A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Asheville vs. Kamloops for Food, Nightlife, Hiking, and Families

Should you visit Asheville or Kamloops?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Asheville and Kamloops. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Asheville

Asheville is a outdoorsy, progressive, and open-minded mountain town. Asheville is a beautiful place to visit, too. This destination also has one of those special and quaint feelings. Visitors also love the nightlife, live music, and food. See Asheville travel costs.

Kamloops

Kamloops is a nature-filled, laid-back, and outdoorsy city. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and hiking. See Kamloops travel costs.

Asheville and Kamloops: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Nice resorts
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for hiking
  • Popular at Christmas
  • Known for Christmas markets
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Asheville or Kamloops?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Asheville. Although Asheville and Kamloops are roughly the same size, Asheville has more sights and attractions for tourists. Asheville is better known for its food, nightlife, music, resorts, historical sights, hiking, shopping, christmas markets, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Kamloops is more popular for its skiing and museums and attractions. Asheville is more touristy than Kamloops and is popular for its fall foliage, artsy downtown, and local North Carolina barbecue. Also, Asheville is famous for The Biltmore Estate. Kamloops is well known for its hiking trails, bike paths, and golf courses.

How is Asheville different from Kamloops?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Asheville or Kamloops Better for Skiing?

Asheville
Kamloops

Kamloops is well known for winter skiing. However, Asheville is not a skiing destination.

People head to Kamloops specifically to take advantage of the area's skiing and winter sports. 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.

Asheville is not a skiing destination.


Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Asheville or Kamloops?

Asheville
Kamloops

Kamloops is a city with a few options for its museums and landmarks. However, Asheville does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Asheville does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Asheville or Kamloops? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Asheville
Kamloops

Asheville is an excellent place to visit for its restaurants. Also, Kamloops is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Asheville has a huge number of terrific restaurants. Downtown Asheville is filled with local restaurants that serve everything from brunch to late night snacks. There are many vegan and vegetarian options as well as a number of international restaurants. Popular local dishes include North Carolina barbeque and country ham biscuits.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Kamloops area. You'll find restaurants that range from casual to fine dining. There are also international options like Jamaican, Indian, or Chinese.

Is Asheville or Kamloops Better for Nightlife?

Asheville
Kamloops

Asheville is an excellent place to visit for nightlife and partying. Also, Kamloops is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

Asheville has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The city has a fun and eclectic nightlife scene that centers around the city's breweries and live music venues.

Kamloops has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. You'll find pubs, bars, breweries and night clubs around town that range in personality and style.


Is Asheville or Kamloops Better for Music?

Asheville
Kamloops

Asheville is an excellent place to visit for its live music scene. However, Kamloops is not a live music destination.

Whether you like big venues or smaller artists, Asheville has diverse options. The city has grown into a world famous music destination that holds true to its mountain roots and independent artists.

Kamloops is not a live music destination.

Is Asheville or Kamloops Better for Resorts?

Asheville
Kamloops

Asheville is a mountain town with good options for its luxury resorts. However, Kamloops is not a resort destination.

With a selection of resorts, Asheville makes a nice vacation spot. The most famous resorts in the area are the Biltmore Estate and the Grove Park Inn. Both offer luxury restaurants and beautiful grounds that are particularly nice during the holidays.

Kamloops is not a resort destination.

Is Asheville or Kamloops Better for its Old Town?

Asheville
Kamloops

Asheville is a decent place to visit for its old town. However, Kamloops does not have a historic old town.

You can check out the historic old town in Asheville. Downtown Asheville maintains much of its historic vibe, but it's smaller than some of the more notable old cities around the country.

Kamloops does not have a historic old town.


Is Asheville or Kamloops Better for Hiking?

Asheville
Kamloops

Asheville 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 Asheville. Just outside of town are many great hikes to waterfalls or through the mountains. The hikes range in skill level and length but many pass through local forests or along the beautiful skyline.

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 Asheville or Kamloops?

Asheville
Kamloops

Asheville is an excellent place to visit for its shopping opportunities. Also, Kamloops is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Asheville is well-known for its shopping. The city has many local shops that sell local crafts and independent art. The downtown area is filled with art vendors and you'll find the greatest concentration of shopping along the pedestrian-friendly Lexington Avenue.

Many visitors go to Kamloops to go shopping. 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.

Is Asheville or Kamloops More Beautiful?

Asheville
Kamloops

Asheville is a mountain town with good options for its scenery and beauty. However, Kamloops is not a destination known for its beauty.

Asheville is a beautiful place to visit, too. With the surrounding mountains and the charming town, the area is filled with natural beauty.

