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

Should you visit Bar Harbor 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 Bar Harbor 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.

Bar Harbor

Bar Harbor is a quaint, charming, and picturesque coastal town. You'll find plenty of local activities in this small town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. Visitors also love the beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Kamloops

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

Bar Harbor and Kamloops: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Very walkable
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
  • Quaint atmosphere
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Bar Harbor or Kamloops?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Kamloops. Although Bar Harbor and Kamloops are popular destinations, Kamloops has more sights and attractions for tourists. Kamloops is very popular for its skiing, museums & sights, and nightlife, while Bar Harbor attracts visitors for its food, resorts, beaches, shopping, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Bar Harbor is more touristy than Kamloops and is popular for its small town vibe, picturesque setting, whale watching tours, and convenient location near Acadia National Park. Kamloops is famous for its hiking trails, bike paths, and golf courses. It is also well known for Sun Peaks Resort.

How is Bar Harbor different from Kamloops?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Bar Harbor or Kamloops Better for Skiing?

Bar Harbor
Kamloops

Kamloops is a well-known place for snow skiing. However, Bar Harbor 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.

Bar Harbor is not a skiing destination.


Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Bar Harbor or Kamloops?

Bar Harbor
Kamloops

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

Bar Harbor does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Bar Harbor
Kamloops

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

Bar Harbor has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The town is famous for its Maine lobster, but there are also countless other types of fresh seafood available. You'll find waterfront restaurants with beautiful views and fresh ingredients.

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 Bar Harbor or Kamloops Better for Nightlife?

Bar Harbor
Kamloops

Kamloops is a city with good options for nightlife. However, Bar Harbor is not a good coastal town for nightlife and partying.

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.

Bar Harbor doesn't offer many options. It's a peaceful and sleepy town, so you wont find much in the way of nightlife.


Is Bar Harbor or Kamloops Better for Resorts?

Bar Harbor
Kamloops

Bar Harbor is a coastal town with good options for its luxury resorts. However, Kamloops is not a resort destination.

With a selection of resorts, Bar Harbor makes a nice vacation spot. The town is all about the cute hotel. Several favorites include Sand Bar Cottage Inn, Bluenose Inn, and Bar Harbor Inn and Spa.

Kamloops is not a resort destination.

Is Bar Harbor or Kamloops Better for Beaches?

Bar Harbor
Kamloops

Bar Harbor is a coastal town with good options for the beache. However, Kamloops is not a beach destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Bar Harbor. A nice beach is close by but do note that the sand is very shelly and there is a big difference between high and low tides.

Kamloops is not a beach destination.

Is Bar Harbor or Kamloops Better for Hiking?

Bar Harbor
Kamloops

Both Bar Harbor and Kamloops are destinations which offer nice hiking.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Bar Harbor. Nearby Acadia National Park has plenty of hiking options. There's also the Bar Harbor Shore Path that wanders along the coastline and offers beautiful views.

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 Bar Harbor or Kamloops?

Bar Harbor
Kamloops

Bar Harbor is an excellent place to visit for its shopping opportunities. Also, Kamloops is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Bar Harbor is well-known for its shopping. Filled with plenty of local boutique shops, its fun to enjoy some shopping around town.

Many visitors go to Kamloops to go 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 Bar Harbor or Kamloops Better for Families?

Bar Harbor
Kamloops

Kamloops is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Bar Harbor is not as famous, but is still a good coastal town to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Kamloops is 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.

Bar Harbor is a family-friendly coastal town. It is a small town with a lot of outdoor activities that kids will enjoy. Whale watching, kayaking, and wildlife spotting are all fun activities for all ages.

Is Bar Harbor or Kamloops Better for Couples?

Bar Harbor
Kamloops

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

Bar Harbor makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It is a quaint coastal town that is perfect for a couple's getaway or a short honeymoon. There are romantic restaurants, scenic walks, and beautiful views that make this a wonderful retreat.

Kamloops is a good coastal 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 Bar Harbor or Kamloops Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Bar Harbor
Kamloops

Both Bar Harbor and Kamloops offer reasonable public transit options.

Public transit is generally limited in Bar Harbor. There is a free shuttle bus that will help you get around town if needed.

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

Is Bar Harbor or Kamloops a more walkable city?

Bar Harbor
Kamloops

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

Bar Harbor is a very walkable coastal town. The town is small enough that it's easily explored 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 Bar Harbor Worth Visiting? and Is Kamloops Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Kamloops or Bar Harbor?

How long in Bar Harbor or Kamloops?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Kamloops than Bar Harbor 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.


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

One day in Bar Harbor or Kamloops?

Bar Harbor is a small town where visitors enjoy the shopping and food. 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 Bar Harbor or Kamloops?

Bar Harbor 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. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Bar Harbor, 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 Bar Harbor or Kamloops?

Bar Harbor 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 Bar Harbor or Kamloops?

Bar Harbor 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 coastal town 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 Walking Tours in United States of America, The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, The Best Tours for Seniors to Canada, and The Best Contiki Tours to Canada.


Which place is cheaper, Kamloops or Bar Harbor?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Bar Harbor is $202, while the average daily cost in Kamloops is $83. 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 Bar Harbor and Kamloops in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Bar Harbor $117
    Kamloops $45
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Bar Harbor $234
    Kamloops $90
Compare Hotels in Bar Harbor and Kamloops

Looking for a hotel in Bar Harbor 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 Bar Harbor


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: Bar Harbor Hotel Prices and Kamloops Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Bar Harbor $35
    Kamloops $20

Is it cheaper to fly into Bar Harbor or Kamloops?

