10 Best Small Towns to Visit in British Columbia
Canada’s westernmost province, British Columbia (or BC) is a great place to discover first hand some of the very best of Canada. Uniquely situated between the Rocky Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, BC’s geographic diversity and splendid cultural history make it a wonderful destination for any visitor, be they domestic or international. Though cities like Vancouver and Victoria continue to rightfully attract much attention, it is also the province’s smaller towns that contain just as much charm and beauty. From mountain views, island breezes, and loads of fascinating history, these small British Columbia towns showcase what makes Canada such a wonderful country to explore.
Ladysmith
Situated on Vancouver Island around the 49th parallel, the town of Ladysmith is indeed a charming and most scenic place that any tourist in the area will not want to miss. Established as a harbor town in the late 1890s, Ladysmith boasts a humble population of just under 9,000 residents and features an assortment of cute shops, restaurants, and local museums that make it a delightfully relaxing place to visit. And with beautiful opportunities to go swimming, sailing, and hiking, Ladysmith definitely satisfies those looking to get the best of the outdoors while on the Island. And do not forget to book a whale watching boat tour, where the chance to see these awesome creatures is surely to be a memory that will truly last a lifetime!
Tumbler Ridge
A planned mining community founded in the 1980s, Tumbler Ridge is beautifully situated within the BC Rocky Mountains where nearly 2,500 people reside. A great place for the outdoor adventurer, guests can enjoy wonderful opportunities for hiking and mountain biking in a most striking natural environment. Meanwhile an exploration of such geographic landmarks like Kinuseo Falls, the Murray River, Monkman Provincial Park, and of course the dramatic peaks of the Rockies, make this town truly one of the most picturesque locales in northeastern British Columbia. In addition, a number of cute speciality souvenir shops and local restaurants cater to the passing tourist, ensuring that any sojourn in Tumbler Ridge will absolutely be a memorable one.
Rossland
Very near the border with the American State of Washington, the “Golden City” of Rossland is situated within the Monashee Mountains. A popular destination in both winter and summer, residents and visitors alike enjoy the town as a great ski resort and a mountain biking hub. And with a population of just under 4,000 inhabitants, Rossland maintains a charming small town ambiance all while surrounded by some of nature’s most pristine vistas. Indeed, amongst the other outdoor activities one can partake in include hiking, rafting, zip lining, and even snowshoeing.
Meanwhile several historic buildings can be appreciated here including the Miners Union Hall (1898) and the Court House (1901), which was designated as a National Historic Site of Canada. And with many welcoming bars, restaurants, and other mountain shops all around, even just a quick afternoon in Rossland will undoubtedly leave one with a positive impression.
Nakusp
The town of Nakusp is beautifully surrounded by both the Monashee and Selkirk Mountains in BC’s West Kootenay region. With a history dating to the 1890s, this community of just over 1,500 inhabitants is another great location to enjoy some of the best of the province’s natural splendor. Spend time at the nearby Nakusp Hot Springs Resort, a wonderful beach on Arrow Lake, several scenic golf courses, and an assortment of beautiful hiking and biking trails, when in Nakusp a picture perfect outing is never far away. And with cool winters and warm summers, this is a town which can be comfortably appreciated throughout the year. Add in cute souvenir shops and some tasty local eateries, and Nakusp will surely not disappoint both the passing tourist and those who choose to stay.
Fernie
Established in 1904, the town of Fernie is situated on the Elk River where today just over 5,000 residents call home. As both a charming historic town and a naturally beautiful destination, Fernie is indeed a great place to enjoy a variety of activities for the solo traveller and families alike. And with its warm summers and mild winters, there is never really a poor time to experience Fernie. Featuring an assortment of buildings with unique brick and sandstone compositions all along wide streets, a picturesque stroll is assured while views of the Three Sisters Mountains and Mount Proctor perfectly round out the ambiance.
Meanwhile wonderful opportunities for fly fishing, camping, hiking, biking, skating, skiing and more can all be enjoyed in town and vicinity. Add in several fascinating museums chronicling the town’s growth, the Historic District, and some tasty local distilleries and restaurants, and time spent in Fernie will definitely encourage any visitor to return.
