This town near Vancouver with hidden waterfalls was named among Canada's 'best' spots to live

Just an hour outside of Vancouver sits this lively waterfront town, with quaint streets, bustling local businesses, and that signature B.C. beauty on the doorstep. Towering mountains roll into sparkling waters here, and cascading falls are tucked away in the forest.

Weekend adventures and after-work exploration include everything from paddleboarding along the coast to trekking uphill to breathtaking lookouts. It's all topped off with incredible local restaurants and breweries to rest at post-workout.

If that all sounds like the makings of a perfect place to you, you're not alone. Narcity readers named Squamish as one of the best small towns in the country to live in. It's a spot that's often overlooked, sandwiched between the hub of Vancouver and the touristy hot-spot of Whistler, but deserves its own praise.

Even the journey to Squamish is beautiful, driving along the famous Sea-to-Sky highway with the sprawling ocean on one side and the massive mountains on the other.

Suddenly, you'll see the streets of Squamish appear, nestled beneath the striking Stawamus Chief.

Most places in B.C. give you access to pretty unreal nature, but Squamish is truly an adventure-lover's dream come true. It's home to eight provincial parks, with endless trails to hike, bike, or walk.

At the forefront of it all is the most popular hike — The Stawamus Chief hike. It's a gruelling uphill battle (you can actually choose to stop at the first, second, or third peak — depending on just how gruelling you're willing to make it), but you're rewarded with an unbeatable view of the Howe Sound and town far below.

The further you go into the wilderness, though, the better it gets. From idyllic lakes to winding rivers and lush forest trails — you can take your pick of adventures.

Crooked Falls trail is an especially beautiful trail that will take you to a waterfall flowing into a moss-covered canyon.

About 30 minutes from town, you'll find Bradywine Falls, an easy hike that will lead you to a platform overlooking a spectacular waterfall.

The best part is that you can feel like you're way out in the middle of nowhere here, but then be back in town for dinnertime. It's got a small town vibe (even though it's actually a city technically), but you have everything you need.

Downtown is vibrant with great coffee shops, outdoor stores to fit the mountain-town vibe and activities, and a bustling food scene. It's also all set alongside the bright blue water, making it that much more stunning.

Grab dinner at The Copper Coil Still & Grill, and hit up Trickster's Hideout for live music and a cool vibe afterwards.

We can see why people want to move to Squamish — beauty, adventure, and a tight-knit community are waiting there.

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.