11 of the Friendliest Towns in British Columbia
Home to 5.6 million people as of 2024, British Columbia is the westernmost province in Canada, the world's second biggest country. Among 10 provinces and three territories, BC is blessed with natural diversity, from the ocean shores of the Pacific in the west to the rugged Rockies that separate it from Alberta in the east. Having joined the Confederation in 1871, four years after the birth of the nation, it has been attracting tourists year-round ever since.
The waterbounded province flaunts island towns like Tofino, a surfing mecca, and its sister city, Ucluelet, a quiet beach heaven. With skiing destinations like Whistler and Kimberley, you can spy on fall scenery from Whistler Gondola or chase springtime wildflowers in the heart of the Rockies. Oliver, the Capital of Wine of Canada, and Osoyoos embrace you within a premier wine region of the nation, known for its friendliness.
Comox
Originally home to the K’omox First Nation, this seaside gem is one of the three major communities in the Comox Valley, midway on the east coast. Among other towns studding the inner shoreline of Vancouver Island, repeatedly voted "the best island in the Continental US and Canada," life in Comox Valley is defined by the beautiful environs. The friendly locals enjoy waking up to wade or hike along the shoreline in the warm breeze, the ability to ski, swim, and golf in the same day, plus culinary expertise using locally grown ingredients. Without the bustle of its sister city, Courtenay, Comox's quaint downtown area greets you with crowning views of Comox Glacier atop the Beaufort Mountain—visible almost everywhere.
There's plenty to see and do below the glacier, including whale watching and 11 golf courses in the area, under mild year-round weather. From the quiet beaches for swimming to a full-service marina, the apt translation for the “Land of Plenty" carries over into the present day. It is also only a half-hour’s drive to Mount Washington ski resort and 10 minutes onward to Forbidden Plateau. Whether you're in for the calm waters of the Salish Sea (Georgia Straight) or the Coastal Mountain Range in the east, the small town is home to the Comox Air Force Museum and adjacent to a Royal Canadian Air Force Base. Boasting Comox Valley Airport (YQQ) with non-stop flights across Canada, it's easy to get your hands on it all.
Gibsons
For many, this small town on the traditional territory of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) is the entryway into Sunshine Coast, just a short 40-minute ferry ride to West Vancouver. Perched on a hillside overlooking several small islands, Gibsons is home to under 5,000, including local craftspeople and artists. Gibsons Public Market boasts Tidepools Aquarium on-site—a unique collect-and-release aquarium with over 30 exhibits of local marine life. Flaunting a quaint marina with bobbing boats in the harbor, Gibson's laidback coastal vibes extend along the gentle shores of the waterfront to the center. Having appeared in The Beachcombers, stop for a meal from the screens at Molly’s Reach.
From colorful shops to vibrant art galleries along the streets, it is a jetset for land and aqua-based adventures, with Mount Elphinstone Provincial Park, 12 minutes north, or West Howe Sound. Attracting likeminded artists and outdoor enthusiasts, Gibsons Visitor Centre offers local expert advice on the best pursuits, plus travel guides, brochures, maps, and cool souvenirs. Descend the staircase to the beautiful Winegarden Park, a venue for live music and other festivities in the spring and summer. Nearby, many of the major attractions in Gibsons Landing, from the seawall and the historic marina to the Sunshine Coast Museum and Archives, are easy to explore on foot, scooter, or a bike ride along, including Gibsons Public Art Gallery.
Invermere
Undeniably among the nation's favorite getaways, the charming town of Invermere on Windermere Lake attracts BC locals and Albertans to this scenic corner of the province year-round. Just south of the beautiful Columbia River, some 4,000 locals enjoy the flowing river views within the canyon, teeming with salmon on its downstream journey into the lake. Surrounded by unique and stunning landscapes like mountains and translucent lakes, Lillian Lake Recreation Site is eight minutes by car, crossing the river around the canyon via Toby Creek Rd. Just south, Kinsmen Beach offers a perfect sandy stretch for sunbathing and swimming, a park with shaded and waterside trails, plus gardens.
