A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Asheville vs. Montreal for Nightlife, Music, Food, and Old Town

Should you visit Asheville or Montreal?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Asheville and Montreal. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Asheville

Asheville is a open-minded, eclectic, and outdoorsy mountain town. Asheville offers plenty of beauty for visitors. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. It's also popular because of the hiking, shopping, and nightlife. See Asheville 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 live music, food, and shopping. See Montreal travel costs.

Asheville and Montreal: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Asheville or Montreal?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Montreal than Asheville, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Montreal is more popular for its museums and attractions, nightlife, music, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Asheville is known for its resorts, hiking, christmas markets, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Montreal is more touristy than Asheville and is popular for its music, fashion, and cultural activities. It is also home to Notre-Dame Basilica. Asheville is popular for its fall foliage, artsy downtown, and local North Carolina barbecue.

How is Asheville different from Montreal?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Montreal is an unbeatable place for its museums and landmarks. However, Asheville does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Asheville does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Dining out at restaurants in both Asheville and Montreal can be an enjoyable experience.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Asheville. Downtown Asheville is filled with local restaurants that serve everything from brunch to late night snacks. There are many vegan and vegetarian options as well as a number of international restaurants. Popular local dishes include North Carolina barbeque and country ham biscuits.

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.

Is Asheville or Montreal Better for Nightlife?

Montreal is an unbeatable place for nightlife and partying. Also, Asheville is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Many people head to Asheville for the nightlife scene. The city has a fun and eclectic nightlife scene that centers around the city's breweries and live music venues.

Is Asheville or Montreal Better for Music?

Montreal is an unbeatable place for its live music scene. Also, Asheville is still popular, but not quite as popular for its music scene.

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.

The music scene in Asheville draws a good crowd. The city has grown into a world famous music destination that holds true to its mountain roots and independent artists.

Is Asheville or Montreal Better for Resorts?

Asheville is very good for its luxury resorts. However, Montreal is not a resort destination.

Asheville has a few great resort options. The most famous resorts in the area are the Biltmore Estate and the Grove Park Inn. Both offer luxury restaurants and beautiful grounds that are particularly nice during the holidays.

Montreal is not a resort destination.

Is Asheville or Montreal Better for its Old Town?

Montreal is well known for its old town. However, Asheville is not particularly known for its historic old town charm.

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.

The old town area in Asheville is worth visiting. Downtown Asheville maintains much of its historic vibe, but it's smaller than some of the more notable old cities around the country.

Is Asheville or Montreal Better for Hiking?

Asheville is great for hiking. However, Montreal is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Asheville for the hiking trails. Just outside of town are many great hikes to waterfalls or through the mountains. The hikes range in skill level and length but many pass through local forests or along the beautiful skyline.

Montreal is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Asheville or Montreal?

Montreal is an unbeatable place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Asheville is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Asheville. The city has many local shops that sell local crafts and independent art. The downtown area is filled with art vendors and you'll find the greatest concentration of shopping along the pedestrian-friendly Lexington Avenue.

Is Asheville or Montreal More Beautiful?

Asheville is very good for its scenery and beauty. However, Montreal is not a destination known for its beauty.

Asheville offers plenty of beauty for visitors. With the surrounding mountains and the charming town, the area is filled with natural beauty.

Montreal is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Asheville or Montreal Better for Families?

Both Asheville and Montreal are high quality family-friendly destinations.

Asheville is a very kid-friendly mountain town. With its beautiful hiking, interesting nature centers, and outdoor adventure activities, this mountain town makes a great kid-friendly destination. There are outdoor adventure parks where kids can zipline or climb. There are also hands on farms and orchards for fruit-picking.

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 Asheville or Montreal Better for Couples?

Asheville and Montreal both high quality destinations for a couple.

Couples visit Asheville frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Couples enjoy exploring the beautiful Biltmore Estates or visiting the spa at the Grove Park Inn. The quaint town makes a great honeymoon destination or a nice romantic getaway. There are luxury hotels or intimate bed and breakfasts that offer different options for couples on a romantic trip.

