A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Palm Springs vs. Kamloops for Nightlife, Food, Hiking, and Families

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

Palm Springs

Palm Springs is a ritzy, chic, and outdoorsy city. Visitors also love the nightlife, food, and hiking. See Palm Springs 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.

Palm Springs and Kamloops: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Palm Springs or Kamloops?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Palm Springs. Although Palm Springs and Kamloops are popular destinations, Palm Springs has more sights and attractions for tourists. Palm Springs is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, resorts, hiking, and shopping, while Kamloops attracts visitors for its skiing. Palm Springs is more touristy than Kamloops and is popular for its golfing, shopping, and mid-century modern architecture. It is also well known for the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. Kamloops is famous for its hiking trails, bike paths, and golf courses.

How is Palm Springs different from Kamloops?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Palm Springs or Kamloops Better for Skiing?

Kamloops is notable for snow skiing. However, Palm Springs 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.

Palm Springs is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Palm Springs or Kamloops?

Palm Springs is a city with good options for its museums and history. However, Kamloops is lacking in options for its museums and landmarks.

Palm Springs offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. The Palm Springs Air Museum has an impressive collection of military planes. It's also worth visiting the Palm Springs Art Museum, which has a mix of fine art, natural history, and performing arts. You'll also find botanical gardens and even a zoo 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 Palm Springs or Kamloops? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Palm Springs has a huge number of terrific restaurants. Fresh ingredients and typical California cuisine is common around town. Brunch is a popular option for visitors and you'll find countless brunch cafes in the area. You'll also find Mexican food, pizza, and plenty of vegan and vegetarian options.

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 Palm Springs or Kamloops Better for Nightlife?

Palm Springs is an amazing city to visit for nightlife and partying. Also, Kamloops is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

Palm Springs has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. The area is filled with nightlife options that range from cocktail bars to nightclubs or breweries. You can party into the early morning at the dance clubs or enjoy a bottle of wine with friends at one of the lounges.

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 Palm Springs or Kamloops Better for Resorts?

Palm Springs is an amazing city to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Kamloops is not a resort destination.

Palm Springs is a world class resort vacation destination. Resorts range from luxurious to more laid back. Most have impressive pools and many have their own spas, restaurants, and entertainment options.

Kamloops is not a resort destination.

Is Palm Springs or Kamloops Better for Hiking?

Palm Springs is an excellent place to visit for its hiking trails. Also, Kamloops is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Palm Springs. There are more than 100 trails in the Greater Palm Springs area that take you through scenic desert landscapes and unique ecosystems. Some of the most popular trails include Andreas Canyon Trail and Araby 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 Palm Springs or Kamloops?

Palm Springs 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.

Palm Springs is well-known for its shopping. Shopping ranges from outlets to boutique vendors. For the most local options head to Palm Canyon Drive and for an upscale shopping experience, visit the El Paseo shopping district.

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 Palm Springs or Kamloops Better for Families?

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

Palm Springs is a very family-friendly place to visit. The year round sunny weather and diversity of outdoor activities make this a great family-friendly destination. There are desert hikes, zoos, and even a dinosaur museum. Kids can also pass their time playing at the pool or enjoying the waterslides.

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 Palm Springs or Kamloops Better for Couples?

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

Palm Springs makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Whether you're on a honeymoon or simply looking to escape the city, there are many romantic options in the area. From cozy inns to resort spa hotels, there are a range of accommodation options. Outdoor dining, hiking, and shopping are also popular.

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

Both Palm Springs and Kamloops offer reasonable public transit options.

Public transit is generally limited in Palm Springs. There are nine bus routes operated by SunLine Transit Agency, but most visitors prefer to have a car to get around.

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

Is Palm Springs or Kamloops a more walkable city?

Palm Springs is a city with good options for its high level of walkability. However, Kamloops is lacking in options for its ease of walking around.

Palm Springs is a somewhat walkable place. Parts of the city are very walkable, particularly the touristy areas along Palm Canyon Drive.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Kamloops or Palm Springs?

How long in Palm Springs or Kamloops?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Palm Springs 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 Palm Springs.

One day in Palm Springs or Kamloops?

The city of Palm Springs offers food and 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.

In Kamloops, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this laid-back city offers. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this city.

A weekend in Palm Springs or Kamloops?

Palm Springs 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. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Palm Springs, 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Palm Springs or Kamloops?

Palm Springs is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that nightlife 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.

You'll find shopping and skiing around the nature-filled destination of Kamloops. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

A week in Palm Springs or Kamloops?

Palm Springs is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that nightlife 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 city offers something for everyone.

Kamloops is a popular place to visit. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

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

Which is Bigger, Palm Springs or Kamloops?

Kamloops has a larger population, and is about 61% larger than the population of Palm Springs. When comparing the sizes of Palm Springs 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 Palm Springs 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 Palm Springs or Kamloops in the Summer?

Both Kamloops and Palm Springs during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Palm Springs for the hiking 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, Palm Springs is around the same temperature as Kamloops. Typically, the summer temperatures in Palm Springs in July average around 73°F (23°C), and Kamloops averages at about 23°C (73°F).

Palm Springs usually gets less rain in July than Kamloops. Palm Springs gets 0 inches (1 mm) of rain, while Kamloops receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Palm Springs or Kamloops in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Palm Springs and Kamloops. Many visitors come to Palm Springs in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Kamloops for the hiking trails and the shopping scene during these months.

In October, Palm Springs is generally much warmer than Kamloops. Daily temperatures in Palm Springs average around 69°F (20°C), and Kamloops fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In October, Palm Springs usually receives less rain than Kamloops. Palm Springs gets 0.3 inches (7 mm) of rain, while Kamloops receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Palm Springs or Kamloops in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Palm Springs as well as Kamloops. Most visitors come to Palm Springs 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. Palm Springs is much warmer than Kamloops in the winter. The daily temperature in Palm Springs averages around 57°F (14°C) in January, and Kamloops fluctuates around -3°C (27°F).

Palm Springs usually gets more rain in January than Kamloops. Palm Springs gets 2 inches (52 mm) of rain, while Kamloops receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Palm Springs or Kamloops in the Spring?

Both Kamloops and Palm Springs are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities.

In the spring, Palm Springs is a little warmer than Kamloops. Typically, the spring temperatures in Palm Springs in April average around 62°F (17°C), and Kamloops averages at about 12°C (53°F).

In April, Palm Springs usually receives more rain than Kamloops. Palm Springs gets 0.9 inches (24 mm) of rain, while Kamloops receives 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Kamloops and Palm Springs