You’ll want to know the best cities in British Columbia before visiting or moving here. I’m a local who has lived in several cities throughout the province and I’ve spent plenty of time in many others. I’ll overview the top cities in British Columbia so you’ll know which ones to prioritize on a visit.
British Columbia has bustling urban centres, family-friendly suburbs, and cities with small-town feels. Many of these cities are some of the best places to visit in British Columbia. While most major cities are near the U.S border, there are amazing communities all across the province.
Let’s get exploring! Here is my guide to the best cities in British Columbia.
Notification: Travel Lemming is an independent reader-supported blog. You can support us by purchasing via the affiliate links on this page, which may earn us commissions. See our Advertising Policy for further explanation. Thank you!
13 Best British Columbia Cities
Vancouver
British Columbia’s largest city is best known for its stunning scenery, multiculturalism, and amazing food scene.
🏠 Population: 662,248 | 📍 Google Maps | City of Vancouver Website | 👉 Browse Hotels in Vancouver on Booking
Vancouver is nestled between the sea and the mountains and is one of the most beautiful cities in the world.
Vancouver’s scenery is its biggest draw. But so are popular Vancouver attractions like Stanley Park, Granville Island, and the Museum of Anthropology. The best shopping and nightlife can be found in Vancouver’s Downtown core. Vancouverites are also very active, so the city is full of great places to walk and cycle.
Vancouver attracts people from all over the globe. And this makes for great food! Vancouver is one of the best culinary destinations in Canada. You can find whatever type of cuisine you are craving in Vancouver.
Victoria
British Columbia’s gorgeous capital city is packed with history and British charm.
🏠 Population: 398,000 | 📍 Google Maps | City of Victoria Website | 👉 Browse Hotels in Victoria on Booking
Victoria is located on Vancouver Island, which is a stunning 90-minute ferry ride from Vancouver.
British Columbia’s capital city oozes charm. The historic core is full of hip restaurants and trendy shops. And it’s home to Canada’s oldest Chinatown. Indulge in Afternoon Tea at the Empress while overlooking the Inner Harbour and Parliament Buildings.
Everyone loves Victoria, but it’s especially nice for families. Kids and adults alike will enjoy the Royal BC Museum, Victoria Butterfly Gardens, and Miniature World.
Victoria has plenty of beautiful parks and the famous Butchart Gardens. Endless waterfront hiking trails and whale-watching adventures will spoil outdoor enthusiasts.
Kelowna
An abundance of orchards and wineries make this the tastiest city in the province.
🏠 Population: 156,784 | 📍 Google Maps | City of Kelowna Website | 👉 Browse Hotels in Kelowna on Booking
Kelowna is the largest city in BC’s Okanagan Valley, and it’s surrounded by orchards and vineyards that go on for miles. Pick up fresh strawberries, peaches, and cherries to eat while soaking up the sun at Okanagan Lake.
Kelowna is most known for its wineries. There are over 20 vineyards that offer tastings and tours. Breweries, cideries, and distilleries are also popping up all over town.
Kelowna has a small-town feel with all the amenities of a big city. Enjoy dozens of shopping, dining, and cultural options here. And don’t miss cycling the Myra Canyon Trestles and skiing at Big White if you love the outdoors.
Squamish
This growing city is a paradise for hikers, cyclists, and mountain climbers.
🏠 Population: 23,360 | 📍 Google Maps | District of Squamish Website | 👉 Browse Hotels in Squamish on Booking
Squamish used to be the place you stopped for food and gas between Vancouver and Whistler. But now it’s one of the fastest-growing cities in the province with lots to offer, which is why it made my list of the best day trips from Vancouver.
Squamish is part of the Sea to Sky corridor, one of the most breathtaking areas of British Columbia. Its highlights include the Sea to Sky Gondola, Britannia Mine Museum, and Shannon Falls. The city also hosts popular annual events like the Sip & Savour festival and Brackendale Winter Eagle Count.
Nearby Howe Sound and Stawamus Chief make Squamish a haven for hikers, mountain climbers, and windsurfers.
North Vancouver
Find outdoor adventures and a thriving cultural community a stone’s throw from Downtown Vancouver.
