A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Zion National Park vs. Kamloops for Hiking, Backpackers, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Zion National Park or Kamloops?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Zion National Park or Kamloops, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Zion National Park

Zion National Park is a breathtaking, stunning, and world-renowned park. Zion National Park is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the hiking. See Zion National Park travel costs.

Kamloops

Kamloops is a outdoorsy, nature-filled, and laid-back city. It's also known for shopping, skiing, and nightlife. See Kamloops travel costs.

Zion National Park and Kamloops: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Zion National Park or Kamloops?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Zion National Park. Although Zion National Park and Kamloops are popular destinations, Zion National Park has more sights and attractions for tourists. Zion National Park is very popular for its resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Kamloops attracts visitors for its skiing, food, nightlife, and shopping. Zion National Park is more touristy than Kamloops and is popular for its iconic hiking trails, dramatic canyon, and world-class rock climbing. It is also well known for Angels Landing. Kamloops is famous for its hiking trails, bike paths, and golf courses.

How is Zion National Park different from Kamloops?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Zion National Park or Kamloops Better for Skiing?

Kamloops is well known for winter skiing. However, Zion National Park 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.

Zion National Park is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Zion National Park or Kamloops?

Both Zion National Park and Kamloops have reasonable landmarks and museums for visitors.

Zion National Park offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. The best museum in the area is the Zion Human History Museum.

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 Zion National Park or Kamloops? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Kamloops is a nice place to visit for its restaurant scene. However, Zion National Park is not particularly known for its local flavors and cuisine.

Kamloops offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. 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 Zion National Park. Within the park there are a couple of restaurants, but it's far better to bring your own food that you can enjoy as a picnic or meal by a campfire.

Is Zion National Park or Kamloops Better for Nightlife?

Kamloops is a nice place to visit for nightlife. However, Zion National Park is not particularly known for nightlife and partying.

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.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Zion National Park Stargazing and relaxing by a campfire is how most visitors enjoy the evening hours.

Is Zion National Park or Kamloops Better for Resorts?

Zion National Park is a decent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Kamloops is not a resort destination.

Not known for its high-end resorts, Zion National Park offers a few options. There's a lodge within the park and many hotel options outside of the park.

Kamloops is not a resort destination.

Is Zion National Park or Kamloops Better for Hiking?

Zion National Park is an amazing park to visit for its hiking trails. Also, Kamloops is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

Around Zion National Park visitors will find world-class hiking trails. This park is known for its iconic hikes, which include Angels Landing, the Narrows, and the Emerald Pools Trail. There are hikes that range from easy to incredibly difficult, and many visits see this destination as a bucket list hiking opportunity.

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 Zion National Park or Kamloops?

Kamloops is a nice place to visit for shopping. However, Zion National Park is not particularly known for its shopping opportunities.

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.

Shopping in Zion National Park can be found for those interested. There are park stores, but few other shopping opportunities in the area.

Is Zion National Park or Kamloops More Beautiful?

Zion National Park is an amazing park to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Kamloops is not a destination known for its beauty.

Zion National Park is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. This park will have you feeling as if you're in a painting. There are spectacular views and a stunning natural beauty that will take your breath away.

Kamloops is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Zion National Park or Kamloops Better for Families?

Zion National Park and Kamloops are both high quality destinations for the whole family.

Zion National Park is a very family-friendly place to visit. One of the most kid-friendly hikes is the Watchman Trail, which starts conveniently near the Visitor Center. Other favorites include the Lower Emerald Pool Trail, the Pa'rus Trail, and the Riverside Walk.

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 Zion National Park or Kamloops Better for Couples?

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

Zion National Park makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are world-class hiking trails, spectacular views, and many opportunities for a romantic moment in this well-known park. While the crowds can be intense, particularly during peak seasons, the park is large enough that you should be able to find a moment of solitude.

Kamloops is a good park 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 Zion National Park or Kamloops Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Zion National Park is an amazing park to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Kamloops is lacking in options for backpackers.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Zion National Park is extremely popular for backpackers. This is a world-famous rock climbing, hiking, and backpacking destination. There are many opportunities for backcountry camping, but you are required to purchase a permit.

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

Zion National Park is a park with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, Kamloops is lacking in options for its public transit.

Zion National Park has some public transit options. There are free shuttles that travel around the park. They operate during the most popular seasons but the service isn't available during most of the winter months.

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

Is Zion National Park or Kamloops a more walkable city?

Kamloops is a city with a few options for its walkability. However, Zion National Park is not particularly known for its high level of walkability.

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

Zion National Park is not a very walkable park. The park is large, and most trailheads are spread out and require a vehicle to access.

For even more information, also check out Is Zion National Park Worth Visiting? and Is Kamloops Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Kamloops or Zion National Park?

How long in Zion National Park or Kamloops?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Zion National Park 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 Zion National Park.

One day in Zion National Park or Kamloops?

The beautiful park of Zion National Park offers . 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.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and skiing when visiting the nature-filled destination of Kamloops. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Zion National Park or Kamloops?

Zion National Park is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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.

Kamloops is a popular place to visit. Visitors enjoy the skiing and nightlife when visiting the outdoorsy city of Kamloops. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Kamloops has to offer.

Five days in Zion National Park or Kamloops?

Zion National Park is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Zion National Park, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Many people enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting Kamloops. Anyone can find something fun to do here. 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.

A week in Zion National Park or Kamloops?

Zion National Park is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. It is common to spend one week here. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Zion National Park has to offer. This park offers something for everyone.

Kamloops is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. It offers something for everyone. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, The Best Contiki 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 Zion National Park and Kamloops, we can see that Zion National Park 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 Zion National Park would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Zion National Park 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 Zion National Park Expensive? and Is Kamloops Expensive?.