A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Cherokee vs. Kamloops for Hiking, Families, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Cherokee or Kamloops?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Cherokee 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.

Cherokee

Cherokee is a genuine, fascinating, and cultural town. Visitors also love the hiking, shopping, and museums. See Cherokee travel costs.

Kamloops

Kamloops is a outdoorsy, nature-filled, and laid-back city. It's also known for shopping, skiing, and nightlife. See Kamloops travel costs.

Cherokee and Kamloops: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • 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 Cherokee or Kamloops?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Kamloops. Although Cherokee and Kamloops are popular destinations, Kamloops has more sights and attractions for tourists. Kamloops is very popular for its skiing and nightlife, while Cherokee attracts visitors for its museums and attractions and hiking. Cherokee is more touristy than Kamloops and is popular for its cultural experiences and nearby hiking trails. Kamloops is famous for its hiking trails, bike paths, and golf courses. It is also well known for Sun Peaks Resort.

How is Cherokee different from Kamloops?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Cherokee or Kamloops Better for Skiing?

Cherokee
Kamloops

Kamloops is notable for snow skiing. However, Cherokee is not a skiing destination.

Kamloops is an extremely popular place for snow skiing and other 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.

Cherokee is not a skiing destination.


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

Cherokee
Kamloops

Cherokee is a town with good options for its museums and history. However, Kamloops is lacking in options for its museums and landmarks.

Cherokee offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Many of the museums educate visitors on the Native American culture. Oconaluftee Indian Village, the Museum of the Cherokee People, and the Mountain Farm Museum each offer a unique and interesting perspective.

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 Cherokee or Kamloops? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Cherokee
Kamloops

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Cherokee and Kamloops can be difficult as they are each nice in their own way.

Cherokee offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. There are casual sandwich shops as well as several places that offer traditional Cherokee foods such as fry bread.

Kamloops has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. You'll find restaurants that range from casual to fine dining. There are also international options like Jamaican, Indian, or Chinese.

Is Cherokee or Kamloops Better for Nightlife?

Cherokee
Kamloops

Kamloops is a nice place to visit for nightlife. However, Cherokee is a mediocre town for nightlife and partying.

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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Cherokee. The town is generally quiet but you can head to Harrah's Cherokee Casino for drinks and entertainment.


Is Cherokee or Kamloops Better for Hiking?

Cherokee
Kamloops

Cherokee 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 Cherokee. There are many trails in the area that pass through forests, wander by waterfalls, and take you to spectacular viewpoints. The fall foliage is particularly nice during the autumn months.

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 Cherokee or Kamloops?

Cherokee
Kamloops

Both Cherokee and Kamloops are nice shopping destinations.

Cherokee is a great destination for shopping. There are craft shops and artisan vendors in the downtown area. It's fun to wander around for a few hours.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Kamloops. 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 Cherokee or Kamloops Better for Families?

Cherokee
Kamloops

Cherokee and Kamloops are both high quality destinations for the whole family.

Cherokee is a very family-friendly place to visit. It's proximity to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park make this a fun destination for families. There are countless outdoor adventure activities. The town is also filled with Cherokee history and culture, so it offers educational experiences as well.

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.


Is Cherokee or Kamloops Better for Couples?

Cherokee
Kamloops

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

Cherokee makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Nearby there are many outdoor activities and adventure experiences. Couples who enjoy nature and exploring will appreciate a stay here.

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

Cherokee
Kamloops

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

Cherokee is a good town to visit for backpackers. There are several great campgrounds in the area as well as plenty of hiking opportunities.

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

Cherokee
Kamloops

Both Cherokee and Kamloops offer reasonable public transit options.

Public transit is generally limited in Cherokee. There are some bus and shuttle routes, but a private vehicle is important if you want to make the most of your visit.

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


Is Cherokee or Kamloops a more walkable city?

Cherokee
Kamloops

Cherokee and Kamloops both are reasonable when exploring on foot.

Cherokee is generally not very walkable. If you want to explore the area, you'll need a car to reach most places.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Kamloops or Cherokee?

How long in Cherokee or Kamloops?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Cherokee or Kamloops to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Cherokee than Kamloops because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Cherokee, and 1-2 days is enough time in Kamloops.

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

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


  • How many days in Cherokee or Kamloops? Ideal Length of Stay
    Cherokee 2-4 
    Kamloops 1-2

One day in Cherokee or Kamloops?

