A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Hood River vs. Kamloops for Skiing, Food, Hiking, and Families

Should you visit Hood River or Kamloops?

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

Should I visit Hood River 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.

Hood River

Hood River is a agricultural, quaint, and scenic town. The beauty of Hood River is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the skiing, nightlife, and food. See Hood River travel costs.

Kamloops

Kamloops is a nature-filled, laid-back, and outdoorsy city. Visitors also love the food, hiking, and shopping. See Kamloops travel costs.

Hood River and Kamloops: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hood River or Kamloops?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Hood River than Kamloops, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Hood River is better known for its food, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Kamloops is more popular for its skiing. Hood River is more touristy than Kamloops and is known for its waterfalls, wineries, and impressive mountains. Also, Hood River is famous for Multnomah Falls. Kamloops is well known for its hiking trails, bike paths, and golf courses.

How is Hood River different from Kamloops?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Hood River or Kamloops Better for Skiing?

Kamloops is a very popular place for skiing and snowboarding. Also, Hood River is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for winter skiing.

Visitors travel far to experience snow skiing in Kamloops. 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.

Head to Hood River for some great skiing and other winter activities. During the winter months, Hood River makes a nice base for nearby skiing. Timberline and Cooper Spur and both less than an hour away and offer great skiing opportunities.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Hood River or Kamloops?

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Hood River and Kamloops.

While most people don't head to Hood River specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. There are a couple of interesting museums in town such as the Western Antique Aeroplane and Automoblie Museum, the History Museum, and 301 Gallery.

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 Hood River or Kamloops? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Hood River has a huge number of terrific restaurants. Head to the downtown or waterfront areas for the best selection of restaurants. Most restaurants pride themselves on using local ingredients and supporting local farms. Dishes use fresh and healthy ingredients that make simple but high quality meals.

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 Hood River or Kamloops Better for Nightlife?

The notable nightlife scene is relatively similar in Hood River and Kamloops.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Hood River. There are breweries, wineries, and local bars in the area that offer a laid back place where you can enjoy the local atmosphere.

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 Hood River or Kamloops Better for Hiking?

Hood River 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 Hood River. There's a diversity of landscapes in the area that include waterfalls, agriculture, vineyards, and high-reaching mountain peaks. The best way to experience these is through the many hiking trails. Drive along the Historic Columbia River Highway and stop off at the trails that lead to the waterfalls, or head south of town to explore the vineyards on foot, and to the north where you'll find mountain peaks.

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 Hood River or Kamloops?

Shoppers can find a variety of notable stores in both Hood River and Kamloops.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Hood River. Local shops sell local produce, artisan crafts, and wine. There are boutiques and independent vendors that are fun to visit and many visitors enjoy spending an afternoon shopping.

Many visitors go to Kamloops to go 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 Hood River or Kamloops More Beautiful?

Hood River is an excellent place to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Kamloops is not a destination known for its beauty.

The beauty of Hood River is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. There's a beautiful natural environment with wonderful hikes and local farms and wineries.

Kamloops is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Hood River or Kamloops Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Hood River or Kamloops.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Hood River is very family-friendly. The area is filled with outdoor adventures that the whole family can enjoy. There's swimming, tubing, hiking, and even windsurfing. Make sure you check out the Waterfront Park and Powerdale Substation.

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.

Is Hood River or Kamloops Better for Couples?

Hood River is an excellent place to visit for its romantic activities. Also, Kamloops is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Hood River makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples will enjoy the scenic natural setting and charming hotels and bed and breakfasts in the area. There are romantic hikes, local wineries, and many great restaurants that you can try.

Kamloops is a good town 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 Hood River or Kamloops Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Many backpackers visit Hood River. There are a couple of hostels and some nice campgrounds in the area as well as many great hikes and a laid back atmosphere that backpackers appreciate.

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

Visitors will find respectable public transit in both Hood River and Kamloops.

Public transit is mostly limited in Hood River. There are buses in the area but you really need your own transportation to see the region efficiently.

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

Is Hood River or Kamloops a more walkable city?

Hood River and Kamloops are respectable when it comes to walkability.

Hood River is generally not a very walkable town. While there are parts of the town that are walkable, if you don't have a car you'll miss out on the surrounding natural landscapes and most of the hiking opportunities.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Kamloops or Hood River?

How long in Hood River or Kamloops?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Hood River 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 Hood River.

One day in Hood River or Kamloops?

The beautiful town of Hood River offers nightlife and food. 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.

With shopping and skiing around the nature-filled city of Kamloops, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Kamloops, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Hood River or Kamloops?

Hood River is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this 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 Hood River, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

With skiing and nightlife around the destination of Kamloops, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Hood River or Kamloops?

Hood River 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, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Hood River or Kamloops?

Hood River 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 town offers something for everyone.

Kamloops is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

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

Which is Bigger, Hood River or Kamloops?

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

Both Kamloops and Hood River are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Hood River 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.

Hood River is cooler than Kamloops in the summer. The daily temperature in Hood River averages around 68°F (20°C) in July, and Kamloops fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

In July, Hood River usually receives less rain than Kamloops. Hood River gets 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain, while Kamloops receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Hood River or Kamloops in the Autumn?

Both Kamloops and Hood River during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Hood River 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.

In the autumn, Hood River is a little warmer than Kamloops. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Hood River in October average around 55°F (13°C), and Kamloops averages at about 11°C (51°F).

Hood River usually gets more rain in October than Kamloops. Hood River gets 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain, while Kamloops receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hood River or Kamloops in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Hood River and Kamloops. The winter months attract visitors to Hood River 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 Hood River can be very cold. In January, Hood River is generally much warmer than Kamloops. Daily temperatures in Hood River average around 40°F (4°C), and Kamloops fluctuates around -3°C (27°F).

Hood River gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Hood River usually receives more rain than Kamloops. Hood River gets 5.2 inches (132 mm) of rain, while Kamloops receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Hood River or Kamloops in the Spring?

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

Hood River is around the same temperature as Kamloops in the spring. The daily temperature in Hood River averages around 51°F (11°C) in April, and Kamloops fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

Hood River usually gets more rain in April than Kamloops. Hood River gets 2.4 inches (61 mm) of rain, while Kamloops receives 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Kamloops and Hood River