Smithers
Smithers is a veritable hot spot for those looking for some of BC’s best ski slopes and fishing opportunities and it attracts visitors from across the province and nation. Indeed in addition to the aforementioned activities, outdoor adventurers can also enjoy chances to go mountain biking, hiking, snowmobiling, quadding, and even paragliding near Hudson Bay Mountain. Meanwhile a visit to the most scenic Twin Falls and its challenging trails will definitely not want to be forgotten. In addition a number of local museums are great alternatives to spend a day, including the informative Bulkley Valley Museum and the Smithers Art Gallery which highlight the region’s historic growth across art, artifacts, and first hand stories of the pioneers and indigenous people who settled the land.
Kaslo
Also known as the “Little Switzerland of Canada”, the town of Kaslo is beautifully situated on the western shores of Kootenay Lake and near the same named Kaslo River. Established as a mining town in the 1880s, today this charming and historic community of just under 1,000 permanent residents maintains a most unique old fashioned ambience that will surely impress any visitor. With an assortment of late 19th and early 20th century buildings, walking through town is indeed like going back in time while welcoming boutique stores and local restaurants are always ready to serve guests.
Explore such landmarks like The Langham, a former hotel constructed in the 1890s and now a cultural museum, Village Hall (1898), or the sternwheeler the SS Moyie that was first launched in 1898! And of course spending on the water for relaxation or some vigorous sports is always a popular choice, in a most scenic and pleasing BC destination.
Kimberley
Once home to the world’s largest zinc mine, the picturesque town of Kimberley is stunningly located between the Rocky and Purcell Mountain ranges. Home to a humble population of just over 8,000 inhabitants, this popular tourist spot is also the site of the Kimberley Alpine Resort and the Kimberley Nature Park. Here activities like alpine skiing and snowboarding as well as cycling, hiking, camping, and even golfing attract a wide range of visitors. In addition Kimberley boasts several buildings designed in a Bavarian style that will surely make for some special photos. Do not forget to pose with the giant Cuckoo Clock standing some 22 feet high and 12 feet wide, for a vacation moment that will definitely create a wonderful memory!
Nelson
Nelson was established in the 1890s and served as rail hub and an important silver mining centre into the mid 20th century. Today home to a population of nearly 11,000 people, the town also known as the “Queen City” is beautifully situated within the Selkirk Mountains and on the shores of Kootenay Lake and enjoys a close vicinity to Kokanee Glacier Provincial Park. Enjoy activities like mountain climbing, hiking, biking, swimming, and alpine sports at the nearby Whitewater Ski Resort. And with landmarks like the Big Orange Bridge and the historic Baker Street and its assortment of restored 19th century buildings, Nelson is always a scenic delight.
Osoyoos
Close to the border with Washington State, the town of Osoyoos is located within BC’s Okanagan Valley and is a very popular summer destination due to its hot temperatures. Located on the shores of Osoyoos Lake, numerous park and beach areas can be found here that are great spots for swimming, sailing, fishing, and picnicking. In addition golf lovers will surely appreciate this town where a number of award winning courses are located including the Desert Gold Course and Park Meadows Golf Club for a most splendid game experience. Osoyoos also boasts fun opportunities to go fruit picking and chances to pick such items like peaches, cherries, nectarines, pears, and apples are indeed a special memory for the solo traveller and family alike.
The Canadian province of British Columbia (BC) joined the Confederation in 1871, and today it is the nation’s third most populous. Known for its vast geographic and scenic beauty, as well as its unique historic significance, BC is indeed a wonderful place to call home and visit as a guest. While the major of Vancouver and Victoria are always rightfully spotlighted, it is also the smaller towns that help make BC such a great place to discover. From the towns on Vancouver Island to the mountain and lake splendor of places like Osoyoos and Nakusp, these charming places are brimming with a very special does of special Canadian beauty. So do not hesitate or wait any longer, for British Columbia is calling!
