Small towns & villages in BC that are so charming they feel like a holiday movie

The holiday season is just around the corner, and we don’t know about you, but we’re ready to make our way down Christmas light-adorned historic downtowns and sip on festive beverages. So if you’re looking for an ideal road trip destination this holiday season, let’s dive into a taste of small-town British Columbia in the wintertime.

Here are some BC towns and villages that are so charming that they feel like a holiday movie.

Nakusp 

Nestled between the scenic Selkirk and Monashee Mountains, the village of Nakusp is truly a hidden gem, complete with stunning lakes, forests, and mineral-rich hot springs to explore year-round. Outdoor enthusiasts can take advantage of the town’s extensive network of hiking trails, mountain bike trails, and horseback riding opportunities.

And come wintertime, Nakusp transforms into the ultimate destination for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing!

Where: West Kootenay

Sidney

Home to Canada’s only ‘Booktown‘, the quaint seaside town of Sidney in Greater Victoria is literally one for the books. Here, visitors can uncover a diverse selection of new and second-hand titles from multiple charming bookshops, all within walking distance of each other.

Though the number has sadly dwindled this year with the closing of long-time shops Beacon Books and Galleon Books and Antiques, the spirit of Sidney’s historical ‘Booktown’ lives on!

Where: Greater Victoria

Gibsons 

The Town of Gibsons offers visitors the chance to live out their dreamy beach vacations no matter the season, situated 40 minutes away by ferry from West Vancouver.

Best known as the location behind CBC’s longest-running show “The Beachcombers,” the town also offers visitors the chance to stroll a bustling public market, and enjoy several nearby parks and beaches – including the popular Armours Beach – which has been a fave among locals for over a century!

Where: Sunshine Coast

Mayne Island 

Recognized as one of the prettiest small towns in British Columbia, this island and town is known for its unforgettable wildlife experiences, which include frequent Orca sightings during certain times of year. Plus, its mild winters and vibrant arts and culture scene make it a great visit this time of year.

Where: Southern Gulf

Fernie

Fernie is a one-stop destination for skiing, snowboarding, fishing, hiking, and mountain biking but its preserved historic downtown is well worth the visit all on its own. The quaint 2nd avenue has even been featured in films such as the 2018 Liam Neeson film Cold Pursuit and the 2010 blockbuster Hot Tub Time Machine.

Come wintertime, Maiden Lake tends to freeze over, allowing visitors to skate surrounded by mountains for a magical period every year.

Where: East Kootenay

Duncan

Located on the traditional lands of the Cowichan First Nation, Duncan is home to the world’s largest collection of outdoor totems, as well as multiple Victorian-era buildings to explore. Full of history and charm, this quaint town has a brand new night market running until November this year, so fall is a great time to plan a visit!

Where: Cowichan Valley