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History
The City of Cranbrook came to be in 1898 with the arrival of the Crowsnest Railway.
Cranbrook has evolved into the supply centre of the East Kootenay region of British
Columbia. The city population currently exceeds 18,500 people, with a total surrounding
population approaching 80,000.
Cranbrook was incorporated in 1905 and celebrated its first cenntenial in 2005.
Location
The East Kootenay region is located in the southeast corner of British Columbia. The
region is bordered by Alberta and Kootenay National Park on the east, Montana on the
south, the Purcell Mountains on the west and a point between Spillimacheen and Harrogate
on the north. The region is 27,567.6 square kilometres in size, which is 3.2% of BC's
land base.
Places to See
- Fort Steele Heritage Town
Fort Steele Heritage Town offers over 60 restored and reconstructed buildings that
represent the town as it was in its heyday. Visitors can ride on a horse-drawn wagon,
shop at a real old-fashioned general store, or take in a performance at the Wild Horse
Theatre, where musical comedies are offered daily (except Mondays) throughout the
summer. You can also watch a blacksmith and tinsmith in action. The International Hotel
Restaurant offers turn-of-the-century fare served up by ne'er-do-wells from the past.
- Canadian Museum of Rail Travel
Cranbrook is proud to be the home of the Canadian Museum of Rail Travel. The Museum is
home to the only remaining set of passenger rail cars from Canadian Pacific's 1929
Trans-Canada Limited as well as other elaborately restored passenger cars. Open year round,
stop in for a guided tour and enjoy the railway gift shop and the Canadian Museum of
Rail Travel Cafe.
- Kootenay Trout Hatchery
It is open 7 days a week and offers guided tours in the summer months. You will learn
about the life cycle of a trout while viewing small fry and fingerlings. You can be
guided through the trout rearing process by an interpreter or by the informational
displays in the hatchery. The Kootenay Trout Hatchery has stocked over 400 lakes in
the Kootenays.
- Aasland Museum Taxidermy
Examples of local wildlife are on display in this working museum. Visitors are welcome to
see the displays or watch the taxidermists at work. It is located 2 kilometres out of
Cranbrook on the highway toward Kimberley.
- Cranbrook Community Forest
Offers a variety of landscapes, including forests, grasslands, kettle and alkali lakes,
streams, and swamps. The area provides a diversity of opportunities for outdoor education
and leisure activities.
- Downtown Cranbrook
The main street, Baker Street, of downtown has many businesses, stores, banks, and historic
structures. There is a self-guided heritage walking tour that allows you to
learn more about the history of this town.
- Fisherville
This was the original site for Fort Steele. The town was completely dismantled when gold was
found under its streets, and was then moved to its present-day location. Many miners made
their fortunes by finding gold in the Wild Horse Creek. Grab a map of the area and explore
the old ruins.
- St. Eugene Mission
St. Eugene Mission is the oldest and largest historical structure in southeastern British
Columbia. The Ktunaxa/Kinbasket Tribal Council is developing this site into a world class
resort complex, so be prepared for construction. Pay particular attention to the 1897
Gothic-style church which features hand-painted stained glass.
- Wildlife Education Centre
Maintained by the East