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

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

Nantucket

Nantucket is a upscale, charming, and serene island. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. With stunning beauty, Nantucket attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Nantucket 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.

Nantucket and Montreal: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nantucket or Montreal?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Montreal than Nantucket, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Montreal is better known for its museums and attractions, nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Nantucket is more popular for its food, resorts, beaches, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Nantucket is well known for its pristine beaches, upscale atmosphere, and history of whaling. Montreal is well known for its music, fashion, and cultural activities. Also, Montreal is famous for Notre-Dame Basilica.

How is Nantucket different from Montreal?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Montreal is renowned for its historical sights. Also, Nantucket is not as popular, but is still a nice island 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.

Nantucket offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are several museums around town that educate visitors on the island's whaling history and maritime past.

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

Nantucket 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.

Nantucket has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. Upscale eateries where you can look out on the water make dining on this island a true experience. There are raw bars, seafood restaurants, and local cafes with elaborate salads and duck carnitas. Dishes usually use the highest quality fresh ingredients and chefs bring their "A game" with every customer.

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 Nantucket or Montreal Better for Nightlife?

Montreal is renowned for nightlife. Also, Nantucket is not as popular, but is still a nice island 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Nantucket. You'll find a number of bars and a lively singles scene in town. There's also live music and a laid back but active atmosphere in the evening.

Is Nantucket or Montreal Better for Music?

Montreal is renowned for live music. However, Nantucket 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.

Nantucket is not a live music destination.

Is Nantucket or Montreal Better for Resorts?

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

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Nantucket. Luxury resorts and upscale inns offer guests a relaxed setting with oceanfront views and family-friendly activities.

Montreal is not a resort destination.

Is Nantucket or Montreal Better for Beaches?

Nantucket is great for the beach. However, Montreal is not a beach destination.

Nantucket is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. You'll find the calmest water at the northern beaches, and cooler water with rougher surf to the south. Many of the beaches are accessible from town, but parking can be limited. There are both public and private beaches, each with beautiful settings and relaxing vibes.

Montreal is not a beach destination.

Is Nantucket or Montreal Better for its Old Town?

Nantucket and Montreal are both popular destinations with charming historical areas.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Nantucket. The Historic District is filled with New England charm, cobblestone streets, and upscale boutiques. There are many great restaurants and a lot of historic character.

Many visitors go to Montreal to see the historical old town. 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.

Is Nantucket or Montreal Better for Hiking?

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

Many visitors go to Nantucket for the hiking trails. The island is easy to explore on foot, and its covered with hiking trails that follow the serene coastline or take you through forests, bogs, and marshland.

Montreal is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Nantucket or Montreal?

Montreal is renowned for shopping. Also, Nantucket is not as popular, but is still a nice island 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.

Nantucket is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The Historic District is filled with boutiques, art galleries, and upscale shops. It's the perfect place to spend an afternoon wandering around and shopping.

Is Nantucket or Montreal More Beautiful?

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

With stunning beauty, Nantucket attracts visitors from all around. Natural beauty and charming character make this a picturesque destination.

Montreal is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Nantucket or Montreal Better for Families?

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

Nantucket is a very family-friendly destination. There's a calm beach that's perfect for kids as well as quaint ice cream shops and plenty of New England charm. The town is also filled with hiking and biking trails.

Montreal is a very kid-friendly island. 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 Nantucket or Montreal Better for Couples?

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

For those traveling as a couple, Nantucket has plenty to offer. The New England charm, natural beauty, and relaxing coastal atmosphere make this a perfect romantic destination. There are also many romantic places to stay and great local restaurants.

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 Nantucket or Montreal Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Montreal is very good for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Nantucket is not known 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.

Nantucket is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's known for its upscale atmosphere that isn't particularly accommodating for backpackers.

Is Nantucket or Montreal Better for Students?

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

Nantucket is not popular with students.

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

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

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

Nantucket has a few public transit options. There are shuttle buses around the island that operate with greater frequency during the summer months.

Is Nantucket or Montreal a more walkable city?

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

Nantucket is very walkable. The town is very walkable and parking can be challenging, so it's best to leave your car in the ferry parking lot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Montreal or Nantucket?

How long in Nantucket or Montreal?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Nantucket than Montreal. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Nantucket that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

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

Nantucket is a small town where visitors enjoy the 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.

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 Nantucket or Montreal?

Nantucket is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this island makes for a great vacation. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Nantucket, 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 Nantucket or Montreal?

Nantucket is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that food 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.

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 Nantucket or Montreal?

Nantucket is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that food 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 island 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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Nantucket and Montreal, we can see that Nantucket 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 Nantucket would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Nantucket 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 Nantucket Expensive? and Is Montreal Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Nantucket or Montreal?

Montreal has a larger population, and is about 220 times larger than the population of Nantucket. When comparing the sizes of Nantucket 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 Nantucket 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 Nantucket or Montreal in the Summer?

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

In July, Nantucket is generally around the same temperature as Montreal. Daily temperatures in Nantucket average around 68°F (20°C), and Montreal fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).

In July, Nantucket usually receives around the same amount of rain as Montreal. Nantucket gets 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 91 mm (3.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Nantucket or Montreal in the Autumn?

Both Montreal and Nantucket during the autumn are popular places to visit. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Nantucket this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Montreal for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

Nantucket is a little warmer than Montreal in the autumn. The daily temperature in Nantucket averages around 53°F (12°C) in October, and Montreal fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nantucket. Nantucket usually gets more rain in October than Montreal. Nantucket gets 4.4 inches (111 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nantucket or Montreal in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Nantucket and Montreal. Many travelers come to Nantucket for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, 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 Nantucket. In the winter, Nantucket is much warmer than Montreal. Typically, the winter temperatures in Nantucket in January average around 31°F (-0°C), and Montreal averages at about -10°C (14°F).

Nantucket gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Nantucket usually receives more rain than Montreal. Nantucket gets 4.2 inches (106 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Nantucket or Montreal in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Nantucket as well as Montreal. Many visitors come to Nantucket in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Additionally, most visitors come to Montreal for the activities around the city during these months.

In April, Nantucket is generally a little warmer than Montreal. Daily temperatures in Nantucket average around 45°F (7°C), and Montreal fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

Nantucket receives a lot of rain in the spring. Nantucket usually gets more rain in April than Montreal. Nantucket gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Montreal and Nantucket