9 underrated but dreamy small towns and cities in BC that you should visit over Vancouver
From mountain towns to seaside cities.⛰️🌊
Someone in Nanaimo. Right: Kaslo, a small town in BC.
We all know and love Vancouver (for the most part). It has mountain views and a sparkling ocean right alongside the city streets, and it has some of the best shopping and restaurants in the country. It strikes that unique balance of city life paired with the natural beauty that the West Coast is known for.
That said, B.C. has some beautiful places that aren't top of mind like Vancouver. From little oceanside cities that offer their own unique charm to small towns tucked away in the mountains — there's a lot to see in the province.
Let's look elsewhere, beyond the borders of Metro Vancouver, and explore this summer.
Kaslo
Alright this spot is teeny tiny – so not exactly a city escape like Vancouver. Still, the little towns around B.C. are arguably more picturesque, and definitely worth checking out.
Kaslo is like a Swiss mountain town was plopped in the middle of the B.C., and don't just take our word for it. It's known as "Little Switzerland of Canada," thanks to its quaint streets and surrounding peaks.
Set on a tranquil lake the town is flanked by the Selkirk and Purcell Mountains, giving you views on views here.
The small downtown area is all heritage building and cozy streets, giving it an old-time charm. While it's small there's still local boutiques and restaurants to check out.
If you're over the hustle and bustle of a city and want a slow-paced getaway int he mountains, make your way to Kaslo.
Tt's a real getaway from city life, though — as a 9 hour drive from Vancouver, 5 hours from Kelowna, and 7.5 hours from Calgary. The nearest airport is Castlegar (which is a 1.5 hour drive away).
Nanaimo
Nanaimo is usually a pit-stop for people, often on their way to the famous tourist hot-spot of Tofino (which is worth a visit as well). Turn that pit stop into a full on visit though, at least for a day or two.
This little city is a gateway to the beauty of Vancouver Island – the perfect base for a trip with all the city amenities you need. It's cheaper and less busy than Victoria but you get to be on the island still.
Plus, it has it's own funky vibe to it with loads of thrift shops, cool cafes, and boutiques.
If you want that same kind of nature/city balance but on a smaller scale, this is the city to head to. Just jump on BC Ferries from Vancouver and you'll be there in no time (the scenic ferry ride is an added bonus).
Nelson
If you want something a bit less remote than Kaslo but in the same region, Nelson is a city in the Kootenays that has a little bit of everything. We're talking mountain views, lake fun, a lively (and cute) downtown, and even a rainforest. It's a small-town vibe but it's got loads of restaurants, shops and things to do.
Baker Street here is lined with cool boutiques, spots to eat, and local galleries — all in picturesque buildings.
The tourism website for town said that close by is the "the last-remaining Inland Temperate Rainforest on Earth," which is yet another thing to explore here.
If you're outdoorsy but don't want to be super isolated, this is a perfect option.
Oliver
Wine country!
There are actually a few different small towns in the Okanagan that could be on this list, but we'll keep it to one. Kelowna is the big city in the region so you can opt for that if you want a more bustling vibe, but Oliver is just an hour and a half away from it.
The little town offers a slower paced, but you're still right in the incredible landscape here. Surrounding town is Canada's only desert, so you'll see unique vegetation and can enjoy a warm climate.
The lakes are warm and beyond them is rolling mountains and vineyards to look out on. It's a dreamy little town, ideal for wine-lovers who love some lake fun and sunny days.
Squamish
So far everything has been a bit of a trek from Vancouver, but if you're more in the mood to just tag on another destination to a trip — Squamish is a great option.
Just an hour away from Vancouver (and a beautiful drive along the scenic Sea-to-Sky highway), you'll feel like you're somewhere far away. The town itself is fairly built-up with a busy downtown area, but it's all surrounded by untamed wilderness.
Idyllic lakes are dotted around, and tree-lined trails can lead you to booming waterfalls or mountain views. The town is set on the brilliant blue waters of the Howe Sound, and overlooking it all is the famous Stawamus Chief.
To sum it up – it's the kind of spot you go to and leave saying, "maybe we should just move here?"
Gibsons
A 40-minute ferry ride from Vancouver brings you to this little waterfront town. It's the gateway to the beautiful Sunshine Coast region — which is peppered with stunning little towns, unbelievable views, and hidden natural wonders. It's the perfect place to go if you want beaches, local shopping, and endless ocean views.
You should go beyond Gibsons to explore the area, but you won't be disappointed even if you just have time for the one stop.
There's lots of cool shops and things to do in town, all with a picturesque waterfront.
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.