Canada + USA · 79 places

Best places to live for hiking and the outdoors in Canada and the USA

Mountain and trail towns where you can be on a path after work. Compare sunshine, winters and drive times.

Order: Most sunny days first. Figures are approximate and meant for comparing places, not official statistics.

Best for hiking and the outdoors in Canada

  1. #1 · Alberta, Canada

    Calgary

    Sunny prairie city an hour from the Rockies.

    January / July
    -7°C / 17°C
    Sunny days a year
    333
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    1h 30m / 30 min / 20 min
    Typical home price
    C$640,000
    Cost of living
    105 (100 = national average)
    Big citySkiingHikingGolf
  2. #2 · Ontario, Canada

    Ottawa

    Leafy capital with a skateable canal and Gatineau Park.

    January / July
    -10°C / 21°C
    Sunny days a year
    305
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    25 min / 25 min / 20 min
    Typical home price
    C$680,000
    Cost of living
    100 (100 = national average)
    Big citySkiingHikingLake life
  3. #3 · Ontario, Canada

    Hamilton

    Waterfall city on the escarpment with a growing food scene.

    January / July
    -5°C / 22°C
    Sunny days a year
    300
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    35 min / 5 min / 45 min
    Typical home price
    C$820,000
    Cost of living
    108 (100 = national average)
    Big cityHikingFood sceneLake life
  4. #4 · Alberta, Canada

    Banff

    Mountain town inside a national park with three ski areas.

    January / July
    -9°C / 15°C
    Sunny days a year
    300
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    10 min / 10 min / 1h 30m
    Typical home price
    C$1,300,000
    Cost of living
    145 (100 = national average)
    SkiingHikingLake lifeSmall town
  5. #5 · Québec, Canada

    Gatineau

    French side of the capital beside Gatineau Park.

    January / July
    -10°C / 21°C
    Sunny days a year
    300
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    15 min / 25 min / 25 min
    Typical home price
    C$470,000
    Cost of living
    88 (100 = national average)
    French-speakingSkiingHikingLake life
  6. #6 · Ontario, Canada

    Thunder Bay

    Lake Superior city facing the Sleeping Giant.

    January / July
    -14°C / 18°C
    Sunny days a year
    290
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    20 min / 5 min / 10 min
    Typical home price
    C$330,000
    Cost of living
    80 (100 = national average)
    Lake lifeHikingLower costSkiingRemote-work hub
  7. #7 · New Brunswick, Canada

    Fredericton

    Quiet riverside capital with low prices and trails.

    January / July
    -10°C / 19°C
    Sunny days a year
    280
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    50 min / 25 min / 15 min
    Typical home price
    C$330,000
    Cost of living
    82 (100 = national average)
    Lower costSmall townHikingLake life
  8. #8 · Ontario, Canada

    Collingwood

    Georgian Bay town next to Blue Mountain resort.

    January / July
    -7°C / 20°C
    Sunny days a year
    280
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    15 min / 5 min / 2h
    Typical home price
    C$850,000
    Cost of living
    115 (100 = national average)
    SkiingBeachGolfHikingSmall town
  9. #9 · Alberta, Canada

    Jasper

    Quiet park town with dark skies, lakes and wildlife.

    January / July
    -10°C / 15°C
    Sunny days a year
    280
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    25 min / 10 min / 3h+
    Typical home price
    C$700,000
    Cost of living
    130 (100 = national average)
    SkiingHikingLake lifeRemote-work hubSmall town
  10. #10 · Ontario, Canada

    Sudbury

    Mining city of 300 lakes with affordable homes.

    January / July
    -13°C / 19°C
    Sunny days a year
    280
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    15 min / 5 min / 3h+
    Typical home price
    C$420,000
    Cost of living
    85 (100 = national average)
    Lake lifeLower costHikingSkiing
  11. #11 · British Columbia, Canada

    Kamloops

    Hot, dry river city with Sun Peaks up the road.

