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

Should you visit Columbus or Kamloops?

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

Should I visit Columbus 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.

Columbus

Columbus is a friendly, welcoming, and down-to-earth city. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Columbus travel costs.

Kamloops

Kamloops is a outdoorsy, nature-filled, and laid-back city. Other reasons to visit include food, hiking, and shopping. See Kamloops travel costs.

Columbus and Kamloops: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Columbus or Kamloops?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Kamloops than Columbus. While Columbus is larger than Kamloops, Kamloops has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Kamloops is very popular for its skiing, food, and hiking, while Columbus attracts visitors for its museums and attractions. Columbus is famous for its youthful energy and its growing arts scene. Kamloops is famous for its hiking trails, bike paths, and golf courses. It is also well known for Sun Peaks Resort.

How is Columbus different from Kamloops?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Columbus or Kamloops Better for Skiing?

Kamloops is a very popular place for skiing and snowboarding. However, Columbus is not a skiing destination.

Kamloops offers world-class skiing that is fun for everyone. 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.

Columbus is not a skiing destination.

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

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

Columbus offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Popular museums around town include the Center of Science and Technology, the Franklin Park Conservatory, the Columbus Museum of Art, and the Ohio History Center.

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 Columbus or Kamloops? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Kamloops is a popular place for its restaurants. However, Columbus is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Kamloops. You'll find restaurants that range from casual to fine dining. There are also international options like Jamaican, Indian, or Chinese.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Columbus. Hearty and heavy comfort food is the mainstay in this town. There's pizza, casseroles, sausage, and milkshakes around town.

Is Columbus or Kamloops Better for Nightlife?

The nice nightlife scene is relatively similar in Columbus and Kamloops.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Columbus. The live music scene is growing. There are also a growing number of breweries around town.

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 Columbus or Kamloops Better for Hiking?

Kamloops is a popular place for its hiking trails. However, Columbus 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.

Columbus is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Columbus or Kamloops?

Shoppers can find a variety of nice stores in both Columbus and Kamloops.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Columbus. In addition to the standard shopping malls and retail outlets, there are some interesting shops in the Short North Arts District, German Village, and Easton Town Center.

Kamloops offers some nice shopping areas. 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 Columbus or Kamloops Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Columbus or Kamloops.

Columbus is a very family-friendly destination. The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is a highlight for many families. Right by it is the Zoombezi Bay Waterpark. For hands-on science-based activities check out the Center of Science and Industry. Kids will also love the Legoland Discovery Center or the Anthony-Thomas Candy Factory. There are also many outdoor parks, greenways, and playgrounds to visit.

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.

Is Columbus or Kamloops Better for Couples?

Kamloops is a popular place for romance. However, Columbus is lacking in good options for its romantic activities.

Kamloops is a nice destination for couples. The area is filled with great hikes and nice parks. There are also great restaurants that make for a good date night.

Most people don't think of Columbus as a couple's destination. You'll find restaurants and music venues that make for a nice date night. There are also wine tours and other entertainment options.

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

Visitors will find reasonable public transit in both Columbus and Kamloops.

Public transit is mostly limited in Columbus. While there's a bus system, you'll really want to have a vehicle to get around town efficiently.

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

Is Columbus or Kamloops a more walkable city?

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

Columbus is a somewhat walkable place. The older neighborhoods are the most walkable, but if you want to get around town, you'll need to have 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 Columbus Worth Visiting? and Is Kamloops Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Kamloops or Columbus?

How long in Columbus or Kamloops?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Columbus 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 Columbus. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Couples should spend more time in Kamloops than Columbus. 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 Columbus 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 Columbus or Kamloops?

The city of Columbus 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 Columbus or Kamloops?

Columbus 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 Columbus, 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 Columbus or Kamloops?

Columbus 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 Columbus or Kamloops?

Columbus 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 Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, The Best Luxury Tours to 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 Columbus and Kamloops, we can see that Columbus 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 Columbus would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Columbus 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 Columbus Expensive? and Is Kamloops Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Columbus or Kamloops?

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

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Columbus or Kamloops in the Summer?

Both Kamloops and Columbus are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Columbus in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Kamloops for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Columbus is around the same temperature as Kamloops. Typically, the summer temperatures in Columbus in July average around 77°F (25°C), and Kamloops averages at about 23°C (73°F).

It's quite rainy in Columbus. In July, Columbus usually receives more rain than Kamloops. Columbus gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Kamloops receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Columbus or Kamloops in the Autumn?

Both Kamloops and Columbus during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Columbus 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 October, Columbus is generally a little warmer than Kamloops. Daily temperatures in Columbus average around 57°F (14°C), and Kamloops fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Columbus usually gets more rain in October than Kamloops. Columbus gets 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain, while Kamloops receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Columbus or Kamloops in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Columbus and Kamloops. The winter months attract visitors to Columbus because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, 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. The weather in Columbus can be very cold. Columbus is much warmer than Kamloops in the winter. The daily temperature in Columbus averages around 30°F (-1°C) in January, and Kamloops fluctuates around -3°C (27°F).

In January, Columbus usually receives more rain than Kamloops. Columbus gets 2.2 inches (56 mm) of rain, while Kamloops receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Columbus or Kamloops in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Columbus as well as Kamloops.

In the spring, Columbus is around the same temperature as Kamloops. Typically, the spring temperatures in Columbus in April average around 54°F (12°C), and Kamloops averages at about 12°C (53°F).

Columbus usually gets more rain in April than Kamloops. Columbus gets 3.2 inches (81 mm) of rain, while Kamloops receives 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Kamloops and Columbus