13 Charming Small Towns in British Columbia (By a Local)

As a British Columbia local, I have spent my life visiting my province’s smaller towns.  They may be small, but they offer fascinating history, stunning natural surroundings, and vibrant community spirit.

British Columbia’s cities usually get all the attention, but this guide highlights some of my favourite small towns. I’ve included details about what to do in each and the type of person who might like them best. I also highlight what makes them unique – from a surfing paradise on the coast to the best place for wine in the country.

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13 Small Towns in British Columbia

Kimberley

A Bavarian town in the heart of British Columbia.

🏠 Population: 8,804 | 📍 Google Maps | City of Kimberley Website | 👉 Browse Hotels in Kimberley on Booking

In the 1960s, Kimberley was modelled after a Bavarian alpine town to boost tourism. And in 2022, a CBC poll crowned Kimberley B.C.’s Best Small Town. 

German architecture sits in the shadow of the Kootenay Rockies. Shops fill the pedestrianized Platzl. And Happy Hans, the world’s tallest freestanding cuckoo clock, is a fun place to snap a selfie. 

Kimberley is gorgeous! Walk around the Kimberley Nature Park, the largest municipal park in British Columbia. Visit Marysville Falls and Eco Park. Walk, cycle or cross-country ski the North Star Rails to Trails. And ski at Kimberley Alpine Resort. 

In town, relax among 45,000 flowers at the Cominco Gardens. Or study local artifacts at the Kimberley Heritage Museum, and tour the Underground Mining Railway. 

Kimberley is a great place to visit and live. It’s a safe community full of folks who value the good life. Families, retirees, and anyone seeking simplicity will feel at home here. 

Tofino

Go surfing and storm-watching on the Pacific Ocean. 

🏠 Population: 2,516 | 📍 Google Maps | District of Tofino Website | 👉 Browse Hotels in Tofino on Booking

Tofino is a village on the west coast of Vancouver Island. It’s one of the most popular holiday destinations in B.C., but for those who live here, it’s heaven on earth. Tofino sits on the edge of the Pacific Ocean and is most known for its breathtaking winter storms. 

Tofino is a paradise for nature enthusiasts. The town is part of the vast Pacific Rim National Park. It’s a stunning place to hike, fish, and enjoy the beaches. Tofino offers the best surfing in B.C. for anyone who loves the water. Kayak around the Broken Group Islands, or take a whale-watching tour. 

Tofino is a great place to call home if you love beachy, small-town vibes. But as it’s on the western edge of Canada, big-city amenities are far away. A drive to Nanaimo will take 3 hours!

Tofino takes a long time to reach, especially if you’re coming from Vancouver. It’s a 5-hour journey from there! But a Harbour Air flight from Vancouver will get you to Tofino in 50 minutes! British Columbia’s West Coast has some of the most stunning scenery in the world. So, why not see it from above? 

One thing you won’t have to go too far for in Tofino is amazing food! The town is the birthplace of Tacofino, the home of my favourite fish tacos!

👉 Pro Tip: June through September is peak tourist season in Tofino. Reserve hotel rooms well in advance to secure your stay at the best price.  

Bowen Island

A charming island so close to the city.

🏠 Population: 4,256 | 📍 Google Maps | Bowen Island Website | 👉 Browse Hotels in Bowen Island on Booking

Bowen Island is a 20-minute ferry ride from West Vancouver’s Horseshoe Bay. Visitors and locals are attracted to Bowen Island for its small-town charm, gorgeous natural surroundings, and proximity to the city. 

The cost of living on Bowen Island has increased in recent years, but the quality of life remains high. Bowen Island is all about serenity, but Vancouver is just a stone’s throw away. Many people live on Bowen and work in Vancouver.

Outdoor enthusiasts will love Bowen Island. There are endless opportunities to hike, mountain bike, and cycle. And being on the waters of Howe Sound makes it the perfect spot for kayaking and paddleboarding. 

Snug Cove is an idyllic waterfront spot. Hang out at a charming café, browse the quaint boutiques, and visit with local artisans. 

Don’t have time to spend an entire day on Bowen? Consider a Bowen Island Dinner and Zodiac Boat Tour. It’s the perfect opportunity to explore Howe Sound, which I consider one of the most beautiful places in the world. And you’ll have dinner on the Island before coming back to Vancouver!

Chemainus

A quaint town for art lovers.

