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“A good place to be” – that’s what the official website of Kimberley, BC says and we couldn’t agree more! Kimberley is a quaint little town set in the gorgeous Kootenay Rockies, a southeastern region of British Columbia, Canada.
Between outdoor activities, great food, and fascinating culture and history, you will love your visit here. For me, Kimberley is a regular stop on any road trip around the Kootenay Valley and I actually own property just north of Kimberley in Invermere!
As you can imagine I’ve explored the area more than most and have a great list of fun activities to do in Kimberley to keep every visitor busy. And in this blog, I’ll share them all with you!
Don’t have time to read the full article? While a quaint mountain town, there’s actually so much to do in Kimberley, including:
- Stay at a ski-in ski-out hotel and spend your time on the slopes!
- Take a day trip to Fernie or Cranbrook.
- Rent bicycles and ride the North Star Rails to Trails.
- Take a scenic train ride at the Underground Mining Railway.
- Hike in the goregous Kimberley Nature Park!
Things to do in Kimberley, BC
1. Hit the slopes
Canada is known for its ski and snowboard culture, and the Kootenays region offers some of the best places to ski! Kimberley Alpine Resort is right in town, so it is very accessible and has a ton of ski-in/ski-out accommodation options.
Kimberley Alpine Resort is located in the Purcell Mountain range of the Rocky Mountains, and it is known for its sunny weather. The resort has stunning scenery all around – 1,800 acres and 80 runs worth of gorgeous views! There are options for new and advanced skiers alike. A day here will run you about $70 CAD.
If you want to try something else, there are other options in the region, including Fernie Alpine Resort and Fairmont Hot Springs Resort, each about an hour away.
Fernie tends to attract skiers from all around the world (and there are lots of fun things to do in Fernie in the winter), whereas Fairmont has the added bonus of the relaxing hot springs! If you do head to Fairmont, be sure to check out all the best things to do in Fairmont as well as Invermere that’s just down the road.
Whatever you choose, don’t pass up an opportunity to hit the slopes here!
Related Read: Traveling for the holiday season? Check out our blog about visiting Fernie in December – it is one of the best mountain towns in BC to visit over the holidays.
2. Step back in time at Fort Steele Heritage Town
You only need to drive 30 minutes from Kimberley to totally step back in time to another century, so hop in your rental car and take a mini road trip to Fort Steele Heritage Town. This is a protected heritage site where you can experience what it was like to live during the 1800s gold rush.
While you may not strike gold today, it used to be a booming gold town. In the present day, you can find out what it was like to live here through their long entertainment list.
Witness live theatre and street shows, watch blacksmithing demonstrations, take pictures in the photography studio, and go on a wagon or train ride. There are also lots of animals to visit including their 15 Clydesdales, donkeys, chickens, ducks, turkeys, and black pigs. They often host events and regularly update their list of activities on their Facebook page, so be sure to check before you visit.
This is a nonprofit organization, so all the proceeds go back to preserving the heritage town. During the summer, admission is just $10-25 CAD/adult and in the winter, admission is by donation. This is an affordable option to learn more about the culture and history of the region, and it’s a super unique thing to do – when else will you get this experience?!
3. Ride the North Star Rails to Trails
This 26-kilometer (16.2 miles) stretch of paved trail stretches from Kimberley to Cranbrook and offers year-round options to get outside. The North Star Rails to Trails used to be a train corridor but was converted into a paved trail for use by the public.
We recommend cycling the trail, as the paved way makes it easy to explore the area. There are a few options to rent bikes in town, including Blackdog Cycle & Ski and Bootleg Bike Co. The trail starts right in Kimberley (near the Aquatic Centre) so it’s easy to grab your bike and get going.
Other options are walking, running, and rollerblading. You can even cross-country ski on this trail in the winter!
4. Visit Marysville Falls and Eco Park
If you’re looking for an excellent ratio of walk to view (i.e. less walking, more views!), this activity in Kimberley is for you. Just a 10-minute walk along a boardwalk brings you to the most stunning waterfall, Marysville Falls. Seriously, it’s beautiful. If you’re lucky, and there at the right time of the year, you can see salmon in the river!
Marysville is a southern neighborhood of Kimberley, and there is a parking lot right at this trailhead. This is a quick, easy, and accessible hike for everyone, so be sure to check it out!
5. Wander the Cominco Gardens
Not going to lie, this is the perfect place to get your next Instagram shot. It’s just so pretty! These Cominco Gardens are located just minutes from downtown Kimberley and are a popular place to take an afternoon walk or bring a picnic lunch.
The Cominco Gardens sit on 5 hectares (12.3 acres) and have over 45,000 different types of flowers that bloom each year. The gardens were established in 1927 as a showcase for a local brand of fertilizer. They were gifted to the community of Kimberley in 1987 for the public to enjoy. The gardens are free to enter and explore – we know you’ll love them!
