A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Ketchikan vs. Kamloops for Food, Hiking, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Ketchikan 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 Ketchikan and Kamloops can help you decide which place is right for you.

Ketchikan

Ketchikan is a scenic, quaint, and local town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. The beauty of Ketchikan is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the hiking, shopping, and museums. See Ketchikan travel costs.

Kamloops

Kamloops is a outdoorsy, nature-filled, and laid-back city. It's also known for hiking, shopping, and skiing. See Kamloops travel costs.

Ketchikan and Kamloops: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ketchikan or Kamloops?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Ketchikan. Although Ketchikan and Kamloops are popular destinations, Ketchikan has more sights and attractions for tourists. Ketchikan is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Kamloops attracts visitors for its skiing and nightlife. Ketchikan is more touristy than Kamloops and is popular for its salmon fishing, beautiful natural environment, and strong sense of local culture. It is also well known for the Southeast Alaska Discovery Center. Kamloops is famous for its hiking trails, bike paths, and golf courses.

How is Ketchikan different from Kamloops?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Ketchikan or Kamloops Better for Skiing?

Kamloops is notable for snow skiing. However, Ketchikan is not a skiing destination.

Kamloops is an extremely popular place for snow skiing and other 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.

Ketchikan is not a skiing destination.

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

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

Ketchikan offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are a few local museums in town such as the Tongass Historical Museum and the Totem Heritage Center.

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 Ketchikan or Kamloops? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Ketchikan is an amazing town to visit for its restaurants. Also, Kamloops is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Many restaurants in Ketchikan have been singled out for their culinary prowess. It's known as the salmon capital of the world for good reason. You can expect some of the freshest seafood around with many local restaurants serving up fresh Dungeness Crab, Alaska King Crab, and Alaskan King Salmon. It's a huge fishing destination and the cuisine reflects that, but even if you're looking for a landlover's menu, you'll find a number of good dishes.

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 Ketchikan or Kamloops Better for Nightlife?

Kamloops is very good for nightlife. However, Ketchikan is a mediocre town for nightlife and partying.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Kamloops. You'll find pubs, bars, breweries and night clubs around town that range in personality and style.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Ketchikan. Because most visitors arrive by cruise ship, there's a more local vibe to the nightlife scene. You'll find a few local bars around town where you can enjoy a drink and good conversation.

Is Ketchikan or Kamloops Better for Hiking?

Ketchikan is an amazing town to visit for its hiking trails. Also, Kamloops is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

Around Ketchikan visitors will find world-class hiking trails. You'll find many hikes that will take you through the local vegetation or to impressive viewpoints. Some hikes involve challenging climbs while others are more relaxing. Some visitors prefer to hire a guide to the lead them through the Alaskan wilderness, but the most popular and easier trails are usually well marked.

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 Ketchikan or Kamloops?

Both Ketchikan and Kamloops are nice shopping destinations.

Ketchikan is a great destination for shopping. As tourism has grown, the shopping in downtown Ketchikan has shifted from locally-oriented venders to jewelry and souvenir stores. Many shops are only open during the summer months, and you'll find the more local shops outside of town.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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 Ketchikan or Kamloops More Beautiful?

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

The beauty of Ketchikan is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. It's located at the southernmost entrance to the Inside Passage, so you can expect dramatic natural beauty and a breathtaking setting.

Kamloops is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Ketchikan or Kamloops Better for Families?

You'll find superb kid-friendly activities in either Ketchikan or Kamloops.

Ketchikan is a very family-friendly place to visit. There are a number of kid-friendly activities and tours, but do note that many tours book up fully with cruise ship passengers. Any tours you wish to do should be arranged well in advance. Popular kid-friendly activities include the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show, Misty Fjords, and a visit to Totem Bight State Historical Park. Everyone will enjoy learning about the area's history and nature at the Southeast Alaska Discovery Center. And anyone who enjoys the show "The Most Dangerous Catch" will appreciate the Bering Sea Crab Fishermen's Tour.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Kamloops is very family-friendly. 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 Ketchikan or Kamloops Better for Couples?

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

Ketchikan makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who enjoy natural beauty, hiking, and wildlife will appreciate their time here. There are many opportunities for fishing and a plethora of seafood restaurants in the area that take advantage of this past time.

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 Ketchikan or Kamloops Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Ketchikan is a good town to visit for backpackers. While most visitors arrive by cruise ship, for those travel independently will appreciate the hostel in 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 Ketchikan or Kamloops Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Both Ketchikan and Kamloops offer reasonable public transit options.

Public transit is generally limited in Ketchikan. There are buses that travel through town.

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

Is Ketchikan or Kamloops a more walkable city?

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

Ketchikan is a very walkable town. The downtown is relatively compact and walkable.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Kamloops or Ketchikan?

How long in Ketchikan or Kamloops?

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

Families should spend more time in Ketchikan than Kamloops. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Ketchikan, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

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

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

One day in Ketchikan or Kamloops?

The beautiful town of Ketchikan offers food and shopping. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. 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 Ketchikan or Kamloops?

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

You'll find shopping and skiing around the nature-filled 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 Ketchikan or Kamloops?

Ketchikan 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 nature-filled 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 Ketchikan or Kamloops?

Ketchikan 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 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 2-Week Tours from San Francisco, The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, The Best Train & Rail Tours in Canada, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Canada.

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

Which is Bigger, Ketchikan or Kamloops?

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

Both Kamloops and Ketchikan during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Ketchikan for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Kamloops in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Ketchikan is much colder than Kamloops. Typically, the summer temperatures in Ketchikan in July average around 58°F (15°C), and Kamloops averages at about 23°C (73°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Ketchikan. Ketchikan usually gets more rain in July than Kamloops. Ketchikan gets 7.6 inches (193 mm) of rain, while Kamloops receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ketchikan or Kamloops in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Ketchikan and Kamloops. Many visitors come to Ketchikan in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Kamloops for the hiking trails and the shopping scene during these months.

In October, Ketchikan is generally cooler than Kamloops. Daily temperatures in Ketchikan average around 46°F (8°C), and Kamloops fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Ketchikan gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Ketchikan usually receives more rain than Kamloops. Ketchikan gets 22.9 inches (581 mm) of rain, while Kamloops receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Ketchikan or Kamloops in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Ketchikan as well as Kamloops. Most visitors come to Ketchikan for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, 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. Ketchikan can be very cold during winter. Ketchikan is much warmer than Kamloops in the winter. The daily temperature in Ketchikan averages around 34°F (1°C) in January, and Kamloops fluctuates around -3°C (27°F).

Ketchikan receives a lot of rain in the winter. Ketchikan usually gets more rain in January than Kamloops. Ketchikan gets 14.9 inches (379 mm) of rain, while Kamloops receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ketchikan or Kamloops in the Spring?

Both Kamloops and Ketchikan are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Ketchikan because of the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Ketchikan is much colder than Kamloops. Typically, the spring temperatures in Ketchikan in April average around 44°F (6°C), and Kamloops averages at about 12°C (53°F).

It's quite rainy in Ketchikan. In April, Ketchikan usually receives more rain than Kamloops. Ketchikan gets 11.3 inches (286 mm) of rain, while Kamloops receives 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Kamloops and Ketchikan