    January / July
    -3°C / 23°C
    Sunny days a year
    270
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    50 min / 30 min / 2h
    Typical home price
    C$680,000
    Cost of living
    100 (100 = national average)
    GolfSkiingHikingLake life
  12. #12 · Nova Scotia, Canada

    Lunenburg

    Colourful UNESCO fishing town on the South Shore.

    January / July
    -5°C / 18°C
    Sunny days a year
    260
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    1h 15m / 15 min / 1h 15m
    Typical home price
    C$520,000
    Cost of living
    95 (100 = national average)
    BeachFood sceneHikingSmall town
  13. #13 · Québec, Canada

    Baie-Saint-Paul

    Charlevoix art village with Le Massif above the river.

    January / July
    -12°C / 18°C
    Sunny days a year
    260
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    20 min / 10 min / 1h 25m
    Typical home price
    C$380,000
    Cost of living
    80 (100 = national average)
    French-speakingSkiingFood sceneHikingSmall town
  14. #14 · Nova Scotia, Canada

    Wolfville

    College town in the Annapolis Valley wine region.

    January / July
    -6°C / 19°C
    Sunny days a year
    260
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    25 min / 20 min / 1h
    Typical home price
    C$520,000
    Cost of living
    92 (100 = national average)
    Wine countryFood sceneHikingSmall town
  15. #15 · British Columbia, Canada

    Fernie

    Old coal town turned powder-skiing and biking hub.

    January / July
    -7°C / 17°C
    Sunny days a year
    250
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    10 min / 30 min / 3h+
    Typical home price
    C$900,000
    Cost of living
    125 (100 = national average)
    SkiingHikingRemote-work hubSmall town
  16. #16 · British Columbia, Canada

    Nanaimo

    Mild island harbour city with ferries to Vancouver.

    January / July
    4°C / 18°C
    Sunny days a year
    250
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    1h 20m / 10 min / 1h 30m
    Typical home price
    C$820,000
    Cost of living
    115 (100 = national average)
    BeachHikingGolf
  17. #17 · Yukon, Canada

    Whitehorse

    Wilderness capital under the northern lights.

    January / July
    -15°C / 14°C
    Sunny days a year
    240
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    10 min / 15 min / 10 min
    Typical home price
    C$620,000
    Cost of living
    125 (100 = national average)
    Remote-work hubHikingSkiingSmall town
  18. #18 · New Brunswick, Canada

    Saint John

    Gritty port city on the Bay of Fundy with cheap homes.

    January / July
    -8°C / 17°C
    Sunny days a year
    240
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    40 min / 20 min / 20 min
    Typical home price
    C$290,000
    Cost of living
    75 (100 = national average)
    Lower costHikingSmall town
  19. #19 · British Columbia, Canada

    Golden

    Rockies rafting town below Kicking Horse resort.

    January / July
    -9°C / 18°C
    Sunny days a year
    240
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    15 min / 1h / 2h 45m
    Typical home price
    C$650,000
    Cost of living
    110 (100 = national average)
    SkiingHikingRemote-work hubSmall town
  20. #20 · Alberta, Canada

    Canmore

    A Rockies mountain town next to Banff.

    January / July
    -7°C / 15°C
    Sunny days a year
    230
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    25 min / 15 min / 1h 30m
    Typical home price
    C$1,100,000
    Cost of living
    125 (100 = national average)
    SkiingHikingSmall town
  21. #21 · British Columbia, Canada

    Nelson

    Artsy heritage town on Kootenay Lake near Whitewater.

    January / July
    -4°C / 20°C
    Sunny days a year
    230
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    20 min / 2 min / 3h+
    Typical home price
    C$720,000
    Cost of living
    115 (100 = national average)
    SkiingHikingLake lifeSmall townFood scene
  22. #22 · British Columbia, Canada

    Courtenay

    Comox Valley town where you can ski and paddle in a day.

    January / July
    3°C / 18°C
    Sunny days a year
    230
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    30 min / 10 min / 15 min
    Typical home price
    C$780,000
    Cost of living
    110 (100 = national average)
    SkiingBeachHikingGolfSmall town
  23. #23 · British Columbia, Canada

    Squamish

    Climbing and biking town between Vancouver and Whistler.

