A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Acadia National Park vs. Kamloops for Hiking, Families, Food, and Couples

Should you visit Acadia National Park or Kamloops?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Acadia National Park or Kamloops, 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.

Acadia National Park

Acadia National Park is a beautiful, scenic, and picturesque national park. The beauty of Acadia National Park is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the beaches and hiking. See Acadia National Park travel costs.

Kamloops

Kamloops is a laid-back, outdoorsy, and nature-filled city. It's also popular because of the shopping, skiing, and nightlife. See Kamloops travel costs.

Acadia National Park and Kamloops: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular for shopping
Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Acadia National Park or Kamloops?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Kamloops. Although Acadia National Park and Kamloops are both popular with visitors, Kamloops has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Kamloops is more popular for its skiing, food, nightlife, and shopping, while Acadia National Park is known for its beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Acadia National Park is more touristy than Kamloops and is known for its scenic drives, beautiful fall foliage, and cross country skiing in the winter. Kamloops is popular for its hiking trails, bike paths, and golf courses. It is also home to Sun Peaks Resort.

How is Acadia National Park different from Kamloops?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Acadia National Park or Kamloops Better for Skiing?

Acadia National Park
Kamloops

Kamloops is a very popular place for skiing and snowboarding. However, Acadia National Park is not a skiing destination.

Kamloops draws a large crowd in the winter for its impressive snow skiing opportunities. There's a long ski season that runs from mid-November to mid-April. The region has two major ski resorts - Sun Peaks Resorts and Harper Mountain.

Acadia National Park is not a skiing destination.


Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Acadia National Park or Kamloops?

Acadia National Park
Kamloops

You'll find a number of decent museums and attractions in both Kamloops and Acadia National Park.

While most people don't head to Acadia National Park specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. There are educational centers and Ranger Programs at the visitor centers in the park.

Kamloops offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. There are a couple of museums in the area that highlight the local culture and the region's heritage.

Is the Food Better in Acadia National Park or Kamloops? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Acadia National Park
Kamloops

Kamloops is a nice place to visit for its restaurants. However, Acadia National Park is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

Kamloops is becoming an appealing option for foodies. You'll find restaurants that range from casual to fine dining. There are also international options like Jamaican, Indian, or Chinese.

Acadia National Park offers some easy restaurants to choose from. There's one restaurant in the park, the Jordan Pond House Restaurant, which serves lunch and dinner between mid-May and October. Many visitors prefer to bring their own food and enjoy meals at one of the six picnic areas.

Is Acadia National Park or Kamloops Better for Nightlife?

Acadia National Park
Kamloops

Kamloops is a nice place to visit for its evening party scene. However, Acadia National Park is lacking in good options for nightlife.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Kamloops. You'll find pubs, bars, breweries and night clubs around town that range in personality and style.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Acadia National Park. The park is more about sunsets and stargazing than lively nightlife parties.


Is Acadia National Park or Kamloops Better for Beaches?

Acadia National Park
Kamloops

Acadia National Park is a national park with good options for the beach. However, Kamloops is not a beach destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Acadia National Park. There is one oceanside beach in the park, Sand Beach, as well as two lakefront beaches, Echo Lake Beach and Lake Wood. Many visitors enjoy swimming during the warmer months.

Kamloops is not a beach destination.

Is Acadia National Park or Kamloops Better for Hiking?

Acadia National Park
Kamloops

Acadia National Park is an excellent place to visit for its hiking trails. Also, Kamloops is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Acadia National Park. With 158 miles of hiking trails, this is a favorite activity for visitors to the park. There are diverse habitats that trails pass through including forests, estuaries, and coastal settings.

Kamloops offers some nice hiking trails. The area is filled with hiking trails that pass through grasslands, desert landscapes, and pine forests. There is something for every skill level.

Is the Shopping Better in Acadia National Park or Kamloops?

Acadia National Park
Kamloops

Kamloops is a nice place to visit for its shopping areas. However, Acadia National Park is lacking in good options for shopping.

Kamloops has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Downtown you'll find local boutiques and eclectic shops. You could also head to Aberdeen Mall for all of the major brands and recognizable stores.

Acadia National Park has some shopping areas for those that seek them out. There are several park stores near visitor centers and campgrounds.


Is Acadia National Park or Kamloops More Beautiful?

