6 charming and beautiful small towns in BC that locals say they would love to move to
The ideal escapes from city life.
Pemberton, B.C. Right: Nelson, B.C.
If it's beach town vibes you're after, B.C. has it. If it's idyllic mountain towns with crisp air, it's got that too. Or maybe it's sprawling farmlands and tight-knight community vibes you want — you guessed it, the province also has some of that.
Small towns in B.C. have range, offering beauty, charm, and an atmosphere you probably thought was reserved for Hallmark movies. Big cities like Vancouver have their draw, but it's not hard to imagine why people would want to look outside of it to settle down. The noises of city life fade in these little communities, and what's left is unhurried beauty.
We turned to the Narcity Facebook group to see what small towns in B.C. people would love to move to, and recommendations came pouring in. From locals who already found their home in more remote corners of the province, to those wishing they could do the same — here are some of the small towns that got big praise.
Pemberton
Driving into this little town you'll be greeted by a view of the towering Mount Currie. It's a classic mountain town, with sprawling farmland, fields of wildflowers in the summer and snow-capped peaks.
Just 30 minutes from the popular ski town of Whistler, Pemberton is a more low-key option that gives you all the same scenery and activities, without the crowds.
The town centre is small but has a couple of cute coffee shops, restaurants and a grocery store – so everything you need. The focus of this place is the nature, and adventuring into it. Think mountain biking, hiking, and back-country skiing.
In the summer months there's nothing better than a dip in the lake and then grabbing lunch at North Arm Farms here. Nothing will convince you to move here more than a visit to the quaint farm, enjoying the local eats with the backdrop of farmland melting into the mountain.
Ucluelet
Vancouver Island has it's fair share of communities that each offer beauty and charm, but people named Ucluelet time and time again. This laid-back waterfront town deserves the recognition, with its vibrant community, incredible natural beauty, and surrounding adventure.
It's another spot adjacent to one of the most popular destinations in the province. Ucluelet is an underrated destination that sometimes gets overshadowed by it's neighbour, but is a worthwhile place to visit.
Tofino is 30 minutes down the road from here. You likely know of the world-famous surfing town, with its dreamy beaches set alongside misty rainforest.
Ucluelet has access to the same incredible nature: rainforest hikes, beaches with surfers dotting the water, and rugged coastline. It's also got cool shops, a brewery, and award-winning restaurants. It's a peaceful getaway spot and another place that makes it easy to see why people would want to move there after visiting.
Peachland
The name of this spot alone tells you just how charming it is.
Set in the famous Okanagan Valley, this little town has as all the laid-back vibes, wineries, and beaches that it's known for. It's a community between the cities of Kelowna and Penticton, so you've got city access while maintaining a small-town atmosphere.
Summer is when the town comes alive, with farmer's markets brimming with fresh produce (hello, peaches!), rolling vineyards to visit, and loads of lake activities.
Winter is slower paced but this spot isn't too far from Big White Ski Resort, so you can still get outside and enjoy the season. Most of the time you can expect pretty mild temperatures though, since the region is known for its hot and dry weather.
Summerland was another small town shouted out by locals, and it's just 15 minutes away from Peachland (yes, all these names do sound like they're from a storybook). Summerland similarly has scenic views, lots of sunny days, and lakeside fun.
Fort Langley
This little village is just outside of Vancouver and was ranked as one of the "most charming" small towns in Canada — so it's not hard to imagine why people want to move there.
Walking down the streets lined with picturesque shops and cozy cafes, it feels like Lorelai and Rory Gilmore should be coming around the corner any minute.
Fort Langley is about an hour from Vancouver, so you've got access to the amenities of a major hub, but can enjoy the slower pace of small-town living. The town is within the small city of Langley, which is a region known for its sprawling farms, wineries, and beauty.
Life here is idyllic parks, historic buildings and summer afternoons at the local farmers market. Tempted to move yet?
Nelson
Technically, this is a city, but Nelson has those small-town vibes many are after. It's a perfect gateway into the incredible Kootenay region of the province, and has all the amenities you need. You'll get charming streets and historic buildings here. Just because it has shopping, a great food scene and a lively vibe doesn't mean it doesn't have the remote beauty to balance it out.
It's framed by the Selkirk Mountains and the tranquil Kootenay Lake you can take your pick of adventures. There's also an inland rainforest here, that the tourism website said is "the last-remaining Inland Temperate Rainforest on Earth."
You can spend days out on the lake, exploring the old-growth trees and lush greenery of the forest, or just cozying up in town.
Kaslo
If you're after the same kind of mountainous beauty but are craving more of an escape, Kaslo might be the answer. This small town is also in the Kootenay region, also set on the shore of Kootenay Lake.
It's known as the "Little Switzerland of Canada," which basically tells you all you need to know about the incredible scenery here. You've got alpine meadows, jagged mountain peaks and dreamy lake views. The tiny downtown has streets lined with heritage buildings, giving way to even more charm.
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.