Which place is cheaper, Ottawa or Kamloops?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Kamloops or Ottawa?
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 Ottawa 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.
Where Should I go: Kamloops or Ottawa?
Kamloops
In British Columbia, Canada, Kamloops is perhaps most famous for the large number of tournaments it hosts, everything from the Strauss Canada Cup of Curling, to the World Fly Fishing Championships. It also hosts Skate Canada, Tim Horton's Olympic Qualifying Bike Race, and the World Junior Hockey Championships among others. The city is in the south central part of the province and it sits near the confluence of the two branches of the Thompson River near Kamloops Lake. The city has a population of about 85,000 and it's the largest community in the Thompson-Nicola Regional District.
Ottawa
Ottawa is the capital city of Canada, located on the Ontario side of the Ottawa River. A city of many ethnic populations, Ottawa is uniquely bilingual with English as the first language of the population's majority and French as a close second. It is best known as the nation's capital, which is centered on Parliament Hill, an architectural landmark as well as the seat of government.
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.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKamloops $81Ottawa $122
The average daily cost (per person) in Kamloops is $81, while the average daily cost in Ottawa is $122. 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 Ottawa in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKamloops $44Ottawa $18
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKamloops $88Ottawa $36
Compare Hotels in Kamloops and Ottawa
Looking for a hotel in Kamloops or Ottawa? 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.
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 Ottawa Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Kamloops $20Ottawa $7.21
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ottawa
Also for Ottawa, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Arrival Transfer from Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier Airport YOW: $40
- Ottawa to Ottawa Macdonald–Cartier Airport (YOW) - Departure Private Transfer: $66
- Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier Airport YOW Private Arrival/Departure Shuttle Transfer : $52
Is it cheaper to fly into Kamloops or Ottawa?
Prices for flights to both Ottawa 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 dayKamloops $24Ottawa $17
Typical Food Prices in Kamloops
For Kamloops, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
-
Pastries$5.81
-
Lunch for Two$25
-
Coffee and Gelato$12
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Ottawa
For Ottawa, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Oh Canada Eh!? Dinner Musical : $71
- Taste of the ByWard Market Food Tour: $79
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Kamloops $13Ottawa $40
Tours and Activities in Kamloops
For Kamloops, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Skip the Line: Kamloops BC Wildlife Park Admission Ticket: $14
- Smartphone Audio Driving Tour between Kamloops & Revelstoke: $6.33
- Smartphone Audio Driving Tour between Kamloops and Vancouver: $6.31
- Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Kamloops by Zombie Scavengers: $21
- Vancouver and Smartphone Audio Driving Tour: $6.21
Tours and Activities in Ottawa
For Ottawa, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 2-Hour Ottawa Express City Bike Tour: $59
- A Self Guided Audio Tour of Ottawa's Hidden History: $6.99
- Best of Ottawa Neighbourhoods & Nature Bike Tour: $82
- Best of Ottawa Small Group Tour with River Cruise: $133
- Best of Ottawa Small Group Walking Tour with Boat Cruise: $85
- City Beers: Bus Tour of Ottawa Breweries: $75
- Explore Canada Through Ottawa's Eyes with Walking Tours Through The City: $6.68
- Full Day Montreal and Cruise Tour from Ottawa: $115
- Gems and Surprises – Ottawa Walking Tour: $186
- Helicopter Private Tour Over Ottawa 70KM in 20 min : $150
- Hidden Ottawa Secrets Walking Tour: $25
- Ottawa Boat Cruise - Paul's Boat Line: $36
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayKamloops $6.77Ottawa $18
Sample the Local Flavors in Ottawa
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Ottawa:
- Epic Ottawa Bar Crawl: By Let’s Roam: $12
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kamloops and Ottawa, we can see that Ottawa 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 Ottawa would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Ottawa 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 Ottawa Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Kamloops or Ottawa?
Ottawa has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Kamloops. When comparing the sizes of Kamloops and Ottawa, 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 Ottawa?
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 Ottawa in the Summer?
Both Ottawa and Kamloops are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities.
In the summer, Kamloops is around the same temperature as Ottawa. Typically, the summer temperatures in Kamloops in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Ottawa averages at about 21°C (71°F).
In July, Kamloops usually receives less rain than Ottawa. Kamloops gets 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Ottawa receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyKamloops 23°C (73°F)Ottawa 21°C (71°F)
Should I visit Kamloops or Ottawa in the Autumn?
Both Ottawa and Kamloops during the autumn are popular places to visit.
In October, Kamloops is generally a little warmer than Ottawa. Daily temperatures in Kamloops average around 11°C (51°F), and Ottawa fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).
Kamloops usually gets less rain in October than Ottawa. Kamloops gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Ottawa receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberKamloops 11°C (51°F)Ottawa 9°C (48°F)
Should I visit Kamloops or Ottawa in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Kamloops and Ottawa.
The weather in Ottawa can be very cold. Kamloops can be very cold during winter. Kamloops is much warmer than Ottawa in the winter. The daily temperature in Kamloops averages around -3°C (27°F) in January, and Ottawa fluctuates around -10°C (14°F).
In January, Kamloops usually receives less rain than Ottawa. Kamloops gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Ottawa receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryKamloops -3°C (27°F)Ottawa -10°C (14°F)
Should I visit Kamloops or Ottawa in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Kamloops as well as Ottawa.
In the spring, Kamloops is much warmer than Ottawa. Typically, the spring temperatures in Kamloops in April average around 12°C (53°F), and Ottawa averages at about 6°C (44°F).
Kamloops usually gets less rain in April than Ottawa. Kamloops gets 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Ottawa receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilKamloops 12°C (53°F)Ottawa 6°C (44°F)
Typical Weather for Ottawa and Kamloops
| Kamloops | Ottawa | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -3°C (27°F) | 26 mm (1 in) | -10°C (14°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Feb | 2°C (35°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | -9°C (16°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Mar | 7°C (44°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | -2°C (28°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) |
| Apr | 12°C (53°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 6°C (44°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| May | 16°C (61°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 77 mm (3 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (69°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) | 19°C (65°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) |
| Jul | 23°C (73°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 21°C (71°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
| Aug | 23°C (73°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) |
| Sep | 17°C (63°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) |
| Oct | 11°C (51°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Nov | 4°C (39°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) | 2°C (36°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Dec | -1°C (30°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) | -7°C (20°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.