9 Most Neighborly Towns In British Columbia
A member of the Canadian Confederation since 1871, the beautiful province of British Columbia (BC) is one of the most stunning and alluring places in the country. Canada’s westernmost province, BC, is uniquely located between the Pacific Ocean and the famed Rocky Mountains, and its natural splendor is only rivaled by its awesome cultural and historical allure. While the major cities of Vancouver and Victoria (the provincial capital) are rightfully top of mind for many, BC is also home to a number of equally captivating smaller towns that showcase all the beauty that has come to be expected of the province but in more intimate settings. From island locales to mountain communities, the neighborly spirit of these great BC towns shines through, really showcasing the best of Canada. So come visit British Columbia and see why it remains a gem of Western Canada. You will feel right at home in these most neighborly towns!
Fernie
The town of Fernie is situated along the Elk River in the East Kootenay region of BC near the border with the province of Alberta. A beautifully scenic and charmingly historic destination, Fernie was founded in the early 1900s, and today, just over 5,000 inhabitants call it home. A wonderful place full of neighborly welcome, Fernie features mild winter and warm summer temperatures, and visiting it throughout the year is always special. Enjoy such outdoor activities as skating, skiing, cycling, hiking, camping, and even some fly fishing, while awesome views of Mount Proctor, Mount Fernie, and the Three Sisters Mountains never disappoint.
Meanwhile, the Historic District provides loads of charming scenery, and many of the early 20th-century edifices feature sandstone and brick facades. Then, spend some time at the Fernie Museum and Historical Society and learn about the region’s past while enjoying a tasty meal at The Brickhouse or the Bridge Bistro, which truly creates the perfect neighborly ambiance in this special BC town.
Kimberley
Just 73 miles (118 kilometers) from Fernie lies the charmingly picturesque Kimberley, which once was the home of the world’s largest operational zinc mine. Beautifully situated within the Purcell and Rocky Mountains, the town was established in the 1940s and named for the South African mining town, where today, just over 8,000 reside.
An ever-popular tourist destination, guests from across the country descend on town to enjoy some of the best in outdoor splendor, particularly at the special Kimberley Nature Park and the Kimberley Alpine Resort. Go hiking, camping, biking, and golfing at the former, while some of BC’s best ski and snowboard slopes attract professionals and amateurs alike at the latter.
In the center of town, do not forget to pose with the giant Cuckoo Clock! Constructed in the 1970s, this 22-foot high and 12-foot wide structure is one of the most unique roadside attractions around, and it makes for quite a special set of photographs. Add in cute eateries like The Shed and cute boutique shops lining Main Street, and it is easy to see what makes Kimberley such a delightful place for a sojourn.
Ladysmith
Just over an hour’s drive from the BC capital of Victoria, the beautiful town of Ladysmith is also situated on the famed Vancouver Island near the 49th parallel. A scenically delightful port town, the community was originally founded with the name Oyster Harbour in the 1890s before being renamed after the South African town in the early 1900s.
Today, home to nearly 9,000 inhabitants, Ladysmith continues to be a charming, welcoming, and neighborly place to enjoy the splendors of Vancouver Island. Sailing, swimming, cycling, hiking, and more are available in a climate featuring mild winters and summers. One can even go on a special whale-watching boat tour, where the opportunity to get closer to these totally majestic mammals makes for memories that all ages will remember for a lifetime.
Add in cute eateries like the Oyster Bay Café along the water’s edge and shops like the Neck of the Woods General Store, and a real cozy feeling of welcome will certainly be felt. Finish or start the day relaxing at a local beach or simply stroll through downtown; Ladysmith always aims to please with its unique charm.
Smithers
An outdoor lover’s dream spot, Smithers is a great place to enjoy loads of activities where moderate winters and summers are the norm. Known for its inviting alpine slopes, abundant fishing opportunities, and chances to go hiking, cycling, camping, quadding, snowmobiling, and even paragliding, the beauty of this Bulkley Valley community is hard to beat. Spend time near Hudson Bay Mountain while trekking the trails around the charming Twin Falls—a photogenic outing not soon to be forgotten!
Meanwhile, this mid-sized town of just over 5,000 residents welcomes guests in the town proper with a nice array of local museums, shops, and other attractions. Spend an afternoon at the Smithers Art Gallery or the Bulkley Valley Museum, highlighting the history of the region. Finally enjoy a hot meal at Telly’s Grill and Louise’s Kitchen, while browsing for the perfect souvenir at Heartstrings Home Décor creates a special sense of neighborly charm.
Osoyoos
Just some 2 miles (3.2 kilometers) from the border with Washington State, the truly lovely town of Osoyoos features some of the Okanagan Valley’s hottest summer temperatures. Home to just over 5,500, Osoyoos is a place where spending time outdoors is always popular. Many beach and park areas can be found here, and the town is scenically located right along the shores of Osoyoos Lake. Go boating, swimming, fishing, and picnicking, while golf lovers will not want to miss the chance to hit the fairway at the Sonora Dunes Golf Course and the Osoyoos Golf Club.
