British Columbia is the westernmost province of the world’s second largest country. The Canadian province joined the Canadian Federation in 1871, just four years after the nation’s birth.
Since then, people have traveled west to explore the state’s vast natural wonders. British Columbia has a dramatic and rugged coastline along the Pacific Ocean. The Rocky Mountains run through the eastern part of the state.
The state has a population of over 5 million people, the majority of whom are kind and friendly. Consider visiting these eight towns in British Columbia for a warm welcome.
tofino
Tofino is on the western tip of Vancouver Island, so the road to town is long. Once you get to that point, you won’t care.
As you approach Tofino, the scent of the ocean hits your nose. Vast expanses of temperate rainforest rise above the endless misty shores of the Pacific Coast.
Once in town, Lone Corn Mountain looms on the other side, with a view of the cove in the background.
When I visit here, I am always greeted with a smile as I walk around town.
Tofino is also known worldwide for its surfing. Cox Bay and North Chesterman are two of his beaches that attract many surfers. You can rent your own board or try one of the many surfing schools in the area.
Stop by Tacofino, the now legendary food truck. If you’re visiting here in the summer, you may have to wait a bit.
eucluelet
Ucluelet is Tofino’s slightly smaller sister city. The two towns are only 30 minutes apart.
It’s a little less busy and a little less crowded, but just like in Tofino, the people at “Ukee” are kind and helpful and always willing to help.
Ucluelet is located right next to the endless beaches of the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve.
Every stretch of the connected beach line is a dreamy misty adventure, with wind-swept rainforest contrasting with the endless Pacific Ocean. Just 15 minutes from town, Wickaninnish Beach is a great spot to explore the rocks and tidal pools of the coastline.
The area is also home to an abundance of wildlife. The waters around Ucluelet and Tofino are home to orcas, humpbacks and gray whales, while black bears and cougars roam the forests and hills.
Ucluelet has several trails along dramatic rocky cliffs with views of the roaring ocean crashing against the coastline.
The Lighthouse Loop is popular and offers dynamic views of the ocean spray. If you visit from November to March, which is the storm season in this region, you can see the force of the ocean waves.
Revelstoke
In the 19th century, Revelstoke was one of the largest towns in southeastern British Columbia, thanks to the railway.
Today, Revelstoke is known as a treasure trove for outdoor enthusiasts.
Revelstoke is very well known for its world class skiing and snowboarding, especially located near the Selkirk and Monashee Mountains. For intrepid riders, Revelstoke Mountain Resort boasts one of the highest drops in North America.
All of these options attract outdoor enthusiasts who share common interests, creating a true community of compatriots in Revelstoke.
Established in 1914, Mount Revelstoke National Park is near the town and is the only place in the world to find inland temperate rainforest.
Hiking is also popular in this town, with trails for different skill levels offering everything from casual strolls to challenging hikes. One of the famous nearby hiking trails is Meadows in the Sky Parkway, a trail that leads to the top of Mount Revelstoke.
The Parkway is a 26-kilometre road that winds through the mountains, with many lookout points and picnic areas along the way.
hope
About two hours east of Vancouver, Hope is nestled in the midst of the densely forested mountains of the surrounding Rocky Mountains.
The area around Hope is the traditional territory of the Stó:lō (pronounced STOH-lo) indigenous people. Their history and culture are deeply woven into this region. Places like the Stó:lō Resource and Cultural Center give important insight into their culture and history.
As you walk through downtown Hope, you’ll feel the warmth and friendliness of the locals. They are always happy to give you ideas on what to do in the city.
For Rambo fans, Hope was also the filming location for the movie “First Blood” starring Sylvester Stallone. Movie fans often visit this town to see the various filming locations.
The Othello Tunnel offers a unique walking experience for curious visitors. Hiking and biking trails wind through solid granite and through a series of tunnels and bridges that criss-cross the Coquihalla River.
These tunnels were built between 1911 and 1916 as part of the Kettle Valley Railway, an ambitious project to connect British Columbia’s coastal and interior regions.
penticton
Forty minutes south of Kelowna’s wineries, Penticton is surrounded by two beautiful lakes. Okanagan Lake to the north and Skaha Lake to the south.
Naturally, there are lakes all around, and boating, swimming, and all kinds of water activities are on the menu.
Because of the area’s long association with peach cultivation, the town is often referred to as “Peach City.” His five-day family-friendly peach festival is held every August.
The Penticton Farmers Market is a great place to shop and meet locals. Sometimes such a small venue can really create a sense of community.
If hiking is on your list of interests, Penticton is your gateway to the Kettle Valley Rail Trail. The Kettle Valley Rail Trail is a historic and scenic trail system in British Columbia.
Remember to bring sunscreen and a hat. Summers in this region are scorching hot.
whistler
One of North America’s premier alpine towns, Whistler is a skiing and snowboarding town.
Whistler Blackcomb is a great place to ski while in town. It’s also home to one of the largest ski areas in North America, with over 8,000 acres of skiable terrain.
As the name suggests, this ski resort has two mountains, Whistler and Blackcomb, connected by a gondola.
It is a town with a friendly and somewhat mischievous atmosphere. The welcoming atmosphere is hard to match.
Whistler played a big role in the 2010 Winter Olympics, and the city was a big party, with events mainly focused on alpine and Scandinavian winter sports.
Remember, Whistler is great in the summer too. Enjoy a hike to Lake Garibaldi. Enjoy sublime turquoise ocean and mountain views.
If you don’t know which one it is, look for all the people posting pictures about it on Instagram.
Masetto
Masset, a hidden gem in the Haida Gwaii archipelago, is home to just under 1,000 people. Coming here is an adventure.
The journey may be long, but once you arrive, you’ll be welcomed by a community that appreciates visitors who come to view hard-to-reach homes.
The environment around Masset has a wild and sacred quality, giving it the feel of untouched land.
Masset has deep ties to the Haida people, an indigenous people known for the area’s long cultural history and traditions.
For years, Haida people have sought to recover totems from around the world that were removed from their lands without their consent.
Many totem poles still stand in Masset and Haida Gwaii, rich in symbolism and artistry, and are central to experiencing the town’s heritage.
The Derkatla Wildlife Reserve in Masset is an important migratory stopover and a haven for ornithologists and nature lovers.
The town is also famous for its fishing industry, especially salmon and halibut. The waters around Haida Gwaii attract anglers from all over the world.
Bella Coola
The town of Bella Coola is located in a deep canyon in British Columbia’s Central Coast region. There is also another town a little further away on this list.
Bella Coola is difficult to access, but this preserves its pristine character. The area can be accessed by a combination of ferry and land routes, or by plane.
Bella Coola is known for the strong culture of the Nuxalk First Nation, whose identity and traditions are felt throughout town.
The port serves as the gateway to the Great Bear Rainforest, one of the largest temperate rainforests in the world. As you might guess from the name, there are a few bears around here.
The park is home to Kermode Bear, a polar bear that is neither polar nor albino. If you see one of these spirit bears, consider it an honor. He is very elusive.
Near Bella Coola there are many petroglyphs made by the Nuxalk ancestors. Found in places such as Torsen Creek, they are important cultural artifacts and provide insight into their historical and spiritual lives.
The conclusion is
British Columbia is home to stunning natural landscapes and warm, friendly people. From the surfers of Tofino to the ski community of Revelstoke, each town has a welcoming atmosphere.
Combine British Columbia’s great outdoors with the gracious atmosphere of its people and you have a wonderful destination to explore. Canadians generally have a reputation for being friendly, but don’t just take my word for it. Explore the best of British Columbia and find out firsthand.