Acadia National Park
Kamloops

Acadia National Park is an excellent place to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Kamloops is not a destination known for its beauty.

The beauty of Acadia National Park is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. The dramatic ocean views and beautiful hiking trails make this a popular and scenic national park.

Kamloops is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Acadia National Park or Kamloops Better for Families?

Acadia National Park
Kamloops

Acadia National Park and Kamloops are both high quality destinations for the whole family.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Acadia National Park. There are campgrounds and games that kids will enjoy. There are also Ranger Programs and hiking trails that are great for kids of all ages.

Kamloops is a very family-friendly place to visit. There are great parks and outdoor spaces for kids as well as the Deep Creek Tool Museum, Westsyde Centennial Park and Petting Zoo, and Hells Gate Air Tram. You can also take a ride on the Kettle Valley Railway Steam Engine. Animal lovers will enjoy a visit to either Kamloops Wildlife Park or Kangaroo Creek Farm.

Is Acadia National Park or Kamloops Better for Couples?

Acadia National Park
Kamloops

Acadia National Park and Kamloops are both good to visit as a couple.

Acadia National Park is a good national park for couples to visit. The natural beauty and scenic trails make this a romantic destination for couples.

Kamloops is a nice destination for couples. The area is filled with great hikes and nice parks. There are also great restaurants that make for a good date night.


Is Acadia National Park or Kamloops Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Acadia National Park
Kamloops

Acadia National Park is a national park with good options for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Kamloops is lacking in options for backpackers.

Acadia National Park is a good national park to visit for backpackers. There are campgrounds and hiking trails that attracts hikers and backpackers who enjoy the beautiful natural setting.

Kamloops is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's often overlooked by backpackers, but there is a hostel in town.

Is Acadia National Park or Kamloops Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Acadia National Park
Kamloops

Visitors will find decent public transit in both Acadia National Park and Kamloops.

Public transit is mostly limited in Acadia National Park. The Island Explorer Shuttle Bus operates between late June and early October.

Public transit is generally limited in Kamloops. There is a bus system through the city.

Is Acadia National Park or Kamloops a more walkable city?

Acadia National Park
Kamloops

Acadia National Park and Kamloops are decent when it comes to walkability.

Acadia National Park is generally not a very walkable national park. There are countless hiking trails, but having a car allows more efficient access to everything that the park has to offer.

Kamloops is generally not very walkable. The downtown is the most walkable part of town.


For even more information, also check out Is Acadia National Park Worth Visiting? and Is Kamloops Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Kamloops or Acadia National Park?

How long in Acadia National Park or Kamloops?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Acadia National Park or Kamloops to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Acadia National Park than Kamloops because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Acadia National Park, and 1-2 days is enough time in Kamloops.

Families should spend more time in Kamloops than Acadia National Park. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Kamloops, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Kamloops than Acadia National Park. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Kamloops that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Acadia National Park than Kamloops 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 Acadia National Park.


  • How many days in Acadia National Park or Kamloops? Ideal Length of Stay
    Acadia National Park 1-3 
    Kamloops 1-2

One day in Acadia National Park or Kamloops?

The beautiful national park of Acadia National Park offers . 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.

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Kamloops. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Kamloops has to offer.

A weekend in Acadia National Park or Kamloops?

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

Kamloops is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Acadia National Park or Kamloops?

Acadia National Park 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.

Many people visit Kamloops for five days. You'll find shopping and skiing around the city of Kamloops. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.


A week in Acadia National Park or Kamloops?

Acadia National Park 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 national park offers something for everyone.

The nature-filled destination of Kamloops offers skiing and nightlife. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, The Best Train & Rail Tours in Canada, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Canada.


Which place is cheaper, Kamloops or Acadia National Park?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Acadia National Park Prices
    USA Prices
    Kamloops Prices
    Canada Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Acadia National Park $206
    Kamloops $99

The average daily cost (per person) in Acadia National Park is $206, while the average daily cost in Kamloops is $99. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Acadia National Park and Kamloops in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Acadia National Park $96
    Kamloops $44
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Acadia National Park $192
    Kamloops $88
Compare Hotels in Acadia National Park and Kamloops

Looking for a hotel in Acadia National Park or Kamloops? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Acadia National Park


Hotels in Kamloops


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Kamloops Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Acadia National Park $46
    Kamloops $20

Is it cheaper to fly into Acadia National Park or Kamloops?

