You’ll find our blog to be a wealth of information, covering everything from local market statistics and home values to community happenings. That’s because we care about the community and want to help you find your place in it. Please reach out if you have any questions at all. We’d love to talk with you!
There are a handful of different reasons which people decide that small-town living is right for them. Small towns and cities from across the country are seeing more and more residents make the transitions from the big city to a small town. This begs the question - what are the benefits of living in a small town? Below we touch on 5 of the perks of small-town living.
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Home-buyers have basically two options to consider when they decide to purchase a new home: search through the listings in the hopes of finding a pre-existing home that checks all their boxes, or take on the exciting opportunity to build a new construction home. Both options offer several pros and cons, however, the only way to truly get exactly what you envision is to go with a new build.
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Buying your first home is an exciting time; for most, it is also a time to make the biggest purchase of your lifetime which naturally can cause some anxiety and unknowns. Whether you are buying in a big city like Vancouver or a small town like Ashcroft, here are 5 things every first-time home buyer should know.
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There are many reasons people are drawn to small-town living like Ashcroft, BC. Whether it be less traffic, lower cost of real estate or a quieter lifestyle, more and more buyers are opting for a small-town setting. Below are 10 of the reasons why living in a small town might be the best option for you!
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Formerly known as The Village of Ashcroft, Ashcroft is a small, charming town located in British Columbia. Straddling the Thompson River, Ashcroft is home to only just over 2,000 residents. The tight-knit community is a great place for anyone who wishes to escape the hustle and bustle of a small town and truly live a life of peace and calm.
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View MoreIf you’re an outdoor enthusiast, you love mild winters, and you want to enjoy a small-town lifestyle. British Columbia is filled with excellent options. All over the province, residents have access to a high quality of life, excellent health care services, and a diverse culture. B.C. has a strong economy with a wide variety of industries, so job opportunities are plentiful.
The province works hard to ensure a low crime rate and foster a safe environment for everyone. Pair these benefits with small-town living and the beautiful landscape that makes B.C. so desirable, and it’s no surprise that everyone wants to move here.
Here are the ten best small towns in B.C. to choose for your next home!
Located along the Thompson River, Ashcroft has a lot to offer new residents. It has one of the driest climates in Canada, almost like a desert, and the hills are covered with sagebrush. B.C. is known for having a lot of rain but otherwise having a mild climate, but Ashcroft offers long and hot summers, with the most beautiful and picturesque fall weather.
Winter is mild and brief, with a lot of sunshine, which helps those who suffer from Season Affective Disorder. Ashcroft has quick access to the Trans-Canada highway, so residents can get to the lower mainland within three hours, Kelowna in 2.5 hours, Merritt in just over an hour, and under one hour to Kamloops.
Ashcroft residents love the lifestyle that the community offers. Life moves at a slower pace, everyone is exceptionally friendly, and it’s a beautiful community to raise a family or retire. The diverse community is accepting, respectful and courteous of all people.
As B.C. continues to grow in popularity because of its beauty, climate, and things to do, housing prices are rising as well. Ashcroft remains affordable compared to the Okanagan, Lower Mainland, Shuswap, and Vancouver Island.
There are plenty of affordable options for buyers to live well below their means.
Cache Creek is home to just over 1,000 residents in between the Southern interior and Cariboo Country. Its surrounded by desert scenery, grasslands, and working ranches, but life in Cache Creek is anything but boring.
It’s located along the Trans-Canada Highway and Highway 97N, so there’s plenty of people passing by each day. Residents can quickly get to neighbouring cities, like Kamloops, or drive down to Vancouver and the Lower Mainland.
While many people know of Cache Creek because they’ve stopped in for a bite to eat and gas on their way around the province, it’s much more than that. Offering a similar lifestyle to neighbouring Ashcroft, Cache Creek can be the perfect place for those who want to live in a small town but have access to incredible amenities.
