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

Should you visit Portland, Maine or Kamloops?

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

Should I visit Portland, Maine 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.

Portland, Maine

Portland, Maine is a scenic, picturesque, and seaside coastal town. The beauty of Portland, Maine is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the nightlife, food, and beaches. See Portland, Maine 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.

Portland, Maine and Kamloops: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Portland, Maine or Kamloops?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Kamloops. Although Portland, Maine and Kamloops are roughly the same size, Kamloops has more sights and attractions for tourists. Kamloops is more popular for its skiing and museums and attractions, while Portland, Maine is known for its beaches and impressive beauty. Portland, Maine is more touristy than Kamloops and is popular for its seafood restaurants, scenic lighthouse, and coastal walks. Kamloops is popular for its hiking trails, bike paths, and golf courses. It is also home to Sun Peaks Resort.

How is Portland, Maine different from Kamloops?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Portland, Maine or Kamloops Better for Skiing?

Kamloops is well known for winter skiing. However, Portland, Maine 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.

Portland, Maine is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Portland, Maine or Kamloops?

Kamloops is a city with a few options for its museums and landmarks. However, Portland, Maine does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Portland, Maine does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Portland, Maine or Kamloops? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Portland, Maine and Kamloops can be difficult as they are each good in their own way.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Portland, Maine area. The town has grown into a foodie destination that takes advantage of its waterfront setting. Many restaurants make use of the fresh seafood with lobster rolls and oysters on the half shell being popular. You'll also find a lot of dishes that use haddock and whole lobsters.

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 Portland, Maine or Kamloops Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Portland, Maine and Kamloops.

Portland, Maine has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The city has many microbreweries, wine bars, taverns, and pubs. You'll find many places concentrated in the Old Port, which has a charming and fun atmosphere.

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.

Is Portland, Maine or Kamloops Better for Beaches?

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

The beaches at Portland, Maine attract visitors from all over. It has many sandy and calm beaches. The water may be too cold to swim, but the beaches are perfect for flying a kite or hanging out with family.

Kamloops is not a beach destination.

Is Portland, Maine or Kamloops Better for Hiking?

If you're looking to go hiking, Portland, Maine and Kamloops both have good trails.

Portland, Maine is a good destination for hiking. In addition to bike trails, there are several good hikes in the area.

Many people include a hike when visiting Kamloops. 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 Portland, Maine or Kamloops?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Kamloops and Portland, Maine.

Many visitors go to Portland, Maine to go shopping. The town has many nice local boutiques to explore. Head downtown for the best local venues and the most interesting shopping opportunities.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in 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 Portland, Maine or Kamloops More Beautiful?

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

The beauty of Portland, Maine is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Set against the water's edge, the town offers many beautiful scenes and picturesque settings.

Kamloops is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Portland, Maine or Kamloops Better for Families?

Kamloops is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Portland, Maine is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

Portland, Maine offers lots of family activities. It is a charming town with a number of kid-friendly museums, walks, and waterfront activities. You can visit the Portland Observatory, Bug Light Park, or grab ice cream in the Old Port. There are also children's museums such as the Children's Museum & Theatre of Maine.

Is Portland, Maine or Kamloops Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Portland, Maine and Kamloops make for a good place to visit.

Portland, Maine is a good coastal town for couples to visit. Couples will enjoy the beautiful waterfront setting, the fine dining restaurants, and everything that the city has to offer. Head to the Old Port for romantic restaurants and a great atmosphere or catch a show at Portland Stage.

Kamloops is a nice destination for couples. The area is filled with great hikes and nice parks. There are also great restaurants that make for a good date night.

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

Kamloops is a city with a few options for its public transit. However, Portland, Maine is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

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

Public transit is quite limited in Portland, Maine. There is a very basic bus system but you really must have a car to explore the city.

Is Portland, Maine or Kamloops a more walkable city?

Portland, Maine and Kamloops both are decent when exploring on foot.

Portland, Maine is generally not very walkable. Downtown is very walkable but if you want to travel to other areas you'll need a car.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Kamloops or Portland, Maine?

How long in Portland, Maine or Kamloops?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Kamloops than Portland, Maine 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 Portland, Maine or Kamloops?

The beautiful coastal town of Portland, Maine offers nightlife and food. 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.

The nature-filled destination of Kamloops offers skiing and nightlife. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Portland, Maine or Kamloops?

Portland, Maine is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this coastal town makes for a great vacation. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Portland, Maine, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

The city of Kamloops offers nightlife and food. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

Five days in Portland, Maine or Kamloops?

Portland, Maine 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 great place to explore. This city offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Portland, Maine or Kamloops?

Portland, Maine is a great place to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This coastal town offers something for everyone.

Many people enjoy the shopping and skiing when visiting Kamloops. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage, The Best Train & Rail Tours in Canada, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Canada.

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

Which is Bigger, Portland, Maine or Kamloops?

Kamloops has a larger population, and is about 9% larger than the population of Portland, Maine. When comparing the sizes of Portland, Maine 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 Portland, Maine 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 Portland, Maine or Kamloops in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Portland, Maine as well as Kamloops. Many visitors come to Portland, Maine in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Kamloops for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Portland, Maine is generally cooler than Kamloops. Daily temperatures in Portland, Maine average around 69°F (20°C), and Kamloops fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

Portland, Maine usually gets more rain in July than Kamloops. Portland, Maine gets 2.6 inches (66 mm) of rain, while Kamloops receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Portland, Maine or Kamloops in the Autumn?

Both Kamloops and Portland, Maine are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Portland, Maine for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Kamloops because of the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

Portland, Maine is cooler than Kamloops in the autumn. The daily temperature in Portland, Maine averages around 49°F (9°C) in October, and Kamloops fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In October, Portland, Maine usually receives more rain than Kamloops. Portland, Maine gets 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain, while Kamloops receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Portland, Maine or Kamloops in the Winter?

Both Kamloops and Portland, Maine during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Portland, Maine because of the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, 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 Portland, Maine can be very cold. In the winter, Portland, Maine is much colder than Kamloops. Typically, the winter temperatures in Portland, Maine in January average around 21°F (-6°C), and Kamloops averages at about -3°C (27°F).

Portland, Maine usually gets more rain in January than Kamloops. Portland, Maine gets 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain, while Kamloops receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Portland, Maine or Kamloops in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Portland, Maine and Kamloops. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Portland, Maine this time of year.

In April, Portland, Maine is generally much colder than Kamloops. Daily temperatures in Portland, Maine average around 43°F (6°C), and Kamloops fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

In April, Portland, Maine usually receives more rain than Kamloops. Portland, Maine gets 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain, while Kamloops receives 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Kamloops and Portland, Maine