
Cranbrook and Kimberley, nestled between the Purcell and Rocky mountains, are home to stellar hiking and biking trails. The local waterways that weave their way through the valleys are ideal for fishing, boating, swimming, and paddling. Visit during the summer months to enjoy warm weather (Cranbrook is one of the sunniest places in BC). Or come in late September to mid-October to enjoy the fall colours—the larch trees change to a golden hue in October.
This is the land of golf and there are seven courses between the two communities to choose from. Stay and golf at the St. Eugene Golf Resort & Casino. While you’re here, don’t miss the Ktunaxa Interpretive Centre, where you can learn about the history and living culture of the Ktunaxa people (July 2020: due to the health and safety of the community, the Speaking Earth packages are currently unavailable).
Next, drive the 30 minutes northwest to spend a day or two in Kimberley—you can also bike there along the paved Northstar Rails-to-Trails (which is wheelchair accessible). This alpine resort community is home to Kimberley Nature Park, the biggest municipal park in BC. Options range from short, easy loops to more strenuous trails with a significant elevation gain. In the summer months, stop in at Kimberley’s Underground Mining Railway for a little history. As of July 2020, the return-trip train ride from downtown to the ski resort is still available. In Kimberley, the St. Mary River is a favourite for whitewater rafting, and is considered to be one of North America’s top spots to fly-fish for rainbow, cutthroat, and bull trout.
Continue northeast and follow Highway 93/95 toward Fairmont Hot Springs.