The climate allows for residents to spend a significant amount of time outdoors all throughout the year. If you love fishing, camping, golfing, hiking, and fossil hunting, it’s a must-see option.
Aberdeen has the best of both worlds. It’s sometimes considered part of Kamloops, but it is just outside of the city and is its own entity. For those who want to live in a small town but have access to the amenities of Kamloops, Aberdeen is a perfect place to consider.
Residents are about three hours from the lower mainland or Okanagan, and there are plenty of excellent amenities because Kamloops sees a lot of travellers. There are plenty of affordable housing options and excellent schools in the area.
Cobble Hill is a village on Vancouver Island, located in the Cowichan Valley. It has almost 2,000 residents and has affordable housing options for those looking to live on the island. Cobble Hill has many desirable attractions, most notably some of the best climates that Canada has to offer.
Vancouver Island is one of Canada's most beautiful places, and Cobble Hill holds up that reputation. The area is becoming well-known for its vineyards and the Marine Mediterranean climate. If you’re looking for a Canadian paradise, it’s here in Cowichan Bay.
The humid and fresh mountain air throughout the town is lovely and refreshing. The area is affordable compared to the big cities, and it’s known for the value it provides homeowners. Residents have access to every outdoor activity they could want.
Swim in the ocean, go skiing or snowboarding or visit one of the many hiking trails. Spend the day in Tofino, visit Victoria, or take the ferry to the mainland and spend the day in Vancouver.
The central location allows for residents to have access to everything they could want or need.
While West Kelowna is bigger than the other small towns mentioned, with almost 33,000 residents, it’s too beautiful not to mention. The average house price is around $570,000, but West Kelowna is a prime location that people from all over the world want to relocate to. There are world-renowned wineries that are available to tour, lakes, and natural beauty.
West Kelowna residents know how outstanding their quality of life is. It’s a safe and welcoming community, and it’s often the location of many movie shoots. It’s a cool place to be, with many charming local businesses and delicious restaurants.
There are plenty of shopping malls, a yacht club, and Lake Okanagan, all minutes away from the residential areas. The town is ranked as the 65th best place to live in Canada and offers over 125 parks and trails to enjoy and explore.
For outdoor enthusiasts, there’s always something to do, wildlife to see, and much more. West Kelowna is also conveniently located close to major highways, so getting around the province is easy. About three hours from the Lower Mainland and Vancouver, it’s easy to get out for a day trip.
Duncan is known as the “City of Totems,” as it’s home to 80 totem poles. The small population of almost 5,000 residents love life in Duncan, as it’s considered the retirement destination on Vancouver Island. Duncan is well-known but still considered a bit of a hidden gem in the area, and it’s the smallest city by area in Canada.
It has very affordable real estate costs, peace and quiet, wildlife sightings, incredible scenery, closeness to the ocean, and numerous outdoor activities to enjoy. The slowed-down pace of life is refreshing, and residents get to reap the benefits of a safe and welcoming community.
Duncan is a must-see for those seeking a small-town in B.C. as their next home. The residents love the quality of life that Duncan offers.
Located in the heart of wine country, Penticton is home to 43,000 residents. It is a popular summer vacation destination for many Canadians. The name Penticton is derived from the Salish word snpintktn, meaning “place to stay forever.” Penticton draws a lot of attention for the numerous wineries, the Pentiction Peach Festival, the natural beauty, and much more.
The friendly town welcomes many visitors in the summer, but the atmosphere is always exciting and inviting. It’s the hub of Okanagan tourism, with the lake nearby and a dreamy setting that is home to Skaha Bluffs Provincial Park and Okanagan Mountain Park.
Outdoor enthusiasts love everything that Penticton has to offer. The beaches are impeccable, and there are plenty of places to go, boating, hiking, golfing, rock climbing, and skiing. It’s considered one of the best places to live in the province. It’s the ideal place to retire, have a summer home, or raise a family for full-time residents.
