B.C. has six appearances on ‘Best Small Cities in Canada’ list

The “25 Best Small Cities in Canada” list is out, and six are in British Columbia.

The list, published by the Resonance Consultancy group focused on small cities with populations between 50,000 and 200,000 people.

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The group uses six factors when looking at a city to determine its ranking, including natural environments, economic prosperity and culture, among others.

Here are the six small cities in B.C. to make the list:

1st – Victoria

The top small city on the list is B.C.’s capital, with the report citing Victoria’s mild year-round climate making it a must-go destination for outdoor lovers.

The report calls the provincial capital “Alaska-meets-Hawaii,” for its tourism offerings, which include the highest number of breweries per capita in Canada.

2nd – Kelowna

Ranked second on the list is Kelowna, which is the third-largest urban centre in B.C behind Vancouver and Greater Victoria.

The area’s lush vineyards, quality hiking and a thriving tech industry are listed as reasons for the ranking by the report.

6th – North Vancouver

The third city in the top 10 of the list is North Vancouver, which is considered one of Metro Vancouver’s most open, accessible, and walkable public spaces.

The report says the city’s short proximity to Downtown Vancouver makes it appealling, along with the amount of biking and hiking infrastructure.

18th – Kamloops

The report calls Kamloops “once a best-kept secret among enlightened tourists,” in its ranking.

Among the reasons for its listing are the city’s wineries, luxury guest ranches, fly-fishing retreats, golf courses, and scenery.

20th – Nanaimo

Calling it “the little city that could” the report says Nanaimo’s giant retail outlets, conveniently located ferry docks, and affordable housing make it among Canada’s best small cities.

The city’s proximity to outdoor destinations like Tofino, Mount Washington, and Vancouver are other factors behind its listing.

23rd – Saanich

Saanich’s Uptown Mall was listed as a major attraction, according to the report.

The list also notes the city as a “haven” for freelancers and self-employed people, also giving a nod to its sustainability efforts.

Resonance Consultancy also does a top cities in the world ranking on an annual basis. The 2023 list includes five Canadian cities, including Vancouver, which was ranked 69th.