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

Should you visit Pasadena or Montreal?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Pasadena and Montreal. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Pasadena

Pasadena is a quaint, charming, and picturesque city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Pasadena travel costs.

Montreal

Montreal is a colorful, cultural, and vibrant city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. Other popular activities here include live music, food, and shopping. See Montreal travel costs.

Pasadena and Montreal: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Pasadena or Montreal?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Montreal than Pasadena. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Montreal is more touristy than Pasadena and is popular for its music, fashion, and cultural activities. It is also well known for Notre-Dame Basilica. Pasadena is famous for being the home of the Tournament of Roses and the Rose Bowl.

How is Pasadena different from Montreal?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Montreal on the map. 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.

Pasadena offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. There's a good number of museums around town that include kids' museums, art museums, and local museums. Popular museums include the USC Pacific Asia Museum, the Norton Simon Museum, and the Pasadena Museum of History. Many people also enjoy touring the Jet Propulsion Laboratory.

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Pasadena and Montreal can be difficult as they are each high quality in their own way.

Dining out in Pasadena is an experience not to be missed. Local restaurants feature southern California cuisine as well as international flavors. Dishes often use local ingredients that are fresh and seasonal. Restaurants range from casual to fine dining and the atmosphere is warm and welcoming.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in 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.

Is Pasadena or Montreal Better for Nightlife?

Montreal is an amazing city to visit for its evening party scene. Also, Pasadena is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife.

Montreal has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. 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.

Pasadena has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. Much of the nightlife scene is concentrated around Old Pasadena. You'll find clubs, bars, and lounges that begin the evening with Happy Hours and then become more party-focused as the evening progresses.

Is Pasadena or Montreal Better for Music?

Montreal is an amazing city to visit for its music scene. However, Pasadena is not a live music destination.

In Montreal you'll find nightly musicians performing at a variety of venues. 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.

Pasadena is not a live music destination.

Is Pasadena or Montreal Better for its Old Town?

Montreal is notable for its historic old town charm. However, Pasadena does not have a historic old town.

There are many historical things to see 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.

Pasadena does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Pasadena or Montreal?

Montreal is an amazing city to visit for its shopping areas. Also, Pasadena is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for shopping.

Montreal is a world class destination for shoppers. 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 Pasadena. Old Pasadena is where you'll find some of the best shopping. It's filled with a charming atmosphere and interesting boutiques.

Is Pasadena or Montreal Better for Families?

Montreal is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Pasadena is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Montreal is known to be 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.

Pasadena is a family-friendly city. There are a number of kid-friendly museums around town including Kidspace Children's Museum. There are also nature centers, playgrounds, and plenty of family-friendly restaurants.

Is Pasadena or Montreal Better for Couples?

Montreal is notable for couples. Also, Pasadena is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for romance.

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.

Pasadena is a nice destination for couples. It's a charming town with a bit of a European vibe and plenty of outdoor activities. Fine dining and interesting shopping make this a nice weekend destination.

Is Pasadena or Montreal Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Montreal is a good destination for backpackers. However, Pasadena is a mediocre city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of backpackers 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.

Pasadena is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not high on the list for most backpackers.

Is Pasadena or Montreal Better for Students?

Montreal is an amazing city to visit for students. However, Pasadena is not popular with students.

Montreal is a very popular place to visit for students. 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.

Pasadena is not popular with students.

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

Montreal is notable for its public transit. Also, Pasadena is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

The public transit in Montreal can get you to most places easily. There's an efficient and reliable metro and bus system.

Pasadena has some public transit options. Buses and light rail offer local transit and connect the city to nearby Los Angeles.

Is Pasadena or Montreal a more walkable city?

Montreal is notable for its ease of walking around. Also, Pasadena is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its walkability.

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

Pasadena is somewhat walkable. Most people head to Old Pasadena, which is the most concentrated and walkable part of the city.

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

Should I spend more time in Montreal or Pasadena?

How long in Pasadena or Montreal?

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

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

The city of Pasadena offers food and shopping. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Montreal is a big city with plenty to do. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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.

A weekend in Pasadena or Montreal?

Pasadena 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. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Pasadena, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Montreal is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.

Five days in Pasadena or Montreal?

Pasadena 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.

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

A week in Pasadena or Montreal?

Pasadena is a great place to explore. 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 great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best 3-Week Tours 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 Pasadena and Montreal, we can see that Montreal is more expensive. And not only is Pasadena much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Pasadena would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Pasadena 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 Montreal would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Montreal than you might in Pasadena.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Pasadena Expensive? and Is Montreal Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Pasadena or Montreal?

Montreal has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Pasadena. When comparing the sizes of Pasadena 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 Pasadena 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 Pasadena or Montreal in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Pasadena as well as Montreal. Many travelers come to Pasadena for the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, many visitors come to Montreal in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Pasadena is around the same temperature as Montreal in the summer. The daily temperature in Pasadena averages around 73°F (23°C) in July, and Montreal fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).

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

Should I visit Pasadena or Montreal in the Autumn?

Both Montreal and Pasadena are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Pasadena in the autumn for the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Montreal for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene during these months.

In the autumn, Pasadena is much warmer than Montreal. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Pasadena in October average around 68°F (20°C), and Montreal averages at about 8°C (47°F).

In October, Pasadena usually receives less rain than Montreal. Pasadena 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 Pasadena or Montreal in the Winter?

Both Montreal and Pasadena during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Pasadena for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Montreal because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Montreal can be very cold. In January, Pasadena is generally much warmer than Montreal. Daily temperatures in Pasadena average around 56°F (13°C), and Montreal fluctuates around -10°C (14°F).

Pasadena usually gets less rain in January than Montreal. Pasadena gets 2.5 inches (63 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Pasadena or Montreal in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Pasadena and Montreal. Also, the activities around the city are the main draw to Montreal this time of year.

Pasadena is much warmer than Montreal in the spring. The daily temperature in Pasadena averages around 62°F (17°C) in April, and Montreal fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

In April, Pasadena usually receives less rain than Montreal. Pasadena gets 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Montreal and Pasadena