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

Should you visit Maui or Montreal?

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

Should I visit Maui 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.

Maui

Maui is a stunning, idyllic, and adventure-filled island. Many visitors also come to Maui because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the shopping, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches. See Maui 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.

Maui and Montreal: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Maui or Montreal?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Montreal. Although Maui 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, food, nightlife, music, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Maui is known for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Maui is more touristy than Montreal and is popular for its beach-filled coastline, world-class snorkeling and scuba diving, dramatic landscapes, and paradise environment. Montreal is popular for its music, fashion, and cultural activities. It is also home to Notre-Dame Basilica.

How is Maui different from Montreal?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Montreal is a must-visit destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Maui is a island with minimal options for its historical sights.

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.

While most people don't head to Maui specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. Most people prefer not to spend their time inside or at a museum, but for a rainy day you can check out the Maui Ocean Center.

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

Montreal is a great destination for its restaurant scene. However, Maui is a island with minimal options for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit 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.

Maui may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Like the other Hawaiian islands, food is expensive and of varying quality here, but the food scene continues to grow and improve. There are eclectic food trucks where you can try local flavors. There's also plenty of fresh tropical produce like mangos, avocadoes, and coconuts. Seafood is common on many menus as well.

Is Maui or Montreal Better for Nightlife?

Montreal is a must-visit destination for nightlife and partying. However, Maui is a island with minimal options for its evening party scene.

Montreal is a world class party destination. 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.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Maui The island is not known for its nightlife, but the limited activities that do exist you'll find in Kaanapali and Lahaina.

Is Maui or Montreal Better for Music?

Montreal is a must-visit destination for its live music scene. However, Maui 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.

Maui is not a live music destination.

Is Maui or Montreal Better for Resorts?

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

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Maui. There are a number of nice resorts, but there are also VRBOs, condos, and local hotels where you can stay. High-end luxury resorts on the island include The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua and Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort. There are also more reasonable priced resorts without all of the glitz and glam.

Montreal is not a resort destination.

Is Maui or Montreal Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Maui is great for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Montreal is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There is a nice variety of marine life that makes scuba diving and snorkeling great in Maui. The island has excellent snorkeling and scuba diving. You can really find it anywhere on the island, but some places are more crowded than others. Some of the best beaches for snorkeling include Honolua Bay, Slaughterhouse (Mokuleia Bay), DT Fleming Beach, and Kapalua Bay.

Montreal is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Maui or Montreal Better for Beaches?

Maui is terrific for the beach. However, Montreal is not a beach destination.

With world-famous beaches, Maui is a very popular vacation destination. The island has stunning beaches and more miles of swimmable beach than any of the other Hawaiian islands. One of the best swimming beaches is Kapalua Beach, but other favorite beaches include Makena Beach State Park, Ka'anapali Beach, Baldwin Beach Park, and Wai'anapanapa State Park.

Montreal is not a beach destination.

Is Maui or Montreal Better for its Old Town?

Montreal is a great destination for its old town. However, Maui 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.

Maui does not have a historic old town.

Is Maui or Montreal Better for Hiking?

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

Many people visit Maui specifically for its hiking. There are many diverse hikes on the island that pass through different landscapes and ecosystems. Hikes range from easy to challenging and are of varying length. Some of the favorites include 'Iao Valley State Park, Haleakala's Sliding Sands Trail (in Haleakala National Park), and The Pipiwai Trail.

Montreal is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Maui or Montreal?

Montreal is a must-visit destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Maui is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Maui has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are many shopping centers where you'll find souvenirs, Hawaiian clothing, and even handmade crafts. If you forgot something from home, you'll also find many of the major chains that are common on the mainland.

Is Maui or Montreal More Beautiful?

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

Many visitors also come to Maui because of it's amazing beauty. With its dramatic mountains and beautiful blue water, this island offers stunning beauty.

Montreal is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Maui or Montreal Better for Families?

Maui is terrific for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Montreal is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

Maui is one of the most popular family destinations. It is one of the best of the Hawaiian islands to explore with kids. There's plenty of snorkeling, outdoor adventure sports, and hiking that are great for kids of all ages. There are some kid-friendly beaches where kids can play in the water. There's also the Maui Ocean Center, Ali'i Kula Lavender Farm, and 'Iao Valley State Park.

Montreal is a very family-friendly place to visit. 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 Maui or Montreal Better for Couples?

