A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Monterey vs. Kamloops for Families, Attractions, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Monterey or Kamloops?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Monterey and Kamloops. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Monterey

Monterey is a relaxing, nature-oriented, and laid back city. Visitors also love the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches. See Monterey travel costs.

Kamloops

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

Monterey and Kamloops: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Monterey or Kamloops?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Monterey. Although Monterey and Kamloops are both popular with visitors, Monterey has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Monterey is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Kamloops is known for its skiing and hiking. Monterey is more touristy than Kamloops and is known for its rugged coastline, diverse marine life, and excellent seafood. It is also home to the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Kamloops is popular for its hiking trails, bike paths, and golf courses.

How is Monterey different from Kamloops?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Monterey or Kamloops Better for Skiing?

Kamloops is a very popular place for skiing and snowboarding. However, Monterey 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.

Monterey is not a skiing destination.

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

Monterey is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Kamloops is lacking in options for its museums and landmarks.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Monterey. The Monterey Bay Aquarium is a not-to-be-missed destination in town. You can also visit the Monterey State Historic Park or the Monterey Museum of Art.

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 Monterey or Kamloops? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Monterey has a huge number of terrific restaurants. Seafood and local produce are what make the food special. There are many great restaurants to you can choose from that will let you enjoy the classic seafood dishes like clam chowder or oysters, as well as fresh artichokes and local wine.

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 Monterey or Kamloops Better for Nightlife?

Monterey is an excellent place to visit for nightlife and partying. Also, Kamloops is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

Monterey has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. There's a buzzing atmosphere at night with bars, breweries, and casual eateries all coming to life. Some of the best venues are found at the Old Fisherman's Wharf and along Alvarado Street.

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 Monterey or Kamloops Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Monterey is a city with good options for its diving and snorkeling. However, Kamloops is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life in Monterey. Scuba diving offers an unforgettable experience. The Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary gives you the unique experience of seeing sea lions, otters, kelp forests, crabs, and more.

Kamloops is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Monterey or Kamloops Better for Beaches?

Monterey is a city with good options for the beach. However, Kamloops is not a beach destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Monterey. The beaches highlight the laid by California vibe with sunbathers and beachgoers soaking up the atmosphere. There are both inlets and sandy beaches where you can see sea lions or explore the tidal pools.

Kamloops is not a beach destination.

Is Monterey or Kamloops Better for Hiking?

Kamloops is a good destination for its hiking trails. However, Monterey is not a hiking destination.

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.

Monterey is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Monterey or Kamloops?

Monterey is an excellent place to visit for its shopping opportunities. Also, Kamloops is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Monterey is well-known for its shopping. You'll find both local vendors and tourist shops around town. Cannery Row is a popular destination, as is Old Fisherman's Wharf and the Old Farmer's Market.

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 Monterey or Kamloops Better for Families?

Monterey is an amazing city to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Kamloops is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Monterey is an extremely popular city to visit for families. Monterey Bay Aquarium is a highlight for kids and adults alike. There's also the Monterey Zoo as well as lighthearted activities like a mirror maze. MY Museum is an interactive museum that's perfect for younger kids. There are also whale watching trips and nearby beaches.

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 Monterey or Kamloops Better for Couples?

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

Monterey makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are many romantic inns in town as well as quaint restaurants and fun activities. There are also spas, wine bars, and plenty of shopping for couples to enjoy as well.

Kamloops is a good city 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 Monterey or Kamloops Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Monterey is a good city to visit for backpackers. There's a hostel in town as well as fun activities that will appeal to backpackers.

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

Visitors will find decent public transit in both Monterey and Kamloops.

Public transit is mostly limited in Monterey. There is a bus system through the area.

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

Is Monterey or Kamloops a more walkable city?

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

Monterey is a very walkable city. If you stay near the town center, it's very walkable and easy to get around on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Kamloops or Monterey?

How long in Monterey or Kamloops?

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

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

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

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

One day in Monterey or Kamloops?

The city of Monterey offers museums and nightlife. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

The city of Kamloops offers nightlife and food. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Monterey or Kamloops?

Monterey 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. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Monterey, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Kamloops 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. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Kamloops, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Monterey or Kamloops?

Monterey 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 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.

A week in Monterey or Kamloops?

Monterey is a great place to explore. 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 great place to explore. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best 3-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 Monterey and Kamloops, we can see that Monterey 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 Monterey would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Monterey 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 Monterey Expensive? and Is Kamloops Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Monterey or Kamloops?

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

Both Kamloops and Monterey are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Monterey for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Kamloops because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Monterey is generally cooler than Kamloops. Daily temperatures in Monterey average around 63°F (17°C), and Kamloops fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

In July, Monterey usually receives less rain than Kamloops. Monterey gets 0 inches (1 mm) of rain, while Kamloops receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Monterey or Kamloops in the Autumn?

Both Kamloops and Monterey during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Monterey because of the shopping scene. Furthermore, the hiking trails and the shopping scene are the main draw to Kamloops this time of year.

Monterey is much warmer than Kamloops in the autumn. The daily temperature in Monterey averages around 62°F (17°C) in October, and Kamloops fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Monterey usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Kamloops. Monterey gets 0.6 inches (14 mm) of rain, while Kamloops receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Monterey or Kamloops in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Monterey and Kamloops. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Monterey this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Kamloops for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Kamloops. In the winter, Monterey is much warmer than Kamloops. Typically, the winter temperatures in Monterey in January average around 51°F (11°C), and Kamloops averages at about -3°C (27°F).

In January, Monterey usually receives more rain than Kamloops. Monterey gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Kamloops receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Monterey or Kamloops in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Monterey as well as Kamloops. Many travelers come to Monterey for the beaches.

In April, Monterey is generally a little warmer than Kamloops. Daily temperatures in Monterey average around 56°F (13°C), and Kamloops fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

Monterey usually gets more rain in April than Kamloops. Monterey gets 1.1 inches (29 mm) of rain, while Kamloops receives 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Kamloops and Monterey