Start the day on a high note at Stolen Church Gelato & Coffee, returning here for frozen treats. With attractions like shops and galleries outweighing its size, don't miss The Artym Gallery and the tiny Windermere Valley Museum for natural and human history about the lake. From kayaking to paddling and river rafting, Invermere Dog Park is right along the aforementioned gorge. Grab a root beer float for a minute-drive north to James Chabot Provincial Park. One of Western Canada's best, it may be small but full of unspoiled beauty and big mountain views from the banks of Windermere Lake. To end the day, the Station Pub is an incredibly popular local watering hole right on the beach doorstep.
Kimberley
Defining old-school countryside with a smidge of Bavarian and a lot more friendliness than even the stereotypical Canadian niceness, Kimberley welcomes you at the heart of the Rockies. Most known for its ski resort and BC's largest municipal park, the mountainous atmosphere is complete by charming wooden cabins in a forest. Step right out into the pure air to start the day with a slice and coffee at Bear's Pie Factory or Bean Tree Cafe. After a creekside stroll along the thoroughfare through the heart, stop to shop around the authentic architecture of Kimberley Platzl or pack a picnic to explore the wild side. The Rotary Park features a playground, while the Swan Avenue Trailhead leads you directly into the pet-friendly Kimberley Nature Park.
A huge network of multi-use trails makes a playground of the vast forested hillsides, encompassing Cherry Creek Falls, a popular hike east to relax against breathtaking scenery. From Lois Creek to Horse Barn Valley Interpretive Forest entrance, the long-loved roads, often hand-built footpaths, reveal local fervor for the outdoors. Extending into the Nordic Center, with its trails in the warmer month to the west and North Star Hill further north, Northstar Mountain Village Resort is 12.6 miles north with upscale ski-in/ski-out chalets on the doorstep of the ski runs at Kimberly Alpine Resort and its ski lifts. After skiing, sightseeing, or camping, search for traditional foods, admire more architecture, and don't miss Kimberley Arts Council, Centre 64.
Ladysmith
South of Nanaimo and north of Victoria in the eastern portion of Vancouver Island, Ladysmith was once known as Oyster Harbor, a historic coal mining town and oyster harbor on the 49th parallel. Attracting thousands annually, its vibrant first street was named the best street in Canada by the Canadian Institute of Planners in 2017. Home to around 9,000, the locals enjoy quick access into the great outdoors from the doorstep at Transfer Beach Park with a playground, picnic tables, a splash pad, and a dog park. In the summer, enjoy a kayak launch and concerts, plus food trucks, so you never have to leave the shores. The pet-friendly Roberts Memorial Provincial Park is just 15 minutes north around the peninsula.
The hillside and harbor landscapes are strewn with history dating to its original inhabitants, the Stz'uminus First Nations. Explore the landmarks along miles of trails through unspoiled, friendly nature under perfect weather and stop by Ladysmith Museum, across a historic rail station. Just south, Holland Creek Trailhead beckons for a beautiful hike along and up the river with salmon in the lower regions and waterfalls up higher, plus an opportunity to add distance to Heart Lake before descending downtown. A lively affair, don't miss Ladysmith Little Theater, a performing arts theater presenting local talent that generously commits time and creativity to delight patrons, before a quaint stroll and sunset views from Oyster Bay Marina.
Oliver
This quiet town of over 5,000 people in Southern Okanagan exudes tranquility through the surrounding Ontario's Niagara region. Boasting reputation as the Capital of Wine of Canada, Oliver retains a family-friendly feel, with kind locals living their best life in one of Canada's most notable wine regions, along the Okanagan River. The sunny climate and Tuc-el-nuit Lake appeal to the outdoorsy, with activities like swimming, fishing, and scenic golf courses. Soak up the rolling valley views on a stroll with a picnic against the picturesque McIntyre Bluff and Mount Baldy—your somewhat challenging hiking opportunities. The arable land for cultivating grapes shows great agricultural adequacy to match a wine scene at dinnertime.
