10 charming small towns in BC that ranked as the 'best' to live in and will tempt you to move
Small-town life at it's finest!
Adorable small towns in BC.
If you're on a mission to see all of the best B.C. destinations – join the club. We're on the hunt for all of the cutest small towns, most dreamy retreats, and perfect getaway spots.
A new ranking has helped add a few spots to the bucketlist, revealing the best small towns to live in, in B.C. These scenic little towns are the kind of places you go and never want to leave, and when you do, you find yourself forever picturing what life would be like there.
Money.ca crafted the ranking, based on "a long list of qualities for each town in BC to determine which can provide the best balance and quality of life. Things like housing affordability (a big discussion point when it comes to living in BC), community and culture, safety, proximity to the essentials of life, diversity, education, healthcare, economy and entertainment."
So, if you're ready to take the leap and move to a charming small town in B.C., or just want to daydream about it (like most of us do) — here are the 10 spots that made it onto the ranking.
Oak Bay
This community is tucked away just outside of downtown Victoria. Being set on Vancouver Island gives it an added layer of beauty right on its doorstep (weekends in Tofino, anyone?), and you've got city access with a small-town feel.
It's also set right on the water, meaning beach strolls at sunset are a thing. Alongside the sandy beaches are streets with cute coffee shops and cool boutiques lining them, making a Saturday afternoon spent wandering around that much better.
Oak Bay has also made the list of the best places to live in Canada, if you needed another thing to add to the 'pros' list.
Tofino
Okay, weekends in Tofino are great, but how about every day there?
It's a vacation hot spot for a reason — breathtaking nature mixed with small-town charm and an abundance of restaurants, cute stores, and activities.
The peacefulness of being nestled on the west coast of Vancouver Island is unmatched, and the town is surrounded by lush rainforest, miles of sandy beach, and view after view.
Salt Spring Island
Unsurprisingly, the best of B.C. seems to be on the water.
Salt Spring Island is a quick 35-minute ferry ride from Victoria — so you're not that far from a city — but it manages to feel completely removed in the best way.
Driving around, you'll see galleries, cideries, lavender fields, and quaint farmstands alongside the road. It's beautiful views, laid-back vibes, and local goods here.
Oliver
This pretty little town is set in the Okanagan — a region known for sunny days, warm weather, wineries galore (this is the wine capital of Canada!), and lake fun. You'll find all of that in Oliver, with its stunning hillside vineyards and sparkling lakeshore.
The downtown area here is small but lively, and you're just 30 minutes away from Penticton and about an hour and 30 minutes from Kelowna.
Salmon Arm
This hidden gem is nestled on Shuswap Lake and feels like the ultimate escape. It's a peaceful lakeside life here with water views, small-town charm and just enough amenities.
This spot is about an hour outside of Kamloops, so you still have a city within reach.
Pemberton
If you want a picturesque mountain town, without being that far from Vancouver — here's the answer.
Often overshadowed by the more popular town of Whistler (which is just 30 minutes from here), Pemberton has all the beauty without the crowds.
It's as scenic as it gets, just two hours from Vancouver, with a world-class ski destination right down the road.
Vernon
Heading back into the Okanagan, Vernon is bigger than Oliver, so it has a bit more to it if you want a lively vibe. Surrounding the town is the signature beauty of this area — idyllic lakes, rolling mountains, and dreamy vineyards. The downtown is vibrant, though, with bustling streets lined with cute shops, boutiques and a cool character.
Right outside of town is Kalamalka Lake, known as the "lake of a thousand colours" with turquoise water and soft sand. Not bad to have in your backyard!
Penticton
Penticton is another Okanagan gem, about 1 hour and 30 minutes away from Vernon.
The town is nestled between two lakes, so you can take your pick of swimming spots and stunning beaches. Or you can grab a tube and head down the Channel Float — a 7-kilometre-long lazy river that can take you from lake to lake.
Downtown is also fun here with a bustling Main Street and loads of local spots to check out.
Port Moody
This spot is just 30 minutes outside of Vancouver, set on the water and perfectly quaint.
It boasts its own unique offerings, including great restaurants, shopping, and stunning natural surroundings. After work hours here can mean exploring the trails, kayaking on Burrard Inlet, or going for a drink at a local brewery. If you want to be close to the city but have a quieter life, this spot is ideal.
Nelson
Nelson is another lakeside gem, but set in B.C.'s Southern Interior. It strikes the perfect balance of vibrant city life with small-town charm. Baker Street is where you'll find restaurants, shops, galleries, cafes, and heritage buildings that add to the quaint feel of the town.
Kootenay Lake is right here, great for getting out on the water, and the nature keeps on going. The tourism website said. that "the last-remaining Inland Temperate Rainforest on Earth," is near a town, and it's a vibrant escape into the outdoors.
These small towns scattered around the province each offer their own charm, but one thing they have in common is that signature B.C. beauty.
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.