Kamloops is not a destination known for its beauty.


Is Asheville or Kamloops Better for Families?

Asheville
Kamloops

Both Asheville and Kamloops are very good family-friendly destinations.

Asheville is a very kid-friendly mountain town. With its beautiful hiking, interesting nature centers, and outdoor adventure activities, this mountain town makes a great kid-friendly destination. There are outdoor adventure parks where kids can zipline or climb. There are also hands on farms and orchards for fruit-picking.

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

Asheville
Kamloops

Asheville is an excellent place to visit for its romantic activities. Also, Kamloops is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Asheville makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples enjoy exploring the beautiful Biltmore Estates or visiting the spa at the Grove Park Inn. The quaint town makes a great honeymoon destination or a nice romantic getaway. There are luxury hotels or intimate bed and breakfasts that offer different options for couples on a romantic trip.

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

Is Asheville or Kamloops Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Asheville
Kamloops

Asheville is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Kamloops is lacking in options for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Asheville. The town has an eclectic vibe that backpackers appreciate. There are a few good hostels around town as well as nearby campgrounds that are perfect for budget travelers or hikers.

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 Asheville or Kamloops Better for Students?

Asheville
Kamloops

Asheville is an excellent place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Kamloops is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in Asheville. With its progressive personality and charming downtown, students enjoy spending time in this great town.

Kamloops is not popular with students.

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

Asheville
Kamloops

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Asheville and Kamloops.

Public transit is generally limited in Asheville. There are buses around town, but almost everyone gets around by using their own vehicle. In particular, if you plan to hike or explore the Blue Ridge Mountains, you'll need a car. Many of the downtown hotels offer shuttle buses to the Biltmore area.

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

Is Asheville or Kamloops a more walkable city?

Asheville
Kamloops

Asheville is a mountain town with good options for its high level of walkability. However, Kamloops is lacking in options for its ease of walking around.

Asheville is a somewhat walkable place. If you stay downtown and don't plan to explore the outlying areas, then it's possible to reach restaurants and shops on foot. Otherwise, you'll need a car.

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


For even more information, also check out Is Asheville Worth Visiting? and Is Kamloops Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Kamloops or Asheville?

How long in Asheville or Kamloops?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Asheville 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 Asheville.


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

One day in Asheville or Kamloops?

The mountain town of Asheville offers live music and food. 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.

You'll find food and shopping around the city of Kamloops. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Kamloops has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Asheville or Kamloops?

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

You'll find shopping and skiing around the nature-filled destination of Kamloops. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.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 Asheville or Kamloops?

Asheville 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.

Travelers enjoy the skiing and nightlife when visiting the nature-filled city of Kamloops. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


A week in Asheville or Kamloops?

Asheville 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 mountain town offers something for everyone.

Kamloops is a popular choice for travelers. 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 Photography Tours in United States of America, The Best Camping Tours in United States of America, The Best Train & Rail Tours in Canada, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Canada.


Which place is cheaper, Kamloops or Asheville?

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

  • Asheville Prices
    USA Prices
    Kamloops Prices
    Canada Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Asheville $159
    Kamloops $99

The average daily cost (per person) in Asheville is $159, 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 Asheville and Kamloops in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Asheville $89
    Kamloops $44
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Asheville $178
    Kamloops $88
Compare Hotels in Asheville and Kamloops

Looking for a hotel in Asheville 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 Asheville


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: Asheville Hotel Prices and Kamloops Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Asheville $14
    Kamloops $20

Is it cheaper to fly into Asheville or Kamloops?

Prices for flights to both Kamloops and Asheville 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
    Asheville $58
    Kamloops $41

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.
    Asheville $20
    Kamloops $13
Typical Entertainment Prices in Asheville

Here are a few typical costs in Asheville for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Biltmore Estate Entrance Fee
    $60
  • Massage
    $40

Tours and Activities in Asheville

Here are a few actual costs in Asheville for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Explore Asheville on Segway Tours: $65
  • 2.5-3 HR Guided Scenic UTV Adventure: $175
  • 2.5-3 hour Smoky Mountain Cherokee Blue Ridge Parkway Safari tour: $130
  • 3 - 3.5 HR Smoky Mtn. Cherokee Eco Elk Safari Jeep Adventure : $150
  • 3-3.5 HR UTV ECO Elk Wilderness Adventure : $250
  • Asheville Ghost Tour: A Walk Through Riverside Cemetery & Montford Neighborhood: $27
  • Asheville Historic Downtown Guided Electric Bike Tour with Scenic Views: $75
  • Asheville Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Trolley Tour: $41
  • Asheville Insider Guided Walking Tour: $35
  • Asheville Night-Time Walking Ghost Tour : $27
  • Asheville Sightseeing and Party Tour: $94
  • Blue Ridge Parkway Guided Jeep Tour: $109