    January / July
    1°C / 18°C
    Sunny days a year
    220
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    45 min / 10 min / 1h 15m
    Typical home price
    C$1,150,000
    Cost of living
    140 (100 = national average)
    HikingSkiingLake lifeSmall town
  24. #24 · British Columbia, Canada

    Revelstoke

    Deep-powder ski town with the biggest vertical in North America.

    January / July
    -7°C / 18°C
    Sunny days a year
    210
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    10 min / 10 min / 2h 20m
    Typical home price
    C$850,000
    Cost of living
    120 (100 = national average)
    SkiingHikingRemote-work hubSmall town
  25. #25 · Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada

    Corner Brook

    Fjord-side mill town near Marble Mountain and Gros Morne.

    January / July
    -7°C / 16°C
    Sunny days a year
    210
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    10 min / 15 min / 50 min
    Typical home price
    C$270,000
    Cost of living
    80 (100 = national average)
    SkiingHikingLower costRemote-work hubSmall town
  26. #26 · British Columbia, Canada

    Kelowna

    Lake summers, wineries and ski hills close by.

    January / July
    -2°C / 22°C
    Sunny days a year
    200
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    50 min / 5 min / 15 min
    Typical home price
    C$850,000
    Cost of living
    105 (100 = national average)
    Lake lifeWine countryGolfSkiingHiking
  27. #27 · Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada

    St. John's

    Colourful, foggy port city with pubs and coastal trails.

    January / July
    -5°C / 16°C
    Sunny days a year
    200
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    2h / 15 min / 15 min
    Typical home price
    C$360,000
    Cost of living
    92 (100 = national average)
    HikingLive musicFood sceneLower cost
  28. #28 · British Columbia, Canada

    Victoria

    Canada's mildest winters and a relaxed harbour town.

    January / July
    5°C / 17°C
    Sunny days a year
    190
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    3h+ / 10 min / 30 min
    Typical home price
    C$950,000
    Cost of living
    120 (100 = national average)
    BeachHikingGolfSmall town
  29. #29 · British Columbia, Canada

    Tofino

    Rainforest surf village at the edge of the Pacific.

    January / July
    5°C / 15°C
    Sunny days a year
    190
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    3h+ / 5 min / 3h+
    Typical home price
    C$1,100,000
    Cost of living
    150 (100 = national average)
    SurfBeachHikingRemote-work hubSmall town
  30. #30 · British Columbia, Canada

    Vancouver

    Ocean, mountains and a big-city food scene in one place.

    January / July
    4°C / 18°C
    Sunny days a year
    165
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    30 min / 10 min / 25 min
    Typical home price
    C$1,250,000
    Cost of living
    135 (100 = national average)
    BeachHikingSkiingBig cityFood sceneNightlife
  31. #31 · British Columbia, Canada

    Whistler

    World-class skiing in winter, bike park and lakes in summer.

    January / July
    -4°C / 17°C
    Sunny days a year
    160
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    In town / 10 min / 2h
    Typical home price
    C$1,450,000
    Cost of living
    140 (100 = national average)
    SkiingHikingLake lifeSmall town

Best for hiking and the outdoors in the USA

  1. #1 · Nevada, USA

    Las Vegas

    Desert sun, no state income tax and big shows.

    January / July
    9°C / 34°C
    Sunny days a year
    294
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    50 min / 35 min / 15 min
    Typical home price
    US$460,000
    Cost of living
    105 (100 = national average)
    Big cityDesertNightlifeGolfHiking
  2. #2 · Arizona, USA

    Scottsdale

    Desert sunshine, golf and a favourite of snowbirds.

    January / July
    13°C / 34°C
    Sunny days a year
    290
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    2h 30m / 45 min / 20 min
    Typical home price
    US$750,000
    Cost of living
    115 (100 = national average)
    Warm wintersGolfDesertHiking
  3. #3 · Arizona, USA

    Tucson

    Saguaro sunsets and Sonoran food at a gentler pace.

