7 Of The Quietest British Columbia Towns
British Columbia is home to a number of quiet, small towns that make for excellent relaxing vacations. For a lakeside retreat in the mountains, Kaslo offers access to the calm waters of Kootenay Lake with views of the Purcell and Selkirk Mountains, plus easy outings to Kokanee Glacier Provincial Park. And for a stunning sandy beach, Parksville stands out with the wide shores of Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park. British Columbia's landscapes are vast and varied enough to support everything from fjord-side hamlets to inland mining towns, so the seven towns below offer a little something different while keeping the quiet atmosphere that makes them so appealing.
Kaslo
If you want quiet, Kaslo is a great choice, while still offering an assortment of things to keep you busy and content. Instead of city noise, you will get the soft touch of waves on Kootenay Lake, the wind among trees, and the rare call of a loon. And, since it is located between the Purcell and Selkirk Mountains, it comes with the gorgeous scenery that one comes to expect in Interior British Columbia. The town is home to the SS Moyie, the oldest completely preserved riverboat anywhere on Earth, now maintained as a museum. The town also holds the Kaslo Jazz Etc., a musical festival known for its floating lake-bound stage.
Given its location, there are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy. You can hike the Kaslo River Trail or try fishing at Meadow Creek. Another option is Fletcher Falls, which cascades through dense forest and scenic mist. Although Kaslo is a peaceful place to live and visit, it also features local cultural sites like the historic Langham Cultural Centre. Additionally, it serves as a gateway to Kokanee Glacier Provincial Park, making it an ideal starting point for outdoor adventures.
Bella Coola
Bella Coola may not ring a bell with many tourists but this town comes with some amazing sights. Massive mountains and deep fjords are all around, and since it is near the big and wild Great Bear Rainforest, it feels untouched. The town has a peaceful atmosphere and almost feels like a local secret, making it perfect for those who love nature and grand open spaces, like down at the town's harbor. Here you can go for a nice walk or jump on a guided fjord tour. Want to hike? Clayton Falls Park is near and will give you stunning views of cascading waterfalls.
Consider visiting Petroglyph Park to see ancient rock carvings nestled in the forest, with guided tours that delve into the history and legends of the Nuxalk people. Afterwards, explore the Bella Coola Museum, housed in a historic Hudson’s Bay Company building, where exhibits highlight early settlers and Indigenous culture. Looking for souvenirs? Indigenous crafts are available at shops like Bella Coola Valley Inn Gift Shop and Copper Sun Gallery & Journeys. To spot famous grizzly bears, head to Tweedsmuir Park Lodge, renowned for its wildlife tours.
Port Renfrew
About a two-hour drive west from Victoria, Port Renfrew feels hidden away up on the west coast of Vancouver Island. This place is full of dense woods and untamed shores. Folks visit to experience superb trails on foot and witness all the animals living nearby. In the area's thick old-growth forest, you will find some of Canada's tallest. One of these is Big Lonely Doug, the country's second biggest Douglas Fir. If you enjoy quiet fishing by the water, Port Renfrew is perfect, as you can head over to Swiftsure Bank or the San Juan River for some fishing.
In the areas around Port Renfrew, the peaceful natural surroundings make for a perfect hiking paradise. The village provides access to the Juan de Fuca Trail, West Coast Trail, and Botanical Beach. Here, hikers can explore tidal pools, and stunning ocean views are always nearby. After a long hike, if you're hungry, the Renfrew Pub offers waterfront dining with freshly caught fish. Meanwhile, the Coastal Kitchen Café serves up excellent breakfast options along with flavorful coffee.
Wells
Back in the 1930s, Wells was created as a company town for the Cariboo Gold Quartz Mine. In its heyday, around 4000 people lived there. Now, just over 200 people call Wells home. While it might not have a lot of residents, this quiet town remains an attraction for artists and outdoorsmen. If you enjoy culture and the arts, head over to see art displays at the Island Mountain Arts Center or enjoy shows at the historic Sunset Theatre. Just 5 miles away, take a fun trip to the past at the Barkerville Historic Town, a restored village from the gold rush times. It has loads of exhibits you can check out and you can even pan for gold.
A trip to Wells wouldn't be complete without exploring the surrounding terrain. Try the 7.3-mile circular Cornish Mountain trail. It meanders through the nearby Cariboo Mountains. Love mountain biking? You can ride the Wells-Barkerville Mountain Bike Trail through the forested area. Enjoy skiing? Give cross-country skiing a shot or glide down the slopes at Troll Ski Resort. Wells may be quiet, but there's still plenty to do.
Ucluelet
Home to around 2,000, this town is nice and calm for anyone wanting to side-step the hustle and bustle of high season in neighboring Tofino. Ucluelet has won many hearts because of its unyielding wild shoreline and temperate rainforest climate. With access to the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, nature enthusiasts have fallen head over heels for this location. Stroll along the Wild Pacific Trail for awe-inspiring sights of the ocean and waves meeting the nearby jagged cliffs, with the Lighthouse Loop leading to Amphitrite Point.
Visit in winter if you're eager to witness stunning, massive waves during storm-watching season. Just a short drive northwest of town, explore renowned beaches like Long Beach, Wickaninnish Beach, and many others. These beaches are perfect for relaxing strolls or surfing their impressive waves. You might also consider a guided kayak tour around the tranquil waters of Ucluelet Inlet or Barkley Sound. Stay alert — you might spot sea lions, eagles, or even whales!
Hedley
This town sits down in the lower reaches of British Columbia's Similkameen Valley, amidst bare hills and under bright blue skies. When you make your way to Hedley, kick-start your adventure at the notable Hedley Museum. Here, you will see displays of antiques and tales from when mining was at its zenith in town. Right off of Highway 3, which skirts the south side of town, you will find the Snaza’ist Discovery Center, which holds showpieces about the Similkameen community and their long-established history in this region.
If you want to spend some time outdoors and enjoy nature, head to Stemwinder Provincial Park, just outside of town. You can relax here by the river, where wooden tables are set up for picnics under shade trees. Also, if you're visiting town, make sure to stop at one last spot before you leave: the 'Hedley Country Market.' Though small, it offers homemade baked goods, snacks, and crafty items made by local artists.
Parksville
Quiet does not have to mean inaccessible. This town isn't a long way from the nearest ferry stop coming in from the Lower Mainland, only about a 30-minute drive away from the ferry terminal. In town, you can enjoy a walk on its sandy shores, or have a seat and enjoy the ocean wind. There is no better place to do this than at Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park, famous for its long tides. Upon low tide, the sea goes back for what seems like miles. This gives you a rare chance to take a peek at the seabed.
Be sure to visit the Old Country Market in Coombs, famous for its rooftop goats that munch on grass. Inside, you'll find a variety of fresh pastries and interesting keepsakes on display. Not far from Parksville, Englishman River Falls Provincial Park features forested trails that wind through moss-covered trees and lead to a stunning waterfall nestled among the rocks. Another nearby option is the North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre, which provides an up-close look at animals being cared for and rehabilitated. The center, home to bald eagles, owls, and a resident bear, offers a respectful and quietly inspiring experience.
The Takeaway
Finding peace and quiet in British Columbia is not just a getaway - it can feel like coming back home. These are spots where you can take deep breaths easily or just relax while the wind stirs the leaves. If you dream of a quiet BC experience, start planning your next journey to a quiet, slightly unconventional destination. So head out and find that quiet British Columbia town you have always been looking for.