The town of Cherokee offers food and shopping. 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.

The city of Kamloops offers nightlife and food. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Cherokee or Kamloops?

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

Kamloops 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. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Kamloops, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.


Five days in Cherokee or Kamloops?

Cherokee 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 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.

A week in Cherokee or Kamloops?

Cherokee 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 town offers something for everyone.

Kamloops is a great place to explore. 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.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, The Best Train & Rail Tours in Canada, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Canada.


Which place is cheaper, Kamloops or Cherokee?

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

  • Cherokee Prices
    USA Prices
    Kamloops Prices
    Canada Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Cherokee $186
    Kamloops $99

The average daily cost (per person) in Cherokee is $186, 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 Cherokee and Kamloops in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cherokee $158
    Kamloops $44
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cherokee $316
    Kamloops $88
Compare Hotels in Cherokee and Kamloops

Looking for a hotel in Cherokee 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 Cherokee


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: Cherokee Hotel Prices and Kamloops Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cherokee -
    Kamloops $20

Is it cheaper to fly into Cherokee or Kamloops?

Prices for flights to both Kamloops and Cherokee 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
    Cherokee $27
    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.
    Cherokee -
    Kamloops $13

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: $8.08
  • 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
    Cherokee -
    Kamloops $6.77


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


Which is Bigger, Cherokee or Kamloops?

Kamloops has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Cherokee. When comparing the sizes of Cherokee 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 Cherokee 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 Cherokee or Kamloops in the Summer?

Both Kamloops and Cherokee during the summer are popular places to visit. The hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Cherokee this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Kamloops for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Cherokee is a little warmer than Kamloops. Typically, the summer temperatures in Cherokee in July average around 81°F (27°C), and Kamloops averages at about 23°C (73°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Cherokee. Cherokee usually gets more rain in July than Kamloops. Cherokee gets 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain, while Kamloops receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Cherokee 81°F (27°C) 
    Kamloops 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Cherokee or Kamloops in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Cherokee and Kamloops. Many travelers come to Cherokee for the hiking trails and the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Kamloops in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In October, Cherokee is generally much warmer than Kamloops. Daily temperatures in Cherokee average around 63°F (17°C), and Kamloops fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In October, Cherokee usually receives more rain than Kamloops. Cherokee gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Kamloops receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Cherokee 63°F (17°C) 
    Kamloops 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Cherokee or Kamloops in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Cherokee as well as Kamloops. Many visitors come to Cherokee in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, 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. Cherokee can get quite cold in the winter. Cherokee is much warmer than Kamloops in the winter. The daily temperature in Cherokee averages around 40°F (5°C) in January, and Kamloops fluctuates around -3°C (27°F).

Cherokee receives a lot of rain in the winter. Cherokee usually gets more rain in January than Kamloops. Cherokee gets 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain, while Kamloops receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Cherokee 40°F (5°C) 
    Kamloops -3°C (27°F)

Should I visit Cherokee or Kamloops in the Spring?

Both Kamloops and Cherokee are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities.

In the spring, Cherokee is a little warmer than Kamloops. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cherokee in April average around 62°F (17°C), and Kamloops averages at about 12°C (53°F).

In April, Cherokee usually receives more rain than Kamloops. Cherokee gets 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain, while Kamloops receives 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Cherokee 62°F (17°C) 
    Kamloops 12°C (53°F)

Typical Weather for Kamloops and Cherokee

Cherokee Kamloops
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 40°F (5°C) 4.7 inches (119 mm) -3°C (27°F) 26 mm (1 in)
Feb 44°F (7°C) 4.7 inches (120 mm) 2°C (35°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Mar 54°F (12°C) 4.8 inches (123 mm) 7°C (44°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Apr 62°F (17°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm) 12°C (53°F) 15 mm (0.6 in)
May 70°F (21°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 16°C (61°F) 22 mm (0.9 in)
Jun 78°F (25°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm) 21°C (69°F) 29 mm (1.1 in)
Jul 81°F (27°C) 4.7 inches (119 mm) 23°C (73°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Aug 80°F (27°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 23°C (73°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Sep 74°F (24°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm) 17°C (63°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Oct 63°F (17°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 11°C (51°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Nov 53°F (12°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm) 4°C (39°F) 22 mm (0.9 in)
Dec 44°F (7°C) 4.5 inches (114 mm) -1°C (30°F) 33 mm (1.3 in)