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

Should you visit Portland or Montreal?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Portland and Montreal can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Portland

Portland is a scenic, laid-back, and progressive city. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Portland offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and live music. See Portland 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 nightlife, live music, and food. See Montreal travel costs.

Portland and Montreal: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Portland or Montreal?

You'll generally find more things to do in Montreal than Portland. Montreal is bigger than Portland, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Montreal is better known for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, music, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Portland is more popular for its hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Portland is well known for its independent and vintage shops, thriving art scene, lush parks and gardens, progressive and quirky personality, and easy access to amazing natural beauty. Montreal is well known for its music, fashion, and cultural activities. Also, Montreal is famous for Notre-Dame Basilica.

How is Portland different from Montreal?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Montreal is very popular for its museums and history. However, Portland is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

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.

Portland offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Visitors usually come for the city's outdoor recreation and eclectic personality more than the landmarks and museums. There are a few places to visit on a rainy day though including Pittock Mansion, the Portland Art Museum, and the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry.

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

Montreal is a very popular place for its restaurants. However, Portland is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Portland. The town is more famous for it's craft beer than it's food, but there are still a number of local restaurants that offer unique Oregon dishes. You'll find no shortage of vegetarian and vegan options on most menus. There is also a big farm-to-table scene with many farmers markets around town as well.

Is Portland or Montreal Better for Nightlife?

Montreal is very popular for nightlife. Also, Portland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

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.

Portland has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. Famously, this town's nightlife is all about the craft beer and local breweries. Make sure you check out Bailey's Taproom, The Big Legrowlski, and The Commons Brewery.

Is Portland or Montreal Better for Music?

Montreal is very popular for live music. Also, Portland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its live music scene.

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.

You don't have to look far to find a unique music venue in Portland. The town has a thriving live music and international folk dancing scene.

Is Portland or Montreal Better for its Old Town?

Montreal is a very popular place for its historic old town. However, Portland does not have a historic old town.

Montreal is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. 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.

Portland does not have a historic old town.

Is Portland or Montreal Better for Hiking?

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

Many visitors go to Portland for the hiking trails. Just outside of town you'll find amazing hikes and stunning natural beauty. In town there are many urban hikes through parks and gardens, but in just a short drive you also have access to Mount Hood and many of the region's most beautiful hikes around the Columbia River Gorge.

Montreal is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Portland or Montreal?

Montreal is very popular for shopping. Also, Portland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Portland offers some nice shopping areas. To fully experience shopping in town, head to the local vendors and thrift shops. There are many vintage clothing shops, book stores, and independent sellers around town. The city is also full of farmers markets. For some of the most interesting shopping, check out the Pearl District, Pioneer Place, Union Way, and Downtown neighborhoods.

Is Portland or Montreal More Beautiful?

Portland is very good for its scenery and beauty. However, Montreal is not a destination known for its beauty.

Portland offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Surrounded by mountains and filled with parks and greenspace, many people find this town to be quite beautiful.

Montreal is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Portland or Montreal Better for Families?

Montreal is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Portland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Montreal is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Portland. This is an outdoor city by nature, so families will appreciate the many parks and outdoor recreational activities around town. It's easy to fill a couple of days exploring and having fun with the kids. Kid-friendly activities include the zoo, the aerial tram, and several great museums.

Is Portland or Montreal Better for Couples?

Montreal is a very popular place for romance. Also, Portland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

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.

Portland makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The laid-back, alternative vibe is fun to explore as a couple. There are independent bookstores, nice parks, and plenty of outdoor activities to choose from. Couples who enjoy an eclectic city, breweries, and nature, will find a lot to do in town.

Is Portland or Montreal Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Portland is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Montreal is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Portland. The town has drawn young explorers for years, and backpackers who like to step away from the mainstream will feel right at home here.

It's common for backpackers to 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.

Is Portland or Montreal Better for Students?

Montreal is very popular for its student-friendly activities. Also, Portland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Montreal is a very popular city 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.

Portland is popular with students. It's a young and relaxed city that attracts independent thinkers. There are many bookstores and breweries around town. The cost of living can be a bit high though.

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

Montreal is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. Also, Portland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

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

You'll find some public transit in Portland, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The town has a bus and light rail system as well the Aerial tram.

Is Portland or Montreal a more walkable city?

Portland and Montreal are superb when it comes to walkability.

Portland is very walkable. It is quite walkable, particularly in the tourist areas such as Downtown, Pearl, and Old Town Chinatown.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Montreal or Portland?

How long in Portland or Montreal?

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

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

The city of Portland offers nightlife and live music. 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.

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 Portland or Montreal?

Portland 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. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Portland, 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 Portland or Montreal?

Portland 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 Portland or Montreal?

Portland is a great place to explore. 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 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 Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, The Best Train & Rail Tours in Canada, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Canada.

When comparing the travel costs between Portland 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 Portland Expensive? and Is Montreal Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Portland or Montreal?

Montreal has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Portland. When comparing the sizes of Portland 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 Portland 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 Portland or Montreal in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Portland and Montreal. Many visitors come to Portland in the summer for the hiking, the small town charm, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Montreal for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

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

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Montreal this time of the year. In Portland, it's very sunny this time of the year. Portland usually receives more sunshine than Montreal during summer. Portland gets 338 hours of sunny skies, while Montreal receives 276 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Portland usually receives less rain than Montreal. Portland gets 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 91 mm (3.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Portland or Montreal in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Portland as well as Montreal. Most visitors come to Portland for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the music scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Montreal because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

Portland is much warmer than Montreal in the autumn. The daily temperature in Portland averages around 55°F (13°C) in October, and Montreal fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the autumn, Portland often gets more sunshine than Montreal. Portland gets 155 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montreal receives 141 hours of full sun.

Portland usually gets less rain in October than Montreal. Portland gets 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Portland or Montreal in the Winter?

Both Montreal and Portland are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Portland because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Montreal this time of year.

It's quite cold in Montreal in the winter. The weather in Portland can be very cold. In the winter, Portland is much warmer than Montreal. Typically, the winter temperatures in Portland in January average around 40°F (4°C), and Montreal averages at about -10°C (14°F).

Portland usually receives less sunshine than Montreal during winter. Portland gets 86 hours of sunny skies, while Montreal receives 103 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Portland. In January, Portland usually receives more rain than Montreal. Portland gets 5.2 inches (132 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Portland or Montreal in the Spring?

Both Montreal and Portland during the spring are popular places to visit. The small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Portland this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Montreal for the activities around the city.

In April, Portland is generally much warmer than Montreal. Daily temperatures in Portland average around 51°F (11°C), and Montreal fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

It's quite sunny in Portland. In the spring, Portland often gets more sunshine than Montreal. Portland gets 231 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montreal receives 183 hours of full sun.

Portland usually gets less rain in April than Montreal. Portland gets 2.4 inches (61 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Montreal and Portland