    January / July
    12°C / 31°C
    Sunny days a year
    286
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    1h / 3h+ / 15 min
    Typical home price
    US$360,000
    Cost of living
    96 (100 = national average)
    Warm wintersDesertHikingGolfFood scene
  4. #4 · New Mexico, USA

    Albuquerque

    High desert city with balloons and green chile.

    January / July
    2°C / 27°C
    Sunny days a year
    280
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    40 min / 3h+ / 10 min
    Typical home price
    US$340,000
    Cost of living
    93 (100 = national average)
    Big cityDesertHikingSkiingLower cost
  5. #5 · Arizona, USA

    Sedona

    Red rock canyons and starry desert skies.

    January / July
    6°C / 26°C
    Sunny days a year
    280
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    1h / 3h+ / 2h
    Typical home price
    US$950,000
    Cost of living
    140 (100 = national average)
    Small townDesertHikingGolf
  6. #6 · New Mexico, USA

    Santa Fe

    Adobe arts capital with a ski hill up the road.

    January / July
    -1°C / 21°C
    Sunny days a year
    280
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    30 min / 3h+ / 1h
    Typical home price
    US$600,000
    Cost of living
    115 (100 = national average)
    Small townFood sceneSkiingDesertHiking
  7. #7 · California, USA

    San Luis Obispo

    Laid back college town between beaches and vineyards.

    January / July
    11°C / 20°C
    Sunny days a year
    280
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    3h+ / 15 min / 3h+
    Typical home price
    US$1,100,000
    Cost of living
    175 (100 = national average)
    Small townBeachSurfWine countryHiking
  8. #8 · Hawaii, USA

    Honolulu

    Year round warmth, surf and island city life.

    January / July
    23°C / 27°C
    Sunny days a year
    270
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    3h+ / 5 min / 20 min
    Typical home price
    US$950,000
    Cost of living
    185 (100 = national average)
    Big cityWarm wintersBeachSurfHikingFood scene
  9. #9 · California, USA

    Sacramento

    Farm to fork capital between Tahoe and the Bay.

    January / July
    8°C / 25°C
    Sunny days a year
    265
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    2h / 30 min / 20 min
    Typical home price
    US$500,000
    Cost of living
    120 (100 = national average)
    Big cityWine countryFood sceneHikingSkiing
  10. #10 · Oregon, USA

    Bend

    Ski mornings and river afternoons in the high desert.

    January / July
    -1°C / 19°C
    Sunny days a year
    260
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    30 min / 20 min / 25 min
    Typical home price
    US$750,000
    Cost of living
    110 (100 = national average)
    SkiingHikingLake lifeGolfSmall townRemote-work hub
  11. #11 · California, USA

    South Lake Tahoe

    Alpine lake beaches in summer, Heavenly in winter.

    January / July
    -1°C / 17°C
    Sunny days a year
    260
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    In town / 5 min / 1h 15m
    Typical home price
    US$750,000
    Cost of living
    145 (100 = national average)
    Small townSkiingLake lifeBeachHiking
  12. #12 · Arizona, USA

    Flagstaff

    Pine forest mountain town near the Grand Canyon.

    January / July
    -2°C / 19°C
    Sunny days a year
    260
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    25 min / 3h+ / 2h 20m
    Typical home price
    US$650,000
    Cost of living
    120 (100 = national average)
    Small townSkiingHikingRemote-work hub
  13. #13 · Colorado, USA

    Durango

    Historic rail town in the San Juan Mountains.

    January / July
    -4°C / 20°C
    Sunny days a year
    250
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    35 min / 40 min / 15 min
    Typical home price
    US$680,000
    Cost of living
    120 (100 = national average)
    Small townSkiingHikingRemote-work hub
  14. #14 · Nevada, USA

    Reno

    Tahoe access and no income tax at a lower cost.

    January / July
    2°C / 24°C
    Sunny days a year
    250
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    35 min / 45 min / 10 min
    Typical home price
    US$600,000
    Cost of living
    112 (100 = national average)
    Big citySkiingLake lifeNightlifeHiking
  15. #15 · Colorado, USA

    Denver

    A sunny city base for mountain weekends.

