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

Should you visit Juneau or Montreal?

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

Should I visit Juneau 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.

Juneau

Juneau is a historic, scenic, and breathtaking city. Many visitors also come to Juneau because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and hiking. See Juneau travel costs.

Montreal

Montreal is a vibrant, colorful, and cultural city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. And you can't forget about the food, shopping, and museums. See Montreal travel costs.

Juneau and Montreal: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Juneau or Montreal?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Montreal. Although Juneau and Montreal are both popular with visitors, Montreal has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Montreal is more popular for its museums and attractions, nightlife, music, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Juneau is known for its hiking and impressive beauty. Juneau is popular for its wildlife, natural beauty, and Gold Rush in 1880. Montreal is popular for its music, fashion, and cultural activities. It is also home to Notre-Dame Basilica.

How is Juneau different from Montreal?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Montreal is an amazing city to visit for its sights and museums. Also, Juneau is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Montreal are among the most recognizable in the world. 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.

Many visitors head to Juneau specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Many museums focus on the history in the area, including the Gold Rush and the mining industry. You can visit several historic mines as well as the Last Chance Mining Museum. Other museums around town include the Juneau-Douglas City Museum, the Walter Soboleff Building, and the Alaska State Museum.

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Juneau and Montreal can be difficult as they are each great in their own way.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Juneau. The seafood is superb and visitors will regret if they miss out on the salmon, halibut, and crab. There are many local restaurants and local chefs serving up the freshest caught fish. For the best seafood, head to the waterfront, and if you're looking for something other than seafood, the downtown is where you'll want to be.

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.

Is Juneau or Montreal Better for Nightlife?

Montreal is an amazing city to visit for nightlife and partying. However, Juneau is not a good city for its evening party scene.

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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Juneau. There are a couple of bars and breweries, but most people relax in the evening.

Is Juneau or Montreal Better for Music?

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

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in Montreal 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.

Juneau is not a live music destination.

Is Juneau or Montreal Better for its Old Town?

Montreal is a well-known place for its old town. However, Juneau 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.

Juneau does not have a historic old town.

Is Juneau or Montreal Better for Hiking?

Juneau is terrific for hiking. However, Montreal is not a hiking destination.

Many people visit Juneau specifically for its hiking. You'll find more than 250 miles of hiking trails in the area, and this really is the best way to experience Alaska. The area is known for its wildlife, but there are also glacier hikes, meadows, mountains, and more. In downtown Juneau there's the Perseverance Trail, the Granite Creek Trail, and the Mount Roberts Trail. From the Mendenhall Visitor Center there's the East Glacier Loop Trail, the West Glacier Trail, and the Nugget Falls Trail. There are also trails on Douglas Island and many options just outside of town.

Montreal is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Juneau or Montreal?

Montreal is an amazing city to visit for its shopping opportunities. Also, Juneau is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Montreal make it a world-class shopping destination. 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.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Juneau. There's a mix of contemporary art and traditional artisan crafts. You'll find gift shops and art galleries around, particularly downtown and in the Mendenhall Valley business district. Visitors often enjoy buying art, wood carvings, jewelry, pottery, quilts, or dolls.

Is Juneau or Montreal More Beautiful?

Juneau is terrific for its scenery and beauty. However, Montreal is not a destination known for its beauty.

Many visitors also come to Juneau because of it's amazing beauty. The landscape is filled with glaciers, mountains, and fjords, making it a dramatic and beautiful destination.

Montreal is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Juneau or Montreal Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Juneau or Montreal.

Juneau is a very kid-friendly city. Its is filled with adventure that the whole family will enjoy. There's whale watching, dog sled tours, helicopter rides, hiking, and the Goldbelt Mount Roberts Tramway. This bucket-list destination will have an impact on kids and adults alike.

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.

Is Juneau or Montreal Better for Couples?

Juneau is terrific for couples. Also, Montreal is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

For those traveling as a couple, Juneau has plenty to offer. Couples who enjoy exploring and adventuring will be in awe of this destination. Glacier trekking, superb gardens, and romantic helicopter rides will leave you feeling like a contestant on "The Bachelor". There are also opportunities for romantic evenings out and cozy hotels where you can stay in.

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 Juneau or Montreal Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Juneau 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 Juneau. It's a popular destination with budget hotels and even a hostel or two.

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 Juneau or Montreal Better for Students?

Montreal is an amazing city to visit for students. However, Juneau 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.

Juneau is not popular with students.

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

Montreal is a well-known place for its public transit. However, Juneau is not a good city for times when you don't have a car.

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

Public transit is mostly limited in Juneau. You can only reach Juneau by boat or plane and there are three bus routes through town.

Is Juneau or Montreal a more walkable city?

Juneau and Montreal both are great when exploring on foot.

Juneau is a very walkable city. The downtown is very walkable and many places can be reached within a reasonable walk.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Montreal or Juneau?

How long in Juneau or Montreal?

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

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

The beautiful city of Juneau offers food 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.

Montreal is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. 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 Juneau or Montreal?

Juneau 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 Juneau, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Montreal is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Juneau or Montreal?

Juneau is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that hiking 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Montreal. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Juneau or Montreal?

Juneau is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that hiking 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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the vibrant big city of Montreal. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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 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 Juneau and Montreal, we can see that Montreal is more expensive. And not only is Juneau much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Juneau would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Juneau 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 Montreal would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Montreal than you might in Juneau.

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

Which is Bigger, Juneau or Montreal?

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

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

In the summer, Juneau is much colder than Montreal. Typically, the summer temperatures in Juneau in July average around 56°F (13°C), and Montreal averages at about 21°C (69°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Montreal. In the summer, Juneau often gets less sunshine than Montreal. Juneau gets 179 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montreal receives 276 hours of full sun.

Juneau receives a lot of rain in the summer. Juneau usually gets more rain in July than Montreal. Juneau gets 4.2 inches (106 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 91 mm (3.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Juneau or Montreal in the Autumn?

Both Montreal and Juneau are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Juneau 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.

In October, Juneau is generally cooler than Montreal. Daily temperatures in Juneau average around 42°F (6°C), and Montreal fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Juneau usually receives less sunshine than Montreal during autumn. Juneau gets 69 hours of sunny skies, while Montreal receives 141 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Juneau. In October, Juneau usually receives more rain than Montreal. Juneau gets 7.8 inches (199 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Juneau or Montreal in the Winter?

Both Montreal and Juneau during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Juneau in the winter for the museums, 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. Juneau can get quite cold in the winter. Juneau is much warmer than Montreal in the winter. The daily temperature in Juneau averages around 24°F (-4°C) in January, and Montreal fluctuates around -10°C (14°F).

In the winter, Juneau often gets less sunshine than Montreal. Juneau gets 87 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 Juneau. Juneau usually gets more rain in January than Montreal. Juneau gets 4.6 inches (116 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Juneau or Montreal in the Spring?

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

Juneau can be very cold during spring. In the spring, Juneau is cooler than Montreal. Typically, the spring temperatures in Juneau in April average around 40°F (4°C), and Montreal averages at about 6°C (43°F).

Juneau usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Montreal during spring. Juneau gets 185 hours of sunny skies, while Montreal receives 183 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Juneau usually receives less rain than Montreal. Juneau gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Montreal and Juneau