Prices for flights to both Kamloops and Acadia National Park change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Acadia National Park $78
    Kamloops $41
Typical Food Prices in Acadia National Park

For Acadia National Park, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Lunch for 2
    $32

Typical Food Prices in Kamloops

For Kamloops, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Pastries
    $5.80
  • Lunch for Two
    $25
  • Coffee and Gelato
    $12

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Acadia National Park $33
    Kamloops $13

Tours and Activities in Kamloops

For Kamloops, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • BC Wildlife Park Entry Ticket: $14
  • Scenic Kamloops Self Guided Audio Driving Tour to Lake Louise : $12
  • Skip the Line: Kamloops BC Wildlife Park Admission Ticket: $15
  • Smartphone Audio Driving Tour between Kamloops & Revelstoke: $8.08
  • Smartphone Audio Driving Tour between Kamloops and Vancouver: $8.08
  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Kamloops by Zombie Scavengers: $21

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Acadia National Park $11
    Kamloops $6.77


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Acadia National Park and Kamloops, we can see that Acadia National Park is more expensive. And not only is Kamloops much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Kamloops would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Kamloops 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 Acadia National Park would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Acadia National Park than you might in Kamloops.

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



When is the best time to visit Acadia National Park or Kamloops?

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 Acadia National Park or Kamloops in the Summer?

Both Kamloops and Acadia National Park are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Acadia National Park this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Kamloops for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Acadia National Park is generally cooler than Kamloops. Daily temperatures in Acadia National Park average around 69°F (21°C), and Kamloops fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

In July, Acadia National Park usually receives more rain than Kamloops. Acadia National Park gets 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain, while Kamloops receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Acadia National Park 69°F (21°C) 
    Kamloops 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Acadia National Park or Kamloops in the Autumn?

Both Kamloops and Acadia National Park during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Acadia National Park for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, many visitors come to Kamloops in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

Acadia National Park is cooler than Kamloops in the autumn. The daily temperature in Acadia National Park averages around 48°F (9°C) in October, and Kamloops fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Acadia National Park usually gets more rain in October than Kamloops. Acadia National Park gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Kamloops receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Acadia National Park 48°F (9°C) 
    Kamloops 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Acadia National Park or Kamloops in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Acadia National Park and Kamloops. Many visitors come to Acadia National Park in the winter for the museums and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Kamloops for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Kamloops can be very cold during winter. Acadia National Park can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Acadia National Park is much colder than Kamloops. Typically, the winter temperatures in Acadia National Park in January average around 18°F (-8°C), and Kamloops averages at about -3°C (27°F).

In January, Acadia National Park usually receives more rain than Kamloops. Acadia National Park gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while Kamloops receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Acadia National Park 18°F (-8°C) 
    Kamloops -3°C (27°F)

Should I visit Acadia National Park or Kamloops in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Acadia National Park as well as Kamloops. Most visitors come to Acadia National Park for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Acadia National Park is generally much colder than Kamloops. Daily temperatures in Acadia National Park average around 43°F (6°C), and Kamloops fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

Acadia National Park usually gets more rain in April than Kamloops. Acadia National Park gets 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain, while Kamloops receives 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Acadia National Park 43°F (6°C) 
    Kamloops 12°C (53°F)

Typical Weather for Kamloops and Acadia National Park

Acadia National Park Kamloops
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 18°F (-8°C) 3 inches (77 mm) -3°C (27°F) 26 mm (1 in)
Feb 20°F (-6°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 2°C (35°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Mar 31°F (-1°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm) 7°C (44°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Apr 43°F (6°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm) 12°C (53°F) 15 mm (0.6 in)
May 54°F (12°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm) 16°C (61°F) 22 mm (0.9 in)
Jun 64°F (18°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm) 21°C (69°F) 29 mm (1.1 in)
Jul 69°F (21°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm) 23°C (73°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Aug 67°F (20°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm) 23°C (73°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Sep 59°F (15°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 17°C (63°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Oct 48°F (9°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 11°C (51°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Nov 37°F (3°C) 4.6 inches (116 mm) 4°C (39°F) 22 mm (0.9 in)
Dec 24°F (-5°C) 4 inches (100 mm) -1°C (30°F) 33 mm (1.3 in)