There’s nothing better than tossing your overnight bags in the car and hitting the open road, and BC has no shortage of beautiful scenery to visit in the summertime. This includes some of the most charming lake towns in the country, so grab your swimsuits, lawn chairs, and camping gear, BC, because it’s time to explore!
Here are 10 beautiful lake towns to visit in BC this summer.
Osoyoos
We’re starting off with one of the most well-known towns on this list. Home to a rapidly growing wine and horticulture scene, Osoyoos has plenty to enjoy when it comes to food and beverage, in addition to traditional lake day activities.
Naramata
Also situated on Okanagan Lake is Naramata – a hotspot for wine enthusiasts and beach lovers alike. Located along the southeast shore of Okanagan Lake, the town also has hundreds of trails to offer hikers as well as endless opportunities for water activities.
Lake Cowichan
Situated on Vancouver Island on the east end of Cowichan Lake, this charming town has all the trappings of a fantastic summer destination: Action-packed water sports, lakeside campsites, rentable houseboats, and tubing – all within 90 minutes from Victoria!
Nakusp
Situated in the Selkirk Mountains in southeast BC, the town of Nakusp is truly a hidden gem, complete with stunning lakes, forests, and mineral-rich hot springs to explore. Visitors can unwind at a number of private hot springs or check out several public pools and spas, as well as spend the day at the nearby Arrow Lake.
Invermere
Nestled near the BC-Alberta border, the community of Invermere is surrounded by Radium Hot Springs, Panorama Mountain Village, Columbia Lake, and Fairmont Hot Springs – so you have plenty of options when it comes to a day on the water!
Silver Springs
Situated near the small town of Elko, Siver Springs is a great spot for lake day enthusiasts. According to Tourism Fernie, there are not one, not two, but three spring-fed lakes with beautiful ‘deep blue’ waters. And all three are lined with dramatic cliffs!
To see all three lakes, visitors can embark on a short day hike beginning at the parking area. The first lake is a popular spot for swimmers, kayakers, stand-up paddle boarders, and cliff jumpers.
Where: Elko, BC
Creston
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Known as the hidden gem of the Kootenays, Creston is known for its scenic trails and waterways, which wind through beautiful mountains, lakes, and farmland. Visitors can take advantage of the town’s thriving arts scene as well as sip their way through Creston’s local wineries.
Squamish
On the other hand, Squamish is one of the closest lake towns to Vancouver on this list. A buzzing food and craft beer scene attracts plenty of visitors year-round, as does its incredible hiking and camping options, and views off of Howe Sound.
Nelson
Located on the shores of Kootenay Lake, Nelson is a town with a ton of charm and natural beauty, as well as a vibrant local arts and culture scene. Surrounded by the Selkirk Mountains, you’ll definitely have beautiful views to admire while you peruse the local downtown shops.
Harrison Hot Springs
Picturesque town? Check. Plenty of daytime activities? Double check. Harrison Hot Springs is just a 90-minute drive from Vancouver, and it offers every member of the family something fun to enjoy, whether that’s lounging at the mineral pools at the Hot Springs Resort & Spa, or golfing at The Falls Golf Club.
And that’s a wrap, day trippers! We hope you use this list as a jumping-off point for many summer road trips to come.
