A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Columbia River Gorge vs. Kamloops for Food, Hiking, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Columbia River Gorge or Kamloops?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Columbia River Gorge 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.

Columbia River Gorge

Columbia River Gorge is a natural, beautiful, and scenic region. The beauty of Columbia River Gorge is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food, hiking, and shopping. See Columbia River Gorge 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.

Columbia River Gorge and Kamloops: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Columbia River Gorge or Kamloops?

Both Kamloops and Columbia River Gorge have plenty of things to do for travelers. Both provide a wide variety of sights and activities for tourists. Columbia River Gorge is very popular for its food, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Kamloops attracts visitors for its skiing. Columbia River Gorge is more touristy than Kamloops and is popular for its hiking, biking, and high number of waterfalls. Kamloops is famous for its hiking trails, bike paths, and golf courses.

How is Columbia River Gorge different from Kamloops?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Columbia River Gorge or Kamloops Better for Skiing?

Kamloops is a well-known place for snow skiing. However, Columbia River Gorge 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.

Columbia River Gorge is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Columbia River Gorge or Kamloops?

Both Columbia River Gorge and Kamloops have reasonable landmarks and museums for visitors.

Columbia River Gorge offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. There are a couple of local museums in the area, but most visitors spend their time exploring the region's natural beauty.

While most people don't head to Kamloops specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. There are a couple of museums in the area that highlight the local culture and the region's heritage.

Is the Food Better in Columbia River Gorge or Kamloops? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Columbia River Gorge has a huge number of terrific restaurants. You'll find many great restaurants in the area that serve local dishes that make use of the region's agricultural scene.

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 Columbia River Gorge or Kamloops Better for Nightlife?

Both Columbia River Gorge and Kamloops are nice when it comes to partying.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Columbia River Gorge. Local breweries, wineries, and bars offer a relaxing setting with a local vibe.

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.

Is Columbia River Gorge or Kamloops Better for Hiking?

Columbia River Gorge 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 Columbia River Gorge. There are world-class hikes that take you to iconic waterfalls, breathtaking viewpoints, and along scenic waterways.

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 Columbia River Gorge or Kamloops?

Both Columbia River Gorge and Kamloops are nice shopping destinations.

Columbia River Gorge is a great destination for shopping. Art galleries feature local artwork and artisan crafts. There are photography shops and other venues that sell items highlighting the region's beauty.

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 Columbia River Gorge or Kamloops More Beautiful?

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

The beauty of Columbia River Gorge is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Impressive waterfalls and breathtaking mountain vistas make this a truly beautiful place to visit.

Kamloops is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Columbia River Gorge or Kamloops Better for Families?

Columbia River Gorge and Kamloops are both high quality destinations for the whole family.

Columbia River Gorge is a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will love exploring the waterfalls and mountains as much as the adults do. There are kid-friendly hikes as well as bakeries and restaurants with many kid options.

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 Columbia River Gorge or Kamloops Better for Couples?

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

Columbia River Gorge makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples will love the romantic hikes and waterfalls. There are also beautiful scenic viewpoints and wonderful restaurants.

Kamloops is a good region 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 Columbia River Gorge or Kamloops Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Many backpackers visit Columbia River Gorge. You'll find hostels and campgrounds in the area that are perfect for backpackers and budget travelers.

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

Both Columbia River Gorge and Kamloops offer reasonable public transit options.

Public transit is generally limited in Columbia River Gorge. There are some buses, but don't rely on them to efficiently explore.

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

Is Columbia River Gorge or Kamloops a more walkable city?

Kamloops is a moderate city for its walkability. However, Columbia River Gorge is not a good region for its high level of walkability.

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

Columbia River Gorge is not a very walkable region. You really need a car to explore the area, but some visitors rely on a bike.

For even more information, also check out Is Columbia River Gorge Worth Visiting? and Is Kamloops Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Kamloops or Columbia River Gorge?

How long in Columbia River Gorge or Kamloops?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Columbia River Gorge 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 Columbia River Gorge.

One day in Columbia River Gorge or Kamloops?

The beautiful region of Columbia River Gorge offers nightlife 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.

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 Columbia River Gorge or Kamloops?

Columbia River Gorge is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this region 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 Columbia River Gorge, 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 Columbia River Gorge or Kamloops?

Columbia River Gorge 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 Columbia River Gorge or Kamloops?

Columbia River Gorge 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 region offers something for everyone.

The laid-back 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.

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

Which is Bigger, Columbia River Gorge or Kamloops?

Kamloops has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Columbia River Gorge. When comparing the sizes of Columbia River Gorge 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 Columbia River Gorge 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 Columbia River Gorge or Kamloops in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Columbia River Gorge is cooler than Kamloops. Typically, the summer temperatures in Columbia River Gorge in July average around 68°F (20°C), and Kamloops averages at about 23°C (73°F).

Columbia River Gorge usually gets less rain in July than Kamloops. Columbia River Gorge gets 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain, while Kamloops receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Columbia River Gorge or Kamloops in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Columbia River Gorge and Kamloops. Many travelers come to Columbia River Gorge for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, many visitors come to Kamloops in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In October, Columbia River Gorge is generally a little warmer than Kamloops. Daily temperatures in Columbia River Gorge average around 55°F (13°C), and Kamloops fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In October, Columbia River Gorge usually receives more rain than Kamloops. Columbia River Gorge gets 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain, while Kamloops receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Columbia River Gorge or Kamloops in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Columbia River Gorge as well as Kamloops. Many visitors come to Columbia River Gorge in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, 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. Columbia River Gorge can get quite cold in the winter. Columbia River Gorge is much warmer than Kamloops in the winter. The daily temperature in Columbia River Gorge averages around 40°F (4°C) in January, and Kamloops fluctuates around -3°C (27°F).

Columbia River Gorge receives a lot of rain in the winter. Columbia River Gorge usually gets more rain in January than Kamloops. Columbia River Gorge gets 5.2 inches (132 mm) of rain, while Kamloops receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Columbia River Gorge or Kamloops in the Spring?

Both Kamloops and Columbia River Gorge are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Columbia River Gorge for the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Columbia River Gorge is around the same temperature as Kamloops. Typically, the spring temperatures in Columbia River Gorge in April average around 51°F (11°C), and Kamloops averages at about 12°C (53°F).

In April, Columbia River Gorge usually receives more rain than Kamloops. Columbia River Gorge gets 2.4 inches (61 mm) of rain, while Kamloops receives 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Kamloops and Columbia River Gorge