With so many attractions between Osoyoos and Okanagan Falls, get your bearings at the friendly Visitor Center, including places to sample the finest wines, adventures through Kaneep Provincial Park, and kid-friendly pursuits like Swiller's Pond Petting Farm. Oliver's own Hester Creek Estate Winery pours gold-medal-winning Pinot Gris Viognier and Semillon, recently named the 2023 British Columbia Winery of the Year. From Trinity Beach to Apple Beach RV Park, don't miss the pet-friendly Lion's Park between the river and the high ridges. Whether you're in for the lake scene, mountain biking, or the juiciest grapes, a morning started at Big Al's Bakery & Deli promises a fulfilling day to celebrate over at District Wine Village.
Osoyoos
Just a hop north of the US border, this small town in between Penticton and Omak tips the southern end of the gorgeous Okanagan Valley. Known as "Canada's Warmest Welcome," Osoyoos is a literal hotspot with Canada's only desert and some of the highest temperatures in the country. Encompassing unique landscapes and notable destinations on the radar among nature lovers, Osoyoos Desert Center is a good place to start. Stretch your legs through an open-air interpretive venue on desert ecology with a native plant garden plus a 1.5-kilometer wooden boardwalk. Next-door north Spotted Lake is a real photoworthy affair, while Rattlesnake Canyon is right across Osoyoos Lake via Highway 3 through the beachfront Veterans Memorial Park.
The lakeside town retains an off-the-beaten-path essence in the far end of the premier wine-producing region. To the north, Legion Beach Park is a clean and uncrowded beachfront to relax and catch the sunset with your family after the little ones have a go at Jack Shaw Splash Park. Just south of downtown, Haynes Point Provincial Park boasts a busy lakefront natural area with sandy beaches and a small campground. The long, golf club-like peninsula is a real walkaway to heaven for owners and their pets, called the Dog Beach. Osoyoos Canal Walkway is a park and ride against more greenspace to explore west, while Osoyoos Golf Club is popular among the public, with regular walk-ins for scenic tee time worth the dime.
Revelstoke
This vibrant town in front of the Selkirk and Monashee Mountains invites you to explore its wilderness, history, and local culture against imposing mountain displays. Revelstoke sprawls both banks of the Columbia River, a premier whitewater rafting destination, with Mount Revelstoke National Park on the west bank. Established in 1914, Canada's eighth national park offers high-altitude excitement for every level, from easy scenery at Revelstoke Lookout to the epic Meadows in the Sky Parkway through forests of cedar and hemlock, spruce, and fir. Summertime activities are accompanied by fresh air with blooming subalpine wildflower meadows of Mount Revelstoke, plus Revelstoke RV & Cabin Resort. Offering unparalleled views of the surrounding peaks and river valley for autumn leaf peepers, the town turns into a wintertime postcard.
Many hop on skis or snowboards down the legendary snowfall terrain of the hilly Revelstoke Mountain Resort, while others enjoy unwinding in one of the hot springs. Complete your upcoming holiday stay at Swiss Chalet Motel and the Village Idiot Bar and Grill, a ski-themed hangout offering pizzas, burgers, local brews, and outdoor seating. With something in every season like Dogsled Adventures and Begbie Falls south along the shore, the friendly locals enjoy treating tourists at Big Eddy Pub and Liquor Store, an enduring watering hole featuring Canadian pub eats, local beer, and a seasonal beach volleyball court. Revelstoke Railway Museum features indoor and outdoor exhibits of old train cars, engines, and antiques, while the picture-perfect Revelstoke Museum & Archives offers accessible local history and a gift shop.
Tofino
Praised endlessly for surfing, whale watching, and resorts, Tofino is hidden by massive temperate rain forests that seem to touch the overcast heavens parallel to the never-ending misty shores of the Pacific Coast. The smell of the ocean hits your nose first, making a longer journey irrelevant to this far west edge of Vancouver Island. A sanctuary for nature lovers seeking tranquility or adventure, with inlet views, offering a backdrop of Lone Cone Mountain towering across and every type of landscape at your fingertips—vast, wild, and incredible. When the sun shines, all trails lead to the pet-friendly Middle, Third, and Tonquin Beaches, plus renowned operators like Jamie’s Whale Station.
