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

Should you visit Fairbanks or Kamloops?

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

Should I visit Fairbanks 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.

Fairbanks

Fairbanks is a remote, Arctic, and unique city. Fairbanks is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and hiking. See Fairbanks travel costs.

Kamloops

Kamloops is a laid-back, outdoorsy, and nature-filled city. It's also popular because of the food, hiking, and shopping. See Kamloops travel costs.

Fairbanks and Kamloops: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Fairbanks or Kamloops?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Kamloops. Although Fairbanks and Kamloops are both popular with visitors, Kamloops has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Kamloops is more popular for its skiing, food, and nightlife, while Fairbanks is known for its museums and attractions, hiking, and impressive beauty. Fairbanks is more touristy than Kamloops and is known for its remote wilderness setting, access to the Arctic, unique winter sports, and popularity for seeing the northern lights. Kamloops is popular for its hiking trails, bike paths, and golf courses. It is also home to Sun Peaks Resort.

How is Fairbanks different from Kamloops?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Fairbanks or Kamloops Better for Skiing?

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

Kamloops draws a large crowd in the winter for its impressive snow skiing opportunities. 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.

Locals like to visit Fairbanks to take advantage of their winter sports. The closest ski areas are the ski resorts of Fort Wainwright/Birch Hill, Moose Mountain and Skiland. The area also has dog mushing, snowshoeing, sledding, tubing and sleigh riding.

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

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

Fairbanks offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. The city is mostly known for its outdoor activities, but you can also visit the Morris Thompson Cultural & Visitors Center, the Aurora Ice Museum, Fountainhead Auto Museum, the Museum of the North, and Pioneer Park.

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 Fairbanks or Kamloops? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Kamloops is becoming an appealing option for foodies. You'll find restaurants that range from casual to fine dining. There are also international options like Jamaican, Indian, or Chinese.

Fairbanks offers some easy restaurants to choose from. Food can be expensive and of varying quality, but many restaurants use local meats and seafood. There's a surprising number of international restaurants in town as well. Also make sure you try the local specialties like reindeer sausage, Yukon gold potatoes, and Alaskan salmon.

Is Fairbanks or Kamloops Better for Nightlife?

Kamloops is a popular place for its evening party scene. However, Fairbanks is lacking in good options for nightlife.

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 Fairbanks. You will find some bars around town, but for the most part, the city stays quiet at night.

Is Fairbanks or Kamloops Better for Hiking?

Fairbanks 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 Fairbanks. While the town serves as a gateway to the Arctic and all that it has to offer, there are also hiking trails both in town and nearby. There are trails that connect the city's historic sites as well as day hikes that start at the edge of town.

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 Fairbanks or Kamloops?

Shoppers can find a variety of good stores in both Fairbanks and Kamloops.

Fairbanks has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are interesting local shops and boutiques that sell native Alaskan handmade items. You'll find "Made in Alaska" merchandise at many boutiques and souvenir shops. There are also larger retailers available in case you forgot clothing or other items at home.

Kamloops is a great destination for shopping. 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 Fairbanks or Kamloops More Beautiful?

Fairbanks is an amazing city to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Kamloops is not a destination known for its beauty.

Fairbanks is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. The city offers access to Alaska's interior, as well as the Arctic. The scenery is spectacular and the wildlife is abundant. Fairbanks is also the best place in Alaska to see the Northern Lights. They are best seen between the months of August and April.

Kamloops is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Fairbanks or Kamloops Better for Families?

Kamloops is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Fairbanks is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Kamloops. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Fairbanks. Kids who enjoy searching for wildlife, playing in the snow, and exploring nature will love a visit to Fairbanks. Make sure you visit the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge as well as Pioneer Park.

Is Fairbanks or Kamloops Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Fairbanks and Kamloops make for a good place to visit.

Fairbanks is a good city for couples to visit. Couples who enjoy hiking and nature will love a visit here. If you're hoping to see the northern lights, Fairbanks is your best destination in Alaska. Try to visit sometime between August to April for the best chance of enjoying the lights.

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 Fairbanks or Kamloops Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Fairbanks is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Kamloops is lacking in options for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Fairbanks. There are many outdoor recreation areas where backpackers can explore. Alaska, and Fairbanks in particular, can have very harsh conditions, so unless you know what you're doing, it's best to take a guide.

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 Fairbanks 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, Fairbanks 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 Fairbanks. There is a public bus system that connects the downtown area with the shopping areas and the university. However, you really can't rely on it to explore the region and you should have your own vehicle.

Is Fairbanks or Kamloops a more walkable city?

Kamloops is a decent place to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Fairbanks is lacking in good options for its walkability.

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

Fairbanks is not a walkable city. The city was built for cars and there are very few walkable areas around town.

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

Should I spend more time in Kamloops or Fairbanks?

How long in Fairbanks or Kamloops?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Fairbanks or Kamloops to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Fairbanks than Kamloops because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Fairbanks, and 1-2 days is enough time in Kamloops.

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

One day in Fairbanks or Kamloops?

The beautiful city of Fairbanks offers museums and shopping. 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.

You'll find food and shopping around the city of Kamloops. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Kamloops has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Fairbanks or Kamloops?

Fairbanks 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. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Fairbanks, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

You'll find shopping and skiing around the outdoorsy destination of Kamloops. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Fairbanks or Kamloops?

Fairbanks 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.

Travelers enjoy the skiing and nightlife when visiting the laid-back city of Kamloops. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Fairbanks or Kamloops?

Fairbanks 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 city offers something for everyone.

Kamloops is a popular choice for travelers. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage, The Best Train & Rail Tours in Canada, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Canada.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Fairbanks and Kamloops, we can see that Fairbanks 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 Fairbanks would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Fairbanks 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 Fairbanks Expensive? and Is Kamloops Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Fairbanks or Kamloops?

Kamloops has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Fairbanks. When comparing the sizes of Fairbanks 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 Fairbanks 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 Fairbanks or Kamloops in the Summer?

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

In July, Fairbanks is generally cooler than Kamloops. Daily temperatures in Fairbanks average around 64°F (18°C), and Kamloops fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

In July, Fairbanks usually receives more rain than Kamloops. Fairbanks gets 2 inches (51 mm) of rain, while Kamloops receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Fairbanks or Kamloops in the Autumn?

Both Kamloops and Fairbanks during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Fairbanks for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Kamloops because of the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

Fairbanks can be very cold during autumn. Fairbanks is much colder than Kamloops in the autumn. The daily temperature in Fairbanks averages around 27°F (-3°C) in October, and Kamloops fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Fairbanks usually gets more rain in October than Kamloops. Fairbanks gets 0.9 inches (22 mm) of rain, while Kamloops receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Fairbanks or Kamloops in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Fairbanks and Kamloops. The winter months attract visitors to Fairbanks because of the skiing, 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 Fairbanks can be very cold. In the winter, Fairbanks is much colder than Kamloops. Typically, the winter temperatures in Fairbanks in January average around -9°F (-23°C), and Kamloops averages at about -3°C (27°F).

In January, Fairbanks usually receives less rain than Kamloops. Fairbanks gets 0.5 inches (13 mm) of rain, while Kamloops receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Fairbanks or Kamloops in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Fairbanks as well as Kamloops. The natural beauty are the main draw to Fairbanks this time of year.

It's quite cold in Fairbanks in the spring. In April, Fairbanks is generally much colder than Kamloops. Daily temperatures in Fairbanks average around 32°F (0°C), and Kamloops fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

Fairbanks usually gets less rain in April than Kamloops. Fairbanks gets 0.4 inches (9 mm) of rain, while Kamloops receives 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Kamloops and Fairbanks