A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Grand Canyon National Park vs. Montreal for Nightlife, Couples, Backpackers, and Food

Should you visit Grand Canyon National Park or Montreal?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Grand Canyon National Park and Montreal. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Grand Canyon National Park

Grand Canyon National Park is a gorgeous, striking, and breathtaking national park. Many visitors also come to Grand Canyon National Park because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the hiking. See Grand Canyon National Park 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 live music, food, and shopping. See Montreal travel costs.

Grand Canyon 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 the sunset views
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Public transit not as usable
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
  • Big city activities
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Grand Canyon National Park or Montreal?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Montreal than Grand Canyon National Park, 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 Grand Canyon National Park is more popular for its resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty. Grand Canyon National Park is more touristy than Montreal and is known for its iconic beauty, layers of color, breathtaking sunsets, and world-renowned geological history. Montreal is well known for its music, fashion, and cultural activities. Also, Montreal is famous for Notre-Dame Basilica.

How is Grand Canyon National Park different from Montreal?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Grand Canyon National Park
Montreal

Montreal is renowned for its museums and history. However, Grand Canyon National Park does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Grand Canyon National Park does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Grand Canyon National Park
Montreal

Montreal is a very popular place for its restaurants. However, Grand Canyon National Park is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

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 Grand Canyon National Park. There are several markets, restaurants, and cafes in the park but, in general, the options are expensive and not the best. If possible, bring your own food and plan for a picnic with a view.

Is Grand Canyon National Park or Montreal Better for Nightlife?

Grand Canyon National Park
Montreal

Montreal is renowned for nightlife. However, Grand Canyon National Park is lacking in good options 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.

Grand Canyon National Park is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. There's a couple of bars that aren't too far from the park but you'll do better to bring your own drinks and enjoy the scenic setting.

Is Grand Canyon National Park or Montreal Better for Music?

Grand Canyon National Park
Montreal

Montreal is renowned for live music. However, Grand Canyon National Park 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.

Grand Canyon National Park is not a live music destination.


Is Grand Canyon National Park or Montreal Better for Resorts?

Grand Canyon National Park
Montreal

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

Grand Canyon National Park has a few great resort options. There are several options within and near the park that range from luxury to affordable. Reservations should be made well in advance for most hotels within the park. Bright Angel Lodge, El Tovar Hotel, Grand Canyon Lodge (North Rim) and Phantom Ranch are all unique places to stay.

Montreal is not a resort destination.

Is Grand Canyon National Park or Montreal Better for its Old Town?

Grand Canyon National Park
Montreal

Montreal is a very popular place for its historic old town. However, Grand Canyon National Park does not have a historic old town.

There are many historical things to see 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.

Grand Canyon National Park does not have a historic old town.

Is Grand Canyon National Park or Montreal Better for Hiking?

Grand Canyon National Park
Montreal

Grand Canyon National Park is great for hiking. However, Montreal is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Grand Canyon National Park for the hiking trails. Hiking options at the Grand Canyon include an easy walk along the rim or a hike into the canyon. If you're planning to enjoy a view from the rim and then stroll along the rim walk, a day or two is plenty. Hiking into the canyon is a thrilling experience, but it does require more preparation and planning. You should also check out the weather before you depart as temperatures within the canyon can become dangerously hot.

Montreal is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Grand Canyon National Park or Montreal?

Grand Canyon National Park
Montreal

Montreal is renowned for shopping. However, Grand Canyon National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Grand Canyon National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Grand Canyon National Park or Montreal More Beautiful?

Grand Canyon National Park
Montreal

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

Many visitors also come to Grand Canyon National Park because of it's amazing beauty. The canyon is a breathtaking national landmark that has striking colors and spectacular views.

Montreal is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Grand Canyon National Park or Montreal Better for Families?

Grand Canyon National Park
Montreal

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

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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Grand Canyon National Park. This park is a spectacular landmark with a number of nature programs that kids can enjoy. There's also a simple rim walk along the edge of the canyon that is perfect for little legs.


Is Grand Canyon National Park or Montreal Better for Couples?

Grand Canyon National Park
Montreal

Grand Canyon National Park is terrific for couples. Also, Montreal is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

For those traveling as a couple, Grand Canyon National Park has plenty to offer. Couples who enjoy beauty, nature, and adventure will appreciate a visit to this park. There are amazing hikes and breathtaking views that make this a truly romantic destination. There are also several hotels and lodges that make for a truly romantic getaway (book well in advance!).

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 Grand Canyon National Park or Montreal Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Grand Canyon National Park
Montreal

Grand Canyon 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 Grand Canyon National Park, as it is a very popular national park for budget travelers. Backpackers and budget travelers can take in one of America's most notable landmarks while camping at the large and affordable national park campground.

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 Grand Canyon National Park or Montreal Better for Students?

Grand Canyon National Park
Montreal

Montreal is renowned for its student-friendly activities. However, Grand Canyon National Park is not popular with students.

Montreal is a very popular place to visit for students. 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.