It’s hard to be unhappy when surrounded by natural beauty, water, parks, greenery, and an average of 30-degree weather in the summer and over 2,100 hours of sunshine each year. With over eighty wineries in the area and seven craft breweries, there’s a lot for aficionados to enjoy.
There’s very little traffic to deal with on daily commutes for those who work in the area. Visit the largest farmer’s market in Canada to get some fresh produce and support local businesses.
There’s so much to love about Penticton, and the quality of life the town offers is unmatched.
Another stunning Vancouver Island town, Parksville is home to just over 12,000 residents. A reasonably affordable community, its picturesque beauty is a massive draw for those who relocate here. Another ideal location for retirement in Canada, it’s home to many attractions like the Parksville BeachFest, the Sand Sculpting World Championship, and much more.
The climate is terrific, and Parksville Beach is the perfect place to spend the day relaxing and soaking up the sun. The beach is along the Strait of Georgia, which is a perfect cove that is safe from all forms of bad weather. Parksville is not just a beautiful town, but there are plenty of amenities available.
Paradise Fun Park is the perfect family-friendly destination, and students can attend post-secondary at the Vancouver Island University regional campus. Plenty of local businesses and shopping options are at resident’s fingertips, so you can find everything you’re looking for in Parksville.
Parksville is a treasure, and if you ask any current resident, they’ll have a long list of things they love about the town.
Located in the Kootenay region, overlooking Kootenay Lake, Nelson is home to just over 10,000 residents. There are plenty of parks and beaches along the water to enjoy. Nelson has a rich history, and there are over 350 heritage buildings that were built in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
There are plenty of beautifully constructed older homes that add to the charm of the community. Many of the buildings are now home to beautiful galleries, charming cafes, and quaint boutiques.
The artsy and youthful population allows Nelson to have the mosts artists in Canada than in any other town. Outdoor lovers can go kayaking, hiking, skiing, and enjoy plenty more outdoor activities. There are plenty of opportunities for work and business opportunities in the area.
It’s close to plenty of neighbouring cities, so residents have access to other amenities and job as well. There are several post-secondary institutions in the area as well, so it’s an excellent place for students to get an education and experience the community.
Whistler is a world-famous ski destination, and people travel from all over the world to hit the ski hills. Since the 2010 Winter Olympics, Whistler’s popularity has only grown. Residents who choose Whistler as their next home are likely going to be winter sports fanatics.
The town is surrounded by the Blackcomb Mountains, which have plenty of trails, ski slopes, biking, bobsledding, snowshoeing and ziplining. Whistler Village is a popular attraction as a walkable and attractive area to visit local businesses.
Whistler has plenty of job opportunities, but the primary industries are tourism and hospitality. While you could land a job as a ski instructor or a mountain guide, each day likely won't feel like work.
Housing is not as affordable as many other small towns in the area since it’s so close to such a popular destination, but for those who can afford it, they love the lifestyle it imparts.
With the mountains in your backyard, access to some of the best skiing in the world, you might feel like you’re on a vacation every single day.
Ashcroft, or the Village of Ashcroft as its formally known as, is a tight knit community which straddles the Thompson River in the BC Interior. Falling slightly east of the Trans Canada Highway, Ashcroft is home to just under 2,000 residents and consists of just over 51 square kilometers.
Don’t let the small footprint of the village fool you, Ashcroft offers a wide selection of things to see and do within the area. Below is a compilation of the best things to do in Ashcroft, BC.
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Legacy Park Campground is a popular riverside camping area which boasts stunning views and beautiful sites. The shaded oasis is situated along the Thompson River, and is even within walking distance to many of the village's shopping and dining options. The well equipped campground offers amenities such as power, laundry, sani station and even wifi.
A well-maintained park, Legacy Campground offers 15 RV sites and a number of tenting areas for visitors to choose from. Set up in the midst of desert country and enjoy the calming sounds of the nearby river. Popular activities offered include fishing, biking and hiking.
