A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Chimney Rock and Lake Lure vs. Montreal for Attractions, Nightlife, Food, and Families

Should you visit Chimney Rock and Lake Lure 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 Chimney Rock and Lake Lure 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.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a active, beautiful, and peaceful recreation area. Chimney Rock and Lake Lure offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the hiking. See Chimney Rock and Lake Lure 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. Other popular activities here include nightlife, live music, and food. See Montreal travel costs.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure and Montreal: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Good for hiking
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
  • Big city activities


Is there more to do in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Montreal?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Montreal. Although Chimney Rock and Lake Lure 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 Chimney Rock and Lake Lure attracts visitors for its hiking and impressive beauty. Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is famous for its beautiful views and fun outdoor activities. Montreal is famous for its music, fashion, and cultural activities. It is also well known for Notre-Dame Basilica.

How is Chimney Rock and Lake Lure different from Montreal?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Montreal?

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
Montreal

Montreal is an amazing city to visit for its museums and landmarks. However, Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a recreation area with minimal options for its historical sights.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Montreal on the map. 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.

While most people don't head to Chimney Rock and Lake Lure specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. There's a museum in Chimney Rock State Park, but most visitors spend their time taking advantage of the outdoor activities.


Is the Food Better in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Montreal? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
Montreal

Montreal is a great destination for its restaurant scene. However, Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a recreation area with minimal options for its local flavors and cuisine.

Dining out in Montreal is an experience not to be missed. 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.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure offers some easy restaurants to choose from. Within Chimney Rock Park there's a deli and a cafe. Nearby you'll also find casual eateries with pizza or classic American dishes.

Is Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Montreal Better for Nightlife?

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
Montreal

Montreal is an amazing city to visit for its evening party scene. However, Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a recreation area with minimal options for nightlife.

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.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. Most people head into nearby Asheville for the best nightlife.

Is Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Montreal Better for Music?

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
Montreal

Montreal is an amazing city to visit for its music scene. However, Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is not a live music destination.

In Montreal you'll find nightly musicians performing at a variety of venues. 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.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is not a live music destination.


Is Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Montreal Better for its Old Town?

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
Montreal

Montreal is a great destination for its historic old town charm. However, Chimney Rock and Lake Lure 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.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure does not have a historic old town.

Is Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Montreal Better for Hiking?

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
Montreal

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is great for hiking. However, Montreal is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Chimney Rock and Lake Lure for the hiking trails. One of the most popular trails in Chimney Rock State Park is The Exclamation Point Trail , which leads to many viewpoints. During the summer and fall seasons the trail can get very crowded. The obvious highlight in the park is Chimney Rock, which is a rock outcropping that offers spectacular views.

Montreal is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Montreal?

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
Montreal

Montreal is an amazing city to visit for its shopping areas. However, Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a recreation area with minimal options for shopping.

Montreal is a world class destination for shoppers. 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.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a good destination for shopping. You'll find the standard shopping centers in the area, but for the best shopping, head over to Asheville.


Is Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Montreal More Beautiful?

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
Montreal

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is very good for its scenery and beauty. However, Montreal is not a destination known for its beauty.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure offers plenty of beauty for visitors. From the top of Chimney Rock there's an impressive view point. The area is also filled with natural beauty and peaceful settings.

Montreal is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Montreal Better for Families?

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
Montreal

Both Chimney Rock and Lake Lure and Montreal are superb to visit with kids.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. There are plenty of outdoor activities in the area. Head to sliding rock for a fun afternoon. There's also tubing, kayaking, and river rafting nearby. Horseback riding is a fun way to explore a trail, or simply hiking on one of the many paths in the area. You'll also find ziplining and plenty of water activities at the lake.

Montreal is a very family-friendly destination. 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 Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Montreal Better for Couples?

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
Montreal

Both Chimney Rock and Lake Lure and Montreal are superb destinations for a couple's getaway.

Couples visit Chimney Rock and Lake Lure frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. There are romantic hotels as well as bed and breakfasts that make for a romantic retreat. Couples who enjoy beautiful outdoor settings and fun adventures will enjoy a weekend trip to the area. There are also local restaurants and a few wineries to explore.

Montreal is a great recreation area 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 Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Montreal Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
Montreal

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure 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 Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. There are several great campgrounds and plenty of hiking trails that make this a nice budget or backpacker getaway.

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 Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Montreal Better for Students?

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
Montreal

Montreal is an amazing city to visit for students. However, Chimney Rock and Lake Lure 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.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is not popular with students.

Is Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Montreal Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
Montreal

Montreal is a great destination for its public transit. However, Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a recreation area with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

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

Public transit is quite limited in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. There is limited public transit in the area.


Is Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Montreal a more walkable city?

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
Montreal

Montreal is a great destination for its ease of walking around. However, Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a recreation area with minimal options for its walkability.

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

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is not a very walkable recreation area. The trails and parks in the region are spread out and require a car to access.

For even more information, also check out Is Chimney Rock and Lake Lure Worth Visiting? and Is Montreal Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Montreal or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure?

How long in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Montreal?

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

Families should spend more time in Montreal than Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. 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 Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. 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 Chimney Rock and Lake Lure 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.


  • How many days in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Montreal? Ideal Length of Stay
    Chimney Rock and Lake Lure 1-3 
    Montreal 3-5

One day in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Montreal?