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

For those traveling as a couple, Maui has plenty to offer. Couples will enjoy the outdoor sports, excellent snorkeling and diving, and beautiful waterfalls that make for a romantic getaway. There are world-class resorts and breathtaking scenery that attract honeymooning couples from around the globe.

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 Maui or Montreal Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Montreal is a popular place for backpackers. However, Maui is a island with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers 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.

Maui is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Like most of the Hawaiian Islands, everything is expensive here and even though there are a couple of hostels, you can still expect to pay high prices for them. Public transportation is also limited so you'll really need to rent a car if you hope to explore the island in depth.

Is Maui or Montreal Better for Students?

Montreal is a must-visit destination for students. However, Maui 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.

Maui is not popular with students.

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

Montreal is a great destination for its public transit. However, Maui is a island with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

Montreal has some very good public transit options. There's an efficient and reliable metro and bus system.

Public transit is mostly limited in Maui. The island does have a bus system with 14 routes, but most visitors prefer to have their own transportation to get around.

Is Maui or Montreal a more walkable city?

Montreal is a great destination for its high level of walkability. However, Maui is a island with minimal options for its ease of walking around.

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

Maui is not a very walkable island. The island is large enough that you'll want to have access to a car if you hope to explore it in its entirety.

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

Should I spend more time in Montreal or Maui?

How long in Maui or Montreal?

In either Maui or Montreal, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Maui than Montreal because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Maui, and 3-5 days is enough time in Montreal.

Families should spend more time in Maui than Montreal. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Maui, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Montreal than Maui 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 Maui or Montreal?

The beautiful island of Maui offers shopping and scuba diving and snorkeling. 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 big city destination where you can fill many days. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Maui or Montreal?

Maui is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Montreal is a fun place to experience. 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 a weekend exploring. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Maui or Montreal?

Maui is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Maui, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Montreal is a vibrant big city where you can fill many days. This city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

A week in Maui or Montreal?

Maui is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Maui has to offer. This island offers something for everyone.

The vibrant city of Montreal offers shopping and museums. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Camping Tours in United States of America, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, The Best Train & Rail Tours in Canada, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Canada.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Maui and Montreal, we can see that Maui 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 Maui would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Maui 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 Maui Expensive? and Is Montreal Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Maui 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 Maui or Montreal in the Summer?

Both Montreal and Maui during the summer are popular places to visit. The beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Maui this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Montreal for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Maui is a little warmer than Montreal. Typically, the summer temperatures in Maui in July average around 79°F (26°C), and Montreal averages at about 21°C (69°F).

In Montreal, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Maui. In the summer, Maui often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Montreal. Maui gets 290 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montreal receives 276 hours of full sun.

Maui usually gets less rain in July than Montreal. Maui gets 0.4 inches (10 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 91 mm (3.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Maui or Montreal in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Maui and Montreal. Many travelers come to Maui for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, many visitors come to Montreal in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

In October, Maui is generally much warmer than Montreal. Daily temperatures in Maui average around 78°F (26°C), and Montreal fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In Maui, it's very sunny this time of the year. Maui usually receives more sunshine than Montreal during autumn. Maui gets 245 hours of sunny skies, while Montreal receives 141 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Maui usually receives less rain than Montreal. Maui gets 1.2 inches (31 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Maui or Montreal in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Maui as well as Montreal. Many visitors come to Maui in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, most visitors come to Montreal for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Montreal can be very cold during winter. Maui is much warmer than Montreal in the winter. The daily temperature in Maui averages around 72°F (22°C) in January, and Montreal fluctuates around -10°C (14°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Maui this time of the year. In the winter, Maui often gets more sunshine than Montreal. Maui gets 217 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montreal receives 103 hours of full sun.

Maui receives a lot of rain in the winter. Maui usually gets more rain in January than Montreal. Maui gets 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Maui or Montreal in the Spring?

Both Montreal and Maui are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Maui for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Montreal because of the activities around the city.

In the spring, Maui is much warmer than Montreal. Typically, the spring temperatures in Maui in April average around 74°F (24°C), and Montreal averages at about 6°C (43°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Maui. Maui usually receives more sunshine than Montreal during spring. Maui gets 231 hours of sunny skies, while Montreal receives 183 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Maui usually receives less rain than Montreal. Maui gets 1.8 inches (47 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Montreal and Maui