11 Prettiest Downtown Strips In British Columbia
Not every town in British Columbia needs a skyline like Vancouver's to stop you in your tracks. Some of the best downtowns the province has to offer are just a few blocks long. They are lined with cafes, bookstores, and shops that cater to both locals and tourists without losing their soul. You will find mountains framed between buildings, hand-painted signs that have outlasted trends, and sidewalks that feel lived-in. These downtown strips aren't trying to impress you. They are just what they are, full of small, surprising details and rooted in the best Canada offers. Some are quiet. Others are busy. But all of them give you a reason to slow down and stay a little longer.
Whistler
There is no doubt that Whistler is one of the most popular ski resorts in the world. But that doesn't mean that it doesn't have one of the best downtowns in the province. This pedestrian-only hub sits at the base of Whistler and Blackcomb mountains, offering ski-in, ski-out access and year-round mountain views. You can step off the slopes and be sipping cocktails at The Raven Room or Longhorn Saloon within minutes.
The stone-paved Village Stroll is lined with timber-framed shops, cafes like Purebread, and upscale eateries like Araxi. Olympic Plaza hosts free summer concerts, while the seasonal Whistler Farmers' Market brings in fresh food, art, and live music every Sunday. There are also loads of opportunities to grab the latest ski gear, outdoor apparel, and jewellery at Whistler's many, many boutiques.
Revelstoke
Downtown Revelstoke is tucked beneath the Selkirk Mountains and framed by heritage brick buildings and vintage signage. The walkable four-block core brims with personality, in part due to the Art Alleries, an open-air art gallery comprised of mural paintings on the streets and in alleyways, which are illuminated all night long. At the heart of Revelstoke's downtown is Grizzly Plaza, a lively pedestrian square known for summer concerts and its namesake bear sculptures. Surrounding the plaza are some of Revelstoke's best restaurants.
Just down the road, the Revelstoke Railway Museum dives into the region's CPR legacy with full-sized locomotives. Stop into Big Eddy Glass Works for live glassblowing, or Revelstoke Trading Post for locally made goods. A short walk from downtown, visitors can enjoy the greenbelt, a multi-use trail along the river's edge.
Osoyoos
Downtown Osoyoos is a sleepy but beautiful part of the South Okanagan's desert pocket. Colorful murals and heritage storefronts are aplenty in the few blocks that make up the center of this 'wine-country' destination. At the nearby Gyro Park, visitors can enjoy sandy beaches, a bandshell, and volleyball courts. The beach is shared with The Watermark Beach Resort, the town's premier hotel. Saturdays bring the Osoyoos Farmers' Market to Town Hall Square, running from spring through fall with wine, produce, and crafts.
You will also find La Marqueza for authentic Mexican fare and the family-run Jojo's cafe mere steps away. In the summer, people of all ages can enjoy Splash BC's Osoyoos Water Park, a giant inflatable obstacle course floating on Osoyoos Lake. Not far away, some of the most beloved wineries in the province can be found, including Adega, Burrowing Owl, and Nk'Mip Cellars.
Fernie
Fernie's downtown is centred along historic 2nd Avenue, where century-old brick facades frame a creative mountain town hub. Start at The Arts Station, a former CPR depot now hosting gallery exhibits, live performances, and summer events. Next door, the Fernie Arts Co-op showcases 40 local artists' works in pottery, painting, jewelry, and artifacts.
Sip small-batch spirits at Fernie Distillers on the avenue. Downtown's walkable core also features vibrant murals and sculptures along the Art Walk. And just 5km away, Fernie Alpine Resort delivers top-tier skiing and mountain biking if the outdoors are calling after a day of shopping and art.
Pemberton
Just 30 minutes north of Whistler in the fertile Pemberton Valley, the village of Pemberton draws visitors for its dramatic mountain setting, rustic West Coast architecture, and farm-to-table appeal. In its downtown core, Mile One Eating House serves locally inspired burgers and craft beer. Another gem is the Blackbird Bakery (in a restored train station), which is great for artisan breads and coffee. Grab a Canadiano at Mount Currie Coffee House, or sip organic potato vodka and gin at Pemberton Distillery.
Every Friday, spring through fall, the Pemberton Farmers' Market pops up in the Community Barn with produce and baked goods. Bike rentals and guided tours launch from downtown. And just beyond it are some of the best trails, horseback riding experiences, and lakes British Columbia offers.
Chemainus
Downtown Chemainus, located on Vancouver Island's east coast, is famous for its vibrant murals. Over 50 large-scale paintings bring history and culture to life on brick and stucco walls. The downtown core is mostly comprised of one to two-storey buildings with wood-trimmed windows, hanging flower baskets, and old-fashioned street lamps.
