7 Most Laid-Back Towns in British Columbia
If you adore spending time outside and being in nature, the Canadian province of British Columbia will be your dream come true. The land boasts everything from the sky-high tips of the Rocky Mountains to the formidable shores of the Pacific Ocean, with an endless array of sights scattered for your delight. You can enjoy doing everything - from wandering on foot through peaceful hillsides to skiing down snowy slopes. Oh, and don't forget rowing kayaks on still lake waters or riding bright blue waves with your surfboard.
It also has expansive cities to explore, with places like Vancouver and Victoria offering all sorts of sites to delve into. Life in the province reflects a laid-back spirit, where enjoying nature and relaxed living are part of everyday life. Read on to discover seven of the most laid-back towns in British Columbia.
Smithers
Set against the backdrop of the Bulkley Valley and the stunning Hudson Bay Mountain, Smithers is a laid-back prize for outdoor enthusiasts. With those great mountain views and a welcoming community, the town is nice for a quiet stroll through town. Smithers' Main Street features European-style architecture, local stores, and cozy cafés like the nearby Two Sisters Café, just half a block off Main. You can also take a turn and try out either Bulkley Valley Brewery or Smithers Brewing Co.
The town comes with a lively arts and culture scene. Events like the Midsummer Music Festival draw in musicians and artists from around the area. For an outdoor adventure, stretch your legs on Hudson Bay Mountain's Crater Lake Trail. You will be rewarded with awe-inspiring sights and tranquil settings to take in. Or instead, drop a line into the Bulkley River, well-known for its abundant population of steelhead trout, and the sublime mountainous backdrop is sure to soothe any soul.
Ganges
How does slow, easy-going island life sound? If it sounds appetizing, Ganges is a must-see. The town lies on Salt Spring Island in the Gulf Islands, where you can relax and enjoy the slow pace of “island time.” One of those laid-back activities is to wander over to the Salt Spring Island Saturday Market, where farmers and artisans gather to sell produce and handcrafted items. Another place to check out is the Tree House Café, which offers music to enjoy, and you can sit among trees while you eat or drink. Also, look for the Mouat's Trading Company, a store that has been open in town since 1907, filled with all sorts of local products to see.
If you want to head outdoors, visit Beddis Beach. There you can walk along the shore or have a picnic by the water. After, throw on your hiking shoes and go to nearby Mount Erskine Provincial Park. You can go for a long rewarding hike and enjoy views from the top. Lastly, look for Grace Point Square, a waterfront area where you can stroll and watch the sunset. Walking along the marina in Ganges by Centennial Park, you can really absorb the town’s easy-going, laid-back spirit.
Kaslo
Kaslo is a peaceful small village sitting on Kootenay Lake. It merges history, a friendly neighborhood spirit, and gorgeous scenery. All of this together makes it perfect to relax and enjoy a visit. Inside the town, a favorite landmark people like visiting is the SS Moyie. This antique paddle boat was turned into a museum, and now shares stories about the area's interesting history. Walking along Front Street you can journey into one-of-a-kind shops with crafts made by all the local talent. Another venue to check out when you are in town is the Kaslo Hotel with its mix of age-old charm but with all of today’s modern conveniences.
For natural attractions, a short hike leads you to Fletcher Falls, a waterfall tucked within a lush forest, ideal for a peaceful retreat. Kootenay Lake itself throws open several options like fishing, boating or simply sitting by yourself next to the lakeside, whilst soaking in nature’s gifts. If you want to catch a glimpse of wildlife, go walking through Kaslo River Trail, where all the local animals might make an appearance.
Pemberton
Relax in the mountains and peaceful farmlands of Pemberton - a great choice if you are looking for a calm escape. The town carries a small-village appeal with a close connection to the surrounding nature. There is no shortage of laid-back outdoor activities to try out. Should you fancy time in the outdoors, Nairn Falls Provincial Park is close, and from there, a short hike can take you to a beautiful waterfall. The One Mile Lake is another spot to see, where you can jump in for a swim or float about on a paddleboard on a nice sunny day.
