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

Should you visit Columbia River Gorge or Montreal?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Columbia River Gorge or Montreal, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Columbia River Gorge

Columbia River Gorge is a beautiful, scenic, and natural region. With stunning beauty, Columbia River Gorge attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and food. See Columbia River Gorge 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 museums, nightlife, and live music. See Montreal travel costs.

Columbia River Gorge and Montreal: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Columbia River Gorge or Montreal?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Montreal than Columbia River Gorge, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Montreal is better known for its museums and attractions, nightlife, music, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Columbia River Gorge is more popular for its hiking and impressive beauty. Columbia River Gorge is well known for its hiking, biking, and high number of waterfalls. Montreal is well known for its music, fashion, and cultural activities. Also, Montreal is famous for Notre-Dame Basilica.

How is Columbia River Gorge different from Montreal?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Columbia River Gorge or Montreal?

Montreal is a world-class destination for its sights and museums. However, Columbia River Gorge is not a good region 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.

While most people don't head to Columbia River Gorge specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. There are a couple of local museums in the area, but most visitors spend their time exploring the region's natural beauty.

Is the Food Better in Columbia River Gorge or Montreal? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Columbia River Gorge and Montreal both to be excellent destinations.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Columbia River Gorge makes for a great culinary experience. You'll find many great restaurants in the area that serve local dishes that make use of the region's agricultural scene.

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.

Is Columbia River Gorge or Montreal Better for Nightlife?

Montreal is a world-class destination for nightlife. Also, Columbia River Gorge is not as famous, but is still a good region to visit for nightlife and partying.

People head to Montreal just to party. 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Columbia River Gorge. Local breweries, wineries, and bars offer a relaxing setting with a local vibe.

Is Columbia River Gorge or Montreal Better for Music?

Montreal is a world-class destination for live music. However, Columbia River Gorge 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.

Columbia River Gorge is not a live music destination.

Is Columbia River Gorge or Montreal Better for its Old Town?

Montreal is a well-known place for its historic old town. However, Columbia River Gorge does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Montreal to see the historical old town. 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.

Columbia River Gorge does not have a historic old town.

Is Columbia River Gorge or Montreal Better for Hiking?

Columbia River Gorge is great for hiking. However, Montreal is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Columbia River Gorge for the hiking trails. There are world-class hikes that take you to iconic waterfalls, breathtaking viewpoints, and along scenic waterways.

Montreal is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Columbia River Gorge or Montreal?

Montreal is a world-class destination for shopping. Also, Columbia River Gorge is not as famous, but is still a good region 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 Columbia River Gorge. Art galleries feature local artwork and artisan crafts. There are photography shops and other venues that sell items highlighting the region's beauty.

Is Columbia River Gorge or Montreal More Beautiful?

Columbia River Gorge is great for its scenery and beauty. However, Montreal is not a destination known for its beauty.

With stunning beauty, Columbia River Gorge attracts visitors from all around. Impressive waterfalls and breathtaking mountain vistas make this a truly beautiful place to visit.

Montreal is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Columbia River Gorge or Montreal Better for Families?

Columbia River Gorge and Montreal are both excellent destinations for the whole family.

Columbia River Gorge is a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will love exploring the waterfalls and mountains as much as the adults do. There are kid-friendly hikes as well as bakeries and restaurants with many kid options.

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.

Is Columbia River Gorge or Montreal Better for Couples?

Columbia River Gorge and Montreal are both excellent to visit as a couple.

Columbia River Gorge is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples will love the romantic hikes and waterfalls. There are also beautiful scenic viewpoints and wonderful restaurants.

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 Columbia River Gorge or Montreal Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Columbia River Gorge 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 Columbia River Gorge. You'll find hostels and campgrounds in the area that are perfect for backpackers and budget travelers.

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 Columbia River Gorge or Montreal Better for Students?

Montreal is a world-class destination for students. However, Columbia River Gorge is not popular with students.

Montreal is a great destination 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.

Columbia River Gorge is not popular with students.

Is Columbia River Gorge 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, Columbia River Gorge is not a good region for times when you don't have a car.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Montreal. There's an efficient and reliable metro and bus system.

