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

Should you visit Aspen or Kamloops?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Aspen and Kamloops 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.

Aspen

Aspen is a charming, quaint, and vibrant ski town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. The beauty of Aspen is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. This destination also has one of those special and quaint feelings. Visitors also love the nightlife, live music, and food. See Aspen travel costs.

Kamloops

Kamloops is a laid-back, outdoorsy, and nature-filled city. Other popular activities here include skiing, nightlife, and food. See Kamloops travel costs.

Aspen and Kamloops: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Aspen or Kamloops?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Aspen. Although Aspen and Kamloops are both popular with visitors, Aspen has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Aspen is more popular for its skiing, food, nightlife, music, resorts, hiking, shopping, christmas markets, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Kamloops is known for its museums and attractions. Aspen is more touristy than Kamloops and is popular for its world-class skiing, many food, film, and music festivals, and its stunning mountain hikes. It is also home to The Maroon Bells. Kamloops is popular for its hiking trails, bike paths, and golf courses.

How is Aspen different from Kamloops?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Aspen or Kamloops Better for Skiing?

Aspen is an amazing ski town to visit for skiing and snowboarding. Also, Kamloops is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for winter skiing.

Visitors will find world class skiing in Aspen. Near the town, there are 4 separate ski resorts. In town you'll find Aspen Mountain, which is known for it's black-diamond runs. Aspen Highlands, a couple miles away, has a mix of slopes and is less crowded. Buttermilk attracts many freestyle skiers and Aspen Snowmass is considered one of the best family-friendly ski areas.

Kamloops is a well-known ski destination which attracts visitors from far and wide. 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.

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

Kamloops is a city with a few options for its museums and landmarks. However, Aspen 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.

Aspen does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Aspen is an amazing ski town to visit for its restaurants. Also, Kamloops is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Many restaurants in Aspen have been singled out for their culinary prowess. The town hosts many food festivals and there is a growing selection of diverse restaurants. In town you'll find cafes and restaurants that cater to both the local crowd and the travelers who flock to the area during peak seasons.

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 Aspen or Kamloops Better for Nightlife?

Aspen 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.

Aspen has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The people in Aspen know how to have a good time. The nightlife scene includes craft beer, live music, and dancing. There's a local vibe, particularly during the off-season times when the tourist crowds are less.

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 Aspen or Kamloops Better for Music?

Aspen 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, Aspen has diverse options. Popular music venues in town include Silver City Mountain Saloon and Belly Up Aspen.

Kamloops is not a live music destination.

Is Aspen or Kamloops Better for Resorts?

Aspen is an excellent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Kamloops is not a resort destination.

In Aspen, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. Popular resorts in the area include The Little Nell, Hotel Jerome, and St. Regis Aspen.

Kamloops is not a resort destination.

Is Aspen or Kamloops Better for Hiking?

Aspen 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 Aspen. During the summer and fall seasons, hiking is a great way to explore Aspen's nearby beauty. Popular trails include the Ute Trail, the Lost Man Trail, and the famous Maroon Bells Scenic Trail.

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 Aspen or Kamloops?

Aspen 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.

Aspen is well-known for its shopping. There are many great local shops and art galleries where you can pick interesting items or fine art.

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 Aspen or Kamloops More Beautiful?

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

The beauty of Aspen is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Surrounded by the mountains and set amongst a beautiful natural setting, this town will take your breath away.

Kamloops is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Aspen or Kamloops Better for Families?

Kamloops is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Aspen is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Kamloops is known to be 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.

Aspen offers lots of family activities. Families that enjoy skiing together, hiking, rock climbing, and having adventures will enjoy a visit to this town. Aspen Mountain is not a great option for beginning skiers, but further away, Aspen Snowmass offers good beginner slopes.

Is Aspen or Kamloops Better for Couples?

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

Aspen makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Aspen is both a popular ski destination as well as an established town. There are many great restaurants and activities that couples can enjoy and the setting is cute and very scenic, making it a beautiful and romantic destination.

Kamloops is a good ski 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 Aspen or Kamloops Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Aspen is a ski town with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, Kamloops is lacking in options for its public transit.

Aspen has some public transit options. There are several shuttle buses around the town.

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

Is Aspen or Kamloops a more walkable city?

Aspen is an excellent place to visit for its high level of walkability. However, Kamloops is lacking in options for its ease of walking around.

Aspen is a very walkable ski town. The town is compact enough that it can be explored on foot. If you're planning to head into the mountains to hike, you'll likely 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 Aspen Worth Visiting? and Is Kamloops Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Kamloops or Aspen?

How long in Aspen or Kamloops?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Aspen or Kamloops to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Aspen than Kamloops because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Aspen, and 1-2 days is enough time in Kamloops.

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

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

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

One day in Aspen or Kamloops?

Aspen is a small town where visitors enjoy the shopping and skiing. 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 Kamloops, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this laid-back destination offers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

A weekend in Aspen or Kamloops?

Aspen is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Kamloops. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Aspen or Kamloops?

Aspen is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Aspen, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Kamloops is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the skiing and nightlife when visiting the destination of Kamloops. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Aspen or Kamloops?

Aspen 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 ski town offers something for everyone.

You'll find nightlife and food around the outdoorsy destination of Kamloops. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. 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 in United States of America, The Best 2-Week 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 Aspen and Kamloops, we can see that Aspen 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 Aspen would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Aspen 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 Aspen Expensive? and Is Kamloops Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Aspen or Kamloops?

Kamloops has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Aspen. When comparing the sizes of Aspen 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.