A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers North Conway vs. Montreal for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit North Conway or Montreal?

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

Should I visit North Conway 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.

Where Should I go: North Conway or Montreal?

North Conway

North Conway is a small town in New Hampshire in the Mount Washington Valley (MWV). The entire valley is a popular vacation area year-round due to the multiple ski resorts and summer activities including amusement parks, hiking, outdoor activities, and more.

Montreal

While Quebec City is the political capital of Quebec Province, Montreal is the economic and cultural capital. It's also the second largest city in Canada, with a population of about 1.9 million and 4 million in the metropolitan area. It's the second largest French speaking city in the world behind Paris.

Montreal is a very trendy and vibrant city with an active nightlife and countless activities to enjoy. It's located on an island in the St. Lawrence River and has a humid continental climate. There are four distinct seasons. Summers are warm or hot and humid. Spring and fall are mild and winters are cold and snowy. You can expect about 2 meters of snow every year, but there are also more than 2,000 hours of sunshine annually.

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.


Which place is cheaper, Montreal or North Conway?

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

  • North Conway Prices
    USA Prices
    Montreal Prices
    Canada Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    North Conway $270
    Montreal $235

The average daily cost (per person) in North Conway is $270, 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 North Conway and Montreal in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    North Conway $125
    Montreal $131
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    North Conway $250
    Montreal $262
Compare Hotels in North Conway and Montreal

Looking for a hotel in North Conway 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 North Conway


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: North Conway Hotel Prices and Montreal Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    North Conway $52
    Montreal $20

Hired Cars and Shuttles in North Conway

Also for North Conway, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Pittsburgh Airport (PIT) to Pittsburgh City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $200
  • Pittsburgh Airport (PIT) to Pittsburgh hotel/address - Arrival Private Transfer: $100
  • Pittsburgh City to Pittsburgh Airport (PIT) - Departure Private Transfer: $100

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
  • Private Transfer Montreal International Airport to Ottawa: $703
  • Private Transfer To Quebec From Montreal YUL Airport: $394
  • Private Transfer To Montreal YUL Airport From Mont-Tremblant: $232
  • Private Transfer To Ottawa From YUL Airport: $229
  • 8 Passengers Transfer from or to Montreal Airport YUL to Montreal City Center : $222
  • Private Transfer To Mont-Tremblant From Montreal YUL Airport: $215
  • Private Transfer from Montreal Airport to Ottawa: $212
  • Private Airport Transfer In/Out of Montreal: $200
  • Transfer Montreal International Airport to Downtown Montreal: $187
  • Montreal Private Transfer to Montreal Airport YUL in Luxury Van: $186
  • Montréal Airport (YUL) to Montreal hotel or port - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $139

Is it cheaper to fly into North Conway or Montreal?

Prices for flights to both Montreal and North Conway 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
    North Conway $110
    Montreal $62

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
  • Guided Happy Hour Brew Tour in Montreal with Dinner: $84
  • Jean-Talon Market & Little Italy Food Tour with 8 Tastings: $88
  • Montreal Mile End or Jean Talon Market Food Tour with 8 Tastings: $88
  • Old Montreal Food & Drink Tour by Local Montreal Food Tours: $114
  • Cooking Class & Lunch with Michelin-Trained Chef: $128
  • Jewish Neighborhood Food Tour: $129

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    North Conway $38
    Montreal $21

Tours and Activities in North Conway

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for North Conway.

