7 Whimsical Towns in British Columbia

Canada’s most westerly province, beautiful British Columbia (BC) is known for its awe-inspiring coastal- and mountain landscapes as well as its many charming small towns. Many of these destinations offer unique experiences for travelers seeking to see more than just Vancouver and Victoria, the province’s most popular tourist spots.

For these savvy small-town vacationers, a whole other world of sightseeing opportunities arise, from whale watching and storm chasing in Tofino on Vancouver Island to the majestic mountain setting of Whistler, one of North America’s top ski destinations. Whatever you enjoy doing while on vacation, you’ll find yourself benefitting from a visit to these seven whimsical towns in British Columbia, Canada.

Smithers

Although closer to the border with Alaska than it is to Vancouver, a 12-hour drive to the south, the small northern BC town of Smithers is worth every gallon of gas it takes to get there. Known for its alpine-like main street, a theme adopted in the 1970s due to the town’s mountainous environment, a visit to downtown Smither will remind you a little of a Swiss mountain village. Topping this fun theme is “Alpine Al,” a life-size wooden carving of a man blowing an alpine horn. It’s a fun, whimsical reminder of the town’s mountain setting and is notable for having been carved out of a 1,000-year-old red cedar tree.

Other fun things to do in Smithers include visiting the Bulkley Valley Museum to learn more about the town’s history, as well as hiking up to the spectacular Twin Falls and Glacier Gulch for their stunning scenery perfect, an especially nice (and manageable) trek in the autumn. For those wanting a little more adventure, the nearby Hudson Bay Mountain Resort offers skiing in the winter and mountain biking in the summer. Another fun warm-weather activity is kayaking or fishing on the Bulkley River.

Whistler

Although best known as a world-class ski resort, Whistler (officially the Resort Municipality of Whistler) is a town that doesn’t lose its charm once the snow melts. Located in BC’s Coast Mountains region and just a 90-minute drive from Vancouver city center, this resort community transforms into a summer wonderland filled with hiking and mountain biking experiences, not to mention the endless fun activities in the heart of its pedestrian-only “Village” zone. Though it can get busy with skiers and tourists, it’s a delight to explore this traffic-free area, stopping at the many eateries as well as shopping in its boutique shops. Much of the fun is also easily accessible from the many resorts here and in neighboring Whistler Blackcomb, a second village area at the base of the ski hills.

Other Whistler highlights include the Audain Art Museum with its collection of First Nations art, and the annual Whistler Children's Festival held in July which brings a whimsical energy with its interactive art installations and family-friendly performances. And even if you’re not a mountain biker or skier, the scenic Peak 2 Peak Gondola connecting Whistler and Blackcomb mountains offers some of the most breathtaking views on Canada’s Pacific Coast.

Squamish

You’ll pass the small town of Squamish while driving along the scenic Sea-to-Sky-Highway connecting Vancouver with Whistler. If you can, be sure to stop for a look around as it’s well worth it. Downtown Squamish is fun for a stroll and features a diverse collection of local shops and restaurants that reflect the town’s laid-back and outdoorsy vibe. But the real fun here is to be had exploring natural landmarks like the iconic Stawamus Chief, one of the largest granite monoliths in the world and easy to spot given its proximity just a couple of miles away. While a huge draw for rock climbers, you can enjoy an altogether easier ascent via the Sea to Sky Gondola which gets to the top in minutes. For die-hard hikers, a number of trails also make their way up this stunning peak. However you get there, the views of the surrounding mountains and Howe Sound are simply breathtaking.

This fun town is also home to the annual Squamish Arts Festival, a two-week-long whimsical celebration that features local art, music, and craft markets. Try to also see the Britannia Mine Museum, too. Located just south of town, it offers interactive exhibits that explore British Columbia’s mining history.

Pemberton

After visiting Squamish and Whistler, carry on along the awesome Sea-to-Sky Highway for another 30 minutes of spectacular mountain scenery to Pemberton, a delightful small town that offers a laid-back lifestyle with plenty of outdoor activities. Set in a fertile valley, agriculture is big in Pemberton, with local produce giving the town a unique farm-to-table dining scene with local markets and eateries serving up plenty of fresh ingredients.

This rich bounty is also celebrated through whimsical community events such as the popular Slow Food Cycle Sunday in August where cyclists ride to local farms, sampling fresh produce along the way. Pemberton is also famous for its stunning mountains, including Mount Currie, which dominates the landscape and provides many hiking opportunities. Nairn Falls Provincial Park is another must-visit, while One Mile Lake makes for a gentle looping walk on a level trail with some boardwalk sections.

Lillooet

Affectionately known as the “Little Nugget of British Columbia” for its founding during BC’s Gold Rush, Lillooet makes for a fun destination from large cities like Kamloops two hours to the east. Located along the Fraser River, the town is dotted with remnants of its past, including the Miyazaki House, a heritage home built in the 1880s that’s named after a Japanese immigrant who served for decades as the town physician (it’s often open to the public for art exhibits and community events).

Lillooet’s mild (for Canada) climate and fertile soils along the banks of the Fraser River have also made it an important wine growing region. One of the best, Fort Berens Estate Winery, is located just across the river from the town center and offers tours and tastings, as well as great shop selling their products. For a chance to swim, fish, or to get out on the water by kayak or canoe, head to the Seton Lake Reservoir with its turquoise waters, while the Railroad Tunnel Viewpoint offers great views over the Fraser River… and the occasional train.

Tofino

Vancouver Island is a must-visit for anyone seeking a memorable BC getaway. Accessible from the mainland by a two-hour ferry ride, you’ll definitely want to visit larger cities like the provincial capital of Victoria or Nanaimo… and at least one or two smaller island communities. A top choice would be Tofino, a delightful small town overlooking Clayoquot Sound that’s become a beach lover's paradise with a distinctively laid-back vibe. Known for its surf culture, visitors can catch waves at Cox Bay or Long Beach, or simply enjoy the breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. Better still, come back in the winter months for some spectacular storm watching as even bigger waves roll in from the Pacific Ocean.

Tofino’s coastal setting also makes it an ideal spot for some of Canada's best whale watching, with popular tour options likely to offer up the chance to spot orcas, humpbacks, and gray whales. The town is also home to the ancient temperate rainforests of Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, providing ample opportunities for hiking and wildlife spotting. For a truly whimsical experience, the annual Tofino Lantern Festival, held in August, transforms the town into a glowing wonderland with handmade lanterns lighting up the night sky.

Fernie

Fernie, located in the Kootenay region of southeastern British Columbia, rounds out this list of whimsical towns. Known for its stunning Rocky Mountain setting, Fernie is a year-round outdoor destination that’s popular for its adventure sports as well as endless sightseeing opportunities. In winter, Fernie Alpine Resort attracts skiers and snowboarders, while summer is all about mountain biking, hiking, and river rafting on the Elk River. The town’s quirky side is highlighted by the annual Fernie Griz Days, a celebration of the town’s legendary protector, Griz, held every March.

The downtown area is also fun to explore for its well-preserved historic buildings, many now housing shops, galleries, and cafés. The Fernie Museum provides insights into the town’s mining history, while local art installations add a touch of whimsy to the streets.

The Final Word

These seven lovely towns in British Columbia each bring their own unique flair to the province’s rich cultural and natural landscape. Whether it’s the Alpine charm of Smithers, the access to endless outdoor fun in Whistler, or the coastal excitement of Tofino, these destinations offer a wide variety of fun experiences for curious travelers to try out. Find out more with these seven whimsical towns in British Columbia, Canada.