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

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

Ketchikan

Ketchikan is a quaint, local, and scenic town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. With stunning beauty, Ketchikan attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and hiking. See Ketchikan 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. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Montreal travel costs.

Ketchikan and Montreal: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ketchikan or Montreal?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Montreal than Ketchikan, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Montreal is better known for its museums and attractions, nightlife, music, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Ketchikan is more popular for its food, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Ketchikan is well known for its salmon fishing, beautiful natural environment, and strong sense of local culture. Montreal is well known for its music, fashion, and cultural activities. Also, Montreal is famous for Notre-Dame Basilica.

How is Ketchikan different from Montreal?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Montreal is renowned for its sights and museums. Also, Ketchikan is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its museums and history.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Montreal that are not to be missed. 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.

Ketchikan offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are a few local museums in town such as the Tongass Historical Museum and the Totem Heritage Center.

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

Ketchikan is terrific for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Montreal is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Ketchikan has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. It's known as the salmon capital of the world for good reason. You can expect some of the freshest seafood around with many local restaurants serving up fresh Dungeness Crab, Alaska King Crab, and Alaskan King Salmon. It's a huge fishing destination and the cuisine reflects that, but even if you're looking for a landlover's menu, you'll find a number of good dishes.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Montreal makes for a great culinary experience. 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 Ketchikan or Montreal Better for Nightlife?

Montreal is renowned for nightlife. However, Ketchikan is a mediocre town 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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Ketchikan. Because most visitors arrive by cruise ship, there's a more local vibe to the nightlife scene. You'll find a few local bars around town where you can enjoy a drink and good conversation.

Is Ketchikan or Montreal Better for Music?

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

Montreal is a world class music destination. 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.

Ketchikan is not a live music destination.

Is Ketchikan or Montreal Better for its Old Town?

Montreal is notable for its historic old town. However, Ketchikan 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.

Ketchikan does not have a historic old town.

Is Ketchikan or Montreal Better for Hiking?

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

Many people visit Ketchikan specifically for its hiking. You'll find many hikes that will take you through the local vegetation or to impressive viewpoints. Some hikes involve challenging climbs while others are more relaxing. Some visitors prefer to hire a guide to the lead them through the Alaskan wilderness, but the most popular and easier trails are usually well marked.

Montreal is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ketchikan or Montreal?

Montreal is renowned for shopping. Also, Ketchikan is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Montreal is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Ketchikan. As tourism has grown, the shopping in downtown Ketchikan has shifted from locally-oriented venders to jewelry and souvenir stores. Many shops are only open during the summer months, and you'll find the more local shops outside of town.

Is Ketchikan or Montreal More Beautiful?

Ketchikan is great for its scenery and beauty. However, Montreal is not a destination known for its beauty.

With stunning beauty, Ketchikan attracts visitors from all around. It's located at the southernmost entrance to the Inside Passage, so you can expect dramatic natural beauty and a breathtaking setting.

Montreal is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Ketchikan or Montreal Better for Families?

You'll find very good kid-friendly activities in either Ketchikan or Montreal.

Ketchikan is a very family-friendly place to visit. There are a number of kid-friendly activities and tours, but do note that many tours book up fully with cruise ship passengers. Any tours you wish to do should be arranged well in advance. Popular kid-friendly activities include the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show, Misty Fjords, and a visit to Totem Bight State Historical Park. Everyone will enjoy learning about the area's history and nature at the Southeast Alaska Discovery Center. And anyone who enjoys the show "The Most Dangerous Catch" will appreciate the Bering Sea Crab Fishermen's Tour.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Montreal is very family-friendly. 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 Ketchikan or Montreal Better for Couples?

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

Ketchikan is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples who enjoy natural beauty, hiking, and wildlife will appreciate their time here. There are many opportunities for fishing and a plethora of seafood restaurants in the area that take advantage of this past time.

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.

Is Ketchikan or Montreal Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Ketchikan and Montreal are notable destinations for backpackers.

Ketchikan is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. While most visitors arrive by cruise ship, for those travel independently will appreciate the hostel in town.

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 Ketchikan or Montreal Better for Students?

Montreal is renowned for students. However, Ketchikan 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.

Ketchikan is not popular with students.

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

Montreal is notable for its public transit. However, Ketchikan is a mediocre town for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Montreal is fairly effecient and thorough. There's an efficient and reliable metro and bus system.

Public transit is mostly limited in Ketchikan. There are buses that travel through town.

Is Ketchikan or Montreal a more walkable city?

Ketchikan and Montreal both are very good when exploring on foot.

Ketchikan is very walkable. The downtown is relatively compact and walkable.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Montreal or Ketchikan?

How long in Ketchikan or Montreal?

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

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

The beautiful town of Ketchikan offers food and shopping. 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.

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 Ketchikan or Montreal?

Ketchikan is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town 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 Ketchikan, 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 Ketchikan or Montreal?

Ketchikan 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 Ketchikan or Montreal?

Ketchikan 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 town 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 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 Ketchikan and Montreal, we can see that Ketchikan 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 Ketchikan Expensive? and Is Montreal Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Ketchikan or Montreal?

Montreal has a larger population, and is about 460 times larger than the population of Ketchikan. When comparing the sizes of Ketchikan 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 Ketchikan 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 Ketchikan or Montreal in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Ketchikan as well as Montreal. The summer months attract visitors to Ketchikan because of the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Montreal this time of year.

In July, Ketchikan is generally cooler than Montreal. Daily temperatures in Ketchikan average around 58°F (15°C), and Montreal fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).

Ketchikan receives a lot of rain in the summer. Ketchikan usually gets more rain in July than Montreal. Ketchikan gets 7.6 inches (193 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 91 mm (3.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ketchikan or Montreal in the Autumn?

Both Montreal and Ketchikan are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Ketchikan this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Montreal for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

Ketchikan is around the same temperature as Montreal in the autumn. The daily temperature in Ketchikan averages around 46°F (8°C) in October, and Montreal fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

It's quite rainy in Ketchikan. In October, Ketchikan usually receives more rain than Montreal. Ketchikan gets 22.9 inches (581 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Ketchikan or Montreal in the Winter?

Both Montreal and Ketchikan during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Ketchikan for 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 Ketchikan. In the winter, Ketchikan is much warmer than Montreal. Typically, the winter temperatures in Ketchikan in January average around 34°F (1°C), and Montreal averages at about -10°C (14°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Ketchikan. Ketchikan usually gets more rain in January than Montreal. Ketchikan gets 14.9 inches (379 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ketchikan or Montreal in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Ketchikan and Montreal. Many visitors come to Ketchikan in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Montreal for the activities around the city during these months.

In April, Ketchikan is generally around the same temperature as Montreal. Daily temperatures in Ketchikan average around 44°F (6°C), and Montreal fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

Ketchikan gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Ketchikan usually receives more rain than Montreal. Ketchikan gets 11.3 inches (286 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Montreal and Ketchikan