🏠 Population: 4,033 | 📍 Google Maps | North Cowichan Official Website | 👉 Browse Hotels in Chemainus on Booking

Chemainus is located on the Cowichan coast of Vancouver Island, about a 90-minute drive from Victoria. It’s full of colourful heritage buildings, cute hidden corners, and beautiful waterfront vistas. It also has some of the friendliest locals around. 

Chemainus was once home to a thriving forestry industry. As that began to decline, the residents decided to attract tourism to the area through art. Chemainus is now home to over 50 murals showcasing the town’s history. 

I prefer to stroll around town and see what surprises me, but you can also use this map to plan a self-guided mural tour. 

If you get hungry, I recommend the Willow Street Cafe. It used to be a bank, so it’s not only a beautiful building, but the food is fantastic as well. I always save room for something sweet. And for that, my favourite is Hansel & Gretel’s Candy Co. 

Although there are amenities, you won’t find any big box stores in Chemainus. Everything is locally owned, which adds to its charm. It’s a great place for families and retirees, or anyone seeking a more affordable lifestyle. And both Victoria and Nanaimo are nearby for whenever you need a big city fix.

Kaslo

Outdoor adventure abounds in this former mining town.

🏠 Population: 1,049 | 📍 Google Maps | Village of Kaslo Website | 👉 Browse Hotels in Kaslo on Booking

Kaslo is a breathtaking town in B.C.’s West Kootenay region. It sits on Kootenay Lake and is surrounded by the spectacular Selkirk and Purcell Mountains. Kaslo is all about the outdoors. 

Cycle, mountain bike, or walk the Riverside Trail during summer. You can also visit Fletcher Falls or rent a kayak and hit the lake during the warmer months. With the mountains so close, Kaslo is incredible during winter. Expect skiing and snowshoe trails galore. 

Kaslo was once a gold and silver mining town, so the area is full of history. Admire the Victorian architecture. Learn about WWII internment at the Japanese Canadian Museum. And tour the S.S. Moyie, the oldest intact passenger sternwheeler in the world! 

This affordable, tight-knit community has a thriving arts scene, community festivals, and fantastic dining options. Love village life surrounded by picturesque scenery? Kaslo is the place for you!

Smithers

The perfect base for exploring British Columbia’s north.

🏠 Population: 5,378 | 📍 Google Maps | Town of Smithers Website | 👉 Browse Hotels in Smithers on Booking

Smithers is in British Columbia’s Bulkley Valley, which has been the territory of the Wet’suwet’en First Nations for generations. It is steeped in fur trading, mining, and rail history. For those who want to get away from it all, the North calls. 

Surrounded by the Babine Mountain range and Hudson Bay Mountain, the town of Smithers is full of outdoor adventure. Hit the slopes at Hudson Bay Mountain Resort. Hike the Twin Falls/Glacier Gulch trails. Fish at Idiot Rock, and watch the rushing river at Moricetown Canyon. 

Smithers is also full of life. Plan your visit around annual events like the Midsummer Music Festival, Artisan Studio Tour, Bulkley Valley Exhibition & Fall Fair, and Telkwa BBQ. Visit the Bulkley Valley Museum and Smithers Art Gallery to discover the town’s beginnings. 

Smithers is a hearty and vibrant community set in magnificent surroundings. It is a great place to begin a Northern B.C. excursion, or if you’re looking for a rural place to live.

👉 Pro Tip: A 1-hour and 40-minute flight from Vancouver will land you at Smithers Regional Airport (YYD). Check Air Canada for schedules.

Harrison Hot Springs

Natural hot springs and breathtaking scenery in B.C.’s Fraser Valley. 

🏠 Population: 1,905 | 📍 Google Maps | Harrison Hot Springs Website | 👉 Browse Hotels in Harrison Hot Springs on Booking

Harrison Hot Springs is just an hour and a half drive from Vancouver, which makes it a popular weekend getaway. Harrison offers majestic natural surroundings without the big city price tag. Its proximity to the larger city of Chilliwack also makes it a fantastic place to live.  

The mountains tower over this charming lakeside community. Hike the Spirit Trail, visit Bridal Falls, or spend some time wandering around the village’s shops and restaurants. Kids will love Harrison Lake as it’s home to a huge inflatable water park. The views alone make it my favourite place to swim. 

