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

Should you visit Fairbanks or Montreal?

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

Should I visit Fairbanks 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.

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.

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. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums. See Montreal travel costs.

Fairbanks and Montreal: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Fairbanks or Montreal?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Montreal. Although Fairbanks 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 Fairbanks attracts visitors for its skiing, hiking, and impressive beauty. Montreal is more touristy than Fairbanks and is known for its music, fashion, and cultural activities. It is also well known for Notre-Dame Basilica. Fairbanks is famous for its remote wilderness setting, access to the Arctic, unique winter sports, and popularity for seeing the northern lights.

How is Fairbanks different from Montreal?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Fairbanks or Montreal Better for Skiing?

Fairbanks is adequate for skiing. However, Montreal 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.

Montreal is not a skiing destination.

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

Montreal is an amazing city to visit for its museums and history. Also, Fairbanks is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Montreal has many famous sights for visitors. 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.

Fairbanks is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. 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.

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

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

Montreal has a number of nationally recognized food spots and 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.

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 Montreal Better for Nightlife?

Montreal is an amazing city to visit for its evening party scene. However, Fairbanks is lacking in good 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.

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 Montreal Better for Music?

Montreal is an amazing city to visit for its music scene. However, Fairbanks is not a live music destination.

Montreal has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. 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.

Fairbanks is not a live music destination.

Is Fairbanks or Montreal Better for its Old Town?

Montreal is a very popular place for its historic old town charm. However, Fairbanks 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.

Fairbanks does not have a historic old town.

Is Fairbanks or Montreal Better for Hiking?

Fairbanks is great for hiking. However, Montreal 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.

Montreal is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Fairbanks or Montreal?

Montreal is an amazing city to visit for its shopping areas. Also, Fairbanks is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

Many people travel to Montreal specifically to go shopping. 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.

Fairbanks is a great destination for shopping. 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.

Is Fairbanks or Montreal More Beautiful?

Fairbanks is terrific for its scenery and beauty. However, Montreal 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.

Montreal is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Fairbanks or Montreal Better for Families?

Montreal is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Fairbanks is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Montreal. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Fairbanks. 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.

Is Fairbanks or Montreal Better for Couples?

Montreal is a very popular place for couples. Also, Fairbanks is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

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.

Fairbanks is a nice destination for couples. 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.

Is Fairbanks or Montreal Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Fairbanks 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 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.

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 Fairbanks or Montreal Better for Students?

Montreal is an amazing city to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Fairbanks 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.

Fairbanks is not popular with students.

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

Montreal is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Fairbanks is lacking in good options for its public transit.

The public transit in Montreal can get you to most places easily. There's an efficient and reliable metro and bus system.

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 Montreal a more walkable city?

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

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

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 Montreal Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Montreal or Fairbanks?

How long in Fairbanks or Montreal?

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

Families should spend more time in Montreal than Fairbanks. 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 Fairbanks. 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 Fairbanks 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 Fairbanks or Montreal?

The beautiful city of Fairbanks offers museums and shopping. 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.

People visit Montreal because there is so much to do. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Fairbanks or Montreal?

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

People visit Montreal because there is so much to do. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Fairbanks or Montreal?

Fairbanks 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.

People visit Montreal because there is so much to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

A week in Fairbanks or Montreal?

Fairbanks 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 city offers something for everyone.

Montreal is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Train & Rail Tours in Canada, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Canada.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Fairbanks and Montreal, we can see that Fairbanks is more expensive. And not only is Montreal much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Montreal would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Montreal 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 Montreal.

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

Which is Bigger, Fairbanks or Montreal?

Montreal has a larger population, and is about 110 times larger than the population of Fairbanks. When comparing the sizes of Fairbanks 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 Fairbanks 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 Fairbanks or Montreal in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Fairbanks and Montreal. The hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Fairbanks this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Montreal for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Fairbanks is cooler than Montreal in the summer. The daily temperature in Fairbanks averages around 64°F (18°C) in July, and Montreal fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).

In July, Fairbanks usually receives less rain than Montreal. Fairbanks gets 2 inches (51 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 91 mm (3.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Fairbanks or Montreal in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Fairbanks as well as Montreal. Many travelers come to Fairbanks for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, 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.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Fairbanks. In the autumn, Fairbanks is much colder than Montreal. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Fairbanks in October average around 27°F (-3°C), and Montreal averages at about 8°C (47°F).

Fairbanks usually gets less rain in October than Montreal. Fairbanks gets 0.9 inches (22 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Fairbanks or Montreal in the Winter?

Both Montreal and Fairbanks are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Fairbanks in the winter for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Montreal for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Montreal can be very cold during winter. Fairbanks can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Fairbanks is generally much colder than Montreal. Daily temperatures in Fairbanks average around -9°F (-23°C), and Montreal fluctuates around -10°C (14°F).

In January, Fairbanks usually receives less rain than Montreal. Fairbanks gets 0.5 inches (13 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Fairbanks or Montreal in the Spring?

Both Montreal and Fairbanks during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Fairbanks for the natural beauty during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Montreal because of the activities around the city.

Fairbanks can be very cold during spring. Fairbanks is much colder than Montreal in the spring. The daily temperature in Fairbanks averages around 32°F (0°C) in April, and Montreal fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

Fairbanks usually gets less rain in April than Montreal. Fairbanks gets 0.4 inches (9 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Montreal and Fairbanks