Tours and Activities in Kamloops

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

  • Smartphone Audio Driving Tour between Kamloops & Revelstoke: $8.07
  • Smartphone Audio Driving Tour between Kamloops and Vancouver: $8.08
  • Scenic Kamloops Self Guided Audio Driving Tour to Lake Louise : $12
  • BC Wildlife Park Entry Ticket: $14
  • Skip the Line: Kamloops BC Wildlife Park Admission Ticket: $15
  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Kamloops by Zombie Scavengers: $21

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Asheville $16
    Kamloops $6.77

Sample the Local Flavors in Asheville

Also in Asheville, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Asheville Bar Crawl: $15
  • Asheville Terrors Boos and Brews Haunted Pub Crawl: $36
  • Downtown Asheville Guided Brewery Walking Tour: $69
  • Premier Walking Guided Brewery Tour Through Downtown Asheville: $69
  • Bachelorette Royal Bar Crawl through South Slope District: $80
  • Floating Bar Crawl Tour: $85
  • Asheville Brewery Tour: $94
  • 2 Vineyard Wine Tour of Western NC: $159
  • Private Wine Tour with Dine in Black Mountain from Asheville: $230
  • Three Vineyards Half Day Private Wine Tour From Asheville: $260


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Asheville and Kamloops, we can see that Asheville 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 Asheville would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Asheville 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 Asheville Expensive? and Is Kamloops Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Asheville or Kamloops?

Asheville has a larger population, and is about 0% larger than the population of Kamloops. When comparing the sizes of Asheville and Kamloops, 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 Asheville or Kamloops?

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 Asheville or Kamloops in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Asheville as well as Kamloops. Most visitors come to Asheville for the hiking, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Kamloops because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

Asheville is a little warmer than Kamloops in the summer. The daily temperature in Asheville averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Kamloops fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

Asheville receives a lot of rain in the summer. Asheville usually gets more rain in July than Kamloops. Asheville gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Kamloops receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Asheville 82°F (28°C) 
    Kamloops 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Asheville or Kamloops in the Autumn?

Both Kamloops and Asheville are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Asheville because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the hiking trails and the shopping scene are the main draw to Kamloops this time of year.

In the autumn, Asheville is much warmer than Kamloops. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Asheville in October average around 64°F (18°C), and Kamloops averages at about 11°C (51°F).

In October, Asheville usually receives more rain than Kamloops. Asheville gets 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain, while Kamloops receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Asheville 64°F (18°C) 
    Kamloops 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Asheville or Kamloops in the Winter?

Both Kamloops and Asheville during the winter are popular places to visit. The Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Asheville this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Kamloops for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Kamloops. In January, Asheville is generally much warmer than Kamloops. Daily temperatures in Asheville average around 44°F (7°C), and Kamloops fluctuates around -3°C (27°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Asheville. Asheville usually gets more rain in January than Kamloops. Asheville gets 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain, while Kamloops receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Asheville 44°F (7°C) 
    Kamloops -3°C (27°F)

Should I visit Asheville or Kamloops in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Asheville and Kamloops. Many travelers come to Asheville for the natural beauty.

Asheville is much warmer than Kamloops in the spring. The daily temperature in Asheville averages around 64°F (18°C) in April, and Kamloops fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

Asheville gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Asheville usually receives more rain than Kamloops. Asheville gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Kamloops receives 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Asheville 64°F (18°C) 
    Kamloops 12°C (53°F)

Typical Weather for Kamloops and Asheville

Asheville Kamloops
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 44°F (7°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm) -3°C (27°F) 26 mm (1 in)
Feb 47°F (8°C) 4.3 inches (109 mm) 2°C (35°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Mar 55°F (13°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm) 7°C (44°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Apr 64°F (18°C) 4.4 inches (112 mm) 12°C (53°F) 15 mm (0.6 in)
May 71°F (22°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm) 16°C (61°F) 22 mm (0.9 in)
Jun 79°F (26°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm) 21°C (69°F) 29 mm (1.1 in)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm) 23°C (73°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Aug 81°F (27°C) 4.6 inches (118 mm) 23°C (73°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Sep 75°F (24°C) 4 inches (101 mm) 17°C (63°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Oct 64°F (18°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm) 11°C (51°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Nov 55°F (13°C) 3.2 inches (81 mm) 4°C (39°F) 22 mm (0.9 in)
Dec 47°F (8°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm) -1°C (30°F) 33 mm (1.3 in)