A Travel Price Comparison for Canada Banff vs. Kamloops for Skiing, Hiking, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Banff or Kamloops?

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

Should I visit Banff 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.

Banff

Banff is a outdoorsy, sporty, and adventurous town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the skiing, nightlife, and food.

Kamloops

Kamloops is a nature-filled, laid-back, and outdoorsy city. And you can't forget about the food, hiking, and shopping.

Banff and Kamloops: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Banff or Kamloops?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Banff than Kamloops, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Banff is better known for its skiing, food, nightlife, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Kamloops is more popular for its museums. Banff is more touristy than Kamloops and is popular for its stunning beauty, pristine nature, and nearby lakes. Also, Banff is famous for Lake Louise. Kamloops is well known for its hiking trails, bike paths, and golf courses.

How is Banff different from Kamloops?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Banff or Kamloops Better for Skiing?

Banff is an amazing town to visit for skiing and snowboarding. Also, Kamloops is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for winter skiing.

Visitors will find world class skiing in Banff. The town makes a great base for experiencing the three nearby ski resorts: Banff Sunshine, The Lake Louise Ski Resort, and Mt Norquay. You can purchase a SkiBig3 Lift Ticket and experience the area's best skiing. There's a long ski season and a stunning setting within the Canadian Rockies.

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.

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

Kamloops is a moderate city for its sights and museums. However, Banff 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.

Banff does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Banff or Kamloops? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Banff has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The downtown has bistros, taverns, and many casual eateries. For a more fine dining experience, you can go to one of the luxury hotels, which have nice dining areas. Throughout town you'll find classic Canadian food like poutine, as well as pizza and bar food.

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 Banff or Kamloops Better for Nightlife?

Banff is an excellent place to visit for nightlife and partying. Also, Kamloops is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

Banff has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. It's a great town for partying and it's compact and easy to barhop if you want. For the town's size, you'll find a huge number of bars and breweries to choose from, and there's always something going on.

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 Banff or Kamloops Better for Hiking?

Banff is an amazing town to visit for its hiking trails. Also, Kamloops is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

Around Banff visitors will find world-class hiking trails. The town is set within Banff National Park, and is surrounded by world class hiking. There are more than 1,000 miles of trails that wander alongside rivers, lead to waterfalls, or climb mountain peaks. You may also see local wildlife.

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 Banff or Kamloops?

Both Banff and Kamloops are notable shopping destinations.

Banff offers some nice shopping areas. There are tons of downtown shops that sell local items, art, sports gear, or clothing.

Kamloops has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. 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 Banff or Kamloops Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Banff or Kamloops.

Banff is a very kid-friendly town. Kids will enjoy the low key hikes like Tunnel Mountain hike. There's also the Banff Gondola and several playgrounds in downtown Banff. For adventure activities, check out the Golden Skybridge or Lake Louise.

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.

Is Banff or Kamloops Better for Couples?

Banff is an amazing town to visit for its romantic activities. Also, Kamloops is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Banff is a great town for couples, as it has plenty to offer. It's a beautiful destination for a honeymoon or anniversary trip. There are countless hikes and stunning natural beauty. There are also spas, horseback riding, and many great restaurants.

Kamloops is a good town 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 Banff or Kamloops Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Many backpackers visit Banff. There are a couple of hostels around town and plenty of natural beauty that appeals to backpackers.

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

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

Banff has some public transit options. There's a bus system, Roam, that connects the towns of Canmore, Banff, and Lake Louise.

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

Is Banff or Kamloops a more walkable city?

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

Banff is a very walkable town. The downtown is very walkable and there are trailheads nearby as well.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Kamloops or Banff?

How long in Banff or Kamloops?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Banff or Kamloops to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Banff than Kamloops because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Banff, and 1-2 days is enough time in Kamloops.

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

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

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

One day in Banff or Kamloops?

Banff is a small town where visitors enjoy the nightlife and food. 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 food and shopping that this laid-back destination offers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

A weekend in Banff or Kamloops?

Banff is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town 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 Banff, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Kamloops. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Banff or Kamloops?

Banff is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Banff, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Kamloops is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the skiing and nightlife when visiting the destination of Kamloops. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Banff or Kamloops?

Banff 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 town offers something for everyone.

You'll find nightlife and food around the laid-back destination of Kamloops. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in Canada, The Best Camping Tours in Canada, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Canada, and The Best Northern Lights Tours in Canada.

When comparing the travel costs between Banff and Kamloops, we can see that Banff is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Banff Expensive? and Is Kamloops Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Banff or Kamloops?

Kamloops has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Banff. When comparing the sizes of Banff 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.