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

Should you visit Charlottesville 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 Charlottesville 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.

Charlottesville

Charlottesville is a proud, traditional, and young university town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Charlottesville offers plenty of beauty for visitors. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and hiking. See Charlottesville 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. Visitors also love the live music, food, and shopping. See Montreal travel costs.

Charlottesville and Montreal: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Charlottesville or Montreal?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Montreal. Although Charlottesville 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 Charlottesville is known for its hiking, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Montreal is more touristy than Charlottesville and is known for its music, fashion, and cultural activities. It is also home to Notre-Dame Basilica. Charlottesville is popular for being home to the University of Virginia, Thomas Jefferson's Monticello, and serving as a gateway to Shenandoah National Park.

How is Charlottesville different from Montreal?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Montreal is terrific for its historical sights. Also, Charlottesville is not as popular, but is still a nice university town for its sights and museums.

The museums and tourist attractions in Montreal are world-renowned. 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 Charlottesville. A highlight of a trip to the area is a visit to Thomas Jefferson's Monticello. The city is also famously home to the beautiful University of Virginia, which has a manicured and beautiful campus. History buffs will also appreciate visiting the Civil War Sites that are nearby as well.

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

Montreal is a great city for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Charlottesville is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Montreal has a huge number of terrific 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.

Charlottesville may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Head to the Historic Downtown Mall to enjoy an outdoor meal at a top rated restaurant. There are also restaurants that cater specifically to students and offer affordable and quick meals.

Is Charlottesville or Montreal Better for Nightlife?

Montreal is terrific for nightlife and partying. Also, Charlottesville is not as popular, but is still a nice university town for its evening party scene.

Montreal is a must-see party destination. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Charlottesville. Charlottesville is a university town with an active nightlife. The best areas for nightlife are found around the Downtown Mall, Belmont neighborhood, the Corner, and University Ave west near the mall. Even though there are a number of activities to enjoy at night, this is still a small town and the nightlife scene reflects that.

Is Charlottesville or Montreal Better for Music?

Montreal is terrific for its live music scene. However, Charlottesville is not a live music destination.

With so many music venues, you're guaranteed a show any night of the week 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.

Charlottesville is not a live music destination.

Is Charlottesville or Montreal Better for its Old Town?

Montreal is a great city for its old town. Also, Charlottesville is not as popular, but is still a nice university town 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.

Charlottesville offers a nice historic old town area. The Historic Downtown Mall is filled with restaurants and shops. It's a pedestrian only area with a lot of character and energy.

Is Charlottesville or Montreal Better for Hiking?

Charlottesville is very good for hiking. However, Montreal is not a hiking destination.

Many people include a hike when visiting Charlottesville. Just outside of town there are plenty of hiking opportunities including in and around Shenandoah National Park. Hiking is at its best during the fall season when the leaves are changing.

Montreal is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Charlottesville or Montreal?

Montreal is terrific for its shopping opportunities. However, Charlottesville is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Known for shopping, Montreal draws large crowds to its 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.

Charlottesville is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Charlottesville or Montreal More Beautiful?

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

Charlottesville offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Surrounded by the Shenandoah Mountains, this is a beautiful town and home to the beautiful University of Virginia.

Montreal is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Charlottesville or Montreal Better for Families?

Montreal is a great city for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Charlottesville is not as popular, but is still a nice university town for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Montreal is very family-friendly. 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.

Charlottesville is a family-friendly place to visit. Wandering the campus of UVA, picking fruit at Carter Mountain Orchard or exploring the downtown mall, including the Virginia Discovery Museum are all activities that everyone can enjoy. There are also great hiking trails just outside of town.

Is Charlottesville or Montreal Better for Couples?

Montreal is a great city for its romantic activities. Also, Charlottesville is not as popular, but is still a nice university town for couples.

Montreal is a great city 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.

Charlottesville is a good university town for couples to visit. The UVA campus is beautiful to explore, as is Monticello. The Downtown Mall has many great restaurants and activities that make for a nice date night and during the day, there's also beautiful hikes nearby that are at their peak during the fall season.

Is Charlottesville or Montreal Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Montreal is a good destination for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Charlottesville is not known for backpackers.

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.

