11 Stunning Small Towns In British Columbia
British Columbia is known as one of Canada's most beautiful provinces. From the Rockies to the Pacific Ocean and vineyards, the province is a natural oasis, full of numerous incredible small towns with unique scenery to explore. Tofino is a great small town to visit for anyone looking to spend their days surfing or lying on a beach. Meanwhile, Golden is an outdoor paradise, great for thrill seekers looking for a hiking adventure. Whether you are chasing mountain views or looking to dip your toes in the ocean, explore eleven British Columbia small towns with stunning views that will leave anyone awestruck.
Nelson
Nelson is a unique British Columbia town, with a mix of outdoor adventure and old-time feel. The town is fondly nicknamed “The Queen City” because of the 350 historically restored buildings from the silver rush days. Located near the beautiful Selkirk Mountains, the town boasts stunning mountain views. Savor the sights during a short 3.5 km hike up to Pulpit Rock. The hike only takes a few hours, but you gain about 325 meters in elevation, making for spectacular views.
Anyone who enjoys mountain biking will appreciate the 300+ km of trails surrounding the town. Being so close to Kootenay Lake, Nelson is a great spot for a kayaking or paddleboarding adventure. Downtown Nelson is also charming; walk down Baker Street, the bustling Main Street, full of local shops, cafes, and restaurants.
Osoyoos
Osoyoos is one of British Columbia's most unique towns because it is located in Canada's only true desert. Here, soak in the views of desert hills and endless vineyards. Visitors can learn more about the desert ecosystem in Osoyoos on a guided walk tour from the Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre. Discover native plants in the area and learn about the area's past.
Afterward, relax in Lake Osoyoos, Canada's warmest freshwater lake. At Gyro Beach, enjoy a morning swim or rent a kayak. Near the beach is a narrow strip of land that is actually a park. This is Haynes Point Provincial Park, and it is considered one of the most stunning spots in the area. Not only is there a gorgeous lake view, but also beautiful birds to see.
Tofino
Tofino is one of the most magical towns, arguably in all of Canada. From tree-lined beaches, thousands of islands, and wildlife to renowned surfing spots, the town is an outdoor adventurer's oasis. The hippy town is best known for its ideal surfing. Some of the most popular beaches to surf include Long Beach, Cox Beach, and Chesterman Beach. There are surf schools in town, such as Surf Sister, that offer surf lessons for all levels. Tofino is also known for its hiking. Explore the nearby Pacific Rim National Park and walk on the Wild Pacific Trail, which is known for its stunning coastal views.
Another way to enjoy the impressive shores in Tofino is by whale watching. While visitors may be lucky enough to catch a glimpse from a beach, there are whale watching tours that offer a better experience of seeing these magnificent creatures. Grey and Humpback whales are some of the more common whales spotted swimming in the pretty ocean waves.
Revelstoke
Located near the beautiful and mighty Monashee and Selkirk ranges, Revelstoke is nestled between Vancouver and Calgary. The town is often a stop between one place and another, but its natural beauty makes it worthy of being a stop in itself. Even though the town is located on Highway 1, since it is surrounded by mountains, Revelstoke feels like a lovely, remote outdoor oasis. One of the best ways to enjoy nature in the town is on a hike.
In the summer months, relish in alpine hiking at Revelstoke Mountain Resort. For longer hiking, head to Eva Lake in Mount Revelstoke National Park. The small National Park is also home to family-friendly hikes, such as the Giant Cedars Boardwalk Trail, a short 500m loop.
If you like waterfalls, you will love admiring the ones in Revelstoke. Check out Sutherland Falls, a dramatic waterfall dropping into a canyon. Or head to Begbie Falls, a short hike to a misty multi-layered waterfall. Those looking for a paddling adventure are in luck in Revelstoke. The town has many great paddling spots, including Revelstoke Lake, north of the town.
Golden
Golden is an outdoor paradise, right next door to the beautiful Yoho National Park. The town is small, with fewer than 4,000 residents. Downtown, there are a few cute restaurants such as Rockwater Grill and Bar. Here, visitors can enjoy a drink outside with stunning views of the mountains. While downtown, take a stroll across the Kicking Horse Pedestrian Bridge. This is the longest free-standing timber bridge in Canada and spans 46 meters over the Kicking Horse River.
Appreciate more scenic outdoor views by exploring the nearby forests in Golden. A beautiful short hike is the Thompson Falls forest hike. The hike only takes three hours and offers gorgeous views of Thompson Falls. The more adventurous explorer might want to try Golden's Via Ferrata and climb Terminator Peak. A visit to Golden would not be complete without walking the iconic Golden Skybridge. This bridge draws in tourists every year and offers visitors the chance to walk 426 feet above a vast canyon.
Valemount
Another beautiful place to explore the outdoors in British Columbia is Valemount. The small village is home to fewer than 1,000 people. The area is famous for having the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies, Mount Robson. Being surrounded by the mountains, it is no surprise that Valemount is a great place for mountain biking. The Valemount Bike Park is a hidden gem loved by locals, with 45 trails to choose from.
