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

Should you visit Providence 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 Providence 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.

Providence

Providence is a fascinating, active, and friendly city. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums. See Providence 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.

Providence and Kamloops: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
  • Very walkable
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Providence or Kamloops?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Kamloops than Providence. While Providence is larger than Kamloops, Kamloops has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Kamloops is more popular for its skiing and hiking, while Providence is known for its museums and attractions and food. Providence is popular for its outdoor parks, historic atmosphere, and college town vibe. Kamloops is popular for its hiking trails, bike paths, and golf courses. It is also home to Sun Peaks Resort.

How is Providence different from Kamloops?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Providence or Kamloops Better for Skiing?

Providence
Kamloops

Kamloops is a great city for skiing. However, Providence 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.

Providence is not a skiing destination.


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

Providence
Kamloops

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

Providence offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are several historical museums around town as well as art museums, zoos, a planetarium and natural history museum, and even a children's museum.

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 Providence or Kamloops? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Providence
Kamloops

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

Providence has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The food scene around town has grown and diversified in recent years. You'll find a mix of international and local options and for such a small city, it really has a lot to offer.

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 Providence or Kamloops Better for Nightlife?

Providence
Kamloops

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find good options in both Providence and Kamloops.

If you're looking for night time activities Providence has a few options to choose from. Comedy clubs, bars, and clubs keep the energy high during the evening hours. It's not hard to find something to do, particularly on weekend nights.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Kamloops. You'll find pubs, bars, breweries and night clubs around town that range in personality and style.


Is Providence or Kamloops Better for Hiking?

Providence
Kamloops

Kamloops is a good destination for hiking. However, Providence 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.

Providence is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Providence or Kamloops?

Providence
Kamloops

If you're looking to go shopping, Providence and Kamloops both offer plenty of good spots.

Providence has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Malls, shopping centers, and boutiques all offer a range of shopping experiences around town.

Kamloops is a great destination for 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 Providence or Kamloops Better for Families?

Providence
Kamloops

Kamloops is a great city for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Providence is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Kamloops. 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.

Providence is a family-friendly place to visit. There are opportunities for kids to interact with animals at the Roger Williams Park Zoo, as well as plenty of places for kids to run around like Rocky Point Park or Goddard Memorial State Park. There's also the Providence Children's Museum, go carting, and entertainment centers.


Is Providence or Kamloops Better for Couples?

Providence
Kamloops

Providence and Kamloops both good destinations for a couple.

Providence is a good city for couples to visit. You can see a show at the Providence Performing Arts Center or visit some of the city's historic buildings and museums. There are also parks and coastal walks as well as many great restaurants.

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 Providence or Kamloops Better for Students?

Providence
Kamloops

Providence is an excellent place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Kamloops is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in Providence. There's a college town vibe to this small city because it's home to Brown University, which is a member of the Ivy League.

Kamloops is not popular with students.

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

Providence
Kamloops

Providence 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.

Providence has some public transit options. There are RIPTA buses that travel around town.

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


Is Providence or Kamloops a more walkable city?

Providence
Kamloops

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

Providence is a very walkable city. It's a walkable city and it's relatively easy to explore 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 Providence Worth Visiting? and Is Kamloops Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Kamloops or Providence?

How long in Providence or Kamloops?

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

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

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


  • How many days in Providence or Kamloops? Ideal Length of Stay
    Providence 2-3 
    Kamloops 1-2

One day in Providence or Kamloops?

The city of Providence offers food and shopping. 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 Providence or Kamloops?

Providence 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 Providence, a weekend is sufficent for most. 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 Providence or Kamloops?

Providence 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, 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 Providence or Kamloops?

Providence 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 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 Photography Tours in United States of America, The Best Camping Tours in United States of America, The Best Train & Rail Tours in Canada, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Canada.


Which place is cheaper, Kamloops or Providence?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Providence Prices
    USA Prices
    Kamloops Prices
    Canada Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Providence $245
    Kamloops $99

The average daily cost (per person) in Providence is $245, while the average daily cost in Kamloops is $99. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Providence and Kamloops in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Providence $114
    Kamloops $44
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Providence $228
    Kamloops $88
Compare Hotels in Providence and Kamloops

Looking for a hotel in Providence or Kamloops? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Providence


Hotels in Kamloops


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Providence Hotel Prices and Kamloops Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Providence $46
    Kamloops $20

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Providence

Also for Providence, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • T. F. Green State Airport (PVD) to Providence - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $81
  • T. F. Green State Airport (PVD) to Providence – Arrival Private Transfer : $40
  • Providence to Rhode Island Airport PVD Departure Transfer : $40
  • Providence to Boston Airport (BOS) - Departure Private Transfer: $69
  • Private Transfer from Providence City Hotels to Newport Port: $133
  • Private Transfer from Providence Airport (PVD) to Newport Port : $125
  • Private Airport Transfer TO/FROM Providence TF Green Airport PVD: $32

Is it cheaper to fly into Providence or Kamloops?

