September 16, 2008 | Tips from Travellers >
Cranbrook, Hiking
With Summer winding down and the potential of an increased workload looming on the horizon, a R&R getaway was just what I needed. Having worked in the Tourism Industry, I had heard many great things about the city of Cranbrook and made the decision go up there for a few days. Cranbrook is a very short flight from Vancouver and is nestled in the rugged Kootenay Rockies Region of British Columbia.
I really had no idea of what to expect while in Cranbrook other than what I had heard about it and what I had researched on the web. I have to say that Cranbrook is a friendly town of approx. 18,000 with a healthy outdoor lifestyle consisting of golfing, hiking, boating, fishing, horseback riding and much more. I knew I had made the right decision as soon as I planted my feet on the airport tarmac.
My days at Cranbrook were filled with activities. From hiking on the numerous trails sprinkled around the community forest and by the bird sanctuary located at Queen Elizabeth, to swinging some iron clubs at the local golf courses in town, time just flew by. My evenings were spent enjoying the many dining experiences around town.
The accommodations were first class. I stayed at the re-modeled Best Western with a wonderful view of the beautifully carved mountains enveloped in a natural setting. Each morning I would sit out on the patio drinking locally brewed coffee by the Kicking Horse coffee company and watching spectacular sunrises occurring early every morning. Good times!
Suffice to say that whether you are looking for a relaxing or active getaway in British Columbia, consider Cranbrook.