A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Boone vs. Kamloops for Skiing, Nightlife, Hiking, and Families

Should you visit Boone or Kamloops?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Boone and Kamloops can help you decide which place is right for you.

Boone

Boone is a relaxing, quaint, and picturesque 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 nightlife, food, and hiking.

Kamloops

Kamloops is a laid-back, outdoorsy, and nature-filled city. It's also popular because of the hiking, shopping, and skiing.

Boone and Kamloops: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Boone or Kamloops?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Boone. Although Boone and Kamloops are both popular with visitors, Boone has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Boone is more touristy than Kamloops and is known for its proximity to great hiking, skiing, and small town charm. It is also home to the Blue Ridge Parkway. Kamloops is popular for its hiking trails, bike paths, and golf courses.

How is Boone different from Kamloops?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Boone or Kamloops Better for Skiing?

Boone and Kamloops are superb places to visit for winter sports such as skiing.

Boone draws a large crowd in the winter for its impressive snow skiing opportunities. It's a very popular ski destination in North Carolina. There are family-friendly slopes as well as more challenging options. Head to the popular Appalachian Ski Mountain, nearby Beech Mountain, or Sugar Mountain for some of the area's best skiing.

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.

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

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

Boone offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Most people spend the majority of their time exploring the natural beauty, but there are also several small local museums such as the Banner House 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 Boone or Kamloops? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Boone and Kamloops can be difficult as they are each good in their own way.

Boone is becoming an appealing option for foodies. You'll find farm to table restaurants, local cafes, and all of the standard chain restaurants nearby. Check for a High Country Grown certification if you want to prioritize locally sourced ingredients.

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.

Is Boone or Kamloops Better for Nightlife?

Boone 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.

Boone has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. It's a small town, but there are local breweries and a great nightlife scene that is, in large part, influenced by the large student population.

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 Boone or Kamloops Better for Hiking?

Boone 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 Boone. The area is filled with wonderful hikes, particularly around Grandfather Mountain and along the Blue Ridge Parkway. The famed Appalachian Trail passes through the area as well. Many hikes take you through beautiful forests, passed dramatic waterfalls, and to breathtaking viewpoints.

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 Boone or Kamloops?

Boone 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.

Boone is well-known for its shopping. Wander along King Street for some of the town's best shopping. There are independent vendors and antique shops that are fun to pop into. The town is also known for its farmer's markets.

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 Boone or Kamloops Better for Families?

You'll find superb kid-friendly activities in either Boone or Kamloops.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Boone. Near town you'll find kid-friendly hikes, such as Linville Falls. There are also several places where kids can go ziplining or rock climbing. Parks and outdoor activities are abundant and the whole family will enjoy the setting.

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.

Is Boone or Kamloops Better for Couples?

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

Boone makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The charming town has a romantic setting with local restaurants, beautiful hikes, and plenty of shopping. Couples enjoy staying at bed and breakfasts and enjoying the quaint atmosphere.

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 Boone or Kamloops Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Boone is a town with good options for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Kamloops is lacking in options for backpackers.

Boone is a good town to visit for backpackers. While there aren't many hostels in the area, there are plenty of campgrounds. The nearby Appalachian State University also ensures that there are plenty of fun activities for young visitors.

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 Boone or Kamloops Better for Students?

Boone is an amazing town to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Kamloops is not popular with students.

Boone is a very popular town for students. This mountain town offers a great setting for students who enjoy hiking and skiing. Appalachian State University is a fun college with plenty of activities going on.

Kamloops is not popular with students.

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

Boone and Kamloops both offer decent public transit to get you around.

Public transit is mostly limited in Boone. You really need a car to make the most of your time.

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

Is Boone or Kamloops a more walkable city?

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

Boone is a very walkable town. Head to King Street for the best shopping and the most pedestrian-friendly part of town.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Kamloops or Boone?

How long in Boone or Kamloops?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Boone or Kamloops to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Boone than Kamloops because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Boone, and 1-2 days is enough time in Kamloops.

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

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

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

One day in Boone or Kamloops?

Boone is a small town where visitors enjoy the museums and skiing. 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 nature-filled 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 Boone or Kamloops?

Boone 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 Boone, 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 Boone or Kamloops?

Boone 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 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 Boone or Kamloops?

Boone 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 Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, The Best Tours for Seniors to Canada, and The Best Contiki Tours to Canada.

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

Which is Bigger, Boone or Kamloops?

Kamloops has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Boone. When comparing the sizes of Boone 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.