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

Should you visit Seattle or Montreal?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Seattle or Montreal, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Seattle

Seattle is a outdoorsy, laid-back, and bustling city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. Seattle offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the beaches, hiking, and shopping. See Seattle 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 museums, nightlife, and live music. See Montreal travel costs.

Seattle and Montreal: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Seattle or Montreal?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Montreal than Seattle. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Montreal is very popular for its museums and attractions, nightlife, music, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Seattle attracts visitors for its theatre productions, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Seattle is famous for its beautiful waterfront setting, diverse culinary scene, thriving art and cultural venues, and being the home of many international tech companies. Montreal is famous for its music, fashion, and cultural activities. It is also well known for Notre-Dame Basilica.

How is Seattle different from Montreal?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Montreal is renowned for its sights and museums. Also, Seattle 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.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Seattle. The city's most iconic landmark is the Space Needle. There's also a zoo, aquarium, and a handful of nice museums. Several favorites include the Chihuly Garden and Glass, the Museum of History & Industry, and the Seattle Art Museum.

Is Seattle or Montreal Better for Theater?

Seattle is very good for its shows and theatre. However, Montreal is not a theatre destination.

If you have some extra time in Seattle, take in a show. There are a handful of theaters where you can enjoy traveling Broadway shows or smaller productions.

Montreal is not a theatre destination.

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

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at excellent restaurants in both Seattle and Montreal.

Dining out in Seattle is an experience not to be missed. The city has many diverse dining options that make it a popular foodie destination. The seafood is world-class with many restaurants offering fresh caught salmon and oysters. There are also many great Asian restaurants with Pho, sushi, and dim sum all being popular around town. Seattle is also famous as the birthplace of Starbucks coffee, and both chain and independent coffee shops are common. Finally, make sure you check out the donuts at Pike's Place Market.

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 Seattle or Montreal Better for Nightlife?

Montreal is renowned for its evening party scene. Also, Seattle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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.

Seattle has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The city is known for its breweries and eclectic nightlife scene. There is a thriving theater scene as well as many bars and trendy restaurants. The best neighborhoods for nightlife include Capitol Hill, Belltown, and Downtown.

Is Seattle or Montreal Better for Music?

Montreal is renowned for its music scene. Also, Seattle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for live music.

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.

Whether you like big venues or smaller artists, Seattle has diverse options. The city has developed its own music culture around several genres including alternative rock and grunge.

Is Seattle or Montreal Better for Beaches?

Seattle is very good for the beach. However, Montreal is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Seattle to enjoy the beach. The city is surrounded by water so there are a number of rocky and sandy beaches nearby. Some beaches are more popular with locals while others attract a large amount of tourists. Alki Beach Park, Discovery Park, and Golden Gardens Park are among the best.

Montreal is not a beach destination.

Is Seattle or Montreal Better for its Old Town?

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

Many visitors go to Montreal to see the historical old town. 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.

Seattle does not have a historic old town.

Is Seattle or Montreal Better for Hiking?

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

Many visitors go to Seattle for the hiking trails. It's famously an outdoorsy city and the hiking will not disappoint. Within a half hour drive of town you'll find beautiful forests and stunning natural beauty. Head into the Cascades, to the coastal rainforests, or around Mount Rainier for all kinds of diverse landscapes. Seattle is well situated for you to experience hiking through the diverse Pacific Northwest landscapes.

Montreal is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Seattle or Montreal?

Montreal is renowned for its shopping areas. Also, Seattle 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Seattle. Shopping in town has an eclectic mix of high end brands, local vendors, and vintage shops. There are farmers markets as well as the famous Pike Place Market, but also major malls with all of the standard department stores.

Is Seattle or Montreal More Beautiful?

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

Seattle offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Set against the backdrop of Mt. Rainier, the city has both natural and architectural beauty. It's also beautifully situated on the water with lots of parks and vegetation throughout.

Montreal is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Seattle or Montreal Better for Families?

Montreal is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Seattle 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.

