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

Should you visit Moab or Kamloops?

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

Should I visit Moab 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.

Moab

Moab is a active, scenic, and adventurous town. Moab is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the hiking and shopping. See Moab travel costs.

Kamloops

Kamloops is a outdoorsy, nature-filled, and laid-back city. Other reasons to visit include food, hiking, and shopping. See Kamloops travel costs.

Moab and Kamloops: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Moab or Kamloops?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Moab. Although Moab and Kamloops are popular destinations, Moab has more sights and attractions for tourists. Moab is very popular for its hiking and impressive beauty, while Kamloops attracts visitors for its skiing, food, and nightlife. Moab is more touristy than Kamloops and is known for its desert landscapes and the iconic arches found at Arches National Park. It is also well known for Delicate Arch in Arches National Park. Kamloops is famous for its hiking trails, bike paths, and golf courses.

How is Moab different from Kamloops?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Moab or Kamloops Better for Skiing?

Kamloops is great for skiing. However, Moab is not a skiing destination.

Kamloops offers world-class skiing that is fun for everyone. 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.

Moab is not a skiing destination.

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

Spend time exploring the reasonable sights and museums in either Moab or Kamloops.

While most people don't head to Moab specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. There are a couple of museums in the area that will teach you about the geology and history. You can pop in the Moab Museum or the Film Museum at Red Cliffs Ranch, as well as the galleries around town.

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 Moab or Kamloops? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Kamloops is a popular place for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Moab is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Kamloops. You'll find restaurants that range from casual to fine dining. There are also international options like Jamaican, Indian, or Chinese.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Moab. The town has grown over the years and now you'll find a diverse selection of restaurants that serve decent food. There are steakhouses, pizzerias, and even a couple ice cream shops.

Is Moab or Kamloops Better for Nightlife?

Kamloops is a popular place for nightlife. However, Moab is not a good destination for nightlife and partying.

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.

Most people don't head to Moab specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. The town has grown significantly and you'll find bars, taverns, and breweries where you can hang out in the evening, but it's still a quiet place with a laid back atmosphere.

Is Moab or Kamloops Better for Hiking?

Moab 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 Moab visitors will find world-class hiking trails. The area is filled with hiking trails, both inside the nearby national parks as well as outside. Canyonlands National Park is large with impressive overlooks, while Arches National Park has fun hikes that take you by diverse arches and include many opportunities for scrambling. Outside of the park, hikers can visit Corona Arch or search for dinosaur footprints at Dinosaur Tracks Trail.

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 Moab or Kamloops?

If you're looking to go shopping, Moab and Kamloops both offer plenty of nice spots.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Moab. There are gift shops, places to buy outdoor equipment, and convenient stores around town. There are also a number of art galleries that sell local items or impressive photography.

Kamloops offers some nice shopping areas. 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 Moab or Kamloops More Beautiful?

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

Moab is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. The desert landscapes and unique geological features make this a fascinating and beautiful area to explore. The dramatic arches in Arches National Park tell a unique story of how the geology of the area has changed.

Kamloops is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Moab or Kamloops Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Moab or Kamloops.

Moab is a very family-friendly destination. It's a world of outdoor adventures. You'll find river rafting, mountain biking, rock climbing, and many kid-friendly trails. There's also the Tracks Museum, where kids can learn about dinosaurs as well as swimming pools or swimming holes in the area.

Kamloops is a very kid-friendly town. 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 Moab or Kamloops Better for Couples?

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

Moab makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The area is filled with adventurous fun, with everything from world-class hikes to impressive rafting trips. The dramatic landscape provides the backdrop for a truly spectacular trip.

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 Moab or Kamloops Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Many backpackers visit Moab. The town has many campgrounds and even a few hostels. Arches National Park has only a few backcountry overnight camping sites. Terrain is rough and most areas aren't accessible by trail.

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

Kamloops is adequate for times when you don't have a car. However, Moab is not a good destination 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 Moab. There are efforts to create a transportation program within town, but there are limited transportation options available. If you book a tour, they usually provide transportation.

Is Moab or Kamloops a more walkable city?

Moab and Kamloops are reasonable when it comes to walkability.

Moab is generally not a very walkable town. While it's possible to walk around within the town, most visitors don't come to visit they town, they come to explore the area. You'll need a car to access most points of interest in the area.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Kamloops or Moab?

How long in Moab or Kamloops?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Moab or Kamloops to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Moab than Kamloops because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Moab, and 1-2 days is enough time in Kamloops.

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

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

One day in Moab or Kamloops?

The beautiful town of Moab offers 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.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Kamloops. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Moab or Kamloops?

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

Kamloops is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Moab or Kamloops?

Moab is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Moab, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

You'll find shopping and skiing around the laid-back destination of Kamloops. This city offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Moab or Kamloops?

Moab 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 town offers something for everyone.

The outdoorsy city of Kamloops offers skiing and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best Bicycle 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 Moab and Kamloops, we can see that Moab 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 Moab would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Moab 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 Moab Expensive? and Is Kamloops Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Moab or Kamloops?

Kamloops has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Moab. When comparing the sizes of Moab 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.