    January / July
    0°C / 24°C
    Sunny days a year
    245
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    1h 30m / 30 min / 35 min
    Typical home price
    US$600,000
    Cost of living
    110 (100 = national average)
    SkiingHikingBig cityRemote-work hub
  16. #16 · Colorado, USA

    Boulder

    Flatirons trails and a lively university town.

    January / July
    1°C / 23°C
    Sunny days a year
    245
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    35 min / 10 min / 45 min
    Typical home price
    US$1,100,000
    Cost of living
    150 (100 = national average)
    HikingSkiingFood sceneRemote-work hubLive music
  17. #17 · Colorado, USA

    Colorado Springs

    Pikes Peak views and red rock trails in town.

    January / July
    0°C / 22°C
    Sunny days a year
    243
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    2h / 3h+ / 15 min
    Typical home price
    US$470,000
    Cost of living
    103 (100 = national average)
    Big cityHikingSkiingGolf
  18. #18 · Utah, USA

    Park City

    A ski town 40 minutes from a major airport.

    January / July
    -6°C / 20°C
    Sunny days a year
    240
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    5 min / 15 min / 40 min
    Typical home price
    US$1,600,000
    Cost of living
    160 (100 = national average)
    SkiingHikingGolfSmall town
  19. #19 · Colorado, USA

    Fort Collins

    Craft beer, bike paths and Horsetooth Reservoir.

    January / July
    -1°C / 22°C
    Sunny days a year
    240
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    2h / 15 min / 1h
    Typical home price
    US$580,000
    Cost of living
    115 (100 = national average)
    Small townHikingLake lifeFood sceneRemote-work hub
  20. #20 · Colorado, USA

    Steamboat Springs

    Champagne powder, hot springs and ranch heritage.

    January / July
    -9°C / 17°C
    Sunny days a year
    230
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    In town / 40 min / 35 min
    Typical home price
    US$1,400,000
    Cost of living
    165 (100 = national average)
    Small townSkiingHikingRemote-work hub
  21. #21 · Texas, USA

    Fredericksburg

    German heritage Hill Country town surrounded by wineries.

    January / July
    8°C / 28°C
    Sunny days a year
    230
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    3h+ / 45 min / 1h 15m
    Typical home price
    US$520,000
    Cost of living
    108 (100 = national average)
    Wine countrySmall townHikingFood scene
  22. #22 · Utah, USA

    Salt Lake City

    World class powder 35 minutes from downtown.

    January / July
    -1°C / 26°C
    Sunny days a year
    222
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    35 min / 30 min / 10 min
    Typical home price
    US$560,000
    Cost of living
    110 (100 = national average)
    Big citySkiingHikingLake lifeRemote-work hub
  23. #23 · South Carolina, USA

    Greenville

    Lively downtown with waterfalls, Blue Ridge trails and lakes.

    January / July
    5°C / 26°C
    Sunny days a year
    215
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    1h 40m / 40 min / 20 min
    Typical home price
    US$340,000
    Cost of living
    94 (100 = national average)
    HikingFood sceneLake lifeGolf
  24. #24 · Arkansas, USA

    Little Rock

    Affordable capital with river trails and Ozark lakes nearby.

    January / July
    5°C / 28°C
    Sunny days a year
    215
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    3h+ / 30 min / 15 min
    Typical home price
    US$230,000
    Cost of living
    86 (100 = national average)
    Big cityLower costHikingLake lifeGolf
  25. #25 · North Carolina, USA

    Raleigh

    Research Triangle jobs, top universities and green suburbs.

    January / July
    5°C / 26°C
    Sunny days a year
    213
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    3h+ / 30 min / 20 min
    Typical home price
    US$450,000
    Cost of living
    102 (100 = national average)
    Big cityFood sceneHikingLake life
  26. #26 · North Carolina, USA

    Asheville

    A creative mountain town in the Blue Ridge.

