One of 'Canada's best small towns to live in' is this quaint BC spot with Swiss vibes

It's known as the "Little Switzerland of Canada."

Person walking on a small town street. Right: A heritage bulding.

Small town of Kaslo BC. Right: Kaslo BC.

@kayla.sargeant | Instagram, Jaahnlieb | Dreamstime
Editor

This cozy spot in B.C. will give you a taste of a European vacation, with charming streets, quaint vibes, idyllic lakes, and mountain views. It's a small town in B.C. that's known for it's Swiss vibes and stunning scenery, and a trip here will transport you far away.

We asked readers to reveal the best small towns in Canada to live in, and Kaslo, B.C. was named among them. While it's a tiny village tucked away in the Kootenay region of the province, it offers a slow-paced charm and unbelievable beauty — making it a dream place to call home for many.

The village had been nicknamed the "Little Switzerland of Canada," and it's easy to see why. Jagged mountain peaks wrap around the community, and it's set along the shore of the beautiful Kootenay Lake.

It's scenic in every way, lending itself to weekend activities like kayaking, biking, hiking, and swimming. Living in the mountain village means taking advantage of the incredible nature at its doorstep.

Kaslo River Trail is a go-to here that takes you into the lush forest and surrounds you with the peaceful sounds of nature.

Heritage buildings line the downtown area, adding to the small-town charm. There are only 1,000 residents here, but there are local boutiques, shops, restaurants, and places to stay here.

A landmark of the town is the S.S. Moyie's, "the world's oldest intact sternwheeler," which turns 125 years old this year, according to the tourism website.

Kaslo is about an hour away from the city of Nelson, which is one of the bigger cities in the region and home to a bit more hustle and bustle.

If you want the kind of beauty and tranquility that can only come along with a heading gem though — Kaslo is the spot to go.

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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