In addition, one of the region’s most unique outing experiences is the chance to go out and pick some fresh local fruit! Here, orchards featuring cherries, peaches, nectarines, pears, and apples delight the young and old alike in this most special activity. From there, enjoy a meal at The Bear, The Fish, The Root & The Berry Restaurant near the Lake and take in the neighborly camaraderie of this charming and relaxing BC town!
Nelson
Known as the “Queen City,” Nelson was founded in the 1890s as a rail and silver mining center, and it continued to operate as an economic hub into the mid-20th century. Today, this historic community of just over 11,000 residents maintains a wonderful old-world charm, where neighborly spirit continues to flourish. Scenically located on the shores of Kootenay Lake and within the Selkirk Mountains, Nelson is also conveniently near the Kokanee Glacier Provincial Park. And with outdoor activities, including cycling, hiking, swimming, mountain climbing, and even alpine sports at the Whitewater Ski Resort, there is always plenty of fun leisure to be had in Nelson.
Finally, be sure to spend time in the downtown area, particularly the historic Baker Street, where a number of 19th—and early 20th-century buildings continue to populate the landscape. From there, cross the special Big Orange Bridge, while events like the Nelson Farmers Market create a welcoming sense of community spirit in the heart of BC’s Southern Interior.
Rossland
Rossland is affectionately known as “The Golden City,” and it lies beautifully within the Monashee Mountains. It is near the border with Washington State. Founded in the 1890s and with a modern population of just over 4,000 residents, Rossland is a neighborly town that is popular throughout the year.
Enjoy outdoor activities like cycling, hiking, rafting, skiing, and snowboarding at the Red Mountain Resort, ziplining, and even snowshoeing! In addition to the outdoor beauty, there is also plenty of cultural and historic splendor to appreciate here, and several landmarks continue to transport guests to more than one hundred years ago. Amongst the buildings of note include the Miners Union Hall (1898) and the Court House (1901), which was also named a National Historic Site of Canada.
From there, enjoy a nice rustic meal at Donnie’s Bistro while the ideal memento awaits at Curiosity Clothing & Gifts, always ready to bring guests back to this charming place.
Kaslo
Situated along the shores of Kootenay Lake and Kaslo River, the scenic and totally charming village of Kaslo is affectionately known as the “Little Switzerland of Canada.” Home to just over 1,000 inhabitants, the town can trace its modern roots to the late 19th century when it was founded as a silver shipping center.
Today, in addition to its beautiful lake and mountain panoramas, Kaslo continues to maintain a special old-world allure, and guests will definitely find a most welcoming and neighborly spot to sojourn in. Explore an array of late 19th and early 20th century landmarks here, including Village Hall (1898), the former The Langham Hotel, and the restored sternwheeler SS Moyie that first hit the water back in 1898.
Meanwhile, outdoor relaxation is never far away in Kaslo, and visitors can enjoy time spent along the Lake and River, playing a round or two at the Kaslo Golf Club, or simply marveling at the Purcell and Selkirk Mountain ranges. And do not forget about the Kaslo Jazz Festival in August, a perfect opportunity to enjoy some of the genre's best sounds in a picturesque ambiance with loads of friendly hospitality.
Nakusp
Like Kaslo, the town of Nakusp lies within BC’s West Kootenay Region, and it features loads of pretty natural scenery sure to leave a lasting impression on all ages. Framed by the Selkirk and Monashee Mountains, Nakusp was founded in the 1890s and has a population of just over 1,500 today. A wonderful destination to simply unwind and enjoy a quieter pace of life, warm summer and cool winter temperatures are the norm in Nakusp.
Enjoy stunning cycling and hiking trails, picturesque golf courses, time spent along Arrow Beach and its beach area, and the beloved Nakusp Hot Springs Resort. End the day with a hot home style meal at Hoss & Jill’s Bistro, while the perfect souvenir awaits at Treasure Trove Kitchen & Gifts, ensuring that memories of Nakusp will always conjure up a smile.
British Columbia is one of Canada’s most beautifully diverse and culturally rich provinces, and any visitor to the nation’s West Coast will certainly not want to miss an exploration of this awesome place. From the Rocky Mountains to the Pacific Ocean, the splendor of BC is hard to beat, and spending time in the welcoming communities found within will certainly have the young and old clamoring to return. Although the cities of Vancouver and Victoria are particularly well known, BC also has a wealth of smaller towns that showcase the best of the province in a friendly and stunning ambiance.
From the Kootenay communities of Nakusp and Kaslo, the Okanagan Valley’s Osoyoos, to the island beauty of Ladysmith, these neighborly towns are definite treasures of the larger treasure known as British Columbia. Wait no more, then, and come visit the great province of British Columbia and see firsthand why it holds such a special place in the hearts of Canadians and visitors alike!
