Small Towns to Visit in BC
I am so grateful to live in beautiful British Columbia, where there are an amplitude of picturesque towns to visit and things to do! I love the fast-paced lifestyle of living in a larger city. However, I have always enjoyed visiting smaller towns to temporarily escape the hustle and bustle and de-stress for a weekend.
In this post, I am sharing some of my favourite small towns to visit in BC to hopefully help you choose your next destination to visit in and give you ideas on things to see and do!
SMALL TOWNS TO VISIT IN BC
Are you planning a trip to BC? Let’s review some of my favourite small towns to visit!
Naramata
Naramata is only 15 kilometers away from Penticton, in the beautiful Okanagan Valley. This tiny community boasts cute shops, quaint accommodations, great restaurants, wineries, and coffee shops. If you’re looking for an anniversary getaway or are planning a girl’s trip, I recommend checking out Naramata Inn. It makes for the perfect vacation close to home. Check out my post on Experiencing Naramata in 48 Hours for ideas on what to do.
Revelstoke
Revelstoke or “Revy” is a ski/snowboard town nestled in the mountains on the Columbia River. They have a pipe coaster that runs in the summer months and CPR running through town. Revelstoke is a town made for all seasons with plenty of outdoor activities, such as local hiking trails, camping, skiing/snowboarding, and much more.
If you’re into camping, I suggest checking out some campgrounds for the summer months. One of my favourites is Blanket Creek Provincial Campground. It has a beautiful waterfall, located within walking distance from the campground. If you’re looking for comfier accommodation, I recommend Crazy Creek Resort. You can enjoy their hot pools and other various activities. After enjoying the scenic views, you can visit some of the many locally-owned businesses. You can check out my blog post on Revelstoke here.
Summerland
Visit Summerland for its fresh fruit stands, microbreweries, wineries, and cideries, as well as their beautiful views. You can check out the Kettle Valley Steam Railway which offers passengers a first glimpse of the local scenery and history of Summerland. While you’re waiting for the train, stop by Summerland Sweets for some tasty ice cream and homemade jams! On your way out of town, make sure to visit the Apple Barn where you can pick up some fresh apples, pears, and cherries throughout their respective seasons.
Nakusp
Nakusp reminds me a lot of Kelowna with the beautiful waterfront on Upper Arrow Lake. It is located south of the mouth of Kuskanax Creek, lying between the Selkirk and Monashee ranges, and is surrounded by beautiful hot springs and a mountain lakeside view. You can view my blog post on some of my favourite Hot Springs I’ve visited here. I love walking along the long boardwalk with a coffee in my hand from my favorite coffee shop, Mountain Top Coffee. You can see how I enjoyed my trip to Nakusp here.
Smithers
Smithers is a town in northwestern British Columbia, between Prince George and Prince Rupert. It is surrounded by beautiful mountains, local restaurants, shops, and hiking trails. Mason has family up there so we go visit at least once a year. I recommend checking out Smithers Brewing Co. for a wide selection of beers on tap! It’s also home to Glacier Gulch Hike which is one of the most intense but best hikes I’ve ever done!
Sooke
Sooke is located on Vancouver Island, just outside of Victoria. It is so beautiful with many gorgeous beaches around and scenic views to check out. You must visit the Sooke Potholes Park! You can check out my blog post on it here.
Kaslo
Kaslo is a hidden gem just past Nelson. I love going for a walk along the Kaslo River and checking out downtown and local landmarks.
Nelson
Nelson is probably my number one place to visit! It is foodie central! They have the most restaurants per capita in Western Canada and most of them are independently owned/non-chain. Nelson is located in the West Kootenays on the West Arm of Kootenay Lake. It has such a quirky small-town vibe! You can check out my blog post on Nelson here.
Tofino
Tofino is a picturesque town on Vancouver Island, known for its beautiful sandy beaches, funky local shops, and surfing! Check out my blog post on How to Explore Tofino in 3 Days.
Kimberley
Kimberley has a super cute downtown called The Platzl that I love walking through. I always make sure to dine in at Pedal & Tap and check out the adorable shops. Kimberley is also an awesome destination for outdoor enthusiasts!
Cranbrook
Cranbrook is a town located along BC’s Trans-Canada highway, nestled in a stunning scenic valley. It is surrounded by beautiful views, with plenty of outdoor activities, and wildlife. History buffs, and art/culture lovers can enjoy exploring and learning the history of Cranbrook and surrounding areas. You can check out my reel here and my blog post here.
Penticton
Penticton is the smaller version of Kelowna to me! It has everything that Kelowna has: beautiful beaches, stunning views, good restaurants, wineries, etc but on a smaller scale. I love coming to the beaches in the summertime and going up to the Penticton sign to check out the view. You can check out my blog post on Penticton here.
I hope this blog post gave you some ideas on where to plan your next trip for a weekend getaway in BC. If I missed any small towns you love exploring, please send me a message so I can visit them on my next trip!
Happy travels!
-Jenna xoxo