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

Should you visit Durango 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 Durango 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.

Durango

Durango is a scenic, nature-filled, and historic small town. You'll find plenty of local activities in this small town. Durango is a beautiful place to visit, too. Because of its quaint atmosphere, it draws plenty of visitors, too. Visitors also love the hiking and museums. See Durango travel costs.

Kamloops

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

Durango and Kamloops: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Durango or Kamloops?

Both Kamloops and Durango have plenty of things to do for visitors. Both offer a variety of sights, activities, and attractions for tourists. Durango is very popular for its museums and attractions, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Kamloops attracts visitors for its skiing, food, nightlife, and shopping. Durango is more touristy than Kamloops and is known for its historic narrow gauge railroad, its charming small town atmosphere, and its many family-friendly activities. Kamloops is famous for its hiking trails, bike paths, and golf courses.

How is Durango different from Kamloops?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Durango or Kamloops Better for Skiing?

Kamloops is a very popular place for skiing and snowboarding. However, Durango is lacking in good options for winter skiing.

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.

Durango is a fun local destination for snow skiers. Purgatory Ski Resort is about 20 minutes from town and it's a family-friendly mountain with beginner and intermediate runs. It's small, and geared specifically to the beginner and younger crowd.

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

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

Durango offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Most visitors come to town specifically to ride the Silverton & Durango Narrow Gauge Railroad. There's also the D&SNGRR Railroad Museum, and the Fish Hatchery and Wildlife 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 Durango or Kamloops? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Kamloops is a good destination for its restaurants. However, Durango 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 Durango. Most of the restaurants are casual and family-friendly, serving up burgers or sandwiches for a reasonable price. You'll also find some coffeeshops and even a few food trucks and international restaurants.

Is Durango or Kamloops Better for Nightlife?

Kamloops is a good destination for nightlife. However, Durango is lacking in good options for nightlife and partying.

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.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Durango. It's a small town that attracts tourists mainly for its train, so you won't find much in the way of a nightlife scene.

Is Durango or Kamloops Better for its Old Town?

Durango is a small town with good options for its old town. However, Kamloops does not have a historic old town.

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in Durango. Filled with character, the downtown feels like you've stepped into a Western. The town has a long history as a mining and railroad community, which you can see throughout the historic area. It really feels like you're in the "Wild West."

Kamloops does not have a historic old town.

Is Durango or Kamloops Better for Hiking?

Durango 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 Durango. It's surrounded by plenty of natural beautiful and there is an endless supply of hikes in the region. Popular nearby hikes include Animas Mountain Trail, Falls Creek Trail, and Purgatory Trail.

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 Durango or Kamloops?

Kamloops is a good destination for shopping. However, Durango is lacking in good options for its shopping opportunities.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in 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.

If you're looking to go shopping, Durango has some nice offerings. The charming town has some boutiques that sell beautifully made Native American jewelry and other interesting items. There are also souvenir shops and other venues that target tourists specifically.

Is Durango or Kamloops More Beautiful?

Durango is a small town with good options for its scenery and beauty. However, Kamloops is not a destination known for its beauty.

Durango is a beautiful place to visit, too. The town is surrounded by plenty of natural beauty.

Kamloops is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Durango or Kamloops Better for Families?

Both Durango and Kamloops are very good family-friendly destinations.

Durango is a very family-friendly destination. In the area you'll find ziplining, alpine slides, and plenty of outdoor areas to explore - and of course there's the railroad.

Kamloops is a very kid-friendly small town. 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 Durango or Kamloops Better for Couples?

Kamloops is a good destination for romance. However, Durango 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 Durango as a couple's destination. The town may not be the first romantic destination that comes to mind, but the railroad combined with wandering the downtown can make for a great couple's getaway.

Is Durango or Kamloops Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Durango is a good small town to visit for backpackers. With plenty of parks and outdoor areas nearby, backpackers will have plenty of places to explore.

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

Kamloops is a decent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Durango is lacking in good options for its public transit.

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

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Durango. It's a small town with no real public transit options so a car is a must.

Is Durango or Kamloops a more walkable city?

Durango and Kamloops are reasonable when it comes to walkability.

Durango is generally not a very walkable small town. While the Main Street through town is walkable, it's not as pedestrian-friendly as some small towns.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Kamloops or Durango?

How long in Durango or Kamloops?

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

Families should spend more time in Durango than Kamloops. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Durango, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Kamloops than Durango. 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 Durango 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 Durango.

One day in Durango or Kamloops?

Durango is a small town where visitors enjoy the museums. 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 Durango or Kamloops?

Durango is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this small 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 Durango, 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 Durango or Kamloops?

Durango 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 Durango or Kamloops?

Durango 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 small town 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 Wildlife Tours to United States of America, The Best Hiking & Trekking 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 Durango and Kamloops, we can see that Durango 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 Durango would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Durango 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 Durango Expensive? and Is Kamloops Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Durango or Kamloops?

Kamloops has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Durango. When comparing the sizes of Durango 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.