Public transit is mostly limited in Columbia River Gorge. There are some buses, but don't rely on them to efficiently explore.

Is Columbia River Gorge or Montreal a more walkable city?

Montreal is a well-known place for its walkability. However, Columbia River Gorge is not a good region for its high level of walkability.

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

Columbia River Gorge is not a very walkable region. You really need a car to explore the area, but some visitors rely on a bike.

For even more information, also check out Is Columbia River Gorge Worth Visiting? and Is Montreal Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Montreal or Columbia River Gorge?

How long in Columbia River Gorge or Montreal?

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

Families should spend more time in Montreal than Columbia River Gorge. 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 Columbia River Gorge. 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 Columbia River Gorge 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 Columbia River Gorge or Montreal?

The beautiful region of Columbia River Gorge offers nightlife 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.

Montreal is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Columbia River Gorge or Montreal?

Columbia River Gorge is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this region 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 Columbia River Gorge, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Montreal is a fun place to experience. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Columbia River Gorge or Montreal?

Columbia River Gorge 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.

Many people visit Montreal for five days. Montreal is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. Visiting the old town is also a must. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

A week in Columbia River Gorge or Montreal?

Columbia River Gorge 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 region offers something for everyone.

The cultural big city of Montreal offers museums and nightlife. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, The Best One-Week (7-Day) 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 Columbia River Gorge 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 Columbia River Gorge Expensive? and Is Montreal Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Columbia River Gorge or Montreal?

Montreal has a larger population, and is about 280 times larger than the population of Columbia River Gorge. When comparing the sizes of Columbia River Gorge 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 Columbia River Gorge 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 Columbia River Gorge or Montreal in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Columbia River Gorge as well as Montreal. Most visitors come to Columbia River Gorge for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Montreal because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Columbia River Gorge is generally around the same temperature as Montreal. Daily temperatures in Columbia River Gorge average around 68°F (20°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 Columbia River Gorge this time of the year. In the summer, Columbia River Gorge often gets more sunshine than Montreal. Columbia River Gorge gets 338 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montreal receives 276 hours of full sun.

Columbia River Gorge usually gets less rain in July than Montreal. Columbia River Gorge gets 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 91 mm (3.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Columbia River Gorge or Montreal in the Autumn?

Both Montreal and Columbia River Gorge are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Columbia River Gorge because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene are the main draw to Montreal this time of year.

Columbia River Gorge is much warmer than Montreal in the autumn. The daily temperature in Columbia River Gorge averages around 55°F (13°C) in October, and Montreal fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Columbia River Gorge usually receives more sunshine than Montreal during autumn. Columbia River Gorge gets 155 hours of sunny skies, while Montreal receives 141 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Columbia River Gorge usually receives less rain than Montreal. Columbia River Gorge gets 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Columbia River Gorge or Montreal in the Winter?

Both Montreal and Columbia River Gorge during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Columbia River Gorge this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Montreal for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Montreal. It's quite cold in Columbia River Gorge in the winter. In the winter, Columbia River Gorge is much warmer than Montreal. Typically, the winter temperatures in Columbia River Gorge in January average around 40°F (4°C), and Montreal averages at about -10°C (14°F).

In the winter, Columbia River Gorge often gets less sunshine than Montreal. Columbia River Gorge gets 86 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montreal receives 103 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Columbia River Gorge. Columbia River Gorge usually gets more rain in January than Montreal. Columbia River Gorge gets 5.2 inches (132 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Columbia River Gorge or Montreal in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Columbia River Gorge and Montreal. Many travelers come to Columbia River Gorge for the natural beauty. Furthermore, many visitors come to Montreal in the spring for the activities around the city.

In April, Columbia River Gorge is generally much warmer than Montreal. Daily temperatures in Columbia River Gorge average around 51°F (11°C), and Montreal fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

In Columbia River Gorge, it's very sunny this time of the year. Columbia River Gorge usually receives more sunshine than Montreal during spring. Columbia River Gorge gets 231 hours of sunny skies, while Montreal receives 183 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Columbia River Gorge usually receives less rain than Montreal. Columbia River Gorge gets 2.4 inches (61 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Montreal and Columbia River Gorge