6. Go golfing
Whether you want to golf, or mini-golf, Kimberley’s got options – a lot of options. There are seven golf courses just 24 minutes away from each other in the Kimberley and Cranbrook area.
One option right in Kimberley is Trickle Creek Golf Course, an absolutely stunning 18-hole course that’s carved out of the forest, on the slopes of North Star Mountain. Another option is the historic Purcell Golf Course – in operation since 1924! This course offers a true challenge for golfers, and you’ll love the mountain golf experience, with its setting between large Ponderosa pine trees along the greens.
For those looking for something a bit more casual, check out Kimberley Riverside Campground’s 18-hole Putting Course. It’s huge – 2,137 square meters (23,000 square feet) – and is just like playing on a real course, but miniature. There are ponds, streams, terraced rocks, sand traps, and more. It’s a great place to practice your swing and have some fun! It’s open from May to September, weather-dependent, and will run you just under $10 CAD to enjoy.
7. Visit Kimberley Heritage Museum
You might get the sense that there is a lot of outdoor adventure waiting for you in Kimberley – there is! But there are some awesome low-key indoor options as well, especially if you’re there on a rainy day. The Kimberley Heritage Museum is packed full of interesting information and the history of the region. It costs just $3 CAD to get in, so why not go and learn a thing or two?
The museum shares a building with the Kimberley Library and holds over 11,000 artifacts and another 12,000 photographs. They also change out exhibits throughout the year to reflect special events.
The museum is open year-round, during the summer it is open from Tuesday through Saturday from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm, and in the fall, winter, and spring it is open from Monday through Friday from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm. Keep in mind that admission is cash only.
8. Hike in the Kimberley Nature Park
This park holds a pretty impressive title – the largest municipal park in British Columbia! At over 840 hectares (2,076 acres), plus the adjacent 80-hectare (200 acres) Horse Barn Valley Interpretive Forest, it makes sense. There are a full 50 kilometers (31 miles) of trails for you to explore.
Old-growth cedars? Yep. Rugged mountain slopes? Got it. Gorgeous viewpoints? Uh-huh. There is just so much to see here. The park is dedicated to ecological education, with events and information boards or posters throughout the park to educate users about the wildlife in the area.
The Kimberley Nature Park can be enjoyed through any season, with different options for hiking, running, snowshoeing, and skiing.
Sunflower Hill Loop is one of the easiest yet scenic trails that is a 10.5-kilometer (6.5-mile) loop. It offers a fantastic view of the Rockies and St. Mary’s Valley below. Dogs are allowed on the trail, and you know they love getting outside too!
If you want a trail with more of an incline the Natural History Loop has a steady increase in elevation but it still is very doable. It’s 5.5 kilometers long (3.4 miles) and leads out to a nice viewpoint of the valley.
There is detailed trail information available here, so make sure to plan out your route and stick to the marked trails to enjoy this area. If you prefer something on your phone, download the Trailforks app to keep you on track when hiking through the park.
9. Explore Kimberley’s Underground Mining Railway
This is a super unique tourist attraction and gives an authentic look into the mining history of Kimberley. Kimberley’s Underground Mining Railway has been around for 28+ years and offers a fun opportunity to ride the rails through the valley.
There are a few options to visit, with the most exciting one being a train tour, called “Ride the Rails Into Mining History!” It’s a fun way to learn about the industry from a miner, while actually riding a train. This tour costs $40 CAD per person and only operates during the summer.
If you prefer just to go on the scenic train ride instead it only costs $20 CAD. This attraction is one of the best things to do in Kimberley, so don’t miss out!
10. Eat a delicious meal
Although small, Kimberley does have a nice collection of restaurant options to choose from!
If you want to “get mucked up” (their slogan, not ours), Pedal and Tap is the place to go! They were even featured on the Food Network’s You Gotta Eat Here! show. Along with their twice-daily happy hour, they pride themselves on seasonally-inspired local food. Pedal and Tap are famous for their mucky fries and spaghetti balls – make sure to try them out!
Another amazing option to pick up some food is the Stonefire Pizzeria. It has a warm and cozy atmosphere, and it’s always fun to see pizzas tossed up in the air and cooked in a wood fire oven. We would highly recommend it after a day of skiing or outdoor activities! Both Pedal and Tap Stonefire Pizza are located in the walking district of Platzl.
11. Enjoy the German heritage
You probably aren’t expecting to go to Kimberley, BC, and end up in… Germany? Yep, Kimberley now has the nickname of “Little Bavaria.” This German influence was brought into the town intentionally back in the 1960s when the city was trying to boost tourism and avoid becoming a ghost town after the railway and sawmill closed.
