A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Ocean City vs. Kamloops for Families, Nightlife, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Ocean City or Kamloops?

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

Should I visit Ocean City 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.

Ocean City

Ocean City is a laid back, active, and energetic city. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and nightlife. See Ocean City travel costs.

Kamloops

Kamloops is a laid-back, outdoorsy, and nature-filled city. Other popular activities here include food, hiking, and shopping. See Kamloops travel costs.

Ocean City and Kamloops: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ocean City or Kamloops?

Both Kamloops and Ocean City have plenty of things to do for travelers. Both provide a wide variety of sights and activities for tourists. Ocean City is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, and beaches, while Kamloops is known for its skiing, hiking, and shopping. Ocean City is more touristy than Kamloops and is popular for its miles of sandy beach, fun-filled activities, and thrilling water sports. Kamloops is popular for its hiking trails, bike paths, and golf courses.

How is Ocean City different from Kamloops?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Ocean City or Kamloops Better for Skiing?

Kamloops is a well-known place for snow skiing. However, Ocean City is not a skiing destination.

Kamloops is a well-known ski destination which attracts visitors from far and wide. 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.

Ocean City is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Ocean City or Kamloops?

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Ocean City or Kamloops.

Ocean City offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Most people spend their time on the beach, but for the rainy days you can check out the Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum or the Art League of Ocean City.

While most people don't head to Kamloops specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. There are a couple of museums in the area that highlight the local culture and the region's heritage.

Is the Food Better in Ocean City or Kamloops? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Ocean City and Kamloops both to be good destinations.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Ocean City area. Themed restaurants are popular in the area. You'll also find all-you-can-eat seafood buffets and casual diners with pancakes and waffles. Pizza, burgers, and other fast food options are also abundant.

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.

Is Ocean City or Kamloops Better for Nightlife?

Ocean City 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.

Ocean City has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. Happy hours are popular at the bars in the area. You'll also find live music and DJ led parties. Head to the boardwalk, which will overwhelm your senses. There are neon lights, colorful rides, and arcades filled with people and activities.

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 Ocean City or Kamloops Better for Resorts?

Ocean City is an excellent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Kamloops is not a resort destination.

In Ocean City, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. There are many oceanfront resorts with pools and rooms with ocean views. The hotels along the beach tend to be the most expensive, but if you find a place across from the Coastal Highway, it's very challenging to walk to the beach.

Kamloops is not a resort destination.

Is Ocean City or Kamloops Better for Beaches?

Ocean City is an excellent place to visit for the beach. However, Kamloops is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Ocean City attract visitors from all over. There are ten miles of sandy beach that are lined with hotels and resorts. A festive boardwalk runs along the coastline and has many rides, arcades, restaurants, and more. The beach offers waves and warm water during the summer months.

Kamloops is not a beach destination.

Is Ocean City or Kamloops Better for Hiking?

Kamloops is a popular place for the nearby hiking options. However, Ocean City is not a hiking destination.

Kamloops is a good destination for hiking. The area is filled with hiking trails that pass through grasslands, desert landscapes, and pine forests. There is something for every skill level.

Ocean City is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ocean City or Kamloops?

Kamloops is a popular place for its shopping areas. However, Ocean City is not a good city for 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.

Ocean City is a good destination for shopping. You'll find surf stores and souvenir shops along the three mile boardwalk. There are also many vendors and shopping centers along the Coastal Highway. For something a little more interesting you can head to the Inlet Village.

Is Ocean City or Kamloops Better for Families?

Ocean City 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.

Ocean City is an extremely popular city to visit for families. Beyond the family-friendly beach, there's also minigolf, dolphin tours, and themed-restaurants that are perfect for kids. Head to the Jolly Roger amusement park for a thrilling afternoon or spend some time visiting Ripley's Believe It or Not. The boardwalk is lined with activities for both kids and adults. There are also candy shops, ice cream parlors, and pizza joints where you can grab a bite to eat.

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 Ocean City or Kamloops Better for Couples?

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

Ocean City makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Hotels line the beach, many with beautiful views and nice pools. You can take long romantic walks along the coastline or head to one of the many seafood restaurants in town.

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

Both Ocean City and Kamloops offer decent public transit options.

Public transit is generally limited in Ocean City. There are boardwalk trams as well as shuttle buses, but most people have their own vehicle, and its recommended you have a private car to get around.

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

Is Ocean City or Kamloops a more walkable city?

Ocean City and Kamloops both are decent when exploring on foot.

Ocean City is generally not very walkable. If you stay at an oceanfront hotel or on the ocean block, it's possible to walk to the beach. If you stay further back, you'll have to cross the Coastal Highway, which is eight lanes of busy traffic.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Kamloops or Ocean City?

How long in Ocean City or Kamloops?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Ocean City or Kamloops to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Ocean City than Kamloops because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Ocean City, and 1-2 days is enough time in Kamloops.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Kamloops than Ocean City 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 Ocean City or Kamloops?

The city of Ocean City offers food and nightlife. Most people come for the beaches. 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 laid-back 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 Ocean City or Kamloops?

Ocean City is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. 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 Ocean City or Kamloops?

Ocean City is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Ocean City, five days is sufficent for most. 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 Ocean City or Kamloops?

Ocean City is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Ocean City has to offer. This city 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 Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, The Best Luxury Tours to 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 Ocean City and Kamloops, we can see that Ocean City 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 Ocean City would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Ocean City 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 Ocean City Expensive? and Is Kamloops Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Ocean City or Kamloops?

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

Both Kamloops and Ocean City during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Ocean City in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Kamloops for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Ocean City is generally around the same temperature as Kamloops. Daily temperatures in Ocean City average around 77°F (25°C), and Kamloops fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Ocean City. Ocean City usually gets more rain in July than Kamloops. Ocean City gets 4.3 inches (110 mm) of rain, while Kamloops receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ocean City or Kamloops in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Ocean City and Kamloops. Most visitors come to Ocean City for the shopping scene during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Kamloops because of the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

Ocean City is a little warmer than Kamloops in the autumn. The daily temperature in Ocean City averages around 58°F (14°C) in October, and Kamloops fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In October, Ocean City usually receives more rain than Kamloops. Ocean City gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Kamloops receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Ocean City or Kamloops in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Ocean City as well as Kamloops. The winter months attract visitors to Ocean City because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, 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 Ocean City can be very cold. In the winter, Ocean City is much warmer than Kamloops. Typically, the winter temperatures in Ocean City in January average around 35°F (2°C), and Kamloops averages at about -3°C (27°F).

Ocean City usually gets more rain in January than Kamloops. Ocean City gets 3.6 inches (93 mm) of rain, while Kamloops receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ocean City or Kamloops in the Spring?

Both Kamloops and Ocean City are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The beaches are the main draw to Ocean City this time of year.

In April, Ocean City is generally around the same temperature as Kamloops. Daily temperatures in Ocean City average around 54°F (12°C), and Kamloops fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

In April, Ocean City usually receives more rain than Kamloops. Ocean City gets 3.2 inches (81 mm) of rain, while Kamloops receives 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Kamloops and Ocean City