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

Should you visit Boulder 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 Boulder 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.

Boulder

Boulder is a outdoorsy, nature-filled, and biker-friendly city. Boulder is a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the nightlife, live music, and food. See Boulder travel costs.

Kamloops

Kamloops is a nature-filled, laid-back, and outdoorsy city. Visitors also love the nightlife, food, and hiking. See Kamloops travel costs.

Boulder and Kamloops: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Boulder or Kamloops?

You'll generally find more things to do in Boulder than Kamloops. Boulder is bigger than Kamloops, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Boulder is better known for its music, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Kamloops is more popular for its skiing. Boulder is more touristy than Kamloops and is known for its outdoor sports, biker-friendly downtown, vibrant downtown, and many local breweries. Also, Boulder is famous for The Flatirons. Kamloops is well known for its hiking trails, bike paths, and golf courses.

How is Boulder different from Kamloops?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Boulder or Kamloops Better for Skiing?

Kamloops is a great city for skiing. However, Boulder is not known for snow skiing.

Visitors travel far to experience snow skiing in Kamloops. 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.

While in the area, visitors like to go to Boulder for snow skiing. The town offers access within an hour or two to several great ski resorts including Eldora Mountain, Vail, and Breckenridge.

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

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Boulder and Kamloops.

While most people don't head to Boulder specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. Most people visit Boulder for the outdoor activities more than the museums and sights. If have the time you can wander around the University of Colorado Boulder campus, visit the Museum of Boulder, or see the Leanin' Tree Museum of Western Art.

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 Boulder or Kamloops? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dining out at restaurants in both Boulder and Kamloops can be an enjoyable experience.

Boulder has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. This is an often overlooked foodie town, with great farmer's markets and restaurants to try. There are many casual places to eat as well as vegetarian and vegan friendly options everywhere.

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 Boulder or Kamloops Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find notable options in both Boulder and Kamloops.

If you're looking for night time activities Boulder has a few options to choose from. The town has breweries, craft beer, and plenty to do in the evening. Live music is popular and many venues are smaller with a more personal atmosphere. Check out The Bitter Bar or License No. 1 for a local vibe.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Kamloops. You'll find pubs, bars, breweries and night clubs around town that range in personality and style.

Is Boulder or Kamloops Better for Music?

Boulder is a city with good options for its live music scene. However, Kamloops is not a live music destination.

You'll find some good live music in Boulder. During the summer months there are often outdoor concerts. Head to Pearl Street for open air stages or see a concert at Boulder Theater.

Kamloops is not a live music destination.

Is Boulder or Kamloops Better for Hiking?

Boulder 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 Boulder. There are many accessible hikes in the area that take you through the mountains, by wildflowers, or up mountain peaks. Popular hikes that are nearby include the Bear Peak Summit Hike, the trails in Eldorado Canyon State Park, and Boulder Falls.

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 Boulder or Kamloops?

If you're looking to go shopping, Boulder and Kamloops both offer plenty of notable spots.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Boulder. The downtown area has many local retailers where you can shop for clothing, art, or home goods. You can also pick up outdoor gear, camping equipment, and any other items you may need in town. Make sure you wander down the pedestrian-friendly Pearl Street Mall.

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 Boulder or Kamloops More Beautiful?

Boulder is a city with good options for its scenery and beauty. However, Kamloops is not a destination known for its beauty.

Boulder is a beautiful place to visit, too. The city is surrounded by beautiful mountains and breathtaking landscapes. Many people move here specifically for the surrounding natural beauty.

Kamloops is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Boulder or Kamloops Better for Families?

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

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Kamloops is very family-friendly. 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.

Boulder is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has parks, playgrounds, a planetarium, and climbing gyms that are fun for kids of all ages. There are plenty places to get outdoors with hiking, kayaking, and other outdoor recreational activities. Eldorado Canyon State Park is a great place to explore as well.

Is Boulder or Kamloops Better for Couples?

Boulder and Kamloops both notable destinations for a couple.

Boulder makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. This is a great city for couples who love outdoor adventures, hiking, rock climbing, and cycling. You can wander down Pearl Street or go for a bike ride. There are also great restaurants where you can enjoy a meal and then head to Panorama Point to take in the view.

Kamloops is a good city 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 Boulder or Kamloops Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Boulder is a city with good options for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Kamloops is lacking in options for backpackers.

Boulder is a good city to visit for backpackers. There are a number of backcountry areas in the region that are perfect for backpackers. The city also has a young population and several affordable places to stay.

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 Boulder or Kamloops Better for Students?

Boulder 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 Boulder. With the University of Colorado, Boulder in town, this city is a popular spot for students. It's an outdoor enthusiast's perfect base with many outdoor recreational activities in the area.

Kamloops is not popular with students.

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

Boulder and Kamloops both offer respectable public transit to get you around.

Public transit is mostly limited in Boulder. There are buses that run around town, but you really need a car to fully experience everything that the city has to offer.

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

Is Boulder or Kamloops a more walkable city?

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

Boulder is a somewhat walkable place. The city has some nice walkable areas and it is very bike-friendly.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Kamloops or Boulder?

How long in Boulder or Kamloops?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Boulder or Kamloops to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Boulder 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 Boulder, and 1-2 days is enough time in Kamloops.

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

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

One day in Boulder or Kamloops?

The city of Boulder 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.

In Kamloops, you'll find skiing and nightlife. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Boulder or Kamloops?

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

In Kamloops, you'll find nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Kamloops has to offer.

Five days in Boulder or Kamloops?

Boulder 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.

Kamloops is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Boulder or Kamloops?

Boulder 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 Kamloops. Many people enjoy the shopping and skiing when visiting Kamloops. 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 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.

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

Which is Bigger, Boulder or Kamloops?

Boulder has a larger population, and is about 33% larger than the population of Kamloops. When comparing the sizes of Boulder 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.