Best Small Towns In Canada You Must Visit

Although Vancouver, Toronto, and Montreal frequently garner the most attention, Canada is home to a good number of charming and relaxed rural towns. These cities are entry points to outdoor excursions, whether they are evocative mountain towns in the west or attractive fishing villages in the east. If you hang around, you will find farm-to-table dining establishments, artisan stores, microbreweries, and kind locals who can help you along the way.

Canada is replete with breathtaking scenery, including three coastlines (Pacific, Atlantic, and Arctic), striking mountain ranges, and the world's largest preserved boreal forest. These are some of the best small towns in Canada that are worth seeing, whether you are thinking of taking a brief city escape or a beautiful road trip.

List Of Small Towns In Canada

While there are many reasons to visit Canada's larger cities, visitors who are truly interested in getting to know a region will find that visiting small towns offers a unique experience. Detailed itineraries and lengthy tour guidebooks are usually unnecessary. The best adventures in a small town are usually found by taking the time to speak with the locals or by strolling around on foot.

With this list of small towns in Canada, you can discover the must-see locations for your upcoming vacation.

1. Golden, British Columbia

Golden, British Columbia

Golden is one of the best small towns in Canada. While there are many charming tiny mountain communities in British Columbia's interior that deserve to be on this list, Golden takes first place. Geographically speaking, Golden boasts three magnificent mountain ranges, two significant rivers (the Columbia and Kicking Horse), and five significant national parks nearby.

Many of the 3,708 inhabitants of Golden embrace a lifestyle centered around the nearby mountains. During the warmer months, they engage in activities such as hiking, while in winter, they partake in skiing or snowboarding either at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort or in the wilderness. They also relish the breathtaking views that the area offers every day.

Gourmets will be pleased to hear that Golden is home to numerous excellent eateries. Once your adventures have worked up an appetite, walk into town for a delectable lunch.

2. Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario

Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario

Niagara-on-the-Lake is one of the best small towns in Ontario. With its vibrant culinary scene, charming bed & breakfasts, and breathtaking golf courses, Niagara-on-the-Lake has plenty activities to keep you occupied.

Located near Niagara Falls on the southern beaches of Lake Ontario, this picturesque town with a population of 17,511 is a well-liked summer travel destination. The ideal trip is made possible by the long days, pleasant weather, gorgeous countryside, and charming downtown.

3. Mahone Bay, Nova Scotia

Mahone Bay, Nova Scotia

Shut your eyes and attempt to visualize the ideal coastal community. Mahone Bay probably resembles what you are envisioning when you picture quaint churches, beautiful boutiques, and homes decorated in Easter egg-inspired colors.

Mahone Bay was once a shipbuilding town, and as you go around, you will notice nods of reference to its past. The bay can be explored by boat or stand-up paddleboarding.

You will have no problem locating a one-of-a-kind souvenir in the town's tiny boutiques, which also offer excellent places to drink coffee, a fresh fish meal, or homemade ice cream.

4. Ucluelet, British Columbia

There is a little hamlet with plenty to offer just south of the well-known surf destination of Tofino: Ucluelet - among the most beautiful small towns in Canada.    

Located on the untamed west coast of Vancouver Island, Ucluelet has many of the same activities as Tofino, but without the crowds. These activities include surfing, beaches, stunning resorts and lodges, fishing, hiking, and whale watching. There are restaurants that are real hidden gems, galleries to browse, and spas for an indulgent treat.

5. Dawson City, Yukon

Dawson City, Yukon

A true gold rush town, Dawson City was established in 1897 as a result of the Klondike Gold Rush in a First Nations Camp. It expanded swiftly to become a metropolis with over 40,000 residents, many of whom were hungry for gold. Even though it is smaller now, ancient Dawson City attracts tourists.

Dawson City is a walkable town that has embraced its rich past through museums, tours, and enjoyable (if somewhat corny) activities like panning for gold or posing for vintage dressed photos. The town is still very much in the spirit of the gold rush. In the best sense, visiting Dawson City is like traveling back in time.

6. Jasper, Alberta

Jasper is an adventurer's paradise, offering summertime trekking and wintertime skiing in the Rockies. It is the most beautiful town in Canada and scene views

Top activities in Jasper include walking to alpine lakes, animal tours, waterfall chasing, discovering ice canyons, dog sledding, and ice skating on a frozen lake.

About 4,590 people have succeeded in making Jasper their permanent home, and we bet that the majority of visitors would also like to be able to call it home. This location, which is less crowded than Banff but equally breathtaking, is a must-visit for anybody organizing a trip across the Canadian Rocky Mountains.

7. Victoria-by-the-Sea, Prince Edward Island

Victoria-by-the-Sea, Prince Edward Island

With 74 residents (the number increases in the summer as seasonal residents migrate there), Victoria-by-the-Sea is officially the smallest town on our list of the best small towns in Canada.

In a province rich with charming coastal towns, Victoria-by-the-Sea stands out from the others. Every store in the town is worth a visit, notably the well-known chocolate shop. The town is small and scrollable.

Victoria-by-the-Sea is a peaceful village that gets even more slumbersome in the winter, so you will want to postpone your trip for the summer. It is well worth taking a day trip here if you are planning a trip to Prince Edward Island.

8. Churchill, Manitoba

Churchill is known as the world's polar bear capital, attracting wildlife enthusiasts from all around. It's also a great place to observe beluga whales and look for the northern lights, which may be seen for up to 300 nights a year. Churchill has no roads and is only accessible by plane or rail, adding to its distant allure.

9. Alma, New Brunswick

Alma, a little fishing community of only 232 people, is located just outside of Fundy National Park. Alma is the entryway to the world-famous high tides of the Bay of Fundy; it's also an excellent place to eat after a trek in the park.

If you don't want to rough it while touring Fundy National Park, Alma is an excellent choice. Even if you're camping, be sure to stop by this little village on your route in or out of the park.

Tips For Exploring These Beautiful Towns In Canada

Exploring the beautiful towns of Canada can be an enriching experience filled with scenic vistas, cultural immersion, and warm hospitality. Here are some valuable tips to make the most of your journey while ensuring a smooth travel experience.

• Pack Accordingly: Canada's weather can vary greatly depending on the season and region. Be sure to pack appropriate clothing and gear for the climate of the towns you'll be visiting.
• Book Accommodations in Advance: While some smaller towns may have limited lodging options, booking accommodations in advance will ensure you have a comfortable place to stay during your visit.
• Immerse Yourself in Local Culture: One of the highlights of visiting small towns in Canada is experiencing the local culture and way of life. Take time to explore historic sites, museums, and art galleries to gain insight into the town's heritage. Attend local festivals, markets, and events to mingle with locals and sample regional cuisine.
• Apply for a Canada ETA: If you're planning to visit Canada and require an ETA, applying for a Canada eVisa through Canada Immigration Services website is a convenient and efficient option. Simply fill out the online application form, send the required documents such as your passport and travel itinerary, and submit your application. Once approved, you'll receive your ETA, eliminating the need for paper documents and saving you time and hassle at the border.