A charming small town in BC with stunning views was named as one of Canada's top hidden gems

Charming streets lined with local shops are framed by the spectacular beauty of the Selkirk Mountains and Kootenay Lake, in this small BC town. It's a place brimming with historic charm and surrounded by nature at it's finest.

This is Nelson, B.C., a small city set in the Southern Interior of the province and recently named among the top hidden gems in Canada, that tourists might not know about. Nelson got the shoutout on the Narcity Canada Facebook Page, where readers shared their favourite underrated destinations.

This town definitely fits the bill for being underrated. It has the city amenities you need, with a beautiful downtown featuring heritage buildings and full of everything from art galleries to boutiques.

The Nelson tourism website said that it's been called North America's "best ski town and Canada's best small arts and culture town,."

Plus, it also has more restaurants per capita than Manhattan, along with craft breweries and specialty stores. Walking down Baker Street here you'll find it all, but the surrounding area is also a big draw.

The Kootenay Lake region is known far and wide for its natural beauty, with ancient forests, sparkling lakes, and mountain peaks.

Kootenay Lake gives way to all kinds of water-sports, and paddling through the serene waters is a go-to activity here.

You also have the rare inland rainforest nearby, which the tourism website said is "the last-remaining Inland Temperate Rainforest on Earth."

Within the lush forest you'll find old-growth streets, incredible wildlife, and vibrant greenery. Kokanee Old Growth Forest Trail is just outside of Nelson and will surround you with towering cedars and bountiful nature.

From the bustling community to the unreal nature, Nelson is a place that will keep you coming back time and time again.