Travel + Leisure Magazine has compiled a list of the 12 best small towns across Canada and two idyllic B.C. spots were included in the roundup.
While "Vancouver, Toronto, and Montreal often steal the spotlight," the New York-based travel magazine notes that Canada has a multitude of charming towns from coast to coast.
Located in the awe-inspiring Canadian Rockies, B.C.'s Golden is highlighted as an ideal place to explore six national parks: Banff, Glacier, Jasper, Kootenay, Mount Revelstoke, and Yoho. Report authors also note that it has the country's highest suspension bridges as well as "whitewater rafting spots along the Kicking Horse River, a wolf sanctuary, and a burgeoning craft beer and food scene."
Tofino is the second B.C. town included in the roundup. Known as the surfing capital of Canada, the report mentions that it is also treasured among foodies and outdoor enthusiasts. While surfing is an obvious draw to the area, tourists may also enjoy whale watching, hiking, kayaking, and biking. There are also numerous accommodations to choose from including campsites, posh resorts, rustic cabins, and much more.
Other top Canadian picks on the list included Churchill, Manitoba — praised for its unique polar bear viewing expeditions — and Victoria-by-the-Sea, Prince Edward Island, lauded for its stunning coastline.
Top 12 small towns in Canada
- Golden, B.C.
- Baie-Saint-Paul, Quebec
- Churchill, Manitoba
- Mahone Bay, Nova Scotia
- Tofino, B.C.
- Elora, Ontario
- Victoria-by-the-Sea, Prince Edward Island
- Banff, Alberta
- Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario
- St. Andrews by-the-Sea, New Brunswick
- Dawson, Yukon
- Trinity, Newfoundland
