A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Duck vs. Montreal for Nightlife, Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Duck or Montreal?

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

Should I visit Duck or Montreal? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Duck

Duck is a traditional, compact, and charming beach town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. With stunning beauty, Duck attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the shopping, food, and beaches. See Duck 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 food, shopping, and museums. See Montreal travel costs.

Duck and Montreal: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Public transit not as usable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit
  • Big city activities


Is there more to do in Duck or Montreal?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Montreal than Duck, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Montreal is better known for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, music, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Duck is more popular for its resorts, beaches, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Duck is well known for its quaint atmosphere and small town charm. Montreal is well known for its music, fashion, and cultural activities. Also, Montreal is famous for Notre-Dame Basilica.

How is Duck different from Montreal?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Duck
Montreal

Montreal is renowned for its sights and museums. However, Duck is not a good beach town 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.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Duck. Hanging out at the beach and enjoy water sports or outdoor activities are the main draw of this town. You won't find much in the form of museums or indoor activities.


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

Duck
Montreal

Montreal is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Duck is not as famous, but is still a good beach town to visit for its restaurants.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Montreal makes for a great culinary experience. 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.

Duck has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. For such a small town, there's a decent selection of restaurants that range from local seafood eateries to pizza delivery. Homemade ice cream is a favorite in the area, but you also can't skip out on the flagship Duck Donuts store.

Is Duck or Montreal Better for Nightlife?

Duck
Montreal

Montreal is renowned for nightlife. However, Duck is not a good beach town for nightlife and partying.

Montreal is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. 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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Duck. It's known as a family-friendly destination that isn't often associated with a strong nightlife, but there is often live music and other festivals during the summer months.

Is Duck or Montreal Better for Music?

Duck
Montreal

Montreal is renowned for live music. However, Duck 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.

Duck is not a live music destination.


Is Duck or Montreal Better for Resorts?

Duck
Montreal

Duck is very good for its luxury resorts. However, Montreal is not a resort destination.

Duck has a few great resort options. Most of the accommodation around town is in the form of vacation beach rental houses that are perfect for family gatherings or larger groups.

Montreal is not a resort destination.

Is Duck or Montreal Better for Beaches?

Duck
Montreal

Duck is terrific for the beach. However, Montreal is not a beach destination.

With world-famous beaches, Duck is a very popular vacation destination. Long sandy beaches with great surf and a wonderful boardwalk make this a great beach destination. Kids play in the tidal pools and families relax under their beach umbrellas in a classic beach setting.

Montreal is not a beach destination.

Is Duck or Montreal Better for its Old Town?

Duck
Montreal

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

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting 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.

Duck does not have a historic old town.


Is Duck or Montreal Better for Hiking?

Duck
Montreal

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

Many people include a hike when visiting Duck. The Duck Trail runs for six miles and passes through town. It's popular with walkers, cyclists, and inline skaters.

Montreal is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Duck or Montreal?

Duck
Montreal

Montreal is renowned for shopping. Also, Duck is not as famous, but is still a good beach town 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.

Duck is well-known for its shopping. Head to the Waterfront Shops for some of the town's best shopping. You can wander along the boardwalk and check out the independent vendors and local restaurants.

Is Duck or Montreal More Beautiful?

Duck
Montreal

Duck is great for its scenery and beauty. However, Montreal is not a destination known for its beauty.

With stunning beauty, Duck attracts visitors from all around. Beautiful sandy beaches and family-friendly parks offer a beautiful and relaxed beach vacation.

Montreal is not a destination known for its beauty.


Is Duck or Montreal Better for Families?

Duck
Montreal

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Duck or Montreal.

Duck is a very family-friendly place to visit. Kid-friendly beaches, local ice cream joints, and the famed Duck Donuts all make this an ideal kid's beach destination. There's a waterpark nearby and plenty of water sports that the whole family can enjoy. The boardwalk is also a very family-friendly environment.

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 Duck or Montreal Better for Couples?

Duck
Montreal

With fun activities for couples, both Duck and Montreal make for a great place to visit.

Duck is a very popular place to visit for couples. It's a charming beach town with great local restaurants and a beautiful and peaceful setting. For couples who want to enjoy a relaxing beach town without the energy of a larger destination, then this is the perfect place. Much of the accommodation is in the form of rental houses, which can be a bit much for a couple, but the setting is perfect for a weekend escape.

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 Duck or Montreal Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Duck
Montreal

Montreal is a popular place for backpackers. However, Duck is not a good beach town for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers 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.

Duck is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. It's an upscale town with many beach houses available for rent, and very little in the form of budget accommodation.


Is Duck or Montreal Better for Students?

Duck
Montreal

Montreal is renowned for students. However, Duck is not popular with students.

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.

Duck is not popular with students.

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

Duck
Montreal

Montreal is a well-known place for its public transit. However, Duck is not a good beach town 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 Duck. It's best to have a car if you want to exploring the Outer Banks and its many activities.

Is Duck or Montreal a more walkable city?

Duck
Montreal

Duck is terrific for its ease of walking around. Also, Montreal is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its walkability.

Duck is a very easy beach town to get around on foot. It's a wonderfully walkable and pedestrian-friendly town with a great boardwalk and many walking and cycling paths.

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


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

Should I spend more time in Montreal or Duck?

How long in Duck or Montreal?

In either Duck or Montreal, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Duck than Montreal because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Duck, and 3-5 days is enough time in Montreal.

Couples should spend more time in Montreal than Duck. 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 Duck 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 Duck or Montreal? Ideal Length of Stay
    Duck 5-7 
    Montreal 3-5

One day in Duck or Montreal?

