A Travel Price Comparison for Canada Kamloops vs. Halifax for Families, Attractions, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Kamloops or Halifax?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Kamloops and Halifax 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.

Kamloops

Kamloops is a outdoorsy, nature-filled, and laid-back city. Other reasons to visit include shopping, skiing, and nightlife. See Kamloops travel costs.

Halifax

Halifax is a historical, friendly, and cultural city. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums. See Halifax travel costs.

Kamloops and Halifax: Pros and Cons

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
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers


Is there more to do in Kamloops or Halifax?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Kamloops than Halifax. While Halifax is larger than Kamloops, Kamloops has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Kamloops is very popular for its skiing and hiking, while Halifax attracts visitors for its museums and attractions. Halifax is more touristy than Kamloops and is known for its maritime past. Kamloops is famous for its hiking trails, bike paths, and golf courses. It is also well known for Sun Peaks Resort.

How is Kamloops different from Halifax?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Kamloops or Halifax Better for Skiing?

Kamloops
Halifax

Kamloops is a very popular place for skiing and snowboarding. However, Halifax is not a skiing destination.

Kamloops offers world-class skiing that is fun for everyone. 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.

Halifax is not a skiing destination.


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

Kamloops
Halifax

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

Halifax offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. You should head to Pier 21, where you'll find the Canadian Museum of Immigration. The Discovery Center is a great spot for kids, as is the Natural History Museum. Finally, check out the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic and the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site.

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 Kamloops or Halifax? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Kamloops
Halifax

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

Kamloops has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. You'll find restaurants that range from casual to fine dining. There are also international options like Jamaican, Indian, or Chinese.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Halifax area. You'll find lobster rolls and other seafood around town, but also make sure you try the Halifax donair, which is a shaved beef sandwich wrap that can be found a many pizza restaurants.

Is Kamloops or Halifax Better for Nightlife?

Kamloops
Halifax

Both Kamloops and Halifax have nice vibes after the sun sets.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Kamloops. You'll find pubs, bars, breweries and night clubs around town that range in personality and style.

Halifax has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There's a laid back atmosphere to the nightlife scene. There are casual bars and pubs where you can meet the locals and a few nightclubs where there's a relaxed but fun atmosphere.


Is Kamloops or Halifax Better for Hiking?

Kamloops
Halifax

Kamloops is a nice place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Halifax is not a hiking destination.

Kamloops has hiking trails worth exploring. The area is filled with hiking trails that pass through grasslands, desert landscapes, and pine forests. There is something for every skill level.

Halifax is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Kamloops or Halifax?

Kamloops
Halifax

Shoppers can find a variety of nice stores in both Kamloops and Halifax.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Kamloops. 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.

Many visitors go to Halifax to go shopping. You'll find a mix of boutiques, artisan shops, large malls, and shopping centers.

Is Kamloops or Halifax Better for Families?

Kamloops
Halifax

Kamloops is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Halifax is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Kamloops is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Halifax. There are a handful of kid-friendly museums like the Museum of Natural History. Kids will also appreciate a visit to the Discovery Center or stretching their legs at Point Pleasant Park. History lovers should go see the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site.


Is Kamloops or Halifax Better for Couples?

Kamloops
Halifax

Both Kamloops and Halifax are nice destinations for a couple's getaway.

Kamloops makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The area is filled with great hikes and nice parks. There are also great restaurants that make for a good date night.

Halifax is a good city for couples to visit. Couples can wander down the waterfront or take a stroll through Point Pleasant Park. The city also has number of romantic restaurants and hotels.

Is Kamloops or Halifax Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kamloops
Halifax

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

Halifax is a good city to visit for backpackers. There's actually a decent number of hostels around town for backpackers and budget travelers.

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

Kamloops
Halifax

Halifax 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.

Halifax has some public transit options. There are buses around town as well as a ferry to Dartmouth.

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


Is Kamloops or Halifax a more walkable city?

Kamloops
Halifax

Halifax is a city with good options for its high level of walkability. However, Kamloops is lacking in options for its ease of walking around.

Halifax is a somewhat walkable place. It's a compact town that'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 Kamloops Worth Visiting? and Is Halifax Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Halifax or Kamloops?

How long in Kamloops or Halifax?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Kamloops and Halifax. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Halifax than in Kamloops. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Kamloops, and 2-3 days is enough time in Halifax.

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

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


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

One day in Kamloops or Halifax?

In Kamloops, you'll find skiing and nightlife. 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.

The city of Halifax 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.

A weekend in Kamloops or Halifax?

In Kamloops, you'll find nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Kamloops has to offer.

Halifax 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 Halifax, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.


Five days in Kamloops or Halifax?

Kamloops is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Halifax 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.

A week in Kamloops or Halifax?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Kamloops. Many people enjoy the shopping and skiing when visiting Kamloops. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Halifax 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.


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


Which place is cheaper, Halifax or Kamloops?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Kamloops is $96, while the average daily cost in Halifax is $133. 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 Kamloops and Halifax in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Kamloops $43
    Halifax $63
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Kamloops $86
    Halifax $126
Compare Hotels in Kamloops and Halifax

Looking for a hotel in Kamloops or Halifax? 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 Kamloops


Hotels in Halifax


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: Kamloops Hotel Prices and Halifax Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Kamloops $19
    Halifax $16

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Halifax

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

  • Private Arrival Transfer from Halifax Stanfield Airport YHZ: $85
  • Halifax Stanfield International Airport Transfer Service: $48

Is it cheaper to fly into Kamloops or Halifax?

Prices for flights to both Halifax and Kamloops 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
    Kamloops $40
    Halifax $52
Typical Food Prices in Kamloops

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


  • Pastries
    $5.65
  • Lunch for Two
    $25
  • Coffee and Gelato
    $11

Typical Food Prices in Halifax

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


  • Bluenose II Restaurant
    $43

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Halifax

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

  • Peggy's Cove Small Group Night Tour with Dinner: $157

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Kamloops $13
    Halifax $27

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: $15
  • Skip the Line: Kamloops BC Wildlife Park Admission Ticket: $17
  • Smartphone Audio Driving Tour between Kamloops & Revelstoke: $7.94
  • Smartphone Audio Driving Tour between Kamloops and Vancouver: $7.94
  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Kamloops by Zombie Scavengers: $20

Tours and Activities in Halifax

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

  • 2 Hour Caribbean Vibe Tiki Boat Cruise on Halifax Harbour: $83
  • Best of Private Walking Tour with a Local: $107
  • Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 Admission & Tour: $14
  • From Peggy's Cove Bus Tour: $75
  • Halifax City Sightseeing by Private a/c vehicle: $151
  • Halifax Guided Driving Tour with Sunset at Peggy’s Cove: $64
  • Halifax Harbourfront Food Walking Tour: $92
  • Halifax Sunset Cruise Aboard the Tall Ship Silva: $33
  • 2-Hour Deep Sea Fishing Tour: $94
  • 2-Hour Sea-Doo Sightseeing Tour: $254
  • 50-Minute Boat Tour of the Harbour: $42
  • Best of Halifax Harbour Tour: $40

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Kamloops $6.59
    Halifax $14

Sample the Local Flavors in Halifax

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Halifax:

  • Nova Scotia Annapolis Valley Wine Tour Lead by a Sommelier: $168


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


Which is Bigger, Kamloops or Halifax?

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

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 Kamloops or Halifax in the Summer?

Both Halifax and Kamloops are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Kamloops for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Halifax because of the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Kamloops is generally a little warmer than Halifax. Daily temperatures in Kamloops average around 23°C (73°F), and Halifax fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

In July, Kamloops usually receives less rain than Halifax. Kamloops gets 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Halifax receives 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Kamloops 23°C (73°F) 
    Halifax 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Kamloops or Halifax in the Autumn?

Both Halifax and Kamloops during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Kamloops because of the hiking trails and the shopping scene. Furthermore, the shopping scene are the main draw to Halifax this time of year.

Kamloops is a little warmer than Halifax in the autumn. The daily temperature in Kamloops averages around 11°C (51°F) in October, and Halifax fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

Halifax gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Kamloops usually gets less rain in October than Halifax. Kamloops gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Halifax receives 121 mm (4.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Kamloops 11°C (51°F) 
    Halifax 10°C (49°F)

Should I visit Kamloops or Halifax in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Kamloops and Halifax. The skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Kamloops this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Halifax for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Halifax. It's quite cold in Kamloops in the winter. In the winter, Kamloops is much warmer than Halifax. Typically, the winter temperatures in Kamloops in January average around -3°C (27°F), and Halifax averages at about -4°C (24°F).

Halifax receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Kamloops usually receives less rain than Halifax. Kamloops gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Halifax receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Kamloops -3°C (27°F) 
    Halifax -4°C (24°F)

Should I visit Kamloops or Halifax in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Kamloops as well as Halifax.

Halifax can get quite cold in the spring. In April, Kamloops is generally much warmer than Halifax. Daily temperatures in Kamloops average around 12°C (53°F), and Halifax fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

It's quite rainy in Halifax. Kamloops usually gets less rain in April than Halifax. Kamloops gets 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Halifax receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Kamloops 12°C (53°F) 
    Halifax 4°C (39°F)

Typical Weather for Halifax and Kamloops

Kamloops Halifax
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -3°C (27°F) 26 mm (1 in) -4°C (24°F) 129 mm (5.1 in)
Feb 2°C (35°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) -5°C (24°F) 108 mm (4.2 in)
Mar 7°C (44°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) -1°C (31°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Apr 12°C (53°F) 15 mm (0.6 in) 4°C (39°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
May 16°C (61°F) 22 mm (0.9 in) 9°C (48°F) 105 mm (4.1 in)
Jun 21°C (69°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 14°C (57°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 28 mm (1.1 in) 18°C (64°F) 99 mm (3.9 in)
Aug 23°C (73°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 18°C (65°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Sep 17°C (63°F) 28 mm (1.1 in) 15°C (58°F) 91 mm (3.6 in)
Oct 11°C (51°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 10°C (49°F) 121 mm (4.7 in)
Nov 4°C (39°F) 22 mm (0.9 in) 5°C (40°F) 140 mm (5.5 in)
Dec -1°C (30°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) -1°C (29°F) 152 mm (6 in)