This BC village with wildflower meadows and idyllic lakes is the 'Switzerland of Canada'

A small town getaway is calling. ⛰️

Someone walking in a town. Right: A street in a small town.

Kaslo, B.C. Right: Village of Kaslo.

Editor

This small town in B.C. has all of the dreamy Swiss mountain vibes you could ask for. Alpine wildflower meadows, sparkling lakes, and jagged peaks that remain snowcapped in the spring all await you here.

The quaint village is set in the Kootenay region of B.C., with mountains wrapped around it, a charming main street with picturesque storefronts, and breathtaking views all around.

Kaslo is known as the "Little Switzerland of Canada," offering a tranquil getaway. Everything from the postcard-worthy backdrops to the historic town makes you feel like you've been transported to somewhere far away while visiting Kaslo.

Outdoor adventure is at the forefront of a trip here, with incredible hikes to choose from. Nearby trails can take you high above town to alpine views, or alongside the peaceful lake. Surrounded by the Selkirk and Purcell Mountains, there's no shortage of spectacular lookouts to choose from.

The downtown village has loads of charm, with storybook-like heritage buildings lining the streets.

It's also home to the SS Moyie, which is the oldest intact sternwheeler in the world,.

The Kaslo Hotel is a heritage property and landmark of the town, set on the shores of Kootenay Lake.

Just wandering around town you'll pass by many heritage buildings though, cute boutiques, and local artisans.

While the mountain hikes are stunning, the Kaslo River Trail offers a peaceful walk into nature. You can also get out on Kootenay Lake, rental a paddleboard or kayak.

This village might be tiny but it packs a lot in — from restaurants and shops to adventures and beauty.

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.

If you're new to Vancouver, please stop doing these 9 annoying things

We locals are quietly judging you if you do these...

These must-visit Ontario towns are even more enchanting during the spring

You can wander along flower-filled streets and past magical waterfalls.