7 British Columbia Small Towns With Unmatched Friendliness

British Columbia is among Canada's most expensive provinces to live in. And when you think about it, why shouldn't it be? Its nickname is "Beautiful British Columbia," a moniker imprinted on every license plate to reflect and celebrate the province's natural beauty. Additionally, it's by far the warmest region in the country, not to mention, home to 23 million hectares of forest and stunning mountain peaks by the vast Pacific Ocean. Fortunately, in these friendly small towns, the price of admission also includes a warm welcome and an unlimited sense of community spirit.

Nelson

Nelson was once primarily a silver mining town. Today, people flock to this community for its arts scene, pristine wilderness, and year-round outdoor adventures. While there are several art galleries, the Nelson Museum, Archives & Gallery stands in a league of its own. For starters, the building itself is historic, designed by esteemed architect Francis Rattebury, who also designed the province's parliament buildings in Victoria, BC, and the Vancouver Art Gallery. The establishment presents numerous permanent and rotating exhibits with a focus on social justice, as well as local art pieces and artisanal crafts available for purchase in the gift shop. And remember, it's not just a gallery, it's also a museum. Their welcoming and knowledgeable staff will guide you through Jaime Black's The REDress Project and showcase a fascinating Cold War-era bunker during your tour.

To see Nelson's skyline, Pulpit Rock offers calendar-worthy views of Kootenay Lake and the lush, forested Selkirk Mountains from above. Best of all? It's just a few minutes from town, free, and easily accessible. Beyond galleries and summits, you'll be treated to a wide range of festivals and events in Nelson depending on the time of the year. One such event is Market Night, which takes place twice each summer. During the gatherings, Baker Street shuts down and comes alive in a block party like no other, featuring live music from local bands and DJs, as well as over 100 food and craft vendors. Another key arts and culture hub where you can go to get a sense of Nelson's creative side is the Capitol Theatre, a popular venue to catch live performances and indie films.

Qualicum Beach

This destination's name roughly translates to "where the dog salmon run," derived from the Pentlatch language of the local First Nations on Vancouver Island. Here, tourists and residents alike have the opportunity to witness the salmon run, one of the world's greatest animal migrations, which happens every September till the end of fall, with the Big Qualicum River Trail being a prime viewing location. The nearly 8-mile-long stretch is also popular among cycling and hiking enthusiasts.

As an alternative, East Beach is renowned for its expansive natural beauty and scenic sunsets. While most coastal beaches in the Pacific Northwest are typically a bit chilly for swimming, these waters are notably warmer, making it a perfect spot to hop in and beat the heat. If you have a pair of binoculars, bring them along! Spotting humpback whales and sea lions from shore is a real possibility.

While seeing the incredible wildlife is tough to beat, the people are what make this settlement truly special. Qualicum Beach pulls out all the stops when it comes to festivals and celebrations, such as Canada Day. The community event typically features a pancake breakfast, followed by a parade, live music, and plenty of games to enjoy. Alternatively, the Brant Wildlife Festival celebrates Canada's beloved national icon, the Canada goose. The festival showcases art, lectures, and eco-tours from experts in an effort to celebrate biodiversity and educate people on topics related to conservation, not to mention connect with nature and each other.

Fernie

The community of Fernie is entirely surrounded by the Rocky Mountains, which means endless fun, nature walks, mountain biking, skiing/snowboarding, and camping. Head for the hills and test your skills at Mount Fernie Provincial Park. The varied and extensive mountain bike terrain will give you a run for your money. While the difficulty varies by trail, Lazy Lizard is among the most popular thanks to its impeccable design, offering a smooth ride for all skill levels. Even better, you'll be surrounded by towering cedars and western hemlocks as you ride through the forest.

Not too far away, Fairy Creek Falls is a family-friendly hike accessible year-round with an awe-inspiring waterfall. Once you reach the falls, you'll be able to sit back and enjoy the sound of rushing water, take a few pictures, or even dip your feet into the refreshing stream. And why sleep in town when you can experience the nearby Island Lake Lodge? It's only a 23-minute drive away and, more importantly, offers stunning views BC's untamed wilderness. Perhaps even better than the scenery are the world-class restaurant and spa. With summer in full swing, the Fernie Mountain Market runs every Sunday at Rotary Park, offering the finest and freshest locally-produced baked goods, coffee, and produce. In winter, Griz Days are the height of the season, when the town comes together to celebrate all things Fernie with a mountain festival of epic proportions.