Or, if you feel like easing up and staying in town, consider a trip to the Pemberton Museum. It is a treasure box filled with stories from the town's past with all sort of artifacts from yesteryears. If you need a quick hit of caffeine, look for the Mount Currie Coffee Company. This neighborhood coffee shop lets you enjoy some freshly brewed coffee and oven-fresh treats in a super comfortable space. If you get the craving for a cocktail, the Pemberton Distillery deserves your attention. The distillery makes organic beverages and has tours to show how the process is all done.
Tofino
Tofino emits an aura of being on the edge of the world, surrounded by ancient green forests and wide, foggy beaches. Seen as one of the top spots to surf across Canada, you will feel a chill vibe in town, where everyone greets each other like they have been friends for years. A spot perfect to kick back and mingle is Tofino Brewing Company, where you can relish locally-made beers while sitting back with some friends.
Long before any settlers lived on the land, Indigenous peoples built communities rooted in harmony with nature. Visit the Roy Henry Vickers Gallery on Campbell Street to see artwork his acclaimed and get a look into the local Indigenous culture. You can also head to the House of Himwitsa on First Street to learn about more important Indigenous stories.
While the town itself is a blast to spend time in, the natural surroundings are its true highlight. Towering rainforests and wild Pacific waters define the landscape. The Pacific Rim National Park Reserve provides long paths through old-growth forests and along its shorelines, revealing the area's untouched beauty. Long Beach is a sweeping stretch of sandy beach filled with driftwood to sit on, and where you can walk for miles or watch waves hit the beach. Chesterman Beach is another spot to see, great for finding shells on the beach, watching sunsets, or hitting the cold water surf.
Ucluelet
Only a short 30 minutes from Tofino, lies Ucluelet, affectionately called ‘Ukee’ by locals and visitors alike. While a bit less busy than its Pacific Rim sister, Ucluelet has a dramatic ocean coastline to see on one side, with the calming Barkley Sound on the other. If you are interested in learning more about the local environment, a place to explore is the Ucluelet Aquarium, a catch-and-release facility that lets you get close to local marine creatures while learning about the ecosystem.
Another must-see is the Wild Pacific Trail, where you can walk on paths stretching out beside a rugged shoreline. The trail passes by the Amphitrite Point Lighthouse, where waves crash against the rocks, creating a picture-perfect scene. You might even see some whales passing by.
Not too far of a drive from town is Wickaninnish Beach, which locals often refer simply as "Wick Beach". It is famous for its sweeping spans of sandy shores and tide pools in the nearby rock edges. Right by the beach, you can discover the Kwisitis Visitor Centre, which provides exhibits about the area's natural and cultural history. Another spot you should see is Florencia Bay. This peaceful beach gives calm surroundings for beach strolls and taking in refreshing air coming from the ocean waves.
Gibsons
Sitting on the Sunshine Coast, and only a ferry from the broader Vancouver area, Gibsons has a lot of things going for it. With Howe Sound and the Pacific Ocean as its backdrop, the town offers pebble beaches and nearby forests to roam. For instance, you can hike Soames Hill, a trail that gives out views over Howe Sound. Nearby, Armours Beach is a quiet local beach where you can paddleboard, kayak, or relax on the shore. If you enjoy quieter nature walks, you can explore the forested paths in Cliff Gilker Park, just a short drive from Gibsons.
Back in town, there is all sorts of local culture to take in. You can check out the Gibsons Public Art Gallery, a cornerstone of the arts community. Or if you are feeling peckish and want some fresh food, the town has you covered. The Gibsons Public Market takes place year-round, with nearby merchants showing off a range of goods, from handmade jewelry to naturally grown vegetables.
In Conclusion
In the forest-filled province of British Columbia, an abundance of towns have a one-of-a-kind feel. With stunning nature, local charm, and friendly people, you can traverse wild coasts, hike in the woods, or walk on old streets. It is a place that asks you to take it easy and bond, making the joy of life's uncomplicated moments truly accessible.
So why are you still reading this? It is time to dive right in. Plan your visit and experience the calm, natural beauty of British Columbia firsthand.