Montreal is a great mountain town 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.

Is Asheville or Montreal Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Asheville 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 Asheville. The town has an eclectic vibe that backpackers appreciate. There are a few good hostels around town as well as nearby campgrounds that are perfect for budget travelers or hikers.

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 Asheville or Montreal Better for Students?

Montreal is an unbeatable place for students. Also, Asheville is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

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.

Asheville is a very popular mountain town for students and younger travelers. With its progressive personality and charming downtown, students enjoy spending time in this great town.

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

Montreal is well known for its public transit. However, Asheville is not particularly known 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 mostly limited in Asheville. There are buses around town, but almost everyone gets around by using their own vehicle. In particular, if you plan to hike or explore the Blue Ridge Mountains, you'll need a car. Many of the downtown hotels offer shuttle buses to the Biltmore area.

Is Asheville or Montreal a more walkable city?

Montreal is well known for its high level of walkability. Also, Asheville is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Asheville is a somewhat walkable mountain town. If you stay downtown and don't plan to explore the outlying areas, then it's possible to reach restaurants and shops on foot. Otherwise, you'll need a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Montreal or Asheville?

How long in Asheville or Montreal?

In either Asheville or Montreal, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Montreal than Asheville because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Asheville, and 3-5 days is enough time in Montreal.

Couples should spend more time in Montreal than Asheville. 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 Asheville 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 Asheville or Montreal?

The mountain town of Asheville offers live music and food. 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.

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 Asheville or Montreal?

Asheville is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this mountain town 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 Asheville, 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 Asheville or Montreal?

Asheville 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.

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 Asheville or Montreal?

Asheville is a great place to explore. 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 mountain town 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 Photography Tours in United States of America, The Best Camping Tours in United States of America, The Best Train & Rail Tours in Canada, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Canada.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Asheville or Montreal?

Montreal has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Asheville. When comparing the sizes of Asheville 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 Asheville 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 Asheville or Montreal in the Summer?

Both Montreal and Asheville during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Asheville for the hiking, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Montreal in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Asheville is a little warmer than Montreal. Typically, the summer temperatures in Asheville in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Montreal averages at about 21°C (69°F).

In Montreal, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Asheville. In the summer, Asheville often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Montreal. Asheville gets 268 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montreal receives 276 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Asheville. Asheville usually gets more rain in July than Montreal. Asheville gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 91 mm (3.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Asheville or Montreal in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Asheville and Montreal. Many visitors come to Asheville in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Montreal for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene during these months.

In October, Asheville is generally much warmer than Montreal. Daily temperatures in Asheville average around 64°F (18°C), and Montreal fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In Asheville, it's very sunny this time of the year. Asheville usually receives more sunshine than Montreal during autumn. Asheville gets 229 hours of sunny skies, while Montreal receives 141 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Asheville usually receives more rain than Montreal. Asheville gets 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Asheville or Montreal in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Asheville as well as Montreal. Most visitors come to Asheville for the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Montreal because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Montreal can be very cold. Asheville is much warmer than Montreal in the winter. The daily temperature in Asheville averages around 44°F (7°C) in January, and Montreal fluctuates around -10°C (14°F).

In the winter, Asheville often gets more sunshine than Montreal. Asheville gets 176 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montreal receives 103 hours of full sun.

Asheville receives a lot of rain in the winter. Asheville usually gets more rain in January than Montreal. Asheville gets 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Asheville or Montreal in the Spring?

Both Montreal and Asheville are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Asheville because of the natural beauty. Also, the activities around the city are the main draw to Montreal this time of year.

In the spring, Asheville is much warmer than Montreal. Typically, the spring temperatures in Asheville in April average around 64°F (18°C), and Montreal averages at about 6°C (43°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Asheville. Asheville usually receives more sunshine than Montreal during spring. Asheville gets 266 hours of sunny skies, while Montreal receives 183 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Asheville. In April, Asheville usually receives more rain than Montreal. Asheville gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Montreal and Asheville