A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Big Sur vs. Montreal for Couples, Food, Families, and Backpackers

Should you visit Big Sur or Montreal?

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 Big Sur and Montreal can help you decide which place is right for you.

Big Sur

Big Sur is a remote, breathtaking, and scenic natural area. Many visitors also come to Big Sur because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the hiking, food, and beaches. See Big Sur 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. It's also popular because of the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Montreal travel costs.

Big Sur and Montreal: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Big Sur or Montreal?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Montreal. Although Big Sur 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 Big Sur attracts visitors for its beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Big Sur is famous for its beautiful state parks, dramatic coastal cliffs, and world class views. Montreal is famous for its music, fashion, and cultural activities. It is also well known for Notre-Dame Basilica.

How is Big Sur different from Montreal?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Big Sur or Montreal?

Montreal is an unbeatable place for its historical sights. However, Big Sur is not a good destination for its sights and museums.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Montreal has many famous sights for visitors. 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.

Big Sur offers a few options for museum-goers. Nature is what brings visitors to the area, so most people don't prioritize museums or manmade landmarks.

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

Montreal is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Big Sur is not as popular, but is still a nice natural area for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

Big Sur offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. Most of the restaurants offer a breathtaking view. Many use locally-sourced ingredients and they range in style from fine dining to casual eateries.

Is Big Sur or Montreal Better for Nightlife?

Montreal is an unbeatable place for its evening party scene. However, Big Sur is not a good destination for nightlife.

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.

People don't go to Big Sur for the nightlife. There's a taphouse and lounge, but the area is mostly undeveloped with no real nightlife.

Is Big Sur or Montreal Better for Music?

Montreal is an unbeatable place for its music scene. However, Big Sur is not a live music destination.

Montreal has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. 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.

Big Sur is not a live music destination.

Is Big Sur or Montreal Better for Beaches?

Big Sur is great for the beach. However, Montreal is not a beach destination.

Big Sur is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. The coastline and beaches are dramatic and beautiful, particularly Pfeiffer Beach, which has a dramatic waterfall. The water is filled with rip tides and strong currents, so swimming isn't advisable in most places.

Montreal is not a beach destination.

Is Big Sur or Montreal Better for its Old Town?

Montreal is great for its historic old town charm. However, Big Sur does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights 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.

Big Sur does not have a historic old town.

Is Big Sur or Montreal Better for Hiking?

Big Sur is great for hiking. However, Montreal is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Big Sur for the hiking trails. The dramatic hikes take you along the coastline, to beautiful beaches and through Redwood forests. There are a number of state parks along the route and some of the best hikes include Salmon Creek Trail, Pacific Valley Bluff Trail, and Ragged Point Cliffside Trail.

Montreal is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Big Sur or Montreal?

Montreal is an unbeatable place for its shopping areas. However, Big Sur is not a good destination for shopping.

Many people travel to Montreal specifically to go shopping. 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.

Big Sur has some shopping areas for those that seek them out. There are some galleries and gift shops, but most visitors aren't in the area to go shopping.

Is Big Sur or Montreal More Beautiful?

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

Many visitors also come to Big Sur because of it's amazing beauty. The road clings to the cliffs and makes dramatic curves, offering peaks at the striking blue water and breathtaking setting. This is truly one of those special places that feels unreal in its beauty.

Montreal is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Big Sur or Montreal Better for Families?

Montreal is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Big Sur is not as popular, but is still a nice natural area for its family-friendly activities.

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.

Big Sur is a family-friendly place to visit. Kids will enjoy the hiking and beaches, particularly the Carmel Lagoon at Carmel River State Beach. There are a number of state parks where kids can run around and stretch their legs.

Is Big Sur or Montreal Better for Couples?

Big Sur is terrific for couples. Also, Montreal is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

For those traveling as a couple, Big Sur has plenty to offer. Stunning viewpoints and breathtaking coastline make this a wonderful destination for couples. There are romantic inns and impressive hikes along the water's edge or through the dramatic Redwoods.

Montreal is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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 Big Sur or Montreal Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Big Sur and Montreal are nice places to visit.

Big Sur is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a couple of hostels in the area, but budget travelers often prefer vacation rentals, which are more common.

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 Big Sur or Montreal Better for Students?

Montreal is an unbeatable place for its student-friendly activities. However, Big Sur is not popular with students.

Students come from all over the world to visit 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.

Big Sur is not popular with students.

Is Big Sur or Montreal 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, Big Sur is not a good destination for its public transit.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Montreal. There's an efficient and reliable metro and bus system.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Big Sur. There is no real public transportation in the area.

Is Big Sur or Montreal a more walkable city?

Montreal is great for its ease of walking around. However, Big Sur is not a good destination for its walkability.

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

Big Sur is not a walkable natural area. While there are hiking trails, Big Sur is a stretch of road that runs along the coast and requires a car to fully access.

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

Should I spend more time in Montreal or Big Sur?

How long in Big Sur or Montreal?

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

Families should spend more time in Montreal than Big Sur. 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 Big Sur. 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 Big Sur 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 Big Sur or Montreal?

The beautiful natural area of Big Sur offers food. 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.

Because Montreal is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Big Sur or Montreal?

Big Sur is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this natural area makes for a great vacation. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Big Sur, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Because Montreal is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Big Sur or Montreal?

Big Sur 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.

Montreal is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Montreal has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Big Sur or Montreal?

Big Sur 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 natural area offers something for everyone.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Montreal. Many people enjoy the live music and food when visiting 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 Luxury Tours to United States of America, The Best Tours for Seniors to 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 Big Sur and Montreal, we can see that Montreal is more expensive. And not only is Big Sur much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Big Sur would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Big Sur 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 Big Sur.

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

When is the best time to visit Big Sur or Montreal?

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 Big Sur or Montreal in the Summer?

Both Montreal and Big Sur are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Big Sur because of the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Montreal this time of year.

Big Sur is cooler than Montreal in the summer. The daily temperature in Big Sur averages around 63°F (17°C) in July, and Montreal fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).

In July, Big Sur usually receives less rain than Montreal. Big Sur gets 0 inches (1 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 91 mm (3.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Big Sur or Montreal in the Autumn?

Both Montreal and Big Sur during the autumn are popular places to visit. The hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Big Sur this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Montreal for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

In the autumn, Big Sur is much warmer than Montreal. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Big Sur in October average around 62°F (17°C), and Montreal averages at about 8°C (47°F).

Big Sur usually gets less rain in October than Montreal. Big Sur gets 0.6 inches (14 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Big Sur or Montreal in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Big Sur and Montreal. Many travelers come to Big Sur for the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Montreal in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Montreal can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Big Sur is generally much warmer than Montreal. Daily temperatures in Big Sur average around 51°F (11°C), and Montreal fluctuates around -10°C (14°F).

In January, Big Sur usually receives less rain than Montreal. Big Sur gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Big Sur or Montreal in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Big Sur as well as Montreal. Many visitors come to Big Sur in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Montreal for the activities around the city during these months.

Big Sur is much warmer than Montreal in the spring. The daily temperature in Big Sur averages around 56°F (13°C) in April, and Montreal fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

Big Sur usually gets less rain in April than Montreal. Big Sur gets 1.1 inches (29 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Montreal and Big Sur