History buffs and adrenaline junkies alike will find plenty to do in Cranbrook.
A visit to Cranbrook starts with a journey back in time. Climb aboard the vintage railcars of the Trans Canada Limited at the Canadian Museum of Rail Travel on Van Horne Street South, and see just how luxurious train travel could be in the early part of the 20th century. Not far from the museum, explore the historic Baker Hill district with the self-guided Cranbrook Heritage Walking Tour, available from the Visitor Centre on Cranbrook Street North.
For another time travel experience, drive out to nearby Fort Steele and immerse yourself and your family in this living museum – a reconstructed 19th century boomtown, complete with costumed townspeople, horse-drawn wagon rides and a working blacksmith shop.
On the arts and culture front, check locally for concerts, plays and other events at the Key City Theatre and the smaller Studio/Stage Door. There are also occasional concerts at RecPlex and, throughout the summer, daily theatrical performances at Fort Steele's Wild Horse Theatre.
Golf at Shadow Mountain, Cranbrook, St. Eugene, Mission Hills, Way-Lyn Ranch or Will-O-Bend golf courses.
Get a taste of the rich history and culture of the Ktunaxa Nation at the Ktunaxa Interpretive Centre. Located on the lower level of the St. Eugene Resort, a former residential school for aboriginal children, the centre features displays of traditional crafts and illuminates the history of this resilient people.
Pick up a copy of the Cranbrook Recreational Trails Map from the Visitor Centre, grab your bike or hiking boots, and explore Cranbrook Community Forest, Elizabeth Lake and Isadore Canyon.
Visit the Kootenay Trout Hatchery, which raises up to three million baby trout annually. Kids can feed the bigger fish in the moat. The hatchery is in Wardner, 45km/28mi east of Cranbrook on the Fort Steele-Wardner Road.
Make a point of indulging your chocolate fantasies at Sweet Gestures on 12th Ave South, a shop dedicated almost entirely to chocolate.
Water Activities
Cruise the waters of nearby Lake Koocanusa with Sunshine Houseboats, or on the party boat with the curious name of "It's Five O'Clock Somewhere." Go fishing for trout with Cranbrook's Ultimate West Flyfishing.
Take your family to the Cranbrook RecPlex, which features a swimming pool, wave pool, waterslide, sauna and steam room. It's located on 2nd Street North.
Summer Activities
Saddle up for a horseback riding vacation at Three Bars Guest Ranch, in the Wycliffe area about 20 minutes north of Cranbrook, or at Parkside Acres, a B&B just south of town.
Stroll to Spirit Square in Rotary Park and enjoy live music on Thursday evenings through July and August.
Winter Activities
Alpine skiers will have to drive 30km/20mi to Kimberley Alpine Resort, but cross country skiing starts at the southern end of 38th Ave South, just beyond Cranbrook's city limits. South Star Trails is a community facility, with volunteer groomers taking care of a network of approximately 30km/16mi of classic trails, some of which are also set for skating technique.
Snowmobiling is a popular activity with locals, focused primarily on the Moyie and Lumberton areas south of the city.
Festivals
Come for Cranbrook's Sam Steele Days in late June, or the Idlewild Music Festival in late August. In September, catch the Fall Fair at Fort Steele.
Driving Routes
Experience Cranbrook's exciting outdoor activities – horseback riding, hiking, fishing, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing – and cultural offerings along three driving routes. Find out more driving routes through Cranbrook here: Driving Routes.
For more information on things to do in and around Cranbrook, contact the Visitor Centre.
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