    January / July
    3°C / 24°C
    Sunny days a year
    210
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    1h / 30 min / 25 min
    Typical home price
    US$450,000
    Cost of living
    95 (100 = national average)
    HikingLive musicFood sceneLower costSmall townRemote-work hub
  27. #27 · Idaho, USA

    Boise

    River greenbelt living with a ski hill above town.

    January / July
    0°C / 25°C
    Sunny days a year
    210
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    35 min / 20 min / 10 min
    Typical home price
    US$520,000
    Cost of living
    108 (100 = national average)
    Big citySkiingHikingLake lifeRemote-work hub
  28. #28 · Virginia, USA

    Richmond

    Historic capital with a big food scene and James River trails.

    January / July
    3°C / 26°C
    Sunny days a year
    210
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    2h / 1h 45m / 15 min
    Typical home price
    US$380,000
    Cost of living
    98 (100 = national average)
    Big cityFood sceneHiking
  29. #29 · Tennessee, USA

    Chattanooga

    Outdoor town with climbing, river paddling and fast internet.

    January / July
    5°C / 27°C
    Sunny days a year
    205
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    3h+ / 10 min / 15 min
    Typical home price
    US$320,000
    Cost of living
    92 (100 = national average)
    HikingLake lifeLower costFood scene
  30. #30 · Tennessee, USA

    Knoxville

    Gateway to the Smokies with lakes and an affordable vibe.

    January / July
    4°C / 26°C
    Sunny days a year
    205
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    1h / 25 min / 20 min
    Typical home price
    US$340,000
    Cost of living
    90 (100 = national average)
    HikingLake lifeLower costFood scene
  31. #31 · Maine, USA

    Portland

    Coastal foodie town with lighthouses and an old port.

    January / July
    -6°C / 21°C
    Sunny days a year
    203
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    1h / 10 min / 10 min
    Typical home price
    US$560,000
    Cost of living
    118 (100 = national average)
    Small townBeachFood sceneHiking
  32. #32 · Maine, USA

    Bar Harbor

    Island village at the gate of Acadia National Park.

    January / July
    -6°C / 19°C
    Sunny days a year
    195
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    1h 30m / 10 min / 1h
    Typical home price
    US$650,000
    Cost of living
    120 (100 = national average)
    Small townHikingBeachRemote-work hub
  33. #33 · Wyoming, USA

    Jackson

    Legendary skiing beneath the Grand Tetons.

    January / July
    -9°C / 16°C
    Sunny days a year
    190
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    In town / 25 min / 15 min
    Typical home price
    US$2,800,000
    Cost of living
    220 (100 = national average)
    Small townSkiingHikingLake life
  34. #34 · Wisconsin, USA

    Madison

    Lake-ringed college capital with bike paths and farmers markets.

    January / July
    -7°C / 22°C
    Sunny days a year
    190
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    30 min / In town / 15 min
    Typical home price
    US$400,000
    Cost of living
    104 (100 = national average)
    Lake lifeFood sceneLive musicHiking
  35. #35 · Montana, USA

    Bozeman

    Mountain town near Yellowstone with a tech scene.

    January / July
    -6°C / 19°C
    Sunny days a year
    185
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    25 min / 30 min / 10 min
    Typical home price
    US$750,000
    Cost of living
    125 (100 = national average)
    Small townSkiingHikingLake lifeRemote-work hub
  36. #36 · Oregon, USA

    Hood River

    Windsurf capital in the Columbia River Gorge.

    January / July
    2°C / 21°C
    Sunny days a year
    180
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    45 min / 5 min / 1h 5m
    Typical home price
    US$750,000
    Cost of living
    140 (100 = national average)
    Small townSkiingHikingWine countryLake life
  37. #37 · Minnesota, USA

    Duluth

    Rugged Lake Superior port with trails and cold winters.

    January / July
    -12°C / 19°C
    Sunny days a year
    180
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    10 min / In town / 2h 30m
    Typical home price
    US$280,000
    Cost of living
    96 (100 = national average)
    Small townLake lifeHikingSkiing
  38. #38 · New Hampshire, USA

    North Conway

    White Mountains town with skiing, hiking and no income tax.