The community leaders used Leavenworth, Washington as a model, knowing that a charming European-style town would be attractive to tourists.
The most obvious German influence in Kimberley today is the Platzl, a quaint pedestrian-only area, and its yodeling “Happy Hans” cuckoo clock. One of the most authentic German things to do here is go to Over Time Beer Works for a pint! You also can’t miss out on the Centre 64 art gallery, which is known as the cultural hub of Kimberley.
Related Read: After your time in Kimberley, head north to visit the iconic Banff National Park or Jasper National Park!
12. Wander around town
Kimberley is quaint – there’s no other way to say it! It’s got all the charm of a European alpine town, with tons of cute shops to stop in and out of. Whether you are just window shopping or looking for souvenirs, spend an afternoon wandering around town.
The Platzl is the downtown pedestrian-only shopping district, filled with cute shops, cafes, and places to eat. One of our favorite boutique shops is The Grater Good, a kitchen supply company that sells everything from cake-decorating materials to high-quality cast iron pans, to old-fashioned glassware.
Another must-see is the Old Crow Emporium shop, an adorable little store to wander around and hunt for treasures. The staff is friendly, prices are fair, and there are never-ending memorabilia and nostalgia to look through!
13. Visit the nearby town of Cranbrook
Cranbrook, BC is a town just about a 30-minute drive away from Kimberley and offers tons of fun things to do for a day trip.
Some of our favorite things to do in Cranbrook are the Community Forest, which has tons of walking and hiking options, or the Cranbrook History Centre if you’re looking for an indoor option.
This history centre is a gem because you will really come to understand the history of how Cranbook exists to this day with a large part of its past involving the railway. There are lots of different exhibits here to check out but I’d say the most notable are the ballroom and the train cars. If you join a guided tour you can actually go through them!
There are a few different tours to choose from ranging in length from 20 minutes to around 45 minutes. The 20-minute Soo-Spokane Tour only costs $12.50 CAD whereas the 45-minute Trans-Canada and Comparative Tours cost $20.25 CAD.
There are tons of places to eat and drink, with The Heid Out serving various cuisines from Indian to Canadian to German cuisine, and Fire Hall Kitchen and Tap a gastropub that bakes their own bread and buns, grinds their own beef brisket, and prepares their own chicken wings, fries, and sauces in-house. These both make our list of must-tries for a reason!
Cranbrook is also home to Jimsmith Lake Provincial Park and Elizabeth Lake Bird Sanctuary if you are looking for somewhere to picnic and spend the day in nature.
14. Explore Fernie
We already mentioned the world-class skiing and snowboarding available, but there are plenty of other great activities to check out in Fernie! This small town in the mountains is just under 1.5 hour’s drive away from Kimberley, giving you a bit of time to enjoy the scenery while you get there.
There are many outdoor options, including Fairy Creek Falls or James White Park for a low-key walk or day outside. More challenging hikes include Mount Proctor and Mount Fernie Ridge – these are definitely a challenge, but worth it for the awesome mountain views (and the beers after!).
Once back in Fernie, make sure to spend some time wandering the quaint downtown area before stopping in for a beer at Fernie Brewing Co. Fernie has great restaurants too, like the Curry Bowl (named after the infamous powder bowl at the Fernie Alpine Resort) or Nevados, a super cool spot that offers authentic Latin American food!
Fernie is one of my favorite places to visit in British Columbia, so be sure to add it to your itinerary.
15. Road trip through the Columbia Valley
Pack your snacks and pick your playlist – it’s road trip time! There are just way too many awesome towns and attractions in this area to stay in one place. Carve out a few days to road trip around the area.
We’ve already mentioned Cranbrook and Fernie, which takes you east of Kimberley. Another option is to head up north, towards Fairmont Hot Springs, Invermere, and Radium Hot Springs. There is so much to see in and between these towns.
Obviously, both Fairmont and Radium have some of the most amazing hot springs in BC – you have to check them out and relax in these naturally warm pools. Radium also has lots of other great activities on offer. There are also lakes, beaches, and parks to check out all over this area. We recommend Windermere Lake or Columbia Lake in Invermere, and Kootenay National Park, which starts in Radium.
But my favorite thing is the river floats in Invermere. River floats are a classic British Columbia activity during the summer, and the Columbia River float is one of the most beautiful places to do it! There is no shuttle service, so you’ll have to coordinate dropping off a vehicle at the end. To see all of the details about this float, including start points, check out our Invermere blog!
Take your camera with you on this road trip – we guarantee you’ll be in and out of the car a million times to get a great pic.
Related Read: Visiting Kimberley from Calgary? Check out our blog about the best road trip stops on the drive from Calgary to Kimberley.
