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

Should you visit Roanoke or Montreal?

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

Should I visit Roanoke 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.

Roanoke

Roanoke is a scenic, outdoorsy, and laid back town. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and hiking. See Roanoke 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. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums. See Montreal travel costs.

Roanoke and Montreal: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Roanoke or Montreal?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Montreal than Roanoke. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Montreal is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, music, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Roanoke attracts visitors for its hiking. Montreal is more touristy than Roanoke and is known for its music, fashion, and cultural activities. It is also well known for Notre-Dame Basilica. Roanoke is famous for its welcoming hospitality and convenient access to the Blue Ridge Mountains.

How is Roanoke different from Montreal?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Montreal is renowned for its historical sights. Also, Roanoke is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its sights and museums.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Montreal has many famous sights for visitors. 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.

Roanoke is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are several museums and sights around town such as the Living-Coral Reef Aquarium, the Science Museum of Western Virginia, and the Taubman Museum of Art. There's also the Harrison Museum of African American Culture and even the Roanoke Pinball Museum.

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

Montreal is a great city for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Roanoke is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

Roanoke offers some easy restaurants to choose from. There are burger joints, pizza restaurants, and plenty of other casual eateries where you can grab a quick meal.

Is Roanoke or Montreal Better for Nightlife?

Montreal is renowned for its evening party scene. Also, Roanoke is not as popular, but is still a nice town for nightlife.

Montreal is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Roanoke. There are local venues in the area that have drinks and often live music. You'll find jazz, country, rock, and bluegrass, particularly along Crooked Road in Franklin County.

Is Roanoke or Montreal Better for Music?

Montreal is renowned for its music scene. However, Roanoke is not a live music destination.

Montreal has become a mecca for musicians from 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.

Roanoke is not a live music destination.

Is Roanoke or Montreal Better for its Old Town?

Montreal is a great city for its historic old town charm. However, Roanoke does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting 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.

Roanoke does not have a historic old town.

Is Roanoke or Montreal Better for Hiking?

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

Many visitors go to Roanoke for the hiking trails. The surrounding countryside is filled with mountain hikes. The Blue Ridge Mountains are crossed by trails that take you to waterfalls, scenic viewpoints, and through serene forest. McAfee Knob, Sharp Top Mountain, and Roaring Run Trail some of the best hikes in the area.

Montreal is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Roanoke or Montreal?

Montreal is renowned for its shopping areas. Also, Roanoke is not as popular, but is still a nice town for shopping.

Many people travel to Montreal specifically to go shopping. 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.

Roanoke is a great destination for shopping. Market Street in Downtown Roanoke is lined with local vendors, particularly at the Historic Roanoke City Market. The town also has a mall and several shopping centers.

Is Roanoke or Montreal Better for Families?

Montreal is a great city for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Roanoke is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its family-friendly activities.

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.

Roanoke is a family-friendly place to visit. The Blue Ridge Parkway is filled with kid-friendly hiking trails and fun outdoor activities. You can visit the Blue Ridge Institute & Farm Museum or Smith Mountain Lake Farm. There's also Virginia Children's Theater.

Is Roanoke or Montreal Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Roanoke and Montreal make for a great place to visit.

Roanoke is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. Staying at a quaint bed and breakfast, tucked into the beautiful mountain setting is the perfect romantic getaway. Nearby there are vineyards and wine cellars, as well as gardens, hikes, and other outdoor activities.

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.

Is Roanoke or Montreal Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Roanoke and Montreal are nice places to visit.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Roanoke. There are several campgrounds in the area as well as great hiking trails.

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.

Is Roanoke or Montreal Better for Students?

Montreal is renowned for its student-friendly activities. However, Roanoke is not popular with students.

Many students frequent 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.

Roanoke is not popular with students.

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

Montreal is a great city for times when you don't have a car. However, Roanoke is not known for its public transit.

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

Public transit is generally limited in Roanoke. There are buses as well as a free trolley service through the downtown, but you really do need a car to get most places.

Is Roanoke or Montreal a more walkable city?

Montreal is a great city for its ease of walking around. However, Roanoke is not known for its walkability.

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

Roanoke is generally not very walkable. The downtown area is the most walkable part of town, with sidewalks and more dense development styles.

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

Should I spend more time in Montreal or Roanoke?

How long in Roanoke or Montreal?

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

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

The town of Roanoke offers nightlife and shopping. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Because Montreal is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Roanoke or Montreal?

Roanoke is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town 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 Roanoke, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Because Montreal is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Roanoke or Montreal?

Roanoke 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 great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Montreal has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Roanoke or Montreal?

Roanoke 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 town offers something for everyone.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Montreal. Many people enjoy the live music and food when visiting Montreal. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, The Best Sightseeing 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 Roanoke and Montreal, we can see that Montreal is more expensive. And not only is Roanoke much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Roanoke would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Roanoke 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 Roanoke.

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

Which is Bigger, Roanoke or Montreal?

Montreal has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Roanoke. When comparing the sizes of Roanoke 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 Roanoke 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 Roanoke or Montreal in the Summer?

Both Montreal and Roanoke are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Roanoke this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Montreal for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Roanoke is a little warmer than Montreal in the summer. The daily temperature in Roanoke averages around 79°F (26°C) in July, and Montreal fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).

It's quite sunny in Montreal. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Roanoke. Roanoke usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Montreal during summer. Roanoke gets 273 hours of sunny skies, while Montreal receives 276 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Roanoke. In July, Roanoke usually receives more rain than Montreal. Roanoke gets 4.2 inches (106 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 91 mm (3.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Roanoke or Montreal in the Autumn?

Both Montreal and Roanoke during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Roanoke for the hiking trails and the shopping scene. Furthermore, many visitors come to Montreal in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

In the autumn, Roanoke is much warmer than Montreal. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Roanoke in October average around 60°F (16°C), and Montreal averages at about 8°C (47°F).

It's quite sunny in Roanoke. In the autumn, Roanoke often gets more sunshine than Montreal. Roanoke gets 210 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montreal receives 141 hours of full sun.

Roanoke usually gets more rain in October than Montreal. Roanoke gets 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Roanoke or Montreal in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Roanoke and Montreal. Many visitors come to Roanoke in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Montreal for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Montreal can be very cold during winter. Roanoke can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Roanoke is generally much warmer than Montreal. Daily temperatures in Roanoke average around 38°F (3°C), and Montreal fluctuates around -10°C (14°F).

Roanoke usually receives more sunshine than Montreal during winter. Roanoke gets 165 hours of sunny skies, while Montreal receives 103 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Roanoke usually receives around the same amount of rain as Montreal. Roanoke gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Roanoke or Montreal in the Spring?

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

Roanoke is much warmer than Montreal in the spring. The daily temperature in Roanoke averages around 59°F (15°C) in April, and Montreal fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Roanoke this time of the year. In the spring, Roanoke often gets more sunshine than Montreal. Roanoke gets 246 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montreal receives 183 hours of full sun.

Roanoke usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Montreal. Roanoke gets 3.1 inches (79 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Montreal and Roanoke