The town also hosts wonderful annual festivals like the Harrison Festival of the Arts, Sasquatch Days, and Lights by the Lake. I always look forward to participating in the Harrison Dragon Boat Festival. The lake may look calm, but the boat is so hard to manage when the wind picks up!

The highlight of this area is the natural hot springs, for which the town is named. The public mineral pools in the town center are open to everyone. A great stay in Harrison Hot Springs is at the Harrison Beach Hotel. It’s in the perfect location across the street from the lake and beach. 

Oliver

Wine lovers flock to this tasty Okanagan town.

🏠 Population: 5,094 | 📍 Google Maps | Town of Oliver Website | 👉 Browse Hotels in Oliver on Booking

Vineyards are everywhere in Oliver, making it the best place in Canada for wine! You can find all your favourites in the town’s 40 wineries. For one-stop sipping, visit the District Wine Village. It’s home to 13 wineries, one brewery, one distillery, a restaurant, and big views. 

But Oliver still has tons of tasty treats on offer, even if you’re not a wine lover. With some of the best weather in the country, the town is full of orchards. You can find fresh grapes, plums, cherries, and apples everywhere. 

Oliver is situated in the Great Basin Desert. It’s surrounded by mountains and lakes, making it the perfect place for hiking and mountain biking. The Vaseux Lake Bird Sanctuary and the Sunkeya Farm Alpacas will thrill children and animal lovers. 

Golfers will love playing a round at the Fairview Mountain Golf Club. Skiers can find big powder at Baldy Mountain Resort. 

Oliver has a high quality of life and is an attractive alternative to busy Kelowna. It’s perfect for anyone who wants a tranquil life near the outdoors. Its schools, parks, and tight-knit community make Oliver an excellent place for families.

Merritt

Dust off your Stetson for a visit to BC’s capital of country music.

🏠 Population: 7,051 | 📍 Google Maps | City of Merritt Website | 👉 Browse Hotels in Merritt on Booking

I’m no stranger to Merritt. Growing up, we’d stop here and camp for a night on our way to the Okanagan. This is a great place to break up the long drive if you’re coming from Vancouver with kids! 

Today, Merritt has become more popular than when I was a child. Its real draw is the town’s country vibes. It is home to the Canadian Country Music Hall of Honour, the Merritt Walk of Stars, and over 20 large-scale murals of famous country music artists. 

Music is huge in Merritt, and the town boasts some amazing annual festivals. The Merritt Mountain Music Festival is the most popular in BC for country music. The Rockin’ River Music Fest highlights classic rock and country. The Bass Coast Festival is a showcase of art and electronic music. 

Because it’s tucked away in the Nicola Valley, Merritt offers many beautiful hiking and horseback trails. Godey Creek and Lone Pine Loop are popular spots. Go fishing in the Nicola and Coldwater rivers. And explore the town’s heritage and ranching history at the Nicola Valley Museum-Archives and the Baillie Historic Site.

Sooke

Natural wonders are everywhere in this Vancouver Island town.

🏠 Population: 15,086 | 📍 Google Maps | District of Sooke Website | 👉 Browse Hotels in Sooke on Booking

Less than an hour from Victoria is the waterfront town of Sooke. This welcoming community treats visitors to some of the best natural beauty in B.C. 

Explore the unique rock formations at Sooke Potholes Provincial Park, and take a relaxing walk along the coastline at Whiffin Spit. Bask in the views of Sooke Harbour from the Sooke Boardwalk Loop. 

Explore the past at the Sooke Region Museum. This town is steeped in history, with roots in logging, fishing, mining, and the First Nations community. The museum is also home to the Triangle Island Lighthouse. Hear the harrowing tales of life on the stormy seas.

Sooke is a small town with lots of soul. Shop and eat in the village core. Enjoy the tunes at the Sooke Music Festival. Buy local treats at the Sooke Country Market and Night Market. And admire local artists at the Sooke Fine Arts Show. 

Small-town hospitality makes Sooke the perfect place for those seeking a rural lifestyle. It’s quiet, but city conveniences aren’t too far away.

Ucluelet

This paradise on the Pacific Ocean is a great alternative to touristy Tofino.

🏠 Population: 2,066 | 📍 Google Maps | District of Ucluelet Website | 👉 Browse Hotels in Ucluelet on Booking 

40 minutes south of Tofino is its much more chill neighbour, Ucluelet. Here, you’ll find all of the breathtaking scenery Tofino is famous for, but without the tourist bustle and prices. 