Charlottesville is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There is camping an hiking in the area that is a good option for backpackers.

Is Charlottesville or Montreal Better for Students?

For students, both Charlottesville and Montreal are first-rate places to visit.

Charlottesville is a very popular place to visit for students. The town is home to the beautiful University of Virginia and it's a popular destination for international students as well as local students. Much of the town is focused around student life, and the city's proximity to Washington, DC means it has access to global opportunities.

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.

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

Montreal is a great city for times when you don't have a car. However, Charlottesville is not known for its public transit.

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

Public transit is generally limited in Charlottesville. There is a bus system that runs between campus, downtown, and several neighborhoods in Charlottesville.

Is Charlottesville or Montreal a more walkable city?

Montreal is a great city for its high level of walkability. However, Charlottesville is not known 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.

Charlottesville is generally not very walkable. While the University of Virginia campus and the Downtown Mall are both very walkable, most of the town is not.

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

Should I spend more time in Montreal or Charlottesville?

How long in Charlottesville or Montreal?

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

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

Charlottesville is a small town where visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife. 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. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Charlottesville or Montreal?

Charlottesville is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this university town makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Charlottesville, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Montreal is a big city with plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Charlottesville or Montreal?

Charlottesville 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. Visiting the old town is also a must. This city offers something for everyone. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

A week in Charlottesville or Montreal?

Charlottesville is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This university town offers something for everyone.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Montreal. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America, The Best Train & Rail 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 Charlottesville and Montreal, we can see that Montreal is more expensive. And not only is Charlottesville much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Charlottesville would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Charlottesville 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 Charlottesville.

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

Which is Bigger, Charlottesville or Montreal?

Montreal has a larger population, and is about 90 times larger than the population of Charlottesville. When comparing the sizes of Charlottesville 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 Charlottesville 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 Charlottesville or Montreal in the Summer?

Both Montreal and Charlottesville are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Charlottesville for the hiking, the small town charm, 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, Charlottesville is a little warmer than Montreal. Typically, the summer temperatures in Charlottesville in July average around 78°F (26°C), and Montreal averages at about 21°C (69°F).

It's quite sunny in Montreal. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Charlottesville. Charlottesville usually receives more sunshine than Montreal during summer. Charlottesville gets 305 hours of sunny skies, while Montreal receives 276 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Charlottesville. In July, Charlottesville usually receives more rain than Montreal. Charlottesville gets 5 inches (128 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 91 mm (3.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Charlottesville or Montreal in the Autumn?

Both Montreal and Charlottesville during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Charlottesville in the autumn for the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, most visitors come to Montreal for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene during these months.

In October, Charlottesville is generally much warmer than Montreal. Daily temperatures in Charlottesville average around 59°F (15°C), and Montreal fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

It's quite sunny in Charlottesville. In the autumn, Charlottesville often gets more sunshine than Montreal. Charlottesville gets 221 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montreal receives 141 hours of full sun.

Charlottesville usually gets more rain in October than Montreal. Charlottesville gets 3.5 inches (90 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Charlottesville or Montreal in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Charlottesville and Montreal. Most visitors come to Charlottesville for the museums, the Christmas ambience, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, 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. Charlottesville can be very cold during winter. Charlottesville is much warmer than Montreal in the winter. The daily temperature in Charlottesville averages around 36°F (2°C) in January, and Montreal fluctuates around -10°C (14°F).

Charlottesville usually receives more sunshine than Montreal during winter. Charlottesville gets 169 hours of sunny skies, while Montreal receives 103 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Charlottesville usually receives more rain than Montreal. Charlottesville gets 3.2 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Charlottesville or Montreal in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Charlottesville as well as Montreal. The spring months attract visitors to Charlottesville because of the small town charm and the natural beauty. Additionally, the activities around the city are the main draw to Montreal this time of year.

In the spring, Charlottesville is much warmer than Montreal. Typically, the spring temperatures in Charlottesville in April average around 58°F (14°C), and Montreal averages at about 6°C (43°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Charlottesville this time of the year. In the spring, Charlottesville often gets more sunshine than Montreal. Charlottesville gets 265 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montreal receives 183 hours of full sun.

Charlottesville usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Montreal. Charlottesville gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Montreal and Charlottesville