16. Rockclimbing at Spirit Rock Climbing Center
If you’re looking for an active and adventurous indoor activity or want to improve your rock climbing skills, this is it! From bouldering to auto-belays and roped-climbing, you’ll be able to do a little bit of everything at Spirit Rock Climbing Center. Even if you are a beginner you can learn through one of their courses.
There is no experience required, all you have to do is sign a waiver. All new climbers will get a tour to get acquainted with the facility along with a quick demo on how to use the auto-belay system. Note: A parent must accompany children under the age of 14 at all times.
If you are an advanced climber there are also top-rope and lead climbing options. If you want to use the ropes and are a first-time visitor you’ll just need to pass a belay test first to verify that you are competent.
Day passes are $21 5 CAD for adults and if you don’t have any gear, you can rent shoes for $5 CAD or a full set of gear for $10 CAD.
17. Visit a festival
There is always something fun and lively happening in Kimberley so while you are visiting you should definitely have a look at their ongoing events! This is one of my favorite ways to feel like a local in a new-to-me town!
Markets and live music are two of the most popular that you could expect to find but there are also bigger annual festivals that take place here too. You can see the current list of upcoming Kimberley festivals and events here on their website.
Dirtbag Festival is one of the most popular that highlights the lifestyle of the Kootanay people (indigenous hunters and gatherers) through photography, art, and music. It is a two-day festival that takes place in the spring, and they also have smaller events that pop up throughout the year.
Where to stay in Kimberley, BC
Despite being such a small town Kimberley offers some really good places to stay.
North Star Motel – Budget $
For budget travelers, I recommend the North Star Motel. It’s one of the cheapest options in town but it’s still a comfortable hotel with good facilities and beautiful grounds to walk around on. The hotel is a little out of town and even further from the ski resort but for the price, it’s a good option for those with a vehicle. A queen room with two beds begins at $120 CAD.
Check prices and book this stay on Booking.com.
The Larix Hotel – Mid-range $$
This cozy little stay is inside of a home right in town making it easy to walk around to the shops and restaurants. The rooms at The Larix Hotel look upscale and have pops of color in the decor which feels inviting. However, the price is very reasonable at around $155 CAD a night for a queen room.
There are several shared lounge spaces throughout the home that you can relax in and there is an included breakfast and an outdoor firepit for roasting marshmallows! Reserve this room on Booking.com.
Trickle Creek Lodge – Luxury $$$
For those with a higher budget, the Trickle Creek Lodge is a perfect choice. This place sits only a few steps from the ski resort chairlifts and also has a pool, two hot tubs, and a fitness center onsite. If you like to golf, Trickle Creek Golf Course is under 2 miles from the lodge, so no matter the season there’s a reason to stay here!
The rooms here will work well to accommodate couples as well as families of up to 6 people in the 2-bedroom suites. All rooms include a full-sized kitchen and for a king room. On average, a room costs around $200 CAD, but if you visit in the shoulder seasons, you can often snag a very cheap deal!
You can check its availability and book in advance on Booking.com.
Renting a Car in British Columbia
If you’re arriving in British Columbia via plane, then I can’t recommend getting a rental car enough. British Columbia is a large province, and traveling between the best places to visit in BC requires transport. Although you can use public transport on some occasions, this means your trip will not only require more time but more planning.
Car rental in Canada isn’t relatively cheap, but it’s not that expensive either, especially if you get a budget car. The cheapest car with a pick-up and drop-off in different locations is around $100 CAD per day. The price does vary though, depending on the time of year. For car rentals, I use the website Discover Cars. It’s a search engine with lots of deals with good customer service. In fact, I’ve used Discover Cars all over the world, including in Chile, New Zealand, and Australia. Read my honest review of Discover Cars here for more details!
Another popular option is to rent a campervan or motorhome (only for the brave in winter). Using Motorhome Republic, you can search hundreds of deals across multiple companies to pick a great vehicle and the cheapest price. Having a motorhome is a stunning way to see Canada and you can often camp for free or very cheap in the most beautiful places imaginable! Read my tips on using Motorhome Republic here before you book!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, we currently use and recommend SafetyWing. We’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had our backs when we needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.
SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference we’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. We’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum, and you can get a refund for unused time.
SafetyWing has helped us out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given us peace of mind. You can read our honest review of SafetyWing for all the pros and cons.
Thanks for reading!
Kimberley, BC definitely lives up to its reputation as “a good place to be.” We love that you can explore the great outdoors, learn some local history, and get a bit of European alpine-town charm all in one place. It’s jam-packed with awesome things to do. We hope you love it as much as we do!
Thanks so much for reading! I hope this blog has helped plan and inspire your upcoming trip to Kimberley, BC. As you can see there are tons to do so get out there and explore, so be sure to check out our other Canada blogs too!
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