 Platzl, Kootenay Rockies Tourism
The Platzl But when not on the slopes or trails or exploring local attractions, visitors will find plenty to explore near the Platzl, a pedestrian-only esplanade lined with picturesque shops, cafes, restaurants and cute, hand-painted fire hydrants. There's also a very big cuckoo clock! Canada's largest freestanding cuckoo clock greets visitors, and "Happy Hans" (the town mascot) emerges with a yodel if fed 25 cents. A handful of other shops, services, cafés and casual restaurants can be found about a five-minute drive south of town centre, in the small enclave of Marysville.
Visitors will also find a number of accommodations, including hotels, rental condos, B&Bs, close to the centre of town or near Kimberley's mountain.
Things to Do in Kimberley At an impressive elevation of 1,110m/3,642 ft, Kimberley's altitude, often sunny skies and impressive amount of snowfall means it's a favoured ski/snowboard destination in the Kootenay Rockies. The Kimberley Alpine Resort and the Kimberley Nordic Centre are located just minutes from "downtown" (note that this busy "downtown" has only one traffic light!).
Close to Kimberley are myriad lakes, rivers (including the St. Mary River) and streams that offer excellent fishing, rafting and boating opportunities. Natural mineral hot springs can be found close by (great for a soak after a long day!), and there are numerous city and provincial parks, including Cominco Gardens, not far from the action in town.
Kimberley is also renowned as a golf destination. Its three championship courses – Bootleg Gap, Trickle Creek and Kimberley Golf Course are visitor favourites and are ranked among the top places to visit here. Expect challenging courses, and breathtaking and unrestricted vistas of the valley.
Learn more about things to do in Kimberley.
Festivals and EventsIts "City of Festivals" moniker is also apt. Kimberley hosts some pretty unique events, including community faires, the International Old Time Accordion Championships and the offbeat community Dirt Bag Film and Photo Festival, held in October. Summer here means celebrations – Vaudeville shows, theatre, concerts, art exhibits and more.
Kimberley History and the Locals  Kimberley has transitioned from a successful mining town to a four-season recreation and tourism destination. The fascinating culture and history is evident in the city and there are many well-preserved historical attractions. Close by is Fort Steele Heritage Town, a restored 1890s boomtown that provides great insight into this pioneer era.
The residents of Kimberley are welcoming and down-to-earth and tremendous outdoor enthusiasts. The best way to blend in is to share a coffee or a beer with the locals and ask them for tips. It's also not unusual for locals to close their shops early in order to hit the slopes on a good snow day, or the bike trails during summer – so be sure to join them. For the more adventurous, activities are available year-round (with the summer and winter seasons being busiest). For those looking for a quieter destination, spring and fall are also beautiful.
For more detailed information on the city and all that it offers, contact the Kimberley Visitor Centre.
Learn more about the Kootenay Rockies.
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