Grand Canyon National Park is not popular with students.


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

Grand Canyon National Park
Montreal

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

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

Public transit is generally limited in Grand Canyon National Park. There are free shuttle buses that run along the South Rim of the Grand Canyon.

Is Grand Canyon National Park or Montreal a more walkable city?

Grand Canyon National Park
Montreal

Montreal is a very popular place for its walkability. Also, Grand Canyon National Park is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

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

Grand Canyon National Park is a somewhat walkable place. There's a nice rim walk that is the perfect place for a leisurely stroll, but to reach many parts of the park you'll want to have a car or plan to take some form of transit.

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

Should I spend more time in Montreal or Grand Canyon National Park?

How long in Grand Canyon National Park or Montreal?

In either Grand Canyon National Park or Montreal, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Montreal than Grand Canyon National Park because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-4 days is a good amount of time for Grand Canyon National Park, and 3-5 days is enough time in Montreal.

Families should spend more time in Montreal than Grand Canyon 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 Grand Canyon 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 Grand Canyon 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 Grand Canyon National Park or Montreal? Ideal Length of Stay
    Grand Canyon National Park 1-4 
    Montreal 3-5

One day in Grand Canyon National Park or Montreal?

The beautiful national park of Grand Canyon National Park offers . Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Each neighborhood in Montreal has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. 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 one day exploring.


A weekend in Grand Canyon National Park or Montreal?

Grand Canyon National Park is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this national park 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 Grand Canyon National Park, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Each neighborhood in Montreal has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Five days in Grand Canyon National Park or Montreal?

Grand Canyon 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.

Each neighborhood in Montreal has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This is a popular place to visit for five days.Five days is often enough time to do most activities. This city offers something for everyone.

A week in Grand Canyon National Park or Montreal?

Grand Canyon National Park 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 national park offers something for everyone.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the city of Montreal. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, The Best Train & Rail Tours in Canada, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Canada.


Which place is cheaper, Montreal or Grand Canyon National Park?

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

  • Grand Canyon National Park Prices
    USA Prices
    Montreal Prices
    Canada Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Grand Canyon National Park $203
    Montreal $235

The average daily cost (per person) in Grand Canyon National Park is $203, 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 Grand Canyon National Park and Montreal in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Grand Canyon National Park $89
    Montreal $131
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Grand Canyon National Park $178
    Montreal $262
Compare Hotels in Grand Canyon National Park and Montreal

Looking for a hotel in Grand Canyon 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 Grand Canyon 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: Grand Canyon National Park Hotel Prices and Montreal Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Grand Canyon National Park $43
    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
  • Transfer Montreal International Airport to Downtown Montreal: $187
  • Private Transfer from Montreal Cruise Port to Montreal City: $99
  • Private Transfer from Montreal City to Montreal (YUL) Airport: $111
  • Private Transfer To Quebec From Montreal YUL Airport: $394
  • Private Transfer To Montreal YUL Airport From Mont-Tremblant: $232
  • Private Transfer To Mont-Tremblant From Montreal YUL Airport: $215
  • Private Transfer Montreal International Airport to Ottawa: $703
  • Private One Way Transfer from Montreal to Montreal Airport: $64
  • YUL Airport Private Transfer to Downtown|Hotels: $29
  • Private Transfer to Montreal Airport YUL: $71
  • Private Transfer from Montreal Airport to Ottawa: $212

Is it cheaper to fly into Grand Canyon National Park or Montreal?

Prices for flights to both Montreal and Grand Canyon 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
    Grand Canyon National Park $84
    Montreal $62

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Grand Canyon National Park

For Grand Canyon National Park, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Grand Canyon South Rim Sunset Tour with Dinner included: $170

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.
    Grand Canyon National Park $35
    Montreal $21

Tours and Activities in Grand Canyon National Park

For Grand Canyon National Park, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • 3 Hour Off-Road Sunset Safari to Grand Canyon with Entrance Gate Detour : $123
  • 4-Hour Biblical Creation + Sunset Tour • Grand Canyon National Park South Rim: $149
  • 4-Hour Grand Canyon Morning Rim Tour featuring Biblical Creation: $149
  • Express Grand Canyon Jeep Tour : $136
  • Grand Canyon Biblical Creation Hiking Tour • South Kaibab Trail: $179
  • Grand Canyon Day Hiking Private Below the Rim Tour: $689
  • Grand Canyon Landmarks Tour by Airplane with Optional Hummer Tour: $199
  • Grand Canyon Signature Hummer Tour with Optional Sunset Views: $127
  • Grand Canyon South & East Rim Self-Driving, Walking & Shuttling Tour: $17
  • Grand Canyon South Rim Tour with Lunch included: $187
  • Grand Canyon South Rim Tour with Lunch included: $170
  • Grand Canyon Tour from Tusayan: $245

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
    Grand Canyon National Park $11
    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 Grand Canyon National Park 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 Grand Canyon National Park Expensive? and Is Montreal Expensive?.