9 beautiful small towns in BC that locals say they would move to if they could live anywhere

Comox

Vancouver Island as a whole got a ton of shout-outs from locals, but Comox was one of the small towns there called out by name.

It's a tiny seaside town in the Comox Valley, about three hours from Victoria and one hour from Nanaimo. The small but vibrant downtown has boutiques, pubs and restaurants, all surrounded by the signature scenery of the island.

Osoyoos

This small town is where you'd want to move if you want your every day to feel like vacation. It's home to Canada's only desert and the warmest freshwater lake in the country. The picturesque town in the Okanagan Valley is renowned for its beauty, warm waters, and unique landscape.

The lush vineyards surrounding town make it a wine-enthusiasts destination, and a hub for tourism in the warmer months. The breathtaking mountain and lake views are here all year round though, and might be why some B.C. locals want to call it a forever home.

Sechelt

The Sunshine Coast was another popular region that came up when we polled our audience, and the name hints at the beauty found in the area.

There are lots of communities here, and Sechelt is a laid-back town on the coast, with a bustling local creative scene. Aristans, small business owners and adventurers are here, contributing to the rich community in one of the most stunning settings in the province.

To get to the Sunshine Coast you can take a 40-minute ferry from West Vancouver to Langdale. Once you arrive and drive along the coast, you'll likely want to move here too.

Gibsons is another small town here that's worth checking out, with a bustling little community and the trademark Sunshine Coast scenery.

Revelstoke

Technically Revelstoke is a city, but it has all the small-town charm you could want, which is probably part of what intrigues people so much.

This place is the spot to go for outdoorsy people because although it's without the hustle and bustle of a big city it has all the thrill and adrenaline you could want.

While some spots on this list are more about relaxation and have a laid-back vibe, this one prides itself on taking advantage of the outdoors, with backcountry skiing, snowmobiling, dog sledding, hiking, climbing, and so much more.

While the surrounding nature is unbeatable here, the downtown area also offers a lot to do, like farmers markets, loads of restaurants, and cool shops.

Tofino

While not exactly a hidden gem, Tofino is one of the most beautiful places around and it's not hard to imagine why people want to live there. With kilometres of white sandy beaches, ancient forests, and endless views, this is a magical oasis.

The tiny town is full of shops and restaurants, and despite its busy tourist season in the summer it maintains a quaint feel to it.

Another town locals mentioned was the nearby one of Ucluelet, which is about 40 minutes from Tofino. Slightly less expensive to stay and a bit less touristy, Ucluelet still offers those West Coast views.

Hope

About an hour an a half from Vancouver, Hope is an escape from the city life that will immerse you into the outdoors. There's a charming downtown here, nestled among the towering peaks, where you'll find lots of businesses to check out.

Then there's the balance of nature with lots of hiking trails, riverside strolls, and vibrant forests. Hope is also a short drive from Manning Park, which is a stunning park filled with sparkling lakes, even more mountain views, waterfalls set back in the forest, fields of wildflowers, and camping spots.

This place is also a popular filming location for big movies and is known for its role as the backdrop of a Rambo movie.

Creston

This small town is in the Kootenay Region of the province. That means the mountain views that will make you feel like you've stepped into a storybook town. Strolling through the town center you'll get the backdrop of the peaks enclosing the community, which is pretty spectacular.

Nature is at your doorstep here, so if you want that small-town life with classic Western Canadian scenery, this is where it's at.

Salt Spring Island

This tiny island is a short ferry ride from Vancouver Island, and it's clear why people fall in love with it. With charming farm stands alongside the road, rolling fields of lavender, and tons of local businesses, it's overall a super vibrant community. Then there's the pebbly shorelines with crystal-clear water to top it all off.

Ganges is the main town here and is set right on the ocean, which is as picturesque as it can get.

Whistler

Whistler is another well-known spot, but one that deserves a lot of the praise it gets. The village is a go-to destination in the winter thanks to the mountain terrain and great skiing conditions, but it's just as amazing in the off-season too.

While the colder months here are spent on the hill and enjoying world-class skiing, the summer is for swimming in the lakes, hiking, mountain biking, and exploring the brilliant surrounding nature.