The town is located in the Pacific Rim National Park. You’ll have access to Long Beach, the Broken Group Islands, the West Coast Trail, and the (much easier) Wild Pacific Trail. Popular activities in Ucluelet include surfing, fishing, beachcombing, and storm watching. 

Ucluelet sits on the edge of the Pacific Ocean, surrounded by forest. Take a whale watching tour, or, even more thrilling, a bear watching tour! Wherever there’s water, my favourite thing to do is get out on it. This wonderful Ucluelet Harbour kayaking tour is a great way to go for a relaxing paddle and see some of the region’s beautiful wildlife. 

Ucluelet’s attractions incorporate the town’s natural surroundings and fascinating Indigenous history. Visit the Amphitrite Point Lighthouse at the edge of the peninsula. Learn about life in the Pacific Ocean at the Ucluelet Aquarium. And discover First Nations artists at the Cedar House and Reflecting Spirit galleries. After a long day, the Ucluelet Brewing Company is the place to refresh.

Salt Spring Island

This stunning Gulf Island is sure to inspire your inner artist.

🏠 Population: 11,635 | 📍 Google Maps | Capital Regional District Website | 👉 Browse Hotels in Salt Spring Island on Booking

Salt Spring Island is the largest of the Gulf Islands, located between Vancouver’s Mainland and Vancouver Island. It’s one of my favourite places in British Columbia. Surrounded by lush forest and the Salish Sea, Salt Spring Island’s natural surroundings are its real draw. 

Hike Mount Erskine or Mount Maxwell for a challenge. Take an easy walk around Ruckle Provincial Park and explore the heritage farm. Cycle the Island (it’s hillier than it looks). And rent a canoe or kayak for a leisurely paddle. I love being outdoors on Salt Spring Island, but I’m most taken with Ganges, its main hub. 

Salt Spring Island has always attracted creatives and artisans. It’s a joy to wander around the Saturday Market and the unique shops to find something special. Ganges is also where you’ll find the most dining options. And a meal anywhere here always seems to include live music! 

Around the Island, you’ll also find lots of wonderful places to stop. I love Salt Spring Mercantile and The Pottery at Fulford Harbour. Salt Spring Island Cheese is ideal for cheese samples and goats, and Wild Cider House has delicious food and drink with a stunning view. The pineapple cider is my favourite!

Food is the pride of Salt Spring Island. Everything is local, fresh, and home-grown. There is a lot to taste, so why not have a local guide take you to the best places on the “Artisan Trail” Hop On Hop Off Tour? This is a great way to explore the Island, especially if you don’t have a car. 

Gibsons

A town made popular by a television series from the 1970s.

🏠 Population: 12,300 | 📍 Google Maps | Town of Gibsons Website | 👉 Browse Hotels in Gibsons on Booking

Gibsons is a charming waterfront town on BC’s Sunshine Coast. It’s a gorgeous, relaxing place to spend a few days, but also makes a fantastic day trip from Vancouver. A short 40-minute ferry ride from Horseshoe Bay will have you at Langdale Ferry Terminal. From there, a quick drive will get you into town. 

Gibsons gained fame in the 1970s and 80s as the filming location for CBC’s The Beachcombers. You can still grab a meal at Molly’s Reach, which was built in 1936. It’s a classic Gibsons experience. I loved visiting as a child. My friend’s father was a cameraman on the show!

Today, the town’s natural beauty is the real star. Sitting on Howe Sound and the Strait of Georgia, the area is full of spectacular places to enjoy the outdoors. Hang out and enjoy the views from Georgia, Armours, and Pebbles beaches. Rent a kayak and discover Shoal Bay. And walk the many waterfront trails. 

Explore the town’s rich history and culture at the Sunshine Coast Museum & Archives and Gibsons Public Art Gallery. Enjoy the gardens in Heritage Hills, one of the town’s earliest neighbourhoods. Gather with friendly locals at the Gibsons Public Market. And quench your thirst at The 101 Brewhouse+Distillery, Persephone Brewing Company, and Gibsons Tapworks.

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British Columbia’s small towns are a joy to visit all year round, whether you’re looking for a relaxing holiday or a life away from the hustle and bustle.

What town are you visiting first? Leave a comment to let me know!