Prices for flights to both Kamloops and Providence change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Providence $82
    Kamloops $41

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Providence

For Providence, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Downcity Providence Food Tour: $99
  • Federal Hill Dinner Stroll A Guided Italian Culinary Experience: $150
  • Federal Hill Dinner Stroll with Italian Dinner: $150

Typical Food Prices in Kamloops

For Kamloops, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Pastries
    $5.80
  • Lunch for Two
    $25
  • Coffee and Gelato
    $12

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Providence $26
    Kamloops $13

Tours and Activities in Providence

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Providence.

  • Providence Downtown and Brown Self Guided App GPS Walking Tour: $9.75
  • Boat Tour of Green Jacket Shoal: $46
  • Creative Capital: Art and Architecture Tour of Providence: $40
  • Dark Tales: Haunted Authors of Providence Tour: $35
  • Dark Tales: The Haunted Authors of Providence Tour: $30
  • Discover Providence Guided Sightseeing Tour: $45
  • Haunted Boat Tours: $54
  • Haunted Boat Tours in Providence: $55
  • Haunted History Walking Tour of Providence: $30
  • Historic Providence Boat Tours: $45
  • Murder Mystery Detective Experience in Providence RI: $15
  • Parasols and Pocket Watches: A History Tour: $30

Tours and Activities in Kamloops

For Kamloops, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • BC Wildlife Park Entry Ticket: $14
  • Scenic Kamloops Self Guided Audio Driving Tour to Lake Louise : $12
  • Skip the Line: Kamloops BC Wildlife Park Admission Ticket: $15
  • Smartphone Audio Driving Tour between Kamloops & Revelstoke: $8.07
  • Smartphone Audio Driving Tour between Kamloops and Vancouver: $8.08
  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Kamloops by Zombie Scavengers: $21

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Providence $13
    Kamloops $6.77


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


Which is Bigger, Providence or Kamloops?

Providence has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Kamloops. When comparing the sizes of Providence 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 Providence 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 Providence or Kamloops in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Providence and Kamloops. Most visitors come to Providence for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Kamloops because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

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

In July, Providence usually receives more rain than Kamloops. Providence gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Kamloops receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Providence 73°F (23°C) 
    Kamloops 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Providence or Kamloops in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Providence as well as Kamloops. The autumn months attract visitors to Providence because of the shopping scene. Additionally, the hiking trails and the shopping scene are the main draw to Kamloops this time of year.

Providence is around the same temperature as Kamloops in the autumn. The daily temperature in Providence averages around 53°F (12°C) in October, and Kamloops fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Providence usually gets more rain in October than Kamloops. Providence gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Kamloops receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Providence 53°F (12°C) 
    Kamloops 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Providence or Kamloops in the Winter?

Both Kamloops and Providence are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Providence this time of year. Also, 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. It's quite cold in Providence in the winter. In the winter, Providence is a little warmer than Kamloops. Typically, the winter temperatures in Providence in January average around 28°F (-2°C), and Kamloops averages at about -3°C (27°F).

In January, Providence usually receives more rain than Kamloops. Providence gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Kamloops receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Providence 28°F (-2°C) 
    Kamloops -3°C (27°F)

Should I visit Providence or Kamloops in the Spring?

Both Kamloops and Providence during the spring are popular places to visit.

In April, Providence is generally cooler than Kamloops. Daily temperatures in Providence average around 48°F (9°C), and Kamloops fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

Providence usually gets more rain in April than Kamloops. Providence gets 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain, while Kamloops receives 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Providence 48°F (9°C) 
    Kamloops 12°C (53°F)

Typical Weather for Kamloops and Providence

Providence Kamloops
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 28°F (-2°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) -3°C (27°F) 26 mm (1 in)
Feb 30°F (-1°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm) 2°C (35°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Mar 38°F (3°C) 4 inches (101 mm) 7°C (44°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Apr 48°F (9°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm) 12°C (53°F) 15 mm (0.6 in)
May 58°F (15°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 16°C (61°F) 22 mm (0.9 in)
Jun 67°F (20°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm) 21°C (69°F) 29 mm (1.1 in)
Jul 73°F (23°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 23°C (73°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Aug 72°F (22°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 23°C (73°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Sep 64°F (18°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 17°C (63°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Oct 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 11°C (51°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Nov 44°F (7°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm) 4°C (39°F) 22 mm (0.9 in)
Dec 33°F (0°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm) -1°C (30°F) 33 mm (1.3 in)