    January / July
    -8°C / 20°C
    Sunny days a year
    175
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    In town / 15 min / 1h 15m
    Typical home price
    US$450,000
    Cost of living
    110 (100 = national average)
    Small townSkiingHiking
  39. #39 · Montana, USA

    Missoula

    River town with a college vibe and big wild nearby.

    January / July
    -4°C / 20°C
    Sunny days a year
    170
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    25 min / 1h 30m / 10 min
    Typical home price
    US$520,000
    Cost of living
    110 (100 = national average)
    Small townSkiingHikingLive music
  40. #40 · Idaho, USA

    Coeur d'Alene

    Lakefront living with ski hills close by.

    January / July
    -2°C / 22°C
    Sunny days a year
    170
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    45 min / 5 min / 45 min
    Typical home price
    US$580,000
    Cost of living
    110 (100 = national average)
    Small townLake lifeSkiingGolfHiking
  41. #41 · California, USA

    San Francisco

    Foggy hills, world class food and wine country nearby.

    January / July
    11°C / 17°C
    Sunny days a year
    160
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    3h+ / 10 min / 25 min
    Typical home price
    US$1,250,000
    Cost of living
    175 (100 = national average)
    Big cityFood sceneWine countryHikingBeach
  42. #42 · Pennsylvania, USA

    Pittsburgh

    Hilly river city with strong hospitals, tech and low prices.

    January / July
    -2°C / 23°C
    Sunny days a year
    160
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    1h 15m / 1h / 25 min
    Typical home price
    US$230,000
    Cost of living
    93 (100 = national average)
    Big cityHikingFood sceneLower cost
  43. #43 · New York, USA

    Lake Placid

    Olympic Adirondack village with lakes, peaks and skiing.

    January / July
    -10°C / 18°C
    Sunny days a year
    160
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    15 min / In town / 2h 15m
    Typical home price
    US$550,000
    Cost of living
    112 (100 = national average)
    Small townSkiingHikingLake lifeRemote-work hub
  44. #44 · Vermont, USA

    Stowe

    Classic New England ski village below Mount Mansfield.

    January / July
    -9°C / 19°C
    Sunny days a year
    160
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    10 min / 30 min / 50 min
    Typical home price
    US$850,000
    Cost of living
    125 (100 = national average)
    Small townSkiingHikingRemote-work hub
  45. #45 · Washington, USA

    Seattle

    Tech jobs, coffee and mountains on the horizon.

    January / July
    6°C / 19°C
    Sunny days a year
    152
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    1h 15m / 10 min / 25 min
    Typical home price
    US$850,000
    Cost of living
    150 (100 = national average)
    Big cityHikingSkiingFood sceneRemote-work hub
  46. #46 · Oregon, USA

    Portland

    Food carts, bridges and Mount Hood an hour away.

    January / July
    5°C / 21°C
    Sunny days a year
    144
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    1h 15m / 1h 30m / 20 min
    Typical home price
    US$540,000
    Cost of living
    125 (100 = national average)
    Big cityFood sceneHikingSkiingLive music
  47. #47 · Washington, USA

    Bellingham

    Bay views, Mount Baker powder and no income tax.

    January / July
    4°C / 17°C
    Sunny days a year
    140
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    1h 15m / 10 min / 1h 30m
    Typical home price
    US$650,000
    Cost of living
    125 (100 = national average)
    Small townSkiingHikingBeachRemote-work hub
  48. #48 · Alaska, USA

    Anchorage

    Wilderness at the city edge and long summer days.

    January / July
    -8°C / 15°C
    Sunny days a year
    100
    Drive to ski hill / water / airport
    20 min / 10 min / 10 min
    Typical home price
    US$400,000
    Cost of living
    118 (100 = national average)
    Big citySkiingHikingLake lifeRemote-work hub
Moving across the border?
Visas, taxes, health care and buying a home
Step-by-step rules for Canada → USA and USA → Canada, with official sources.
Best places to live for hiking and the outdoors in Canada and the USA · Pinned