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

Should you visit Ensenada or Kamloops?

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

Should I visit Ensenada 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.

Ensenada

Ensenada is a cultural, outdoorsy, and historic city. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums. See Ensenada 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.

Ensenada and Kamloops: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ensenada or Kamloops?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Kamloops than Ensenada. While Ensenada is larger than Kamloops, Kamloops has more sights and attractions for tourists. Kamloops is better known for its skiing and hiking, while Ensenada is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, and beaches. Ensenada is more touristy than Kamloops and is popular for its local cuisine, golf, and outdoor sports. Kamloops is well known for its hiking trails, bike paths, and golf courses. Also, Kamloops is famous for Sun Peaks Resort.

How is Ensenada different from Kamloops?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Ensenada or Kamloops Better for Skiing?

Kamloops is a great destination for winter skiing. However, Ensenada 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.

Ensenada is not a skiing destination.

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

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

Ensenada offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are several good museums in town such as the Museo de Historia and Caracol Museo de Ciencias.

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 Ensenada or Kamloops? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Ensenada has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The town is known for its seafood, and fish tacos is one of the most popular dishes. You'll find seafood markets and street cards selling fresh and local items. Sample your way through the city and enjoy all of the local specialties.

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 Ensenada or Kamloops Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Ensenada or Kamloops has a better nightlife scene.

Ensenada has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There are a number of bars and nightclubs around town. Head to Avenida López Mateos for many of the best restaurants and bars.

If you're looking for night time activities Kamloops has a few options to choose from. You'll find pubs, bars, breweries and night clubs around town that range in personality and style.

Is Ensenada or Kamloops Better for Beaches?

Ensenada is a decent place to visit for the beach. However, Kamloops is not a beach destination.

You can check out the beach in Ensenada. It's a working port town and the beaches in the area aren't great. You'll find the best options to the south of the city.

Kamloops is not a beach destination.

Is Ensenada or Kamloops Better for Hiking?

Kamloops is a popular place for its hiking experiences. However, Ensenada 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.

Ensenada is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ensenada or Kamloops?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Kamloops and Ensenada.

Ensenada offers some nice shopping areas. Avenida López Mateos is the main shopping street in town. You'll find many shops, but be prepared to pay more than you might elsewhere because shopkeepers are used to cruise ship riders who are willing to pay a high price tag.

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 Ensenada or Kamloops Better for Families?

Kamloops is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Ensenada is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Ensenada offers lots of family activities. You'll find ziplining, horseback riding, and surf lessons in the area. Kids will also enjoy seeing the Water Show or going whale watching.

Is Ensenada or Kamloops Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Ensenada and Kamloops make for a notable place to visit.

Ensenada makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The city has an authentic atmosphere that will let you experience a more genuine side to Mexico.

Kamloops is a good city 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 Ensenada or Kamloops Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ensenada is a city with good options for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Kamloops is lacking in options for backpackers.

Ensenada is a good city to visit for backpackers. There are a few hostels and a number of cheap hotels around town.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Ensenada and Kamloops.

Public transit is generally limited in Ensenada. Public transit in the area is limited.

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

Is Ensenada or Kamloops a more walkable city?

Ensenada is an excellent place to visit for its high level of walkability. However, Kamloops is lacking in options for its ease of walking around.

Ensenada is a very walkable city. The downtown area is walkable and easy to explore on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Kamloops or Ensenada?

How long in Ensenada or Kamloops?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Ensenada 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 Ensenada.

One day in Ensenada or Kamloops?

The city of Ensenada offers food and shopping. 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.

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 Ensenada or Kamloops?

Ensenada 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 Ensenada, 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 Ensenada or Kamloops?

Ensenada 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 Ensenada or Kamloops?

Ensenada 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 Food and Culinary Tours in Mexico, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Mexico, The Best Train & Rail Tours in Canada, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Canada.

When comparing the travel costs between Ensenada and Kamloops, we can see that Ensenada is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Ensenada or Kamloops?

Ensenada has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Kamloops. When comparing the sizes of Ensenada 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.