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

Should you visit Portland or Kamloops?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Portland and Kamloops can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Portland

Portland is a progressive, quirky, and eclectic city. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. Portland is a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the live music, hiking, and shopping. See Portland travel costs.

Kamloops

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

Portland and Kamloops: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Portland or Kamloops?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Portland than Kamloops. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Portland is very popular for its music, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Kamloops attracts visitors for its skiing and food. Portland is more touristy than Kamloops and is known for its independent and vintage shops, thriving art scene, lush parks and gardens, progressive and quirky personality, and easy access to amazing natural beauty. It is also well known for Washington Park. Kamloops is famous for its hiking trails, bike paths, and golf courses.

How is Portland different from Kamloops?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Portland or Kamloops Better for Skiing?

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

Portland is not a skiing destination.

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

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

While most people don't head to Portland specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. Visitors usually come for the city's outdoor recreation and eclectic personality more than the landmarks and museums. There are a few places to visit on a rainy day though including Pittock Mansion, the Portland Art Museum, and the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry.

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 Portland or Kamloops? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Kamloops is a city with good options for its restaurants. However, Portland is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

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 Portland. The town is more famous for it's craft beer than it's food, but there are still a number of local restaurants that offer unique Oregon dishes. You'll find no shortage of vegetarian and vegan options on most menus. There is also a big farm-to-table scene with many farmers markets around town as well.

Is Portland or Kamloops Better for Nightlife?

The nice nightlife scene is relatively similar in Portland and Kamloops.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Portland. Famously, this town's nightlife is all about the craft beer and local breweries. Make sure you check out Bailey's Taproom, The Big Legrowlski, and The Commons Brewery.

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 Portland or Kamloops Better for Music?

Portland is a city with good options for its live music scene. However, Kamloops is not a live music destination.

You'll find some good live music in Portland. The town has a thriving live music and international folk dancing scene.

Kamloops is not a live music destination.

Is Portland or Kamloops Better for Hiking?

Portland 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 Portland. Just outside of town you'll find amazing hikes and stunning natural beauty. In town there are many urban hikes through parks and gardens, but in just a short drive you also have access to Mount Hood and many of the region's most beautiful hikes around the Columbia River Gorge.

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 Portland or Kamloops?

Shoppers can find a variety of nice stores in both Portland and Kamloops.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Portland. To fully experience shopping in town, head to the local vendors and thrift shops. There are many vintage clothing shops, book stores, and independent sellers around town. The city is also full of farmers markets. For some of the most interesting shopping, check out the Pearl District, Pioneer Place, Union Way, and Downtown neighborhoods.

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 Portland or Kamloops More Beautiful?

Portland is a city with good options for its scenery and beauty. However, Kamloops is not a destination known for its beauty.

Portland is a beautiful place to visit, too. Surrounded by mountains and filled with parks and greenspace, many people find this town to be quite beautiful.

Kamloops is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Portland or Kamloops Better for Families?

Kamloops is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Portland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Kamloops is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Portland. This is an outdoor city by nature, so families will appreciate the many parks and outdoor recreational activities around town. It's easy to fill a couple of days exploring and having fun with the kids. Kid-friendly activities include the zoo, the aerial tram, and several great museums.

Is Portland or Kamloops Better for Couples?

Both Portland and Kamloops are nice destinations for a couple's getaway.

Portland is a nice destination for couples. The laid-back, alternative vibe is fun to explore as a couple. There are independent bookstores, nice parks, and plenty of outdoor activities to choose from. Couples who enjoy an eclectic city, breweries, and nature, will find a lot to do in town.

Kamloops makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The area is filled with great hikes and nice parks. There are also great restaurants that make for a good date night.

Is Portland or Kamloops Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Many backpackers visit Portland. The town has drawn young explorers for years, and backpackers who like to step away from the mainstream will feel right at home here.

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 Portland or Kamloops Better for Students?

Portland is a city with good options for its student-friendly activities. However, Kamloops is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Portland. It's a young and relaxed city that attracts independent thinkers. There are many bookstores and breweries around town. The cost of living can be a bit high though.

Kamloops is not popular with students.

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

Portland is a city with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, Kamloops is lacking in options for its public transit.

Portland has some public transit options. The town has a bus and light rail system as well the Aerial tram.

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

Is Portland or Kamloops a more walkable city?

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

Portland is a very walkable city. It is quite walkable, particularly in the tourist areas such as Downtown, Pearl, and Old Town Chinatown.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Kamloops or Portland?

How long in Portland or Kamloops?

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

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

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

One day in Portland or Kamloops?

The city of Portland offers nightlife and live music. 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.

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 Portland or Kamloops?

Portland 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. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Portland, 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 Portland or Kamloops?

Portland 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 Portland or Kamloops?

Portland is a great place to explore. 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 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 Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, The Best Wildlife 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 Portland and Kamloops, we can see that Portland 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 would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Portland 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 Expensive? and Is Kamloops Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Portland or Kamloops?

Portland has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Kamloops. When comparing the sizes of Portland 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 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 Portland or Kamloops in the Summer?

Both Kamloops and Portland are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Portland because of the hiking, the small town charm, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Kamloops this time of year.

In the summer, Portland is cooler than Kamloops. Typically, the summer temperatures in Portland in July average around 68°F (20°C), and Kamloops averages at about 23°C (73°F).

In July, Portland usually receives less rain than Kamloops. Portland gets 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain, while Kamloops receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Portland or Kamloops in the Autumn?

Both Kamloops and Portland during the autumn are popular places to visit. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, the music scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Portland this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Kamloops for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In October, Portland is generally a little warmer than Kamloops. Daily temperatures in Portland average around 55°F (13°C), and Kamloops fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Portland usually gets more rain in October than Kamloops. Portland gets 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain, while Kamloops receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Portland or Kamloops in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Portland and Kamloops. Many travelers come to Portland for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Kamloops in the winter for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Kamloops can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Portland. Portland is much warmer than Kamloops in the winter. The daily temperature in Portland averages around 40°F (4°C) in January, and Kamloops fluctuates around -3°C (27°F).

Portland gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Portland usually receives more rain than Kamloops. Portland gets 5.2 inches (132 mm) of rain, while Kamloops receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Portland or Kamloops in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Portland as well as Kamloops. Many visitors come to Portland in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Portland is around the same temperature as Kamloops. Typically, the spring temperatures in Portland in April average around 51°F (11°C), and Kamloops averages at about 12°C (53°F).

Portland usually gets more rain in April than Kamloops. Portland gets 2.4 inches (61 mm) of rain, while Kamloops receives 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Kamloops and Portland