6 Overlooked Towns In British Columbia Worth Visiting

British Columbia is home to some of Canada’s most spectacular landscapes, but its smaller towns are where the province’s true character shines. Beyond the famous parks and well-trodden routes, these communities offer a more intimate way to experience the place. Whether you’re drawn to quiet trails, adrenaline-pumping adventures, wildlife encounters, or lakeside relaxation, each town on this list brings something unique to the table. From wine country experience in Penticton to the rugged oceanfront of Ucleulet, from historic gateways like Dawson Creek to alpine playgrounds in Revelstoke, here are six British Columbia towns that showcase the province’s wild beauty and vibrant spirit, no matter the season.

Penticton

Have you ever gone swimming, felt a chill, put on a sweater, and then gone hiking in the sunshine all in the same day? You can do exactly that in the pretty town of Penticton. This town is one of only two in the world located between two lakes: Okanagan and Skaha. If you visit in the fall, you can hike on quiet trails, including the Kettle Valley Rail Trail, which meanders along Okanagan Lake. At the south end of town, you can dip your toes in the water at Skaha Lake, and at this point, you may want to pull your cardigan closer, especially if you stay until sunset.

During the summer, you can immerse yourself in the water at Okanagan Beach and then relax under the nearby trees. Or take yourself off to the Promenade next to the lake for a stroll. From here, you can look out over the water and spot the Penticton sign on Munson Mountain. You can also book a private wine tasting tour at the Naramata Bench with a wine expert who will drive you around in your own car.

Dawson Creek

Dawson Creek (not that one), also known as Mile 0 City, is the southernmost terminus of the Alaska Highway. If you are driving from Prince George, it will take you just over 4 hours, and from Edmonton, 6 hours. The best way to get there is via the Alaska Highway between May and September when businesses and attractions are open. Remember to snap a selfie at the Mile 0 sign, near the visitor center, where you can get all the information you need before entering Dawson Creek. You can also visit the nearby Northern Alberta Railway Station Museum, which features exhibits highlighting the time when U.S. soldiers built the highway in 1942.

In Dawson Creek, you can stop by McQueen’s Slough to see the waterfowl refuge. It is a good idea to visit during the fall or spring to experience the migration and spot other animals, including muskrats and foxes. If you want to hike, there are several trails and paths at Bear Mountain Community Forest on Bear Mountain. At the same time, you can view the massive wind turbines of BC’s first commercial wind farm. Make some time to visit the Walter Wright Pioneer Village, where you will learn more about Dawson Creek’s history.

Rossland

Rossland is another hidden gem in BC, located in the Kootenay Rockies. This town sits on the Powder Highway and is the perfect summer and winter vacation destination. There is a lot to do and experience here, and the best part is that you can get to everything without having to fight through throngs of tourists. For instance, you can make a day of it hiking or mountain biking the Seven Summits Trail. Keep in mind that this is a challenging trail, so you must be an experienced bicycler or hiker. During winter, you can go skiing at Red Mountain Resort, which is not as crowded as Whistler and offers 3,800 acres of skiing. You may also be surprised to learn that Red Mountain is hollow on the inside because of miles of mining tunnels. You can learn more about Rossland’s mining history at the Rossland Museum and Discovery Center. Then, end off a great day at the Rossland Beer Company, where you can try the excellent milk stout and ale.

Revelstoke

Revelstoke has its own ‘miniature’ national park, Mount Revelstoke National Park, and is located just hours away from Banff National Park on the banks of the Columbia River. You will not find massive crowds in the local park as you would at Banff, so that you can take your time skiing and snowboarding during winter and alpine hiking in summer. The Mount Revelstoke trail has a short uphill, while the Soren Sorensen trail runs through the forest.

If you plan to visit during winter, there is plenty to do aside from skiing. You can visit the Railway Museum to learn about the Canadian Pacific Railway or take a walk down MacKenzie Avenue in downtown Revelstoke. If the snow is already falling outside, you can still pack your bathing suit and head to the nearby Halfway River Hot Springs, which is accessible by sled or ski tour (or a 4x4 vehicle). Before you hit the water, keep in mind that the hot springs are in a rural area, so watch out for poison ivy and wild animals. There is also no cell phone service or electricity.

Golden

Despite the town of Golden’s proximity to no less than six national parks, it is still not overrun by visitors. Golden is essentially a gateway to Glacier, Kootenay, Yoho, Banff, Mount Revelstoke, and Jasper National Parks, and is located within the Columbia River Wetlands between the Canadian Rockies and the Purcells. In Golden itself, there are lots of activities and sights to experience, including the Golden Skybridge. The bridge spans a canyon, and you can take in the views of the Columbia Valley, the Rockies, and the Purcells as you walk 426 feet above. There is also the Railrider Mountain Coaster to try, which takes you through the forest, along the edge of the canyon, and down the side of the mountain.

If it rains during your visit, head to the Northern Lights Wildlife Wolf Center, about 18 kilometers north of Golden. The Wolf Center offers educational tours and a private wolf walk. The private walk lasts an hour and a half, with a wolf being your guide. If the weather is good, you can take a gondola ride at Kicking Horse Resort, which will take you up to the top of a mountain. From there, you can take to the biking trails and ride through the alpine meadows while enjoying the gorgeous outdoors.

Ucleulet

The small town of Ucleulet sits on the Ucleulet Peninsula on the western coast of Vancouver Island. If you want to experience the best of what the ocean offers in BC, you should head to the beaches in Ucleulet, including Big Beach, Little Beach, and Brown Beach. And, if lying on the sand soaking up the sun is not for you, you can get in on the surfing action by catching a wave in the choppy waters. You can even go on a whale-watching or bear-viewing boat tour, both of which depart every day from downtown Ucleulet. Keep in mind that bear viewing tours depend on the tides. You can also see more wildlife, including sea lions, elk, and deer, by hiking the forests surrounding the beaches.

If you decide to head to Big Beach, you can visit the Mystery Shipwreck. The remains of the wreck are visible here in the rocks on the right-hand side of the beach, but no one knows what ship it was or what caused it to become shipwrecked. You can also visit the Amphitrite Lighthouse at the southern end of the peninsula, where it overlooks the Pacific. The lighthouse has a unique shape to help protect it against the fierce storms in this part of Canada. You can park your vehicle in the free car park before doing the lighthouse loop trail.

Let Adventure Find You

As you explore BC’s lesser-known towns, you will be reminded that wonder and excitement is not only found in the world’s overrun and overcrowded destinations. Sometimes, you will find exactly what you are looking for and so much more in places outside of the destination spotlight. You can really slow down in each BC town and take the time to notice the details. You will see sunsets and shorelines in a new light, experience hiking trails in a new way. Whether you prefer to go it alone or in a group, these BC towns will invite you to come and stay as you keep an eye out for the unexpected.