The recreation area of Chimney Rock and Lake Lure offers . 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.

Each neighborhood in Montreal has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Montreal?

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this recreation area 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 Chimney Rock and Lake Lure, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Each neighborhood in Montreal has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.


Five days in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Montreal?

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure 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.

Each neighborhood in Montreal has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This is a popular place to visit for five days.Five days is often enough time to do most activities. This city offers something for everyone.

A week in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Montreal?

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure 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 recreation area offers something for everyone.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the city of Montreal. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Walking Tours in United States of America, The Best Northern Lights Tours in Alaska, The Best Train & Rail Tours in Canada, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Canada.


Which place is cheaper, Montreal or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Chimney Rock and Lake Lure Prices
    USA Prices
    Montreal Prices
    Canada Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Chimney Rock and Lake Lure $234
    Montreal $235

The average daily cost (per person) in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is $234, while the average daily cost in Montreal is $235. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Chimney Rock and Lake Lure and Montreal in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Chimney Rock and Lake Lure $117
    Montreal $131
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Chimney Rock and Lake Lure $234
    Montreal $262
Compare Hotels in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure and Montreal

Looking for a hotel in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Montreal? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure


Hotels in Montreal


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Montreal Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Chimney Rock and Lake Lure $35
    Montreal $20

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Montreal

Also for Montreal, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • 8 Passengers Transfer from or to Montreal Airport YUL to Montreal City Center : $222
  • Departure transfer Montreal to Montreal Airport YUL by Car or SUV: $60
  • Montréal Airport (YUL) to Montreal hotel or port - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $139
  • Montreal Best Private Transfer services : $73
  • Montreal Private Transfer to Montreal Airport YUL in Luxury Van: $186
  • Arrival Transfer from International Airport: $78
  • Private Transfer To Ottawa From YUL Airport: $229
  • Private Transfer from Montreal Airport to Ottawa: $212
  • Private Transfer to Montreal Airport YUL: $71
  • YUL Airport Private Transfer to Downtown|Hotels: $29
  • Private One Way Transfer from Montreal to Montreal Airport: $64
  • Private Transfer Montreal International Airport to Ottawa: $703

Is it cheaper to fly into Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Montreal?

Prices for flights to both Montreal and Chimney Rock and Lake Lure change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Chimney Rock and Lake Lure $91
    Montreal $62

Typical Food Prices in Montreal

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Montreal:


  • Tim Hortons breakfast and coffee
    $8.96

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Montreal

For Montreal, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Bateau-Mouche Cruise with A La Carte Dinner Option: $61
  • Jean-Talon & Little Italy Food Tour with 8 Tasting: $77
  • Jean-Talon Market Hidden Gems Guided Food Tour: $78
  • Beyond the Market Non-Touristy Food Tour by Spade & Palacio: $81
  • Mile End District Food Tour with 8+ Tastings: $81
  • Montreal Cooking Class - Learn to make Dim Sums: $84
  • Jean-Talon Market & Little Italy Food Tour with 8 Tastings: $89
  • Montreal Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $89
  • Old Montreal Food & Drink Tour by Local Montreal Food Tours: $115
  • Cooking Class & Lunch with Michelin-Trained Chef: $128
  • Jewish Neighborhood Food Tour: $129
  • Montreal Gourmet Dinner Cruise with DJ & Dancing: $129

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Chimney Rock and Lake Lure $34
    Montreal $21

Typical Entertainment Prices in Montreal

For Montreal, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Botanical Gardens (family of 4)
    $53

Tours and Activities in Montreal

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Montreal.

  • Montreal City Highlights 3 Hour Walking Tour | Gratuity-Based : $5.00
  • Montreal Prohibition Mystery: Self-Guided Walking Adventure: $7.20
  • Montréal Scavenger Hunt and City Highlights Walking Tour: $7.74
  • Old Montreal Historical Downtown Self Guided Walking Tour: $9.75
  • Montreal's Golden Square Mile: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.99
  • Old Self-Guided Tour from Place D‘Armes to Old Port: $12
  • Art Center and Museum Audio Guided Tour: $12
  • Irish Famine in Montreal Walking Tour: $20
  • Montreal Old Port: Urban Zipline Ticket: $21
  • Musée des Hospitalières Entry & Digital City Tour: $21
  • Old Montreal in 90 Minutes Walking Tour: $22
  • 1hr Sunset Boat tour on the St Lawrence River Old Port Montreal: $23

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Chimney Rock and Lake Lure $21
    Montreal $16

Typical Alcohol Prices in Montreal

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Montreal:


  • Vodka
    $18

Sample the Local Flavors in Montreal

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Montreal:

  • Haunted Pub Crawl: $24
  • Haunted Montreal Pub Crawl: $24
  • Guided Bar Crawl with Free Shots and Club Entry: $41
  • Guided Pub Crawl of the City's Skyline Bars: $85


When comparing the travel costs between Chimney Rock and Lake Lure 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 Chimney Rock and Lake Lure Expensive? and Is Montreal Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Montreal?

Montreal has a larger population, and is about 19690 times larger than the population of Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. When comparing the sizes of Chimney Rock and Lake Lure 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.