Legacy Park Campground is a great place to spend a night or more! Open between May 1st and October (weather permitting), Legacy Park offers affordable rates of just $25.00/night for an RV and $15/night for tents. Get all the details here!
Ashcroft, BC is filled with exceptional outdoor recreation opportunities, with one of the most popular being hiking throughout the many trail systems nearby. The unique climate in Ashcroft makes for ideal hiking throughout the year, however, the summer can get quite hot, so remember to pack plenty of water!
Some of the most popular trails which are located in and around Ashcroft, BC include:
Lac du Bois Grasslands Protected Area Hiking Trails.
Duffey Lake Provincial Park Hiking Trails.
Big Bar Lake Provincial Park Hiking Trails.
Bonaparte Provincial Park Hiking Trails.
Castle Rock Hoodoos Provincial Park Hiking Trails.
Chasm Ecological Reserve Hiking Trails.
Churn Creek Protected Area Hiking Trails.
Enjoy lovely views of the surrounding desert terrain as well as taking in the wide range of vegetation such as sage and cactus and wildlife - however, visitors are reminded to steer clear of the occasional rattlesnake.
A project founded by Daniel and Marina Papais, who is an award winning stained glass artist whose work was showcased in various galleries across Canada and the US, the Mosaic walk has become a major draw for visitors. Stunning pieces of Mosaic Artwork are dotted throughout the village celebrating and promoting a love for art and creation.
Stroll throughout the downtown district or check out awe-inspiring pieces at the Ashcroft Library, Ashcroft Legion #113, or St. Alban’s Church. A full list of Mosaics and their location can be found on the Village of Ashcroft Website or in this pamphlet.
Ashcroft, BC has a rich and exciting history that dates back to the 1800’s. Residents and visitors are able to learn all about the village and its humble beginnings at the Ashcroft Museum which is housed in the brick “Dominion” building which was erected in 1971. Located at the corner of Brink and 4th Street, the museum was originally the home of the Village Post Office. In 1980, the museum took over and remains in the building to this day.
Considered by many as one of the best museums found in any BC village, the Ashcroft museum offers a collection of artifacts and historical findings which date back to the beginning of the 1900’s. Staying true to its diverse history the museum features displays honouring the local indigenous people, the Chinese community and other founders and pioneers of the area. Visitors of the museum can find exhibits on sports, ranching, fossils and coal mining, which is one of the most popular ones! To check out more information and view hours click here.
If residents of Ashcroft know one thing, it's that the climate of the village is like no other around. The dry, semi-arid temperature offers idyllic weather throughout much of the year, however, the summer can get quite toasty in the desert. If you are looking for a great way to beat the summer heat, head over to the Ashcroft Community Pool.
Located at 561 Elm Street in Ashcroft Pool Park, the pool is a popular gathering spot for those of all ages. The equipped aquatic center offers visitors use of a lap pool, slide, diving board and hot tub. There are also a handful of family fun activities and swimming lessons offered throughout the year. Opened the Saturday of the May Long Weekend, the season runs until Labour Day Weekend. View all the details and swim schedule on the pool’s webpage.
Ashcroft is a welcoming community that has celebrated diversity throughout its history, and continues to do so today. The Village of Ashcroft strives to foster an atmosphere of inclusivity and acceptance and happily displays its diverse history in areas around town. Three popular projects which can be found in Ashcroft are the Harmony Bell Monument, Chinese Cemetery and Rainbow Crosswalk.
The Harmony Bell Monument is located south of Heritage Park Place and is a must-see monument. The bell tower features four mosaic panels, each showcasing those who helped shape Ashcroft into what it is today. These mosaic panels, bell tower, interlocking brick and benches are a beautiful honouring of Ashcroft’s diversity.
