This dreamy mountain town with scenic views was dubbed one of the best spots to live in BC

Sparkling lakes, vibrant forests, and snow-capped peaks. 👇

Person on a road. Right: Two people swimming in a lake.

Whistler, B.C. Right: A lake in Whistler.

Editor

Many flock to Vancouver's highrises when they move to B.C., but the small towns in the province have a certain charm to them that shouldn't be overlooked. One little town near Vancouver was named among the best places to live in the province, with its scenic views, quaint vibes and outdoorsy lifestyle.

We asked readers on the Narcity Facebook Page what the ideal place to live in B.C. is, and people came through with loads of suggestions, from Vancouver neighbourhoods to smaller waterfront cities on Vancouver Island. Among the suggestions was Whistler, the popular ski town about an hour and a half from Vancouver.

It's not hard to imagine why the town got some attention. It's a dreamy travel destination with a small-town vibe but all the top-tier food and amenities that come along with a tourist spot. Then you have the world-renowned skiing, the beautiful lakes and hiking trails, and the legendary mountain views.

Like most things, though, it comes with a price. B.C. is notoriously expensive, and Whistler's cost of living is no exception. According to Living Wage B.C. — which calculates the hourly amount a person needs to earn to meet basic expenses — Whistler has a living wage of $28.09 as of 2024, which is even higher than Metro Vancouver's $27.05.

While it's a steep cost to pay, living in Whistler gives you access to some of the most beautiful nature around, without being too isolated.

Winters here means skiing or snowboarding, of course, but also snowshoeing, skating, and enjoying the bustle of the town. Many people flock to the village for the ski season, which can be busy but brings a lively atmosphere to it.

The summer slows down and gives way to days spent on the shores of the sparkling lakes and hiking to incredible viewpoints. Mountain biking is also big here in the warmer months, with many people travelling to the town for events.

There's biking paths that run throughout the area, taking you past stunning parks and lush forests, all with the backdrop of the mountains.

It's as idyllic as it sounds and makes the perfect home for someone who loves getting outside and craving some 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.

5 beautiful small towns in BC that are cheaper to live in than Vancouver

All the beauty of B.C., without the city price tag.

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

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