This dreamy BC small town with kilometres of sand was named among Canada's best spots to live

It also has a quaint downtown!

PErson by a beach. Right: Someone in a town in front of a surf shop rental sign.

Someone on a beach in BC. Right: Person on Vancouver Island.

Editor

This small town in B.C. has beauty around every corner — from white sand beaches that stretch out into the sparkling ocean, to thick rainforests teeming with life. Nestled within it all are quaint streets with little shops, tasty eats and local boutiques.

It's a blend of everything you could want from a summer vacation, and all it takes is one visit to convince someone that it's a dream place to call home.

A Narcity Facebook page poll revealed the best small town in Canada, where readers wish they could live. It doesn't get more dream-worthy than Tofino, the small beach town set on the west coast of Vancouver Island.

Vancouver Island is peppered with intriguing small towns that offer charm and beautiful nature, but Tofino is probably the most famous of them all. It draws people in from all over the world, thanks to the picturesque beaches, renowned surfing, and lively community bustling with activities.

Especially during the summer this place gets busy (and can get pricey, be warned), but it's one of those 'must-see' spots that always impresses. Some places are famous for a reason, and Tofino is that.

The weekly market here showcases some of the local offerings, with live music, art, and goods.

It's right in town and after a visit you can keep on shopping, wandering into the stores nearby.

You can take you pick of spots to grab food, from the iconic donuts at Rhino Coffee House, to a waterfront dinner at the Shelter Restaurant.

Framing the town is the breathtaking nature that the area is known for. You can get a bike and peddle the paved pathway from town, past the incredible beaches and lush forest.

Exploration is basically endless here with so many hikes, kayaking outings, boat excursions, and surfing. Being here means being outside, soaking in all of the beauty.

Scattered around the area are campsites (some that are right on the beach, so you can get lulled to sleep by the sound of waves), hotels and resorts. Some of Canada's most luxurious resorts are around here, so if you really want a trip to remember, this is the spot to go.

Falling in love with Tofino is pretty easy.

Before you get going, check out our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your adventure.

  • Editor

    Morgan Leet (she/her) is an Editor for Narcity Media Group. After graduating from Carleton University’s School of Journalism and Communication, she jumped into fulfilling her dream as a journalist, merging her passion for travelling with writing. She got her start working in the print media world on Canada’s East Coast, then joined Narcity with a move to B.C., leading the launch of West Coast coverage. Her focus now is managing a large group of freelance writers, bringing human-forward and opinion content to the site.

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