A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Denali National Park vs. Montreal for Attractions, Backpackers, Food, and Families

Should you visit Denali National Park 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 Denali National Park and Montreal can help you decide which place is right for you.

Denali National Park

Denali National Park is a epic, vast, and rugged park. Many visitors also come to Denali National Park because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the hiking. See Denali National Park 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 shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Montreal travel costs.

Denali National Park and Montreal: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Nice resorts
  • Good for hiking
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to Denali (Mount McKinley)
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 students
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
  • Big city activities
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Denali National Park or Montreal?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Montreal. Although Denali National Park 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 Denali National Park is known for its resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty. Denali National Park is popular for its vast wilderness and iconic Alaskan wildlife. Montreal is popular for its music, fashion, and cultural activities. It is also home to Notre-Dame Basilica.

How is Denali National Park different from Montreal?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Denali National Park or Montreal?

Denali National Park
Montreal

Montreal is a must-visit destination for its historical sights. However, Denali National Park is not known 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.

Denali National Park offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Denali's Museum Collection includes more than 25,000 different items that reflect the region's history, culture, and geology.


Is the Food Better in Denali National Park or Montreal? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Denali National Park
Montreal

Montreal is a great city for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Denali National Park 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.

Denali National Park may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. During the summer months there are restaurants open along Highway 3 as well as the Morino Grill near the Denali Visitor Center.

Is Denali National Park or Montreal Better for Nightlife?

Denali National Park
Montreal

Montreal is a must-visit destination for nightlife and partying. However, Denali National Park is not known for its evening party scene.

Montreal is a world class 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.

People don't go to Denali National Park for the nightlife. Visitors come to the park to see the nature, not for the nightlife.

Is Denali National Park or Montreal Better for Music?

Denali National Park
Montreal

Montreal is a must-visit destination for its live music scene. However, Denali National Park 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.

Denali National Park is not a live music destination.


Is Denali National Park or Montreal Better for Resorts?

Denali National Park
Montreal

Denali National Park is very good for its luxury resorts. However, Montreal is not a resort destination.

Denali National Park has a few great resort options. Most visitors stay nearby the Denali Park Entrance. It has the most affordable hotels and lodges, some of which have a lot of personality. Alternatively, you could stay in the more remote area of Kantishna. These lodges are more expensive and all-inclusive, but they are also far away from most conveniences.

Montreal is not a resort destination.

Is Denali National Park or Montreal Better for its Old Town?

Denali National Park
Montreal

Montreal is a great city for its old town. However, Denali National Park 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.

Denali National Park does not have a historic old town.

Is Denali National Park or Montreal Better for Hiking?

Denali National Park
Montreal

Denali National Park is very good for hiking. However, Montreal is not a hiking destination.

Many people include a hike when visiting Denali National Park. If you're looking for a marked trail, there are limited options within the park. Those that do exist are located near the park entrance and are usually just a couple of miles long. Off-trail hiking is what makes for the most memorable experience. Make sure you stop off at the visitor center for information and knowledge before you venture into the wilderness without a trail. For obvious reasons, you should fully understand what this entails before beginning your adventure.

Montreal is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Denali National Park or Montreal?

Denali National Park
Montreal

Montreal is a must-visit destination for its shopping opportunities. However, Denali National Park is not known for its shopping areas.

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.

Denali National Park has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. There are several park stores and shops in and near the park where you can pick up gifts, books, and souvenirs.

Is Denali National Park or Montreal More Beautiful?

Denali National Park
Montreal

Denali National Park is terrific for its scenery and beauty. However, Montreal is not a destination known for its beauty.

Many visitors also come to Denali National Park because of it's amazing beauty. Home to the highest peak in North America, the park is famous for its dramatic beauty and rugged landscapes.

Montreal is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Denali National Park or Montreal Better for Families?

Denali National Park
Montreal

Montreal is a great city for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Denali National Park is not as popular, but is still a nice park 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.

Denali National Park is a family-friendly place to visit. Most people visit the park as part of a tour, so it's important to book a tour that is designed with families in mind. This will help ensure the kids stay entertained even during long bus rides.


Is Denali National Park or Montreal Better for Couples?

Denali National Park
Montreal

Both Denali National Park and Montreal are very good destinations to visit as a couple.