The Chinese Cemetery has been a part of Ashcroft for over 100 years and was developed by the Canadian Pacific Railway. In 2005 members of the Ashcroft/Cache Creek Rotary Club undertook the task of cleaning and maintaining the graveyard. Over the years, and through many community and outside donations, the cemetery has been transformed into a beautiful honouring of those who died while helping build the railway in BC. Today a collection of mosaics, glass/mosaic headstones, and an altar, which contains the BC government’s apology for the mistreatment of the Chinese Community can be found.
Ashcroft is a community which celebrates all walks of life and one of the ways the Village Council unanimously decided to showcase this was by installing a Rainbow Crosswalk. A symbol of inclusivity, the Rainbow Crosswalk is found across Railways Avenue, across from the Post Office and was funded by a donation from Teck Highland Valley Copper.
Set along the east side of the Thompson River, Ashcroft boasts a charming downtown district. Stroll through the area and enjoy visiting the unique shops and restaurants which are dotted up and down Railway Avenue and surrounding area. A variety of stores which offer up everything from everyday necessities to one of a kind finds can be stumbled upon as well as local favourite eateries such as Ashcroft Bakery and Coffee Shop, Sam’s Diner and the Ashcroft River Inn.
Ashcroft is a scenic village which offers up a wide variety of things to see and do. Whether looking to take advantage of the expansive amount of outdoor recreation activities, wanting to explore the rich history and diversity or simply to enjoy the art and culture, Ashcroft happily provides!
Welcome to historic Ashcroft. The village is divided into three areas, North Ashcroft, Downtown Ashcroft, and Ashcroft Mesa.
North Ashcroft has an eclectic mix of older and newer homes, an outdoor swimming pool, sports fields, and lush green landscaping. With ample land available, it will be the hot spot for future developments.
Downtown Ashcroft is where the excitement is. The business district is home to plenty of excellent restaurants, a charming tea shop, a grocery store, Fields, banks, insurance brokers, Home Hardware, and other locally-owned businesses that are unique to the village. There are some incredible heritage homes in this community.
The Ashcroft Mesa is a gorgeous elevated community with a mix of older and newer homes with direct access to plenty of hiking trails and incredible views.
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If you’re an outdoors enthusiast, the hiking trails that are in your backyard are incredible. Whether you like to take it easy and go for walks or you want to bike through them, there’s a trail for you. You can even take your ATV out.
The perfect place to cool off in the hot summer sun is the Ashcroft Pool. They offer swimming lessons, aerobics classes, and theme nights. It’s an excellent place for some family-friendly fun.
The hub is a great place to hang out in the community. There is a fully-equipped fitness facility, dance classes, The Hutch, a daycare that is opening soon, basketball courts, and various new events and activities popping up regularly. The online network covers community events so that everyone can get involved and all community members are welcome.
The Desert Hills Ranch Farm Market has everything you could need. From fresh produce to delicious ice cream, you can find whatever you’re looking for here. They also have hayrides, collect your pumpkin, a haunted house during Halloween, a park for the kids, and so much more. Pick up your fresh fruits and veggies, fresh flowers, or grab lunch at the Mexican spot - you really can’t go wrong!
Plenty of locals know that the Ashcroft Bakery is the spot to grab all your fresh bakery items. You can grab a fresh loaf of bread, order a custom cake, have a specialty sandwich for lunch, or grab a coffee and socialize with your neighbours.
The number of great things to do in Ashcroft could definitely go beyond these five things, so if you’re interested in checking out the area, I’d be happy to chat and answer any questions you may have about Ashcroft. Give me a call at 250-457-1795
Kamloops is a large city located in the south-central region of beautiful British Columbia. Tucked away between the Thompson River and Kamloops Lake, the name “Kamloops” comes from the Shuswap word “Tk'əmlúps” which translates to “meeting of the waters.” This scenic location is filled with gorgeous views, providing residents with some of the most picturesque homes in the province.
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