Stroll the main street and visit the lively Chemainus Theatre Festival, offering acclaimed plays year-round. Pop into the Public Market for local produce and crafts, then relax at Waterwheel Park with its iconic working waterwheel and picnic spots. Dive into the town's past at the Chemainus Valley Museum, and don't miss the self-guided mural tour showcasing the community's rich heritage. Nearby, outdoor lovers can explore Fuller Lake and the scenic Cowichan Valley Trail.
Tofino
A world-renowned surf town on Vancouver Island's west coast, Tofino is built within the old-growth rainforest and against the rolling waves of the Pacific Ocean. Its compact downtown core brings together everything the town embodies: nature, surf culture, and an acclaimed food scene. Centered on Campbell Street, the town's hub mixes weathered cedar buildings with art galleries and surf shops like Storm and Long Beach Surf Shop. The Roy Henry Vickers Gallery showcases First Nations-inspired carvings, prints, and paintings and is housed in a traditional longhouse.
Along the street is Wolf in the Fog, one of the top-rated restaurants in the town. And since the downtown core is right by the marina, it is easy to book whale watching tours or island excursions with companies like Jamie's Whaling Station Tofino. A short drive away are some of the many beaches, like Chesterman Beach, for which Tofino has become famous.
Nelson
Downtown Nelson feels like a movie set, but one you can live in and visit without angering a movie star. Its heritage buildings line Baker Street in a parade of painted brick, iron balconies, and hanging flower baskets. Though fewer than 12,000 people live here, Nelson boasts more restaurants per capita than Manhattan, and it shows.
Morning lattes steam in the garden courtyard at Oso Negro Cafe. By lunch, bakeries and patios hum with locals eating Kootenay Co-op sandwiches or house-made gnocchi at Pitchfork Eatery. Organic beer pours from century-old taps at Nelson Brewing Company, blocks away. And after dinner, you can catch live music at The Royal or stroll to Lakeside Park, where cottonwoods frame the lake and the mountains. Given its rural location, it should come as no surprise that there is no shortage of outdoor experiences minutes away.
Penticton
Penticton may seem sleepy when compared to the nearby city of Kelowna, but in reality, it is as lively as just about anywhere else in the Okanagan. The downtown area sits right on Lake Okanagan and is home to dozens of venues hosting year-round events and festivals. This includes summer's Music In The Park and the Canada Day Market in Gyro Park, which crowns the lakeside. Watercraft rentals at Okanagan Lake Park put kayaks and paddleboards in the hands of anyone needing to cool off on a hot summer's day. But the shops and restaurants mere steps away are buzzing all year long.
This includes Cannery Brewing and Yellow Dog Brewing. A few blocks in one direction is the start of the Kettle Valley Rail Trail, and a few blocks in the other direction is The Channel Float, where you can hop on an inner tube and float 7km from Lake Okanagan down to Skaha Lake.
Smithers
Smithers sits in the Bulkley Valley of British Columbia, a lively town where alpine-inspired architecture meets the charm of small-town life. Downtown's six-block-long walkable streets showcase heritage brick buildings with mountain views around every corner. At the heart of it all, the Bulkley Valley Museum offers an in-depth journey into the history of the area.
Strolling Main Street, you will find the iconic statue of Alpine Al watching over the strip. Not far away, Smithers Brewing Company keeps the craft beer flowing in a cozy taproom. Downtown Smithers is also known for their collection of day spas, such as Northern Glo Day Spa and Bliss Wellness Spa. Year-round festivals, such as the Midsummer Music Festival, keep the streets energized.
Squamish
It's easy to appreciate nature from downtown Squamish. After all, it is located at the base of the towering Stawamus Chief, one of the many places in the area where you can hike. Cleveland Avenue serves as the town's main street and is lined with unique shops, eateries, and cafes.
The O'Siyam Pavilion, an architectural gem, hosts various cultural events and performances. Adjacent to the pavilion is Stan Clarke Park, a stunning green space with walking paths and a playground. The summer months bring live music to downtown Squamish as well as events like the Squamish Days Loggers Sports Parade. The weekly Farmers' Market can be enjoyed from April through December, and not far away, there is an assortment of outdoor experiences such as backcountry skiing and boating excursions.
British Columbia's most captivating and attractive downtowns aren't always found in big cities. They are tucked into valleys, framed by oceanfronts, or backed by towering peaks. Each of these small-town downtown streets offers more than postcard views; they are lived-in, loved, and layered with local flavor. Whether you are sipping small-batch craft beer or walking streets painted with history, these places remind you that beauty is more than just how a town looks. It is about its character. So take a detour on your next adventure. These downtowns are worth slowing down for.
