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

Should you visit Durham or Kamloops?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Durham and Kamloops can help you decide which place is right for you.

Durham

Durham is a sports oriented, diverse, and student-filled city. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums. See Durham travel costs.

Kamloops

Kamloops is a laid-back, outdoorsy, and nature-filled city. Other popular activities here include hiking, shopping, and skiing. See Kamloops travel costs.

Durham and Kamloops: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Durham or Kamloops?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Kamloops than Durham. While Durham is larger than Kamloops, Kamloops has more sights and attractions for tourists. Kamloops is more popular for its skiing and hiking, while Durham is known for its museums and attractions. Durham is popular for its college town vibe as well as being the home of the famous Blue Devil basketball team. Kamloops is popular for its hiking trails, bike paths, and golf courses. It is also home to Sun Peaks Resort.

How is Durham different from Kamloops?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Durham or Kamloops Better for Skiing?

Kamloops is a well-known place for snow skiing. However, Durham is not a skiing destination.

Kamloops is a well-known ski destination which attracts visitors from far and wide. 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.

Durham is not a skiing destination.

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

Durham is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Kamloops is lacking in options for its museums and landmarks.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Durham. Duke University is one of the most popular destinations in town. There are several museums on campus as well as the famous Duke Chapel. Elsewhere in Durham there's the Durham Museum of Life and Science.

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 Durham or Kamloops? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Durham area. Barbecue is a favorite around town. You'll also find plenty of restaurants that cater to the student population, particularly along Nineth Street near Duke's campus.

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.

Is Durham or Kamloops Better for Nightlife?

Both Durham and Kamloops are good when it comes to partying.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Durham. The younger population tends to hang out near campus and along Nineth Street. If you're looking for something less student oriented, head to downtown Durham.

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 Durham or Kamloops Better for Hiking?

Kamloops is very good for the nearby hiking options. However, Durham is not a hiking destination.

Many people include a hike when visiting Kamloops. The area is filled with hiking trails that pass through grasslands, desert landscapes, and pine forests. There is something for every skill level.

Durham is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Durham or Kamloops?

Both Durham and Kamloops are good shopping destinations.

Many visitors go to Durham to go shopping. The Streets of Southpoint is the best mall in the area. Other shopping areas include Brightleaf Square and Nineth Street.

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.

Is Durham or Kamloops Better for Families?

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

Kamloops is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Durham is a family-friendly city. A highlight for kids is a visit to the Durham Museum of Life and Science. It has both an indoor and an outdoor section and brings science to life for families. There's also an impressive playground and climbing area. Other activities in town include the Notasium and Eno River State Park. If you plan ahead you could also organize a trip to the Duke Lemur Center.

Is Durham or Kamloops Better for Couples?

Both Durham and Kamloops are good destinations to visit as a couple.

Durham is a good city for couples to visit. Have a picnic at the Sarah P. Duke Gardens or spend the day hiking at Eno River State Park. In the evening there's a wonderful selection of restaurants around town. Then you can check out a show at the Durham Performing Arts Center or see a Durham Bulls game.

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.

Is Durham or Kamloops Better for Students?

Durham is an excellent place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Kamloops is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in Durham. Duke University has a stunning campus with a world class garden. There's also nearby Nineth Street, which has shops, restaurants, and bars that are geared toward the student population.

Kamloops is not popular with students.

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

Both Durham and Kamloops offer decent public transit options.

Public transit is generally limited in Durham. There are buses around town, but you really need a car to explore the area.

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

Is Durham or Kamloops a more walkable city?

Durham and Kamloops both are decent when exploring on foot.

Durham is generally not very walkable. Downtown Durham and a few areas near Duke University are the most walkable areas.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Kamloops or Durham?

How long in Durham or Kamloops?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Durham or Kamloops to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Durham than Kamloops because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Durham, and 1-2 days is enough time in Kamloops.

Families should spend more time in Kamloops than Durham. 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 Durham. 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.

One day in Durham or Kamloops?

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

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and skiing when visiting the destination of Kamloops. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Durham or Kamloops?

Durham 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 Durham, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Kamloops is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Durham or Kamloops?

Durham 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Kamloops. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Durham or Kamloops?

Durham 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.

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the laid-back destination of Kamloops. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, The Best Cruise Tours and Packages 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 Durham and Kamloops, we can see that Durham 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 Durham would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Durham 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 Durham Expensive? and Is Kamloops Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Durham or Kamloops?

Durham has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Kamloops. When comparing the sizes of Durham 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 Durham 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 Durham or Kamloops in the Summer?

Both Kamloops and Durham during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Durham for the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Kamloops in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Durham is generally a little warmer than Kamloops. Daily temperatures in Durham average around 79°F (26°C), and Kamloops fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Durham. Durham usually gets more rain in July than Kamloops. Durham gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while Kamloops receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Durham or Kamloops in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Durham and Kamloops. Many visitors come to Durham in the autumn for the shopping scene. Furthermore, most visitors come to Kamloops for the hiking trails and the shopping scene during these months.

Durham is much warmer than Kamloops in the autumn. The daily temperature in Durham averages around 61°F (16°C) in October, and Kamloops fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In October, Durham usually receives more rain than Kamloops. Durham gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Kamloops receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Durham or Kamloops in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Durham as well as Kamloops. Most visitors come to Durham for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Kamloops because of the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Kamloops can be very cold. Durham can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Durham is much warmer than Kamloops. Typically, the winter temperatures in Durham in January average around 40°F (5°C), and Kamloops averages at about -3°C (27°F).

Durham usually gets more rain in January than Kamloops. Durham gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Kamloops receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Durham or Kamloops in the Spring?

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

In April, Durham is generally a little warmer than Kamloops. Daily temperatures in Durham average around 60°F (16°C), and Kamloops fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

In April, Durham usually receives more rain than Kamloops. Durham gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Kamloops receives 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Kamloops and Durham