  • Kancamagus Scenic Byway Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour Guide: $15
  • Kancamagus highway GPS Smartphone Audio Driving Tour App : $9.50
  • Meet the Cider Makers with Rhythm Cidery Lincoln Tour: $40
  • Meet the Winemakers - Seven Birches Winery Tour: $40

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
  • 1-Hour Jet Ski Guided Tour – Explore Montreal Waterways in Style!: $139
  • 1h-Relaxing day or sunset cruise in Montreal: $127
  • 1hr Sunset Boat tour on the St Lawrence River Old Port Montreal: $23
  • 3 Day and 2 Night Tour: Toronto, 1000 Islands, and Niagara Falls: $300
  • 3 Days 2 Nights Tour in New York: $300
  • 3 Hour Montreal City Bike Tour with Wine or Beer (AM & PM): $67
  • A Walking Tour of Old Montreal: $25
  • AURA experience at Notre-Dame Basilica and guided cruise: $75
  • All about Montreal's Murals - Saturday Walking Tour: $24

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    North Conway $33
    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 North Conway and Montreal, we can see that North Conway 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 North Conway Expensive? and Is Montreal Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, North Conway or Montreal?

Montreal has a larger population, and is about 1540 times larger than the population of North Conway. When comparing the sizes of North Conway 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 North Conway 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 North Conway or Montreal in the Summer?

Both Montreal and North Conway are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Montreal for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, North Conway is around the same temperature as Montreal. Typically, the summer temperatures in North Conway in July average around 69°F (20°C), and Montreal averages at about 21°C (69°F).

It's quite sunny in Montreal. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in North Conway. North Conway usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Montreal during summer. North Conway gets 282 hours of sunny skies, while Montreal receives 276 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, North Conway usually receives less rain than Montreal. North Conway gets 2.6 inches (66 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 91 mm (3.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    North Conway 69°F (20°C) 
    Montreal 21°C (69°F)

Should I visit North Conway or Montreal in the Autumn?

Both Montreal and North Conway during the autumn are popular places to visit. 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, North Conway is generally a little warmer than Montreal. Daily temperatures in North Conway average around 49°F (9°C), and Montreal fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the autumn, North Conway often gets more sunshine than Montreal. North Conway gets 196 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montreal receives 141 hours of full sun.

North Conway usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Montreal. North Conway gets 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    North Conway 49°F (9°C) 
    Montreal 8°C (47°F)

Should I visit North Conway or Montreal in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both North Conway and Montreal. Also, most visitors come to Montreal for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Montreal can be very cold during winter. North Conway can get quite cold in the winter. North Conway is much warmer than Montreal in the winter. The daily temperature in North Conway averages around 21°F (-6°C) in January, and Montreal fluctuates around -10°C (14°F).

North Conway usually receives more sunshine than Montreal during winter. North Conway gets 163 hours of sunny skies, while Montreal receives 103 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, North Conway usually receives more rain than Montreal. North Conway gets 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    North Conway 21°F (-6°C) 
    Montreal -10°C (14°F)

Should I visit North Conway or Montreal in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to North Conway as well as Montreal. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Montreal because of the activities around the city.

In the spring, North Conway is around the same temperature as Montreal. Typically, the spring temperatures in North Conway in April average around 43°F (6°C), and Montreal averages at about 6°C (43°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in North Conway this time of the year. In the spring, North Conway often gets more sunshine than Montreal. North Conway gets 212 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montreal receives 183 hours of full sun.

North Conway usually gets more rain in April than Montreal. North Conway gets 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    North Conway 43°F (6°C) 
    Montreal 6°C (43°F)

Typical Weather for Montreal and North Conway

North Conway Montreal
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 21°F (-6°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm) -10°C (14°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Feb 24°F (-5°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) -9°C (16°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Mar 33°F (1°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm) -2°C (28°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Apr 43°F (6°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm) 6°C (43°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
May 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm) 13°C (55°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Jun 63°F (17°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm) 18°C (64°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Jul 69°F (20°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm) 21°C (69°F) 91 mm (3.6 in)
Aug 67°F (20°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm) 19°C (67°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Sep 59°F (15°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm) 14°C (58°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Oct 49°F (9°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm) 8°C (47°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 39°F (4°C) 4.8 inches (123 mm) 2°C (35°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Dec 27°F (-3°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm) -7°C (20°F) 99 mm (3.9 in)