A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Fairbanks vs. Moncton for Backpackers, Attractions, Food, and Families

Should you visit Fairbanks or Moncton?

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

Should I visit Fairbanks or Moncton? 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.

Fairbanks

Fairbanks is a unique, outdoorsy, and remote city. Many visitors also come to Fairbanks because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the museums, hiking, and shopping. See Fairbanks travel costs.

Moncton

Moncton is a cultural, quaint, and compact city. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and shopping. See Moncton travel costs.

Fairbanks and Moncton: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Fairbanks or Moncton?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Fairbanks. Although Fairbanks and Moncton are popular destinations, Fairbanks has more sights and attractions for tourists. Fairbanks is very popular for its skiing, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Moncton attracts visitors for its food and nightlife. Fairbanks is more touristy than Moncton and is known for its remote wilderness setting, access to the Arctic, unique winter sports, and popularity for seeing the northern lights. It is also well known for The Northern Lights. Moncton is famous for its unique sense of place and its cultural activities.

How is Fairbanks different from Moncton?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Fairbanks or Moncton Better for Skiing?

Fairbanks is adequate for skiing. However, Moncton is not a skiing destination.

While in the area, visitors like to go to Fairbanks for snow skiing. The closest ski areas are the ski resorts of Fort Wainwright/Birch Hill, Moose Mountain and Skiland. The area also has dog mushing, snowshoeing, sledding, tubing and sleigh riding.

Moncton is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Fairbanks or Moncton?

You'll find a number of nice museums and attractions in both Moncton and Fairbanks.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Fairbanks. The city is mostly known for its outdoor activities, but you can also visit the Morris Thompson Cultural & Visitors Center, the Aurora Ice Museum, Fountainhead Auto Museum, the Museum of the North, and Pioneer Park.

Moncton is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The city has a zoo at Magnetic Hill as well as several great museums and historic sites like Fort Beauséjour and the Acadian Museum.

Is the Food Better in Fairbanks or Moncton? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Moncton is a popular place for its restaurants. However, Fairbanks is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

Moncton is becoming an appealing option for foodies. You'll find a range of casual eateries around town as well as wine tasting and a few upscales places. Poutine is the local favorite, but you can also try fried seafood or a local stew.

Fairbanks offers some easy restaurants to choose from. Food can be expensive and of varying quality, but many restaurants use local meats and seafood. There's a surprising number of international restaurants in town as well. Also make sure you try the local specialties like reindeer sausage, Yukon gold potatoes, and Alaskan salmon.

Is Fairbanks or Moncton Better for Nightlife?

Moncton is a decent place to visit for its evening party scene. However, Fairbanks is lacking in good options for nightlife.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Moncton. Many of the local bars and clubs are geared toward a slightly younger crowd.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Fairbanks. You will find some bars around town, but for the most part, the city stays quiet at night.

Is Fairbanks or Moncton Better for Hiking?

Fairbanks is great for hiking. However, Moncton is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Fairbanks for the hiking trails. While the town serves as a gateway to the Arctic and all that it has to offer, there are also hiking trails both in town and nearby. There are trails that connect the city's historic sites as well as day hikes that start at the edge of town.

Moncton is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Fairbanks or Moncton?

Shoppers can find a variety of nice stores in both Fairbanks and Moncton.

Fairbanks has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are interesting local shops and boutiques that sell native Alaskan handmade items. You'll find "Made in Alaska" merchandise at many boutiques and souvenir shops. There are also larger retailers available in case you forgot clothing or other items at home.

Moncton is a great destination for shopping. There's a mix of independent shops and larger big box stores. Some of the largest shopping areas include Mapleton Plaza and Wheeler Park Power Centre.

Is Fairbanks or Moncton More Beautiful?

Fairbanks is a world-class destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Moncton is not a destination known for its beauty.

Many visitors also come to Fairbanks because of it's amazing beauty. The city offers access to Alaska's interior, as well as the Arctic. The scenery is spectacular and the wildlife is abundant. Fairbanks is also the best place in Alaska to see the Northern Lights. They are best seen between the months of August and April.

Moncton is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Fairbanks or Moncton Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Fairbanks or Moncton.

Fairbanks is a family-friendly city. Kids who enjoy searching for wildlife, playing in the snow, and exploring nature will love a visit to Fairbanks. Make sure you visit the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge as well as Pioneer Park.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Moncton. It's a family-friendly town with indoor play spaces and outdoor parks. Highlights for families include a visit to Magnetic Hill Zoo and a stop at Butterfly World and the Boardwalk.

Is Fairbanks or Moncton Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Fairbanks and Moncton make for a nice place to visit.

