7 Of The Quietest British Columbia Towns
For as long as people have lived in British Columbia, the province has charmed people from Canada and around the world. However, with it has come popularity, and so, many popular locations can occasionally feel crowded with tourists.
The good news, all over British Columbia, there are quiet options out there for you to see. You will find peaceful old buildings sitting by mountain trails, and hidden beaches far from the bustle of visiting tourists. It is not about escaping for a while—it is about arriving somewhere that feels grounded, calm, and just a little outside off the beaten path. So, read on to explore seven of the quietest British Columbia towns.
Kaslo
If you want quiet, Kaslo is a great choice, while still offering an assortment of things to keep you busy and content. Instead of city noise, you will get the soft touch of waves on Kootenay Lake, the wind among trees, and the rare call of a loon. And, since it is located between the Purcell and Selkirk Mountains, it comes with the gorgeous scenery that one comes to expect in Interior British Columbia. The town is home to the SS Moyie, the oldest completely preserved riverboat anywhere on Earth, now maintained as a museum. The town also holds the Kaslo Jazz Etc., a musical festival known for its floating lake-bound stage.
As you can guess from its location, there is loads to do outdoors. You can try hiking the Kaslo River Trail or try your hand at fishing over at Meadow Creek. Another option is Fletcher Falls, as it tumbles down amongst the lush forest and misty scenery. Even though it is a quiet place to live and visit, Kaslo has some local cultural sites to see, like the historic Langham Cultural Centre. It is also a gateway to Kokanee Glacier Provincial Park, offering adventures for people who want a hub to set off from.
Bella Coola
Bella Coola may not ring a bell with many tourists but this town comes with some amazing sights. Massive mountains and deep fjords are all around, and since it is near the big and wild Great Bear Rainforest, it feels untouched. The town has a peaceful atmosphere and almost feels like a local secret, making it perfect for those who love nature and grand open spaces, like down at the town's harbor. Here you can go for a nice walk or jump on a guided fjord tour. Want to hike? Clayton Falls Park is near and will give you stunning views of cascading waterfalls.
Or, try out Petroglyph Park, with its ancient rock carvings hidden in the forest. Guided tours share the history and legends of the Nuxalk people. After that, head to the Bella Coola Museum, sitting in a historic Hudson’s Bay Company building. Exhibits tell the story of early settlers and Indigenous culture. Feel like some souvenirs? You can find Indigenous crafts in places like Bella Coola Valley Inn Gift Shop and Copper Sun Gallery & Journeys. Want to see the famous grizzly bears? Take a trip to Tweedsmuir Park Lodge, well-known for its wildlife tours.
Port Renfrew
About a two-hour drive west from Victoria, Port Renfrew feels hidden away up on the west coast of Vancouver Island. This place is full of dense woods and untamed shores. Folks visit to experience superb trails on foot and witness all the animals living nearby. In the area's thick old growth forest, you will find some of Canada's tallest. One of these is Big Lonely Doug, the country's second biggest Douglas Fir. If you enjoy quiet fishing by the water, Port Renfrew is perfect, as you can go head over to Swiftsure Bank or the San Juan River for some fishing.
In the areas surrounding Port Renfrew, the quiet atmosphere of nature can be your hiking paradise. The village opens the door to the Juan de Fuca Trail, West Coast Trail, and Botanical Beach. Here hikers can check out tidal pools and great views of the ocean are never far off. If you are hungry after a long hike, the Renfrew Pub presents a waterfront food service with newly caught catches. Meantime, the Coastal Kitchen Café dishes out top-notch morning meals along with a cup of great-tasting coffee.
Wells
Back in the 1930s, Wells was created as a company town for the Cariboo Gold Quartz Mine. In its heyday, around 4000 people lived there. Now, just over 200 people call Wells home. While it might not have a lot of residents, this quiet town remains an attraction for artists and outdoorsmen. If you enjoy culture and the arts, head over to see art displays at the Island Mountain Arts Centre or enjoy shows at the historic Sunset Theatre. Just 5 miles away, take a fun trip to the past at the Barkerville Historic Town, a restored village from the gold rush times. It has loads of exhibits you can check out and you can even pan for gold.
A trip to Wells would not be complete without an adventure into the surrounding terrain. Give the 7.3-mile circular Cornish Mountain trail a go. It winds its way through the Cariboo Mountains close by. Love cycling? You can use the Wells-Barkerville Mountain Bike Trail, through the area's forested surroundings. Enjoy skiing? Try cross-country skiing or swoosh down the slopes at Troll Ski Resort. Wells might be quiet, but there is still lots to do.
Ucluelet
Home to around 2,000, this town is nice and calm for anyone wanting to side-step the hustle and bustle of high season in neighboring Tofino. Ucluelet has won many hearts because of its unyielding wild shoreline and temperate rainforest climate. With access to the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, nature enthusiasts have fallen head over heels for this location. Stroll along the Wild Pacific Trail for awe-inspiring sights of the ocean and waves meeting the nearby jagged cliffs, with the Lighthouse Loop leading to Amphitrite Point.
Come in winter if you want to see some breathtaking massive waves crashing during storm-watching season. Just a bit to the northwest of town, you can check all the area's famous beaches like Long Beach, Wickaninnish Beach, and much, much more. Everywhere you look, the beaches are just the ticket for strolls or surfing on its impressive waves. You can try going for a guided kayak trip, around the calm waters of the Ucluelet Inlet or Barkley Sound. Keep your eyes open... You may see sea lions, eagles or even whales!
Hedley
This town sits down in the lower reaches of British Columbia's Similkameen Valley, amidst bare hills and under bright blue skies. When you make your way to Hedley, kick-start your adventure at the notable Hedley Museum. Here, you will see displays of antiques and tales from when mining was at its zenith in town. Right off of Highway 3, which skirts the south side of town, you will find the Snaza’ist Discovery Centre, which holds showpieces about the Similkameen community and their long-established history in this region.
If you want to head out for some outdoor time to bask in nature, make your way to Stemwinder Provincial Park, just beyond the edges of town. You can relax here next to the river where wooden tables have been set up for picnics under shade-providing trees. Also, if you are visiting town, make sure to hit up one last spot before leaving town, the 'Hedley Country Market'. Despite being small in size it stocks homemade baked goods, munchies supplies, and even crafty bits made by local artists.
Parksville
Quiet does not have to mean inaccessible. This town isn't a long way from the nearest ferry stop coming in from the Lower Mainland, only about a 30-minute drive away from the ferry terminal. In town, you can enjoy a walk on its sandy shores, or have a seat and enjoy the ocean wind. There is no better place to do this than at Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park, famous for its long tides. Upon low tide, the sea goes back for what seems like miles. This gives you a rare chance to take a peek at the seabed.
Make sure to visit the Old Country Market in Coombs, known for its grass-eating rooftop goats. As you walk in, you will see lots of fresh pastries and fun keepsakes on display. Also not far from Parksville, Englishman River Falls Provincial Park offers forested trails winding around mossy trees, ultimately leading to the powerful waterfall tucked into the rocks. Another option to try out, outside town, is the North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre gives you a closer look at animals being cared for and rehabilitated. From bald eagles and owls to a resident bear, the center is respectful and quietly inspiring.
In Conclusion
Finding peace and quiet in British Columbia is not just a getaway - it can feel like coming back home. These are spots where you can take deep breaths easily or just relax while the wind stirs the leaves. If you dream of a quiet BC experience, start planning your next journey to a quiet, slightly unconventional destination. So head out and find that quiet British Columbia town you have always been looking for.