Smithers

Smithers sits in the Bulkley Valley, surrounded by 73,000 km² of wilderness. Here, you can treat yourself to some of the best hiking trails and ski hills British Columbia has to offer. To fully immerse yourself in BC's landscape, spend a few nights at the Riverside Municipal Campground. It's set among breathtaking scenery with snow-capped mountain views, rivers, and comfortable amenities to ensure an enjoyable trip. This spot is noted for its quiet and peaceful setting, where the sounds of nature take centre stage. Another possibility is the Twin Falls Recreation Site. It offers a short trail taking roughly 20 minutes to complete. But, best of all, you'll be rewarded with a 550-foot waterfall coming down the rocky cliff, in addition to a handful of free campsites for tents and small trailers.

Smithers is more than its scenery, however; its residents are also highly talented. The non-profit Smithers Art Gallery serves as a hub for local and regional art enthusiasts to showcase their work and crafts, as well as engaging workshops for those interested in exploring a new hobby. It comes as no surprise that the town also hosts Midsummer Music Festival, a 3-day, volunteer-run celebration of art and creativity with an impressive line up presented by the Bulkley Valley Folk Music Society.

Kimberley

Kimberley may be situated in southeastern British Columbia, but a casual stroll through town will have you thinking you're in Germany, as much of the town's architecture is influenced by historic Bavarian villages. The jaw-dropping location, combined with its stunning architecture, have made Kimberley a beloved destination for decades. Like any European-inspired locale, Kimberley has a vibrant pedestrian-only main street, The Platzl, lined with boutiques, cafes, and all the lucky locals who call this town home.

Begin your adventure at Northstar Mountain Village Resort, a three-star hotel with spacious rooms and amenities. A few perks of staying here are its proximity to outdoor adventures, private hot tubs, and a swimming pool from which to gaze at the tree-covered highlands. It's a perfect homebase from which to take advantage of JulyFest, the highlight of summer in Kimberley. The annual event pairs sports with live music in a family-friendly environment, including an extreme skateboard race and the Canadian Bocce Championship.

Sechelt

The temperate climate, pristine shorelines, diverse wildlife, and impressive summits, are some of the many reasons why BC's Sunshine Coast is a tourist paradise. Nature abounds, here, and residents here include whales, sea lions, black bears, cougars, and coyotes. To ensure a safe and memorable experience, be sure to eview and respect local wildlife safety tips and guidelines. Or, for a more controlled environment, explore the Takahashi Gardens Waterfront Retreat, where you'll be treated to a tapestry of lush gardens and pathways while relishing the ocean breeze. To make the most of it, take advantage of their amenities, which include private hot tubs, shops, restaurants, and designated barbecue areas.

A brief 10-minute walk away lies the Lighthouse Marine Pub, renowned for its waterfront patio. Enjoy unparalleled views and fresh seafood inspired by British Columbia's maritime culture and heritage. For writers interested in meeting other writers, the Sunshine Coast Festival of the Written Arts is Canada's oldest summer writing festival, bringing storytellers from all walks of life to come together in the beautiful Rockwood' Centre. The event enables you to meet acclaimed and upcoming authors from a variety of genres in a welcoming and inclusive environment, just like Sechelt itself.

Creston

Creston is surrounded by provincial parks and striking summits. While there are many points of interest to explore, Kianuko Provincial Park is widely acclaimed for its radiant sunsets. Wildlife sightings are also quite common, given the park's location. To experience a unique park with a touch of art, head to Hidden Fairy Forest, located just 18 minutes away from Creston. This enchanted forest features quirky art displays and exhibitions created by travelers who stopped in the area and wanted to express their creative side, experimenting with painting rocks, tree stumps, and placing toys on stumps. It is a unique and oddly communal experience.

If you're in the area in springtime, check out the Blossom Festival. It runs annually over the May long weekend, kickstarting the season with a wide array of events and entertainment, including a parade, live performances, free movies, and much more. Also running the same weekend is the Creston Valley Bird Festival, in which birders come from all over with binoculars in hand to welcome migratory species back home for the summer. These festivals and events are a testament to British Columbians' commitment to their greater community, including their fine-feathered friends.

As we have seen, Beautiful British Columbia is more than just a province with picturesque nature spots and warm weather. These seven towns offer lively events and hospitable people, along with landscapes filled with waterfalls, mountains, and scenic views that make a trip to any of them unforgettable. Whether it's the art-filled forest in Creston or gazing at the mountains from the comfort of your hot tub in Kimberley, BC’s natural beauty and welcoming towns continue to draw visitors from near and far, making it one of the best provinces in Canada to visit and explore.