shopping. Also, Anchorage is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Montreal is a famous shopping destination with plenty of 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Anchorage. There are plenty of local gift shops and boutiques where you can pick up local Alaskan crafts and products. There's no sales tax, but prices can still be a bit steep. But if you're looking for something uniquely local to remember your trip, you don't have to look hard.

Is Anchorage or Montreal More Beautiful?

Anchorage is terrific for its scenery and beauty. However, Montreal is not a destination known for its beauty.

Many visitors also come to Anchorage because of it's amazing beauty. The city offers access to spectacular beauty. It's surrounded by awe-inspiring mountains, breathtaking glaciers, and vast wilderness.

Montreal is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Anchorage or Montreal Better for Families?

Montreal is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Anchorage is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

Anchorage is a family-friendly city. Kids who appreciate nature will appreciate this unique setting. Everyone will enjoy a glacier cruise, but you can hang out with the locals in Westchester Lagoon, see the animals at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, and learn about the area at the Anchorage Museum.

Is Anchorage or Montreal Better for Couples?

Both Anchorage and Montreal are superb destinations for a couple's getaway.

Anchorage is a very popular place to visit for couples. The city makes a good base for couples who want to explore the surrounding beauty. The landscapes make a beautiful backdrop for a romantic trip, and the adventure activities will make for an unforgettable experience. There are plenty of outdoor activities and adventure sports that couples can enjoy together and the beauty of the region is breathtaking.

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 Anchorage or Montreal Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Anchorage and Montreal are notable destinations for backpackers.

Anchorage is a good city to visit for backpackers. There are a few good budget places to stay, and backpackers will also have plenty of outdoor wilderness to explore near town. It's important to remember that Alaska is known for its challenging wilderness so, unless you're experienced, you should take a guide.

Plenty of backpackers 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 Anchorage or Montreal Better for Students?

Montreal is an unbeatable place for students. However, Anchorage 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.

Anchorage is not popular with students.

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

Montreal is a well-known place for its public transit. However, Anchorage is not a good city for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Montreal is fairly effecient and thorough. There's an efficient and reliable metro and bus system.

Public transit is quite limited in Anchorage. There is the People Mover bus system that transports riders around town, but to truly experience the region, you must have a car.

Is Anchorage or Montreal a more walkable city?

Montreal is a well-known place for its walkability. However, Anchorage is not a good city for its high level of walkability.

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

Anchorage is generally not a very walkable city. The downtown area is compact so you can wander to the nearby shops and restaurants on foot, but most people visit with the goal of exploring outside of town. For that you need a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Montreal or Anchorage?

How long in Anchorage or Montreal?

In either Anchorage or Montreal, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Montreal than Anchorage because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Anchorage, and 3-5 days is enough time in Montreal.

Families should spend more time in Montreal than Anchorage. 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 Anchorage. 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 Anchorage 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 Anchorage or Montreal?

The beautiful city of Anchorage offers food and shopping. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

People visit Montreal because there is so much to do. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Anchorage or Montreal?

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

People visit Montreal because there is so much to do. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Anchorage or Montreal?

Anchorage is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. 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.

People visit Montreal because there is so much to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

A week in Anchorage or Montreal?

Anchorage is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. 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.

Montreal is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City, The Best Train & Rail Tours in Canada, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Canada.

When comparing the travel costs between Anchorage and Montreal, we can see that Montreal 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 Anchorage Expensive? and Is Montreal Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Anchorage or Montreal?

Montreal has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Anchorage. When comparing the sizes of Anchorage and Montreal, 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 Anchorage 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 Anchorage or Montreal in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Anchorage as well as Montreal. Many visitors come to Anchorage in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Montreal for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Anchorage is generally cooler than Montreal. Daily temperatures in Anchorage average around 59°F (15°C), and Montreal fluctuates around 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 Anchorage this time of the year. In the summer, Anchorage often gets less sunshine than Montreal. Anchorage gets 240 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montreal receives 276 hours of full sun.

Anchorage usually gets less rain in July than Montreal. Anchorage gets 1.7 inches (44 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 91 mm (3.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Anchorage or Montreal in the Autumn?

Both Montreal and Anchorage are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Anchorage for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Montreal because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

Anchorage can be very cold during autumn. Anchorage is much colder than Montreal in the autumn. The daily temperature in Anchorage averages around 35°F (2°C) in October, and Montreal fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Anchorage usually receives less sunshine than Montreal during autumn. Anchorage gets 118 hours of sunny skies, while Montreal receives 141 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Anchorage usually receives less rain than Montreal. Anchorage gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Anchorage or Montreal in the Winter?

Both Montreal and Anchorage during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Anchorage because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Montreal this time of year.

It's quite cold in Montreal in the winter. The weather in Anchorage can be very cold. In the winter, Anchorage is around the same temperature as Montreal. Typically, the winter temperatures in Anchorage in January average around 15°F (-9°C), and Montreal averages at about -10°C (14°F).

In the winter, Anchorage often gets less sunshine than Montreal. Anchorage gets 80 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montreal receives 103 hours of full sun.

Anchorage usually gets less rain in January than Montreal. Anchorage gets 0.7 inches (19 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Anchorage or Montreal in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Anchorage and Montreal. The natural beauty are the main draw to Anchorage this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Montreal for the activities around the city.

It's quite cold in Anchorage in the spring. In April, Anchorage is generally much colder than Montreal. Daily temperatures in Anchorage average around 36°F (2°C), and Montreal fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

In Anchorage, it's very sunny this time of the year. Anchorage usually receives more sunshine than Montreal during spring. Anchorage gets 233 hours of sunny skies, while Montreal receives 183 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Anchorage usually receives less rain than Montreal. Anchorage gets 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Montreal and Anchorage