Seattle is a family-friendly city. This is an outdoor city with plenty of places where kids can run around and experience nature. There are several good museums as well as outdoor activities, parks, and a zoo. Make sure you check out the Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture, Volunteer Park, and Artists at Play Playground.

Is Seattle or Montreal Better for Couples?

Montreal is notable for couples. Also, Seattle 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.

Seattle is a nice destination for couples. The city has a laid back vibe, a nice downtown area, and plenty of outdoor activities. There are a diversity of restaurants to enjoy and a great nightlife scene that makes for a good couple's getaway.

Is Seattle or Montreal Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Seattle and Montreal are nice destinations for backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Seattle. Although it's not the most popular city for backpackers in America, the city's chill vibe, fun breweries, and lively setting make it a great spot for young backpackers.

Montreal is a good city to visit for backpackers. 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 Seattle or Montreal Better for Students?

Montreal is renowned for students. Also, Seattle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

Montreal is a great destination 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.

Students come from all over to stay in Seattle. It is a major IT center with a large university, so international students will have plenty of opportunities here. It's also a vibrant city with many outdoor recreational opportunities and a fun nightlife scene.

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

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

Montreal offers a very effecient public transportation network. There's an efficient and reliable metro and bus system.

Seattle has some public transit options. There is a light rail system, a monorail, a street car, and buses.

Is Seattle or Montreal a more walkable city?

Seattle and Montreal both are excellent when exploring on foot.

Seattle is a very walkable destination. Many neighborhoods are very walkable, particularly in the downtown and major tourist areas.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Montreal or Seattle?

How long in Seattle or Montreal?

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

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

Seattle is a big city with plenty to do. 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.

In Montreal, you'll find shopping and museums. 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 Seattle or Montreal?

Seattle 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 Seattle, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

In Montreal, you'll find museums and nightlife. 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 Seattle or Montreal?

Seattle 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 Seattle or Montreal?

Seattle 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.

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 Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, The Best Walking Tours 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 Seattle and Montreal, we can see that Seattle 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 Seattle Expensive? and Is Montreal Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Seattle or Montreal?

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

The summer brings many poeple to Seattle as well as Montreal. Most visitors come to Seattle for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Montreal because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Seattle is around the same temperature as Montreal in the summer. The daily temperature in Seattle averages around 67°F (19°C) in July, and Montreal fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Montreal. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Seattle this time of the year. In the summer, Seattle often gets more sunshine than Montreal. Seattle gets 313 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montreal receives 276 hours of full sun.

Seattle usually gets less rain in July than Montreal. Seattle gets 0.9 inches (22 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 91 mm (3.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Seattle or Montreal in the Autumn?

Both Montreal and Seattle are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Seattle because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene are the main draw to Montreal this time of year.

In the autumn, Seattle is much warmer than Montreal. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Seattle in October average around 54°F (12°C), and Montreal averages at about 8°C (47°F).

Seattle usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Montreal during autumn. Seattle gets 143 hours of sunny skies, while Montreal receives 141 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Seattle usually receives around the same amount of rain as Montreal. Seattle gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Seattle or Montreal in the Winter?

Both Montreal and Seattle during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine are the main draw to Seattle this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Montreal for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Montreal. In January, Seattle is generally much warmer than Montreal. Daily temperatures in Seattle average around 42°F (5°C), and Montreal fluctuates around -10°C (14°F).

In the winter, Seattle often gets less sunshine than Montreal. Seattle gets 67 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montreal receives 103 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Seattle. Seattle usually gets more rain in January than Montreal. Seattle gets 5.4 inches (136 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Seattle or Montreal in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Seattle and Montreal. Many travelers come to Seattle for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Montreal in the spring for the activities around the city.

Seattle is much warmer than Montreal in the spring. The daily temperature in Seattle averages around 51°F (11°C) in April, and Montreal fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

In Seattle, it's very sunny this time of the year. Seattle usually receives more sunshine than Montreal during spring. Seattle gets 212 hours of sunny skies, while Montreal receives 183 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Seattle usually receives less rain than Montreal. Seattle gets 2.5 inches (64 mm) of rain, while Montreal receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Montreal and Seattle