Denali National Park is a great park if you're traveling as a couple. Couples who enjoy outdoor adventures and stunning scenery will find the ultimate romance in this impressive park.

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 Denali National Park or Montreal Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Denali National Park
Montreal

Denali National Park is terrific for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Montreal is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Denali National Park, as it is a very popular park for budget travelers. There are millions of acres in the park as well as campgrounds, hostels, and vast backcountry (which requires a permit).

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 Denali National Park or Montreal Better for Students?

Denali National Park
Montreal

Montreal is a must-visit destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Denali National Park 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.

Denali National Park is not popular with students.


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

Denali National Park
Montreal

Montreal is a great city for times when you don't have a car. However, Denali National Park 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 Denali National Park. There are free shuttle buses that leave from the entrance area, but many visitors organize a tour to get around.

Is Denali National Park or Montreal a more walkable city?

Denali National Park
Montreal

Montreal is a great city for its high level of walkability. However, Denali National Park 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.

Denali National Park is not a walkable park. The park is vast and you need some form of transportation to get around, whether it's a private vehicle or a pre-arranged tour.

For even more information, also check out Is Denali National Park Worth Visiting? and Is Montreal Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Montreal or Denali National Park?

How long in Denali National Park or Montreal?

In either Denali National Park or Montreal, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Montreal than Denali National Park because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Denali National Park, and 3-5 days is enough time in Montreal.

Families should spend more time in Montreal than Denali National Park. 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 Denali National Park. 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 Denali National Park 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 Denali National Park or Montreal? Ideal Length of Stay
    Denali National Park 2-4 
    Montreal 3-5

One day in Denali National Park or Montreal?

The beautiful park of Denali National Park offers . 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 Denali National Park or Montreal?

Denali National Park is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this park makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Denali National Park, 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 Denali National Park or Montreal?

Denali National Park 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 Denali National Park or Montreal?

Denali National Park 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 park 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 Historical Tours in United States of America, The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America, The Best Train & Rail Tours in Canada, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Canada.


Which place is cheaper, Montreal or Denali National Park?

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

  • Denali National Park Prices
    USA Prices
    Montreal Prices
    Canada Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Denali National Park $260
    Montreal $235

The average daily cost (per person) in Denali National Park is $260, 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 Denali National Park and Montreal in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Denali National Park $116
    Montreal $131
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Denali National Park $232
    Montreal $262
Compare Hotels in Denali National Park and Montreal

Looking for a hotel in Denali National Park 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 Denali National Park


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.
    Denali National Park $76
    Montreal $20

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Montreal

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

  • Transfer Montreal International Airport to Quebec City: $995
  • Private Transfer Montreal International Airport to Ottawa: $703
  • Private Transfer To Quebec From Montreal YUL Airport: $394
  • Private Transfer To Montreal YUL Airport From Mont-Tremblant: $232
  • Private Transfer To Ottawa From YUL Airport: $229
  • 8 Passengers Transfer from or to Montreal Airport YUL to Montreal City Center : $222
  • Private Transfer To Mont-Tremblant From Montreal YUL Airport: $215
  • Private Transfer from Montreal Airport to Ottawa: $212
  • Transfer Montreal International Airport to Downtown Montreal: $187
  • Montreal Private Transfer to Montreal Airport YUL in Luxury Van: $186
  • Montréal Airport (YUL) to Montreal hotel or port - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $139
  • Private Transfer from Montreal City to Montreal (YUL) Airport: $111

Is it cheaper to fly into Denali National Park or Montreal?

Prices for flights to both Montreal and Denali National Park 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
    Denali National Park $98
    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.
    Denali National Park $30
    Montreal $21

Tours and Activities in Denali National Park

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Denali National Park.

  • 2.5-Hour Denali Wilderness ATV Adventure Tour: $135
  • 3 Hour Naturalist Walking Tour in Denali National Park: $139
  • 4 Hour Off-Trail Hiking Tour in Denali: $209
  • 5-Hour Mountain Hiking Tour in the Alaska Range - Denali Area: $199
  • Alaskan Back Country Side by Side ATV Adventure with Meal: $163
  • Classic ATV Adventure with Back Country Dining: $163
  • Denali 4 Hour Hiking Adventure with Naturalist Guide: $160
  • Denali 5 Hour Hiking Tour with Naturalist Guide: $182
  • Denali ATV Trailblazer 3.5 Hour Tour : $178
  • Denali Husky Kennel & Brewpub Visit – Half-Day Experience: $130
  • Denali Naturalist Walking Tour: $132
  • Denali Park Zipline Adventure: $190

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.

  • Experience Montréal Axe Throwing Adventure: $29
  • The Ultimate Montreal Boat Tour – Fall Colors Apéro Edition : $23
  • 1 Hour Downtown Montreal Tour: $24
  • 1h-Relaxing day or sunset cruise in Montreal: $127
  • 1hr Sunset Boat tour on the St Lawrence River Old Port Montreal: $23
  • A Walking Tour of Old Montreal: $25
  • AURA experience at Notre-Dame Basilica and guided cruise: $76
  • All about Montreal's Murals - Saturday Walking Tour: $24
  • Awesome Curling Experience : $96
  • Bell Centre: Montreal Canadiens Ice Hockey Game Ticket: $103
  • Best of Montréal: Private Walking Tour with a Local: $107
  • Best of Montreal Small Group Tour with River Cruise + Notre Dame: $126

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Denali National Park $12
    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 Denali National Park and Montreal, we can see that Denali National Park 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 Denali National Park Expensive? and Is Montreal Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Denali National Park 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 Denali National Park or Montreal in the Summer?

Both Montreal and Denali National Park are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Denali National Park because of 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.

In the summer, Denali National Park is cooler than Montreal. Typically, the summer temperatures in Denali National Park in July average around 60°F (15°C), and Montreal averages at about 21°C (69°F).

In July, Denali National Park usually receives around the same amount of rain as Montreal. Denali National Park gets 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 91 mm (3.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Denali National Park 60°F (15°C) 
    Montreal 21°C (69°F)

Should I visit Denali National Park or Montreal in the Autumn?

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

It's quite cold in Denali National Park in the autumn. In October, Denali National Park is generally much colder than Montreal. Daily temperatures in Denali National Park average around 32°F (0°C), and Montreal fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Denali National Park usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Montreal. Denali National Park gets 3.1 inches (79 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Denali National Park 32°F (0°C) 
    Montreal 8°C (47°F)

Should I visit Denali National Park or Montreal in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Denali National Park and Montreal. Many travelers come to Denali National Park for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, 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. Be prepared for some very cold days in Denali National Park. Denali National Park is cooler than Montreal in the winter. The daily temperature in Denali National Park averages around 11°F (-12°C) in January, and Montreal fluctuates around -10°C (14°F).

In January, Denali National Park usually receives less rain than Montreal. Denali National Park gets 1.3 inches (33 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Denali National Park 11°F (-12°C) 
    Montreal -10°C (14°F)

Should I visit Denali National Park or Montreal in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Denali National Park as well as Montreal. Many visitors come to Denali National Park in the spring for the natural beauty. Additionally, most visitors come to Montreal for the activities around the city during these months.

Denali National Park can get quite cold in the spring. In the spring, Denali National Park is much colder than Montreal. Typically, the spring temperatures in Denali National Park in April average around 34°F (1°C), and Montreal averages at about 6°C (43°F).

Denali National Park usually gets less rain in April than Montreal. Denali National Park gets 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Denali National Park 34°F (1°C) 
    Montreal 6°C (43°F)

Typical Weather for Montreal and Denali National Park

Denali National Park Montreal
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 11°F (-12°C) 1.3 inches (33 mm) -10°C (14°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Feb 16°F (-9°C) 1.4 inches (37 mm) -9°C (16°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Mar 23°F (-5°C) 1.5 inches (37 mm) -2°C (28°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Apr 34°F (1°C) 1.6 inches (41 mm) 6°C (43°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
May 46°F (8°C) 1.7 inches (42 mm) 13°C (55°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Jun 56°F (13°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm) 18°C (64°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Jul 60°F (15°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm) 21°C (69°F) 91 mm (3.6 in)
Aug 56°F (14°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm) 19°C (67°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Sep 47°F (9°C) 4.2 inches (108 mm) 14°C (58°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Oct 32°F (0°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm) 8°C (47°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 18°F (-8°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm) 2°C (35°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Dec 13°F (-11°C) 1.9 inches (49 mm) -7°C (20°F) 99 mm (3.9 in)