From pristine beaches and ancient rainforests, wildlife is abundant. Tofino is also the place you return for hellos and smiles down the streets. Meet fellow outdoorsmen through Tonquin Park, a coastal area overlooking the sound with a sandy beach backed by forest and a viewing platform, or pick up a board and ride the Pacific waves at Cox Bay or North Chesterman with nearby rentals and many surf schools in the area. Explore the tidal pools and sea caves along the rugged coastline of Pacific Rim National Park Reserve. After a perfect day, savor the magical sunset lighting up across Tofino’s untamed wilderness, among others roasting marshmallows by the beach and cheering to a new one.
Ucluelet
Discovering the rugged beauty of Ucluelet feels like savoring layers of a delicious pie—a slice of coastal paradise on Vancouver Island. Looking across the inlet into St. Abion, the imposing Mount Ozzard hits your gaze, while its sister town of Tofino is only 30 minutes away. Between a dramatic coastline and wilderness, there's endless opportunities for adventure, relaxation, and exploration—just choose where to begin. From Pacific Rim Visitor Centre on the northern edge of town to the southern tip, Amphitrite Point Lighthouse is a long-standing lighthouse at the end of a walking trail with picturesque ocean views. Minutes north, the kid-friendly Kwisitis Visitor Centre offers another perspective with a fun trail close to the beach, great for the storm watching season.
Are you in for the thrill of the crashing waves and hidden coves? From the secluded Brown's Beach to the most popular Big Beach Picnic Park, Terrace Beach offers easy access to Ucluelet Lighthouse Loop. Ucluelet Aquarium is a friendly waterfront venue for up-close looks at local marine wildlife, programs, and events. For a unique hike, take the pet-friendly Ancient Cedars Loop Trail. Local artists and makers capture the essence of coastal living through cozy galleries. The Crows Nest is a charming gift shop, whereas Piña Styles is a popular boutique run by talented artists for everything from clothing to art. Among cafes and fresh seafood eateries, Barkley Cafe will be your best friend in the morning and Ucluelet Brewing Company at night, while Jiggers serves fish'n'chips.
Whistler
Not all resort towns are created equal, and this friendly BC town inspires an idyl. Whistler is surrounded by mountains with a persistent layer of snow, defining a fresh escapade during the winter. Home to North America’s largest ski resort, the powder along Whistler Blackcomb slopes glistens daringly, and nothing can stop the fans from making their traditional descent. Renowned for skiing and snowboarding, it is a year-round, all-in-one destination for both the adventurous and the leisure-seekers. Many enjoy Whistler Blackcomb Peak 2 Peak Gondola to spy on the beautiful fall scenery, biking trails in the spring, and relaxing year-round at spas, shops, and cafes. A destination in its own right, Scandinave Spa Whistler is a nature-focused health spa with hot and cold baths amid woodland, plus massages and a cafe.
Surrounded by Mt. Curie, Wedge, and Tremor peaks, summertime hikers take delight in wildflowers along the trails, plus a number of sites, like "Train Wreck," an unusual visual spectacle, just inland. Lost Lake Park is a kid-friendly parkland with a quiet lake, biking and hiking circuits around the perimeter, plus a sandy swimming beach. Just south, Brandywine Falls Provincial Park spotlights the 70-meter waterfall over a wall of volcanic rocks, plus hiking trails and picnic areas. Under an hour away, Joffre Lakes Provincial Park is a picturesque parkland complete with a state campsite, mountain trails, plus three scenic glacier-fed lakes and campsites. While Whistler's resorts aren't for the budget-minded, they're worth the pretty dollar on the doorstep of the towering peaks of the Coast Mountains for outdoor enthusiasts.
Many journey west to explore and stumble upon friendly towns, sprinkled with First Nations history and local culture along historic streets. The sprawling nature far enough from the bustle of Vancouver encompasses picturesque landscapes. No matter where you go, Canadian friendliness is amplified by the small-town vibes and the imposing nature.
The kind locals—some rugged mountaineers and surfers enjoy taming the natural land and waterscapes knocking on the door. Each town hosts a hospitable feel for your perfectly balanced getaway of adventures and relaxation. Revelstoke is a picture-perfect town for your upcoming holiday skiing escapade or if looking to relax in the hot springs with Selkirk Mountain views.