Beyond biking, there are opportunities for other outdoor activities, such as hiking at spots like the Cranberry Marsh Loop and Berg Lake Trail. A couple of companies are also in town for whitewater rafting, including Mount Robson White Water Rafting. Here, enjoy a winding ride down the Fraser River, with the stunning Mt Robson high above you. For a break from an outdoor adventure, head to the town's museum to learn about the town's past.
Whistler
Resting in the Coast Mountain range, Whistler is a town well known in the sports community. The resort town is renowned for skiing, snowboarding, and mountain biking at destinations like Whistler Blackcomb and Powder Mountain. However, the town is not just for professional athletes. Beyond the big sports, Whistler is home to serene lakes. Lost Lake, Alta Lake, and Green Lake are all great spots to relax, go for a swim in the summer, and enjoy the lakefront views.
Whistler is also home to the famous Peak 2 Peak Gondola, the world's longest gondola. The gondola connects the top of Blackcomb Mountain with Whistler Mountain, offering phenomenal views of the valley below. Those who prefer to explore the mountains on foot should consider one of Whistler's most popular hikes, the Joffre Lakes trail. On the trail, visitors can expect to see turquoise lakes and stunning mountain views.
Penticton
Located in the gorgeous Okanagan Valley, Penticton is the town for people who love lake life. The town itself is nestled between two lakes, Okanagan Lake to the north and Skaha Lake to the south. The area is known for its stunning lakes, wineries, and picture-perfect weather. Being so close to the lakes, Penticton is the perfect town to enjoy a beach day in. Visit Okanagan Lake Beach for a relaxing day on the water. Afterward, stroll down the thin strip of sand to go window shopping in the cute boutiques lining the shore.
Wine lovers will love Penticton for the famous Naramata region near the town. This area is on the Northeast side of the town and is known in Canada for having both delicious wine and spectacular views. Tour top spots like Poplar Grove Winery, Three Sisters Winery, and Howling Bluff Estate Winery to taste the region's best. To take in spectacular views of the town, head to Munson Mountain. This iconic spot is where the town sign is, and it is an easy loop trail that offers gorgeous views of the Okanagan.
Bella Coola
Located in the remote central coast region of BC, Bella Coola is a small town surrounded by some of British Columbia's most rugged and beautiful natural scenery. This is the perfect town for a natural getaway. Visitors can hike, bike, fish, and take quiet time in nature. For stunning views, check out the trails at the nearby Tweedsmuir Provincial Park, and be prepared to spot wildlife in the Great Bear Rainforest.
If watersports are what you enjoy more, head to the Bella Coola River for fishing or rafting. The town also offers different tours of the natural and historic sites. A unique one is the petroglyph tours with local Nuxalk guides. This is a great opportunity to learn about the area's history and see cool ancient rock carvings.
Rossland
Rossland is a charming small town nestled in a valley of the Kootenay Rockies and the Monashee Mountains. The mountain town has a lot of historic charm and character. Walk along Columbia Avenue, Rossland’s main street, to appreciate the town's charm. Here, visitors will find historic buildings, boutique shops, galleries, and restaurants to explore. Curiosity Clothing & Gifts and Bear Country Kitchen are two popular spots. Make sure to stop at the Rossland Museum and Discovery Center to learn about the town's unique history. The museum features exhibits on the town's mining history and the railway.
During winter, avid skiers flock to Rossland because it is home to the Red Mountain Resort, a world-class ski resort. The resort offers diverse terrain and stunning vistas of the Monashee and Selkirk mountain ranges. During the summer months, visitors can still enjoy the resort area. There are mountain biking and hiking trails that offer spectacular mountain views.
Ladysmith
A historic harbor town, Ladysmith is situated on the east coast of Vancouver Island. Every year, the town's annual festivals draw in tourists. The Festival of Lights and the Heritage Boat Festival are two of the most popular festivals. Being such a charming, historic town, Ladysmith is also a great place to learn more about British Columbia's history.
The Ladysmith Heritage Walking Tours are a great way to explore the town's history and are easily accessible by phone. They take visitors on one of two historic walking routes to learn about the area's historic coal mining, forestry, rail, and marine industries. Beyond its historic charm, Ladysmith also has a thriving arts community. Check out the Ladysmith Gallery to see one-of-a-kind exhibits from local artists.
After exploring these eleven outstanding small towns, it is easy to see why people fall in love with Canada's West Coast. From the mountains in Golden to the coast in Tofino, British Columbia is full of breathtaking views. These small towns are also unique since they have different historic and art sites that add to the natural beauty of the towns. Exploring places with such magnificent natural beauty reminds us how amazing the world is. Next time you are considering a road trip, visit one of these British Columbia towns. The stunning scenery will make for a memorable vacation.
