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

Should you visit Gatlinburg 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 Gatlinburg and Montreal can help you decide which place is right for you.

Gatlinburg

Gatlinburg is a wild, flashy, and high energy city. It's also popular because of the shopping, museums, and skiing. See Gatlinburg 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. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Montreal travel costs.

Gatlinburg and Montreal: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Gatlinburg or Montreal?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Montreal than Gatlinburg, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Montreal is better known for its museums and attractions, food, music, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Gatlinburg is more popular for its skiing, resorts, and hiking. Gatlinburg is more touristy than Montreal and is known for its countless entertainment venues as well as its easy access to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Montreal is well known for its music, fashion, and cultural activities. Also, Montreal is famous for Notre-Dame Basilica.

How is Gatlinburg different from Montreal?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Gatlinburg or Montreal Better for Skiing?

Gatlinburg is very good for skiing. However, Montreal is not a skiing destination.

Head to Gatlinburg for some great skiing and other winter activities. Ober Gatlinburg is the only ski area in Tennessee. The winter activities open after Thanksgiving and include snow skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, and tubing.

Montreal is not a skiing destination.

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

Montreal is renowned for its historical sights. Also, Gatlinburg is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

Travelers visit Montreal from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. 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.

Gatlinburg offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Museums range from gaudy to quirky. Check out the Hollywood Star Cars Museum, the Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum, Ripley's Believe It or Not, the Hollywood Wax Museum, and the Titanic Museum. There's also the Gatlinburg Space Needle and the Gatlinburg SkyBridge.

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

Montreal is great for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Gatlinburg is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Montreal. 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Gatlinburg. Staying true to form, restaurants in Gatlinburg cater to the tourist scene and serve up burgers, pizza, pancakes, and other classic favorites.

Is Gatlinburg or Montreal Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is fantastic in both Gatlinburg and Montreal.

Gatlinburg is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. Live music, theatrical shows, as well as bars and clubs that stay open late into the night give this town a huge party atmosphere. During the peak season the town is packed with people looking to have a good time and you'll find tons of things to do by simply walking down the main drag.

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.

Is Gatlinburg or Montreal Better for Music?

Montreal is renowned for live music. However, Gatlinburg is not a live music destination.

Montreal is known as a music capital 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.

Gatlinburg is not a live music destination.

Is Gatlinburg or Montreal Better for Resorts?

Gatlinburg is great for its luxury resorts. However, Montreal is not a resort destination.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Gatlinburg. There are plenty of resorts and vacation clubs near town. Many have pools, waterslides, or hot tubs.

Montreal is not a resort destination.

Is Gatlinburg or Montreal Better for its Old Town?

Montreal is great for its historic old town. However, Gatlinburg 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.

Gatlinburg does not have a historic old town.

Is Gatlinburg or Montreal Better for Hiking?

Gatlinburg is great for hiking. However, Montreal is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Gatlinburg for the hiking trails. You'll need to head out of town into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, but once you're there the hiking is impressive. There are waterfall hikes, trails to viewpoints, and loops that take you through wildflowers. Some of the most popular trails include Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, Middle Prong Trail, and the Gatlinburg Trail.

Montreal is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Gatlinburg or Montreal?

Montreal is renowned for shopping. Also, Gatlinburg is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its shopping opportunities.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Montreal. 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.

Gatlinburg offers some nice shopping areas. There are tourist traps and souvenir shops around town, but you can also head to the Great Smoky Arts and Crafts Community where you can meet local artists and learn about their work.

Is Gatlinburg or Montreal Better for Families?

Montreal is great for its kid-friendly activities. However, Gatlinburg is not a family-friendly destination.

Montreal is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

Gatlinburg is not a family-friendly destination. Ober Gatlinburg is a combination ski resort and amusement park that is a highlight for many families. During the warmer season, horseback riding and waterparks are popular. There's also a Ripley's Aquarium, minigolf, and Gatlin's Fun Center. Nearby you'll find Dollywood and Pigeon Forge.

Is Gatlinburg or Montreal Better for Couples?

Both Gatlinburg and Montreal are very good destinations to visit as a couple.

Gatlinburg is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. If you're looking for a flashy and ostentatious experience, then there are all the typical activities around town - Ripley's Believe It or Not, the Gatlinburg Space Needle, or Ober Gatlinburg. For a bit more nature, you can head out of town and enjoy one of the many hiking trails. There are also breweries and wineries in the area, as well as a range of resorts.