Fairbanks is a good city for couples to visit. Couples who enjoy hiking and nature will love a visit here. If you're hoping to see the northern lights, Fairbanks is your best destination in Alaska. Try to visit sometime between August to April for the best chance of enjoying the lights.

Moncton is a nice destination for couples. There are some great date night ideas like wine tasting at Magnetic Hill Winery or seeing a show at the theater.

Is Fairbanks or Moncton Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Fairbanks is great for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Moncton is not a good destination for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Fairbanks. There are many outdoor recreation areas where backpackers can explore. Alaska, and Fairbanks in particular, can have very harsh conditions, so unless you know what you're doing, it's best to take a guide.

Moncton is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. While there is a hostel in town, this is little more than a stopover for most backpackers.

Is Fairbanks or Moncton Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Moncton is a decent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Fairbanks is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Public transit is mostly limited in Moncton. There is a bus system but it's better not to rely on it.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Fairbanks. There is a public bus system that connects the downtown area with the shopping areas and the university. However, you really can't rely on it to explore the region and you should have your own vehicle.

Is Fairbanks or Moncton a more walkable city?

Moncton is a popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Fairbanks is lacking in good options for its walkability.

Moncton is a somewhat walkable city. It's relatively compact and dense enough to get around on foot in many parts.

Fairbanks is not a walkable city. The city was built for cars and there are very few walkable areas around town.

For even more information, also check out Is Fairbanks Worth Visiting? and Is Moncton Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Moncton or Fairbanks?

How long in Fairbanks or Moncton?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Fairbanks or Moncton to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Fairbanks than Moncton because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Fairbanks, and 1-2 days is enough time in Moncton.

Families should spend more time in Moncton than Fairbanks. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Moncton, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Moncton than Fairbanks. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Moncton that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Fairbanks than Moncton 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 Fairbanks.

One day in Fairbanks or Moncton?

In Fairbanks, you'll find shopping and museums. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Moncton. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Moncton has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Fairbanks or Moncton?

In Fairbanks, you'll find museums and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Fairbanks has to offer.

You'll find museums and food around the cultural destination of Moncton. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Fairbanks or Moncton?

Fairbanks is a great place to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the quaint city of Moncton. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Fairbanks or Moncton?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Fairbanks. Many people enjoy the museums and shopping when visiting Fairbanks. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Moncton is a popular choice for travelers. 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage, The Best Camping Tours in Canada, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Canada.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Fairbanks and Moncton, we can see that Fairbanks is more expensive. And not only is Moncton much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Moncton would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Moncton and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Fairbanks would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Fairbanks than you might in Moncton.

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

Which is Bigger, Fairbanks or Moncton?

Moncton has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Fairbanks. When comparing the sizes of Fairbanks and Moncton, 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 Fairbanks or Moncton?

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 Fairbanks or Moncton in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Fairbanks and Moncton. Most visitors come to Fairbanks for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Moncton because of the family-friendly experiences.

Fairbanks is around the same temperature as Moncton in the summer. The daily temperature in Fairbanks averages around 64°F (18°C) in July, and Moncton fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

Moncton receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Fairbanks usually receives less rain than Moncton. Fairbanks gets 2 inches (51 mm) of rain, while Moncton receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Fairbanks or Moncton in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Fairbanks as well as Moncton. The autumn months attract visitors to Fairbanks because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the shopping scene are the main draw to Moncton this time of year.

The weather in Fairbanks can be very cold. In the autumn, Fairbanks is much colder than Moncton. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Fairbanks in October average around 27°F (-3°C), and Moncton averages at about 8°C (46°F).

It's quite rainy in Moncton. Fairbanks usually gets less rain in October than Moncton. Fairbanks gets 0.9 inches (22 mm) of rain, while Moncton receives 106 mm (4.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Fairbanks or Moncton in the Winter?

Both Moncton and Fairbanks are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Fairbanks this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Moncton for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Moncton. It's quite cold in Fairbanks in the winter. In January, Fairbanks is generally much colder than Moncton. Daily temperatures in Fairbanks average around -9°F (-23°C), and Moncton fluctuates around -8°C (17°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Moncton. In January, Fairbanks usually receives less rain than Moncton. Fairbanks gets 0.5 inches (13 mm) of rain, while Moncton receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Fairbanks or Moncton in the Spring?

Both Moncton and Fairbanks during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Fairbanks for the natural beauty.

Moncton can get quite cold in the spring. Be prepared for some very cold days in Fairbanks. Fairbanks is much colder than Moncton in the spring. The daily temperature in Fairbanks averages around 32°F (0°C) in April, and Moncton fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

Moncton gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Fairbanks usually gets less rain in April than Moncton. Fairbanks gets 0.4 inches (9 mm) of rain, while Moncton receives 101 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Moncton and Fairbanks