Prices for flights to both Kamloops and Bar Harbor 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
    Bar Harbor $57
    Kamloops $24
Typical Food Prices in Bar Harbor

Some typical examples of dining costs in Bar Harbor are as follows:


  • West Street Cafe (for 4)
    $70

Typical Food Prices in Kamloops

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


  • Pastries
    $5.89
  • Lunch for Two
    $26
  • Coffee and Gelato
    $12

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Bar Harbor $39
    Kamloops $13
Typical Entertainment Prices in Bar Harbor

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Bar Harbor are as follows:


  • Acadia National Park Entrance Fee
    $25
  • Sunset Cruise (for 4)
    $96

Tours and Activities in Bar Harbor

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Bar Harbor are as follows:

  • 4 Hour Private Tour: Acadia, Fjord, Gardens & Mansions: $700
  • 6 Hour Private Tour: Ultimate Acadia Tour with Lobster Lunch: $950
  • 90-minute Ghost Walking Tour in Bar Harbor: $30
  • Acadia Full Day Small Group Tour: $299
  • Acadia Full-Day Private Bike & Hike Tour: $648
  • Acadia Half Day Private Bike Tour: $548
  • Acadia Mount Desert Island Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $13
  • Acadia NP & Bar Harbor Self-Guided Driving and Walking Tour: $25
  • Acadia NP: Half-Day Private Tour with Cadillac Mountain: $498
  • Acadia National Park & Bar Harbor Self-Guided Driving & Walking Tour: $25
  • Acadia National Park Self-Guided Driving Tour: $17
  • Acadia's Ocean Path Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour: $8.99

Tours and Activities in Kamloops

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

  • Vancouver to Mountain Views Driving Tour: $5.99
  • Vancouver and Smartphone Audio Driving Tour: $6.25
  • Smartphone Audio Driving Tour between Kamloops & Revelstoke: $6.77
  • Smartphone Audio Driving Tour between Kamloops and Vancouver: $6.80
  • Skip the Line: Kamloops BC Wildlife Park Admission Ticket: $14
  • BC Wildlife Park Entry Ticket: $15
  • Kamloops to Banff: Ultimate Mountain Driving Tour: $20
  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Kamloops by Zombie Scavengers: $21

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Bar Harbor $30
    Kamloops $6.87


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


Which is Bigger, Bar Harbor or Kamloops?

Kamloops has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Bar Harbor. When comparing the sizes of Bar Harbor 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 Bar Harbor 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 Bar Harbor or Kamloops in the Summer?

Both Kamloops and Bar Harbor during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Bar Harbor because of the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Kamloops this time of year.

In the summer, Bar Harbor is cooler than Kamloops. Typically, the summer temperatures in Bar Harbor in July average around 69°F (21°C), and Kamloops averages at about 23°C (73°F).

Bar Harbor usually gets more rain in July than Kamloops. Bar Harbor gets 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain, while Kamloops receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Bar Harbor 69°F (21°C) 
    Kamloops 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Bar Harbor or Kamloops in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Bar Harbor and Kamloops. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Bar Harbor this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Kamloops for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In October, Bar Harbor is generally cooler than Kamloops. Daily temperatures in Bar Harbor average around 48°F (9°C), and Kamloops fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In October, Bar Harbor usually receives more rain than Kamloops. Bar Harbor gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Kamloops receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Bar Harbor 48°F (9°C) 
    Kamloops 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Bar Harbor or Kamloops in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Bar Harbor as well as Kamloops. Many travelers come to Bar Harbor for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Additionally, 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 Bar Harbor. Bar Harbor is much colder than Kamloops in the winter. The daily temperature in Bar Harbor averages around 18°F (-8°C) in January, and Kamloops fluctuates around -3°C (27°F).

Bar Harbor usually gets more rain in January than Kamloops. Bar Harbor gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while Kamloops receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Bar Harbor 18°F (-8°C) 
    Kamloops -3°C (27°F)

Should I visit Bar Harbor or Kamloops in the Spring?

Both Kamloops and Bar Harbor are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Bar Harbor in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Bar Harbor is much colder than Kamloops. Typically, the spring temperatures in Bar Harbor in April average around 43°F (6°C), and Kamloops averages at about 12°C (53°F).

In April, Bar Harbor usually receives more rain than Kamloops. Bar Harbor gets 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain, while Kamloops receives 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Bar Harbor 43°F (6°C) 
    Kamloops 12°C (53°F)

Typical Weather for Kamloops and Bar Harbor

Bar Harbor Kamloops
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 18°F (-8°C) 3 inches (77 mm) -3°C (27°F) 26 mm (1 in)
Feb 20°F (-6°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 2°C (35°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Mar 31°F (-1°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm) 7°C (44°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Apr 43°F (6°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm) 12°C (53°F) 15 mm (0.6 in)
May 54°F (12°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm) 16°C (61°F) 22 mm (0.9 in)
Jun 64°F (18°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm) 21°C (69°F) 29 mm (1.1 in)
Jul 69°F (21°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm) 23°C (73°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Aug 67°F (20°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm) 23°C (73°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Sep 59°F (15°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 17°C (63°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Oct 48°F (9°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 11°C (51°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Nov 37°F (3°C) 4.6 inches (116 mm) 4°C (39°F) 22 mm (0.9 in)
Dec 24°F (-5°C) 4 inches (100 mm) -1°C (30°F) 33 mm (1.3 in)