A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Columbia vs. Kamloops for Families, Attractions, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Columbia or Kamloops?

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

Should I visit Columbia or Kamloops? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Columbia

Columbia is a friendly, welcoming, and suburban city. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Columbia travel costs.

Kamloops

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

Columbia and Kamloops: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Columbia or Kamloops?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Kamloops than Columbia. While Columbia is larger than Kamloops, Kamloops has more sights and attractions for tourists. Kamloops is better known for its skiing, food, and hiking, while Columbia is more popular for its museums and attractions. Kamloops is more touristy than Columbia and is popular for its hiking trails, bike paths, and golf courses. Also, Kamloops is famous for Sun Peaks Resort. Columbia is well known for its southern hospitality and friendly people.

How is Columbia different from Kamloops?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Columbia or Kamloops Better for Skiing?

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

Columbia is not a skiing destination.

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

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

Columbia offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. As the state capital, there are some decent museums around town like the Columbia Museum of Art, the South Carolina Military Museum, the South Carolina State Museum, and the U.S. Army Basic Combat Training Museum.

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 Columbia or Kamloops? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Kamloops is a popular place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Columbia is not a good city for its restaurants.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Kamloops. You'll find restaurants that range from casual to fine dining. There are also international options like Jamaican, Indian, or Chinese.

Columbia may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Barbecue and other southern favorites are among the more local dishes, but the city is also filled with fast food joints and other major chain restaurants.

Is Columbia or Kamloops Better for Nightlife?

Both Columbia and Kamloops are notable when it comes to partying.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Columbia. You'll find live music venues as well as low key bars and more trendy cocktail lounges.

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 or Kamloops Better for Hiking?

Kamloops is a popular place for the nearby hiking options. However, Columbia is not a hiking destination.

Kamloops is a good destination for hiking. The area is filled with hiking trails that pass through grasslands, desert landscapes, and pine forests. There is something for every skill level.

Columbia is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Columbia or Kamloops?

Both Columbia and Kamloops are notable shopping destinations.

Columbia offers some nice shopping areas. You'll find independent and locally owned shops along Devine Street and in the Five Points area. Also interesting are the Vista, which is a warehouse district, and Trenholm Plaza.

Kamloops has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. 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 or Kamloops Better for Families?

Kamloops is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Columbia is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Kamloops is a very kid-friendly city. 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.

Columbia is a family-friendly city. Around town you'll find parks, playgrounds, and kid-friendly restaurants. There's a zoo in the area as well as a nice state park - Sesquicentennial State Park. There's also EdVenture Children's Museum, which is filled with hands-on exhibits.

Is Columbia or Kamloops Better for Couples?

Kamloops is a popular place for its romantic activities. However, Columbia is not a good city for couples.

Kamloops makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The area is filled with great hikes and nice parks. There are also great restaurants that make for a good date night.

Columbia is not always the best place to visit for a couple. You'll find parks to explore and some nice restaurants that make for a good date night.

Is Columbia or Kamloops Better for Students?

Columbia is a city with good options for its student-friendly activities. However, Kamloops is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Columbia. The University of South Carolina, and other nearby colleges all bring in a decent student population.

Kamloops is not popular with students.

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

Both Columbia and Kamloops offer respectable public transit options.

Public transit is generally limited in Columbia. The COMET is the bus system through town, but you really must have your own car to enjoy the city.

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

Is Columbia or Kamloops a more walkable city?

Kamloops is a moderate city for its high level of walkability. However, Columbia is not a good city for its ease of walking around.

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

Columbia is not a very walkable city. It's filled with suburban-style development and is generally very car dependent.

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

Should I spend more time in Kamloops or Columbia?

How long in Columbia or Kamloops?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Columbia or Kamloops to fill your time. In our opinion, Kamloops has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Kamloops than Columbia. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Kamloops than Columbia 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 Kamloops.

One day in Columbia or Kamloops?

The city of Columbia offers nightlife and shopping. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. 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 Columbia or Kamloops?

Columbia 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 Columbia, 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 Columbia or Kamloops?

Columbia 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 Columbia or Kamloops?

Columbia 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.

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 Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, The Best Sightseeing 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 Columbia and Kamloops, we can see that Kamloops is more expensive. And not only is Columbia much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Columbia would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Columbia 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 Kamloops would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Kamloops than you might in Columbia.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Columbia Expensive? and Is Kamloops Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Columbia or Kamloops?

Columbia has a larger population, and is about 69% larger than the population of Kamloops. When comparing the sizes of Columbia 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 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 or Kamloops in the Summer?

Both Kamloops and Columbia during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Columbia in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Kamloops for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

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

It rains a lot this time of the year in Columbia. Columbia usually gets more rain in July than Kamloops. Columbia gets 4.6 inches (116 mm) of rain, while Kamloops receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Columbia or Kamloops in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Columbia and Kamloops. Most visitors come to Columbia for the shopping scene during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Kamloops because of the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

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

In October, Columbia usually receives more rain than Kamloops. Columbia gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Kamloops receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Columbia or Kamloops in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Columbia as well as Kamloops. The winter months attract visitors to Columbia because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Kamloops this time of year.

It's quite cold in Kamloops in the winter. In January, Columbia is generally much warmer than Kamloops. Daily temperatures in Columbia average around 45°F (7°C), and Kamloops fluctuates around -3°C (27°F).

Columbia usually gets more rain in January than Kamloops. Columbia gets 3.7 inches (93 mm) of rain, while Kamloops receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Columbia or Kamloops in the Spring?

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

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

In April, Columbia usually receives more rain than Kamloops. Columbia gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Kamloops receives 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Kamloops and Columbia