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

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

Palm Springs

Palm Springs is a chic, outdoorsy, and ritzy city. It's also popular because of the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Palm Springs 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.

Palm Springs and Montreal: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Palm Springs or Montreal?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Montreal than Palm Springs, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Montreal is better known for its museums and attractions, music, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Palm Springs is more popular for its resorts and hiking. Palm Springs is more touristy than Montreal and is popular for its golfing, shopping, and mid-century modern architecture. Montreal is well known for its music, fashion, and cultural activities. Also, Montreal is famous for Notre-Dame Basilica.

How is Palm Springs different from Montreal?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Palm Springs or Montreal?

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

Palm Springs offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. The Palm Springs Air Museum has an impressive collection of military planes. It's also worth visiting the Palm Springs Art Museum, which has a mix of fine art, natural history, and performing arts. You'll also find botanical gardens and even a zoo around town.

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Palm Springs and Montreal can be difficult as they are each very good in their own way.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Palm Springs makes for a great culinary experience. Fresh ingredients and typical California cuisine is common around town. Brunch is a popular option for visitors and you'll find countless brunch cafes in the area. You'll also find Mexican food, pizza, and plenty of vegan and vegetarian options.

Montreal has a huge number of terrific 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 Palm Springs or Montreal Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are fantastic in both Palm Springs and Montreal.

Palm Springs has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. The area is filled with nightlife options that range from cocktail bars to nightclubs or breweries. You can party into the early morning at the dance clubs or enjoy a bottle of wine with friends at one of the lounges.

Montreal is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. 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.

Is Palm Springs or Montreal Better for Music?

Montreal is an amazing city to visit for live music. However, Palm Springs 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.

Palm Springs is not a live music destination.

Is Palm Springs or Montreal Better for Resorts?

Palm Springs is terrific for its luxury resorts. However, Montreal is not a resort destination.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Palm Springs is a perfect choice. Resorts range from luxurious to more laid back. Most have impressive pools and many have their own spas, restaurants, and entertainment options.

Montreal is not a resort destination.

Is Palm Springs or Montreal Better for its Old Town?

Montreal is notable for its historic old town. However, Palm Springs 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.

Palm Springs does not have a historic old town.

Is Palm Springs or Montreal Better for Hiking?

Palm Springs is great for hiking. However, Montreal is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Palm Springs for the hiking trails. There are more than 100 trails in the Greater Palm Springs area that take you through scenic desert landscapes and unique ecosystems. Some of the most popular trails include Andreas Canyon Trail and Araby Trail.

Montreal is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Palm Springs or Montreal?

Montreal is an amazing city to visit for shopping. Also, Palm Springs is not as famous, but is still a good city 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.

Palm Springs is well-known for its shopping. Shopping ranges from outlets to boutique vendors. For the most local options head to Palm Canyon Drive and for an upscale shopping experience, visit the El Paseo shopping district.

Is Palm Springs or Montreal Better for Families?

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

Palm Springs is a very family-friendly place to visit. The year round sunny weather and diversity of outdoor activities make this a great family-friendly destination. There are desert hikes, zoos, and even a dinosaur museum. Kids can also pass their time playing at the pool or enjoying the waterslides.

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 Palm Springs or Montreal Better for Couples?

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

Palm Springs is a very popular place to visit for couples. Whether you're on a honeymoon or simply looking to escape the city, there are many romantic options in the area. From cozy inns to resort spa hotels, there are a range of accommodation options. Outdoor dining, hiking, and shopping are also popular.

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 Palm Springs or Montreal Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Montreal is very good for backpackers. However, Palm Springs is a mediocre city for backpackers and budget travelers.

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.

Palm Springs is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. While the city is more famous for its upscale clientele, there's actually a hostel in town for backpackers.

Is Palm Springs or Montreal Better for Students?

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

Palm Springs is not popular with students.

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

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

Visitors to Montreal can move around easily with public transportation. There's an efficient and reliable metro and bus system.

Public transit is mostly limited in Palm Springs. There are nine bus routes operated by SunLine Transit Agency, but most visitors prefer to have a car to get around.

Is Palm Springs or Montreal a more walkable city?

Montreal is notable for its walkability. Also, Palm Springs is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

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

Palm Springs is a somewhat walkable place. Parts of the city are very walkable, particularly the touristy areas along Palm Canyon Drive.

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

Should I spend more time in Montreal or Palm Springs?

How long in Palm Springs or Montreal?

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

Families should spend more time in Montreal than Palm Springs. 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 Palm Springs. 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 Palm Springs 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 Palm Springs or Montreal?

The city of Palm Springs 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.

Each neighborhood in Montreal has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Palm Springs or Montreal?

Palm Springs 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. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Palm Springs, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Montreal is a fun place to experience. Visiting the old town is also a must. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

Five days in Palm Springs or Montreal?

Palm Springs is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that nightlife 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.

Each neighborhood in Montreal has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A week in Palm Springs or Montreal?

Palm Springs is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that nightlife 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.

Montreal is a popular place to visit. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America, The Best Train & Rail Tours in Canada, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Canada.

When comparing the travel costs between Palm Springs and Montreal, we can see that Palm Springs 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 Palm Springs Expensive? and Is Montreal Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Palm Springs or Montreal?

Montreal has a larger population, and is about 80 times larger than the population of Palm Springs. When comparing the sizes of Palm Springs 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 Palm Springs 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 Palm Springs or Montreal in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Palm Springs as well as Montreal. The summer months attract visitors to Palm Springs because of the hiking 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, Palm Springs is generally a little warmer than Montreal. Daily temperatures in Palm Springs average around 73°F (23°C), and Montreal fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).

Palm Springs usually gets less rain in July than Montreal. Palm Springs gets 0 inches (1 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 91 mm (3.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Palm Springs or Montreal in the Autumn?

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

Palm Springs is much warmer than Montreal in the autumn. The daily temperature in Palm Springs averages around 69°F (20°C) in October, and Montreal fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In October, Palm Springs usually receives less rain than Montreal. Palm Springs gets 0.3 inches (7 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Palm Springs or Montreal in the Winter?

Both Montreal and Palm Springs during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Palm Springs 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. In the winter, Palm Springs is much warmer than Montreal. Typically, the winter temperatures in Palm Springs in January average around 57°F (14°C), and Montreal averages at about -10°C (14°F).

Palm Springs usually gets less rain in January than Montreal. Palm Springs gets 2 inches (52 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Palm Springs or Montreal in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Palm Springs and Montreal. Also, most visitors come to Montreal for the activities around the city during these months.

In April, Palm Springs is generally much warmer than Montreal. Daily temperatures in Palm Springs average around 62°F (17°C), and Montreal fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

In April, Palm Springs usually receives less rain than Montreal. Palm Springs gets 0.9 inches (24 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Montreal and Palm Springs