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

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

Pensacola

Pensacola is a entertaining, fun-filled, and active beach town. It's also popular because of the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Pensacola 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 shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Montreal travel costs.

Pensacola and Montreal: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Pensacola or Montreal?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Montreal than Pensacola, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Montreal is more popular for its museums and attractions, nightlife, music, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Pensacola is known for its resorts, beaches, and hiking. Pensacola is more touristy than Montreal and is popular for its white sand beaches and long running naval history. Montreal is popular for its music, fashion, and cultural activities. It is also home to Notre-Dame Basilica.

How is Pensacola different from Montreal?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Montreal is a world-class destination for its sights and museums. Also, Pensacola is not as famous, but is still a good beach town to visit for its museums and history.

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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Pensacola. On a rainy day there are some nice museums in the area. You can visit the National Naval Aviation Museum, the Historic Pensacola Village, the Pensacola Lighthouse and Museum, or Pensacola Children's Museum.

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

Foodies will find both Pensacola and Montreal both to be very good destinations.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Pensacola. You'll find no shortage of seafood options around town. Oysters, shrimp, and fresh fish are popular on the menus. You'll also find lots of Cajun flavors as well as casual sandwiches and pizza.

Montreal has a number of nationally recognized food spots and 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 Pensacola or Montreal Better for Nightlife?

Montreal is a world-class destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Pensacola is not as famous, but is still a good beach town to visit for its evening party scene.

People head to Montreal just to party. 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Pensacola. There's a casual nightlife scene with pubs, live music, and a mellow but fun setting.

Is Pensacola or Montreal Better for Music?

Montreal is a world-class destination for its live music scene. However, Pensacola 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.

Pensacola is not a live music destination.

Is Pensacola or Montreal Better for Resorts?

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

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Pensacola. Family-friendly resorts with pools, waterslides, and lazy rivers are common. You'll also find beachfront hotels and more affordable options set back from the beach.

Montreal is not a resort destination.

Is Pensacola or Montreal Better for Beaches?

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

With world-famous beaches, Pensacola is a very popular vacation destination. White sand beaches with blue water and mild temperatures make this a wonderful beach destination. Some of the best beaches include Casino Beach, Perdido Key Beach, and Opal Beach.

Montreal is not a beach destination.

Is Pensacola or Montreal Better for its Old Town?

Montreal is notable for its old town. However, Pensacola 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.

Pensacola does not have a historic old town.

Is Pensacola or Montreal Better for Hiking?

Pensacola is adequate for hiking. However, Montreal is not a hiking destination.

Hiking is a fun activity while in Pensacola. Step away from the beachfront development and you'll find some nice nature parks with quiet walking trails.

Montreal is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Pensacola or Montreal?

Montreal is a world-class destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Pensacola is not as famous, but is still a good beach town to visit 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.

Pensacola has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are sprawling shopping malls and shopping centers as well as local boutiques and quintessential souvenir shops.

Is Pensacola or Montreal Better for Families?

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

Pensacola is a very kid-friendly beach town. Kid-friendly beaches, minigolf, a zoo, and even a few museums make this a great family destination. There are family-friendly resorts and kid-friendly restaurants that make for an easy vacation that everyone will enjoy.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Montreal. 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 Pensacola or Montreal Better for Couples?

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

Pensacola is a very popular place to visit for couples. Beautiful beaches and sunset cruises make this a great romantic getaway. You'll find great restaurants for a date night and plenty of activity once the sun goes down. During the day you can lounge on the beach or by the pool, sip drinks, and enjoy a vacation with your loved one.

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 Pensacola or Montreal Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Montreal is very good for backpackers. However, Pensacola is a mediocre beach town 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.

Pensacola is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a few budget-friendly places to stay, particularly away from the beach.

Is Pensacola or Montreal Better for Students?

Montreal is a world-class destination for students. However, Pensacola 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.

Pensacola is not popular with students.

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

Montreal is notable for its public transit. However, Pensacola is a mediocre beach town for times when you don't have a car.

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

Public transit is quite limited in Pensacola. There's a bus system, but it's not particularly helpful to vacationers.

Is Pensacola or Montreal a more walkable city?

Montreal is notable for its high level of walkability. However, Pensacola is a mediocre beach town 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.

Pensacola is generally not a very walkable beach town. It's not a particularly walkable city and you'll want to have a car to fully enjoy your vacation.

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

Should I spend more time in Montreal or Pensacola?

How long in Pensacola or Montreal?

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

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

The beach town of Pensacola offers food and shopping. Most people come for the beaches. 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 Pensacola or Montreal?

Pensacola 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.

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 Pensacola or Montreal?

Pensacola is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Pensacola, five days is sufficent for most. 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 Pensacola or Montreal?

Pensacola is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. It is common to spend one week here. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Pensacola has to offer. This beach town 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 Bicycle Tours in United States of America, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers 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 Pensacola and Montreal, we can see that Montreal 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 Pensacola Expensive? and Is Montreal Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Pensacola or Montreal?

Montreal has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Pensacola. When comparing the sizes of Pensacola 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 Pensacola 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 Pensacola or Montreal in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Pensacola as well as Montreal. The summer months attract visitors to Pensacola because of the beaches, 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 the summer, Pensacola is a little warmer than Montreal. Typically, the summer temperatures in Pensacola in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Montreal averages at about 21°C (69°F).

Pensacola receives a lot of rain in the summer. Pensacola usually gets more rain in July than Montreal. Pensacola gets 7.4 inches (189 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 91 mm (3.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Pensacola or Montreal in the Autumn?

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

In October, Pensacola is generally much warmer than Montreal. Daily temperatures in Pensacola average around 69°F (21°C), and Montreal fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

It's quite rainy in Pensacola. In October, Pensacola usually receives more rain than Montreal. Pensacola gets 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn. June to November is the hurricane season in Pensacola.

Should I visit Pensacola or Montreal in the Winter?

Both Montreal and Pensacola during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Pensacola 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. Pensacola is much warmer than Montreal in the winter. The daily temperature in Pensacola averages around 51°F (10°C) in January, and Montreal fluctuates around -10°C (14°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Pensacola. Pensacola usually gets more rain in January than Montreal. Pensacola gets 4.6 inches (117 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Pensacola or Montreal in the Spring?

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

In the spring, Pensacola is much warmer than Montreal. Typically, the spring temperatures in Pensacola in April average around 67°F (20°C), and Montreal averages at about 6°C (43°F).

In April, Pensacola usually receives more rain than Montreal. Pensacola gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring. June to November in Pensacola is the hurricane season.

Typical Weather for Montreal and Pensacola