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 Gatlinburg or Montreal Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Montreal is very good for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Gatlinburg is not a good destination for backpackers.

Montreal is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There's a decent number of hostels as well as a great nightlife scene and plenty of younger visitors looking to meet other travelers.

Gatlinburg is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's a touristy town with plenty of cheap motels in the area. There are also campgrounds and hiking not far away.

Is Gatlinburg or Montreal Better for Students?

Montreal is renowned for its student-friendly activities. However, Gatlinburg 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.

Gatlinburg is not popular with students.

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

Montreal is great for times when you don't have a car. Also, Gatlinburg is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

Visitors to Montreal can move around easily with public transportation. There's an efficient and reliable metro and bus system.

Gatlinburg has a few public transit options. There's a free trolley service that offers a convenient way to get around town.

Is Gatlinburg or Montreal a more walkable city?

Gatlinburg and Montreal are very good when it comes to walkability.

Gatlinburg is very walkable. The downtown area is pedestrian-friendly and most of the attractions in town can be reached on foot. If you want to leave town, a car is a must, but in town traffic and parking can be frustrating, so walk when you can.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Montreal or Gatlinburg?

How long in Gatlinburg or Montreal?

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

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

The city of Gatlinburg offers nightlife 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.

When visiting Montreal, people usually allow for lots of time. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Gatlinburg or Montreal?

Gatlinburg 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. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Gatlinburg, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

When visiting Montreal, people usually allow for lots of time. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Five days in Gatlinburg or Montreal?

Gatlinburg is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that nightlife is why people visit. 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.

Montreal, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Visiting the old town is also a must. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Gatlinburg or Montreal?

Gatlinburg is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that nightlife is why people visit. 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 place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco, The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, The Best Train & Rail Tours in Canada, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Canada.

When comparing the travel costs between Gatlinburg and Montreal, we can see that Gatlinburg 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 Gatlinburg Expensive? and Is Montreal Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Gatlinburg or Montreal?

Montreal has a larger population, and is about 780 times larger than the population of Gatlinburg. When comparing the sizes of Gatlinburg 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 Gatlinburg 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 Gatlinburg or Montreal in the Summer?

Both Montreal and Gatlinburg are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Gatlinburg because of the hiking. Also, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Montreal this time of year.

In July, Gatlinburg is generally a little warmer than Montreal. Daily temperatures in Gatlinburg average around 81°F (27°C), and Montreal fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).

It's quite sunny in Montreal. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Gatlinburg. Gatlinburg usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Montreal during summer. Gatlinburg gets 294 hours of sunny skies, while Montreal receives 276 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Gatlinburg. In July, Gatlinburg usually receives more rain than Montreal. Gatlinburg gets 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 91 mm (3.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Gatlinburg or Montreal in the Autumn?

Both Montreal and Gatlinburg during the autumn are popular places to visit. The hiking trails and the shopping scene are the main draw to Gatlinburg this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Montreal for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

Gatlinburg is much warmer than Montreal in the autumn. The daily temperature in Gatlinburg averages around 63°F (17°C) in October, and Montreal fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

It's quite sunny in Gatlinburg. In the autumn, Gatlinburg often gets more sunshine than Montreal. Gatlinburg gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montreal receives 141 hours of full sun.

Gatlinburg usually gets less rain in October than Montreal. Gatlinburg gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Gatlinburg or Montreal in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Gatlinburg and Montreal. Many travelers come to Gatlinburg for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, 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 Gatlinburg. In the winter, Gatlinburg is much warmer than Montreal. Typically, the winter temperatures in Gatlinburg in January average around 40°F (5°C), and Montreal averages at about -10°C (14°F).

Gatlinburg usually receives more sunshine than Montreal during winter. Gatlinburg gets 134 hours of sunny skies, while Montreal receives 103 hours of full sun in the winter.

Gatlinburg gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Gatlinburg usually receives more rain than Montreal. Gatlinburg gets 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Gatlinburg or Montreal in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Gatlinburg as well as Montreal. Also, most visitors come to Montreal for the activities around the city during these months.

In April, Gatlinburg is generally much warmer than Montreal. Daily temperatures in Gatlinburg average around 62°F (17°C), and Montreal fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Gatlinburg this time of the year. In the spring, Gatlinburg often gets more sunshine than Montreal. Gatlinburg gets 263 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montreal receives 183 hours of full sun.

Gatlinburg usually gets more rain in April than Montreal. Gatlinburg gets 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Montreal and Gatlinburg