Duck is a small town where visitors enjoy the shopping and food. Most people come for the beaches. 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 destination where you can fill many days. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Duck or Montreal?

Duck is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Montreal is a fun place to experience. 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 a weekend exploring. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Duck or Montreal?

Duck is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Duck, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Montreal is a colorful big city where you can fill many days. This city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.


A week in Duck or Montreal?

Duck is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. It is common to spend one week here. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Duck has to offer. This beach town offers something for everyone.

The cultural city of Montreal offers shopping and museums. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week 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.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, The Best Sightseeing 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 Duck?

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

  • Duck Prices
    USA Prices
    Montreal Prices
    Canada Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Duck $221
    Montreal $235

The average daily cost (per person) in Duck is $221, 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 Duck and Montreal in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Duck $107
    Montreal $131
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Duck $214
    Montreal $262
Compare Hotels in Duck and Montreal

Looking for a hotel in Duck 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 Duck


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.
    Duck $66
    Montreal $20

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Montreal

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

  • YUL Airport Private Transfer to Downtown|Hotels: $29
  • Private Departure Transfer to Montreal Airport YUL: $48
  • Departure transfer Montreal to Montreal Airport YUL by Car or SUV: $60
  • Private One Way Transfer from Montreal to Montreal Airport: $64
  • Private Transfer to Montreal Airport YUL: $71
  • Montreal Best Private Transfer services : $73
  • Arrival Transfer from International Airport: $78
  • Private Transfer from Montreal Airport (YUL) to Montreal Port: $98
  • Private Transfer from Montreal Cruise Port to Montreal City: $99
  • Private Transfer from Montreal City to Montreal (YUL) Airport: $110
  • Montreal Private Transfer to Montreal Airport YUL in Business Car: $128
  • Departure Private Transfer: Montreal to Montreal Airport YUL in Business Car: $128

Is it cheaper to fly into Duck or Montreal?

Prices for flights to both Montreal and Duck 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
    Duck $78
    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
  • Guided Happy Hour Brew Tour in Montreal with Dinner: $84
  • Jean-Talon Market & Little Italy Food Tour with 8 Tastings: $88
  • Montreal Mile End or Jean Talon Market Food Tour with 8 Tastings: $88
  • Old Montreal Food & Drink Tour by Local Montreal Food Tours: $114
  • Cooking Class & Lunch with Michelin-Trained Chef: $128
  • Jewish Neighborhood Food Tour: $129

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Duck $13
    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: $7.16
  • 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
  • Montreal Audio Tour Adventure: $15
  • 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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Duck $45
    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 Duck 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 Duck Expensive? and Is Montreal Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Duck or Montreal?

Montreal has a larger population, and is about 5820 times larger than the population of Duck. When comparing the sizes of Duck 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 Duck 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 Duck or Montreal in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Duck as well as Montreal. The beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Duck this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Montreal for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Duck is generally a little warmer than Montreal. Daily temperatures in Duck average around 78°F (26°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 Duck this time of the year. In the summer, Duck often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Montreal. Duck gets 279 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montreal receives 276 hours of full sun.

Duck receives a lot of rain in the summer. Duck usually gets more rain in July than Montreal. Duck gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 91 mm (3.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Duck 78°F (26°C) 
    Montreal 21°C (69°F)

Should I visit Duck or Montreal in the Autumn?

Both Montreal and Duck are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Duck for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Montreal in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

Duck is much warmer than Montreal in the autumn. The daily temperature in Duck averages around 62°F (16°C) in October, and Montreal fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Duck. Duck usually receives more sunshine than Montreal during autumn. Duck gets 211 hours of sunny skies, while Montreal receives 141 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Duck usually receives around the same amount of rain as Montreal. Duck gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Duck 62°F (16°C) 
    Montreal 8°C (47°F)

Should I visit Duck or Montreal in the Winter?

Both Montreal and Duck during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Duck in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Montreal for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Montreal can be very cold during winter. Duck can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Duck is much warmer than Montreal. Typically, the winter temperatures in Duck in January average around 41°F (5°C), and Montreal averages at about -10°C (14°F).

In the winter, Duck often gets more sunshine than Montreal. Duck gets 168 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 Duck. Duck usually gets more rain in January than Montreal. Duck gets 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Duck 41°F (5°C) 
    Montreal -10°C (14°F)

Should I visit Duck or Montreal in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Duck and Montreal. Most visitors come to Duck for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Montreal because of the activities around the city.

In April, Duck is generally much warmer than Montreal. Daily temperatures in Duck average around 59°F (15°C), and Montreal fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

In Duck, it's very sunny this time of the year. Duck usually receives more sunshine than Montreal during spring. Duck gets 253 hours of sunny skies, while Montreal receives 183 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Duck usually receives around the same amount of rain as Montreal. Duck gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Duck 59°F (15°C) 
    Montreal 6°C (43°F)

Typical Weather for Montreal and Duck

Duck Montreal
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 41°F (5°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm) -10°C (14°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Feb 42°F (6°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm) -9°C (16°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Mar 50°F (10°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm) -2°C (28°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Apr 59°F (15°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 6°C (43°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
May 67°F (19°C) 4.6 inches (117 mm) 13°C (55°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Jun 74°F (23°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm) 18°C (64°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Jul 78°F (26°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm) 21°C (69°F) 91 mm (3.6 in)
Aug 78°F (25°C) 5 inches (127 mm) 19°C (67°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Sep 72°F (22°C) 4.7 inches (119 mm) 14°C (58°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Oct 62°F (16°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 8°C (47°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 53°F (12°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 2°C (35°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Dec 45°F (7°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm) -7°C (20°F) 99 mm (3.9 in)