A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Joshua Tree National Park vs. Kamloops for Hiking, Backpackers, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Joshua Tree National Park or Kamloops?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Joshua Tree National Park and Kamloops can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree National Park is a adventurous, unique, and fascinating national park. The beauty of Joshua Tree National Park is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the hiking. See Joshua Tree National Park travel costs.

Kamloops

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

Joshua Tree National Park and Kamloops: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Joshua Tree National Park or Kamloops?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Kamloops. Although Joshua Tree National Park and Kamloops are both popular with visitors, Kamloops has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Kamloops is more popular for its skiing, food, nightlife, and shopping, while Joshua Tree National Park is known for its hiking and impressive beauty. Joshua Tree National Park is more touristy than Kamloops and is known for its unique vegetation and large boulders. Kamloops is popular for its hiking trails, bike paths, and golf courses. It is also home to Sun Peaks Resort.

How is Joshua Tree National Park different from Kamloops?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Joshua Tree National Park or Kamloops Better for Skiing?

Kamloops is a very popular place for skiing and snowboarding. However, Joshua Tree National Park is not a skiing destination.

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.

Joshua Tree National Park is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Joshua Tree National Park or Kamloops?

You'll find a number of decent museums and attractions in both Kamloops and Joshua Tree National Park.

While most people don't head to Joshua Tree National Park specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. There are a couple of museums in the area that display local art or cultural and historical items.

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 Joshua Tree National Park or Kamloops? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Kamloops is a city with good options for its restaurants. However, Joshua Tree National Park 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.

While Joshua Tree National Park is not famous for its food, you'll find what you need there. There aren't any restaurants inside the park, so you'll want to pack your own food and eat at one of the picnic areas.

Is Joshua Tree National Park or Kamloops Better for Nightlife?

Kamloops is a city with good options for its evening party scene. However, Joshua Tree National Park 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 Joshua Tree National Park. Stargazing and gathering around campfires are the most popular activities during the evening.

Is Joshua Tree National Park or Kamloops Better for Hiking?

Joshua Tree National Park is an amazing national park to visit for its hiking trails. Also, Kamloops is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

Around Joshua Tree National Park visitors will find world-class hiking trails. There are a wide range of hikes that include easy, moderate, and strenuous options. Some of the best hikes include Discovery Trail, Boy Scout Trail, and Black Rock Canyon Panorama Loop.

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 Joshua Tree National Park or Kamloops?

Kamloops is a city with good options for its shopping areas. However, Joshua Tree National Park is lacking in good options for shopping.

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.

Joshua Tree National Park has some shopping areas for those that seek them out. There is a park store where you can pick up gifts or other items.

Is Joshua Tree National Park or Kamloops More Beautiful?

Joshua Tree National Park is an excellent place to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Kamloops is not a destination known for its beauty.

The beauty of Joshua Tree National Park is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. There are unique Joshua Trees throughout the park as well as beautiful rock formations and striking views.

Kamloops is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Joshua Tree National Park or Kamloops Better for Families?

Both Joshua Tree National Park and Kamloops are great to visit with kids.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Joshua Tree National Park. With its giant boulders that kids can scramble on and its Dr. Seuss-like Joshua Trees, this really is nature's best playground. There are also kid-friendly hikes and Junior Ranger Programs that will both educate and entertain the kids.

Kamloops is 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 Joshua Tree National Park or Kamloops Better for Couples?

Joshua Tree National Park is an excellent place to visit for its romantic activities. Also, Kamloops is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Joshua Tree National Park makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who enjoy the outdoors, adventure sports like rock climbing, and hiking through spectacular landscapes will find this to be the ultimate romantic destination.

Kamloops is a good national park 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 Joshua Tree National Park or Kamloops Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Joshua Tree National Park is an amazing national park to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Kamloops is lacking in options for backpackers.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Joshua Tree National Park is extremely popular for backpackers. There are campgrounds and hiking trails that are popular with backpackers and nature enthusiasts.

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 Joshua Tree National Park 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, Joshua Tree National Park 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 Joshua Tree National Park. There's no reliable public transportation in the park.

Is Joshua Tree National Park or Kamloops a more walkable city?

Kamloops is a decent place to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Joshua Tree National Park 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.

Joshua Tree National Park is not a walkable national park. You need a car to truly explore the park.

For even more information, also check out Is Joshua Tree National Park Worth Visiting? and Is Kamloops Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Kamloops or Joshua Tree National Park?

How long in Joshua Tree National Park or Kamloops?

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

Families should spend more time in Kamloops than Joshua Tree National Park. 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 Joshua Tree National Park. 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 Kamloops than Joshua Tree National Park 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 Kamloops.

One day in Joshua Tree National Park or Kamloops?

The beautiful national park of Joshua Tree National Park offers . 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.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the nature-filled city of Kamloops. So, one day is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A weekend in Joshua Tree National Park or Kamloops?

Joshua Tree National Park is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this national park 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 Joshua Tree National Park, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and skiing when visiting the destination of Kamloops. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Five days in Joshua Tree National Park or Kamloops?

Joshua Tree National Park is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. 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 place that is full of things to see and experience. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. It offers something for everyone.

A week in Joshua Tree National Park or Kamloops?

Joshua Tree National Park is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. 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 national park offers something for everyone.

Kamloops is a popular choice for travelers. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, The Best 2-Week 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 Joshua Tree National Park and Kamloops, we can see that Joshua Tree National Park 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 Joshua Tree National Park would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Joshua Tree National Park 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 Joshua Tree National Park Expensive? and Is Kamloops Expensive?.