🏠 Population: 88,113 | 📍 Google Maps | City of North Vancouver Website | 👉 Browse Hotels in North Vancouver on Booking
A 15-minute SeaBus ride from Vancouver will land you in North Vancouver. “North Van” was once a mill town and shipbuilding centre, but is now a vibrant suburban community.
The Capilano Suspension Bridge Park and Grouse Mountain are two of North Vancouver’s popular attractions. Cypress and Seymour mountains are also nearby. The options for hiking, mountain biking, and skiing are endless.
But it’s not only nature lovers who will enjoy North Van. The Shipyards District is full of art galleries and restaurants, and the Lonsdale Quay Public Market is the perfect place to pick up a tasty treat. Craft beer lovers shouldn’t miss Vancouver’s North Shore Ale Trail along nearby Esplanade.
Nanaimo
This waterfront city has a charming historic core and the best dessert in the country.
🏠 Population: 106,631 | 📍 Google Maps | City of Nanaimo Website | 👉 Browse Hotels in Nanaimo on Booking
Nanaimo has always had a reputation for being a little rough. But it’s quickly becoming a popular destination for those looking to escape Vancouver. It’s also a great base for visiting northern Vancouver Island and the towns along the Pacific Ocean.
A 90-minute ferry ride from Vancouver’s Horseshoe Bay will get you to the Departure Bay Terminal. Make the nearby Nanaimo Waterfront Walkway your first stop. The views are incredible.
Be sure to spend some time in Nanaimo’s Old City Quarter, full of eclectic galleries, cafés, and boutiques. Nanaimo is also the birthplace of Canada’s favourite dessert, the Nanaimo bar. Don’t leave without trying this sweet treat.
👉 Pro Tip: The ferries to Vancouver Island are notorious for long waits, and long weekends are the worst! Be sure to always book a reservation with BC Ferries for any travel to the Island.
Richmond
This once sleepy suburb is now a bustling urban centre with the best Chinese food around.
🏠 Population: 226,472 | 📍 Google Maps | City of Richmond Website | 👉 Browse Hotels in Richmond on Booking
You’ve been to Richmond if you flew into Vancouver International Airport. But there is more to the city than YVR.
The city centre is packed with modern condominiums, shopping, and dining. While the central core lacks charm, there is still plenty of it in other areas of the city.
Richmond is home to the quaint fishing village of Steveston, where you’ll find the best fish and chips in town. Minoru Park, Terra Nova, and the waterfront dykes offer peaceful walking trails.
But the city is most famous for its food. Half of the population in Richmond is Chinese. This makes it the best place in British Columbia to enjoy authentic Chinese food. The Richmond Night Market is a highlight every summer.
Penticton
This city’s two sparkling lakes and abundance of fresh fruit make it the best place to spend summer.
🏠 Population: 35,039 | 📍 Google Maps | City of Penticton Website | 👉 Browse Hotels in Penticton on Booking
Penticton used to be a small town full of campgrounds and waterslides. I loved spending my summers here as a child and although it’s grown and changed, it’s still a great place to visit. And it’s an even better place to live for those who want a quiet lifestyle in British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley.
Penticton is situated between Okanagan and Skaha Lakes. This is the place to be for anyone who loves to be out on the water. The city is also home to Apex Mountain Resort. It’s the perfect spot for outdoor activities in both winter and summer.
Orchards and wineries are everywhere thanks to Penticton’s warm and sunny climate. But you’ll find more than just agriculture and beautiful scenery in Penticton. The city has a dynamic arts, culture, and culinary scene. Beer aficionados shouldn’t miss Penticton’s eight craft breweries.
Prince George
This thriving university town is the perfect base for exploring British Columbia’s rustic north.
🏠 Population: 86,097 | 📍 Google Maps | City of Prince George Website | 👉 Browse Hotels in Prince George on Booking
Prince George is the largest city in north British Columbia, and it’s home to the University of Northern British Columbia. Because it’s a university town, Prince George has all the conveniences of a big city, but with a small-town vibe.
The city is located on the Fraser and Nechako Rivers, so the outdoors is a big deal here. There are tons of opportunities for swimming, fishing, and hiking in Prince George. The Hart Ski Hill is 15 minutes from downtown if you prefer to hit the slopes.
Prince George has plenty of arts and culture as well as a vibrant culinary scene. Hockey fans will love watching the WHL’s Prince George Cougars in action.
New Westminster
History and modernity meet in British Columbia’s original capital city.
🏠 Population: 78,672 | 📍 Google Maps | City of New Westminster Website | 👉 Browse Hotels in New Westminster on Booking
New Westminster is a hilly city, 45 minutes from Vancouver. It’s known as “The Royal City” because it was named for Queen Victoria’s favourite district in London. In 1859, “New West” became British Columbia’s first capital.
Today, New Westminster is a bustling city that retains its historic charm. Queen’s Park is one of its oldest neighbourhoods, full of gorgeous heritage homes. The Columbia Street Historic District is home to hip shops and restaurants. I am particularly fond of the nearby River Market area for its local vendors and views of the Fraser River.
Langley
This Fraser Valley destination is a big city suburb with a country soul.
🏠 Population: 138,453 | 📍 Google Maps | City of Langley Website | 👉 Browse Hotels in Langley on Booking
Langley is in the heart of the Fraser Valley, about an hour from Vancouver. It’s a great place for anyone who wants a mix of city and country life. Langley is also a great base for exploring many other parts of the Fraser Valley.
The city is best known for its agriculture. Some of the best fruits and vegetables are grown here, and Langley is home to nine wineries. There’s no better place to do a culinary tour.
Langley is a lively city with great dining options and popular retail chains. But head to Fort Langley to escape the modern city. This former fur trading post is full of vintage shops and eateries.
Revelstoke
This small city is surrounded by big mountains, making it one of the best ski destinations in British Columbia.
🏠 Population: 8,439 | 📍 Google Maps | City of Revelstoke Website | 👉 Browse Hotels in Revelstoke on Booking
Revelstoke is perfect for ski bums since it’s a cheaper and less crowded alternative to Whistler or Banff.
This small city is part of the Columbia Shuswap Region of British Columbia. It is nestled between Glacier National Park and the Selkirk Mountains, and you don’t want to miss it on an epic British Columbia road trip.
The Revelstoke Mountain Resort is one of the best places in British Columbia for skiing and snowboarding. There are endless opportunities for heli-skiing, nordic skiing, and snowmobiling. Après-ski in one of the city’s many breweries and distilleries or head to the Canyon Hot Springs to ease those aching muscles.
Revelstoke is also a great summertime destination. The picturesque downtown is full of charming shops and cafés. And there is plenty of hiking and cycling around the area. Visit the Three Valley Gap Heritage Ghost Town and the Revelstoke Railway Museum for something unique.
Greenwood
Historic charm and sweeping nature abound in Canada’s smallest city.
🏠 Population: 705 | 📍 Google Maps | City of Greenwood Website | 👉 Browse Hotels in Greenwood on Booking
Greenwood was incorporated in 1897, and this city might be tiny, but it’s packed with interesting things to do.
Greenwood was once a thriving copper mining town in the Kootenay Boundary region and was the first of 10 Japanese internment camps in the 1940s. History lovers will be drawn to its museum and over 60 historic buildings.
Like the rest of British Columbia, Greenwood boasts an abundance of natural wonders. Mining and logging roads are perfect for hikers, mountain bikers, and ATV vehicles. Fishing, boating, and camping are popular at Jewel Lake.
Film buffs may also recognize Greenwood as one of the locations in the movie Snow Falling on Cedars.
FAQs About Cities in British Columbia
What are the largest cities in British Columbia by population?
The largest cities in British Columbia by population are Vancouver, Surrey, Burnaby, Richmond, and Abbotsford.
How many cities does British Columbia have?
Where do most people live in British Columbia?
Most people in British Columbia live in the Mainland/Southwest. Vancouver and its surrounding cities are the most populated in the province.
***
British Columbia is a huge, beautiful province with plenty of great places to explore and live. These are some of the best cities in British Columbia, and many of my favourites. For more ideas, see my full list of stuff to do in BC.
Where have you been and where do you want to go? Leave a comment to let me know!
(Featured Image Credit: Elena_Alex_Ferns / Shutterstock)
