10 Picture-Perfect Main Streets In British Columbia
The small towns that scatter British Columbia, Canada, are all beautiful in their own right, but there are some among them that boast especially picturesque main streets. Towns on Vancouver Island are known for whale watching and coastal life, and the towns that lie deep in the Okanagan Valley are close to rich vineyards and peach orchards. But while these towns are often praised for their surrounding landscapes, their downtown streets are equally beautiful. The main streets of towns like Fernie in the Rocky Mountains and Tofino on Vancouver Island are historic, vibrant, and picture-perfect.
Nelson
Nelson, British Columbia, is in the West Kootenay Region. It borders towering mountain peaks, rich forests, ancient glacial lakes, and rushing rivers. But in addition to proximity to wondrous works of nature, Nelson boasts numerous heritage buildings. These were largely built during the town’s silver rush in 1886.
Nelson also boasts a beautiful main street: Baker Street. Nelson’s own website describes the town as “funky, independent, and eclectic.” Check out Broken Hill for a meal as delicious as the location is aesthetic, Marzano for some modern Italian food, or The Kootenay Bakery Cafe Co-op for some wonderful fresh-baked bread.
Penticton
Penticton lies in the picturesque Okanagan Valley of British Columbia, Canada. It sits between Lake Okanagan and Lake Skaha and has a population of 36,885. This makes it a great stop for those looking to have a day at the lake or visit the more than 80 wineries in the region. But this town also has a rich agricultural heritage that continues to shape its landscape and way of life.
Visit one of the seven craft breweries, cideries, and distilleries within easy walking distance of downtown, including Cannery Brewing, and while you are there, take a moment to appreciate the beauty of Main Street.
Main Street Penticton features walkable sidewalks, a variety of local retailers, and several restaurants, including Kin & Folk, an Asian-inspired family restaurant, and Theo’s Restaurant, an award-winning Greek eatery in the heart of downtown.
Invermere
Invermere sits in eastern British Columbia, Canada, close to the province’s border with neighboring Alberta. The town acts as a hub in the Columbia Valley, with the town of Golden to the north and the town of Cranbrook to the south. This makes Invermere the perfect stop on a road trip through the Rockies. Between its role as a stop-through and its position on the northwest shore of Windermere Lake, the small town of 3,917 is a popular summer destination.
This mountain town is small but vibrant, with plenty of cultural, shopping, dining, and adventure experiences to be had. Its main drag, 7th Avenue, is as beautiful as it is alive. 7th Avenue features many quaint small businesses, including The Invermere Bakery, Artym Gallery, Stolen Church Gelato & Coffee, and Blue Dog Cafe.
Greenwood
Greenwood, British Columbia, is just 8 miles north of the US border in the south-central region of the province. The municipality is Canada’s smallest incorporated city with an estimated population of 700, and was formerly one of the principal cities of the Boundary Country smelting and mining district. This history of industry is reflected in the town’s architecture and atmosphere.
The tiny city is home to a stunning historic downtown, centered around Crowsnest Highway. The road puts the town’s heritage on full display and is home to many local businesses. Visit the Artisan Gallery, Copper Eagle Cappuccino & Bakery, or one of the town’s restaurants for a bite to eat, like Mama’s Grill or Two Cowboys’ HQ.
Tofino
Tofino almost needs no introduction. The town is world famous for its surfing, but the small town of 2,516 has more to offer than its ocean waves. On the west coast of Vancouver Island, on the tip of the Esowista Peninsula, and right at the southern edge of Clayoquot Sound, Tofino offers year-round appeal to tourists. The town offers surfing, of course, but also hiking, bird-watching, camping, and whale watching. The town’s center offers biking, coffee shops, and plenty of restaurants with fresh-caught seafood.
While the town does have a street called Main Street, Campbell Street acts as the main drag. It is also the more picture-perfect strip to walk along. Take a stroll and visit the Tofino Market, Rhino Coffee House, or The Whale Centre, where you can book your own whale-watching tour.
Fernie
Fernie, BC, is in the East Kootenay region and calls the Rocky Mountains home. The town has a rich history as a mining town and as a popular destination for skiing. As a ski resort town, Fernie’s steep terrain is covered in snow for a good portion of the year, but the lakes and ancient black cottonwood trees make it a great summer destination as well. Summer explorers can also enjoy hiking along the Elk River and the Lizard Range.
The heart of the town’s breathtakingly beautiful community is a small but vibrant historic downtown. 2nd Avenue, between 4th Street and 9th Street, operates as the town’s main street. Check out boutique shopping and dining at restaurants like The Fernie Taphouse and the Brickhouse. You can also visit other attractions, like the Fernie Museum.
Revelstoke
Revelstoke is another spectacular mountain town. This community almost doubles in size during the ski season, with its population ranging from an estimated 8,000 to 16,000 people. The town sits between the Monashee and Selkirk Mountain Ranges, making it ideal for skiing. But winter isn’t the town’s only ideal tourist season. Revelstoke also sits in the world’s only inland temperate rainforest, and the area is filled with hiking trails like nowhere else.
The town’s downtown is home to heritage buildings that tell the story of Revelstoke’s history as a railway and logging town. Mackenzie Avenue runs through downtown, offering a perfect walking destination. Check out Grizzly Plaza for small events, The Village Idiot Bar and Grill for good eats, or Monashee Spirits Craft Distillery for a fun night out.
Rossland
The West Kootenay region of south-central British Columbia is home to Rossland. High in the Monashee Mountains, this picture-perfect town is almost exactly halfway between Canada’s major cities of Calgary and Vancouver and about 3.7 miles from the US border.
Downtown Rossland is filled with a dense cluster of historic buildings, highlighting the town’s gold-mining past. Many of these buildings are also survivors of two major fires that devastated the town’s economy in the 1920s.
Columbia Avenue is the heart of downtown Rossland, welcoming visitors with local shopping and fantastic places to stop for a cup of coffee or a bite to eat, including Caffè Gabriella, B&T's Hard Knock Cafe, and Alpine Grind Coffeehouse.
Ladysmith
Ladysmith, BC, calls the lovely Vancouver Island home and was originally called Oyster Harbour. The town sits on the island’s east coast and is home to a lively and growing seaside community of 9,903. Ladysmith also boasts of being the birthplace of Pamela Anderson, an award-winning actress and model.
The town’s character is reflected in its preservation of its industrial heritage and its proud recognition of more than 5,000 years of First Nation history, namely the history of the Stz’uminus First Nation.
1st Avenue in downtown Ladysmith is home to many attractions and restaurants, including the Old Town Bakery and the Ladysmith Museum. It also plays host to the town’s annual Arts on the Avenue festival.
Osoyoos
Osoyoos lies in the southern Okanagan Valley and is the southernmost town in the region. Described as “Desert Wine Country's Sweet Spot,” Osoyoos has all of the perks of a beach town while being surrounded by the only living desert in Canada. The desert offers a unique Canadian climate for tourists while remaining close enough to lakes and mountains to give visitors something new to do every day. In addition to its proximity to wineries, sun-ripened fruit, and one-of-a-kind ecology, Osoyoos also offers a vibrant downtown. Main Street is home to countless quaint shops and galleries, including The Treat Land, Nesters Market, and more.
Beautiful Main Streets Make for Ideal Destinations
From the towering Rocky Mountains to the Pacific Ocean, British Columbia has a rich, picture-perfect landscape. But small towns hold just as much beauty. The main streets of these towns are perfect for an afternoon stroll, a visit to the shops, a trip to a small local gallery, or a date night out to eat. When planning a trip to BC, be sure to explore the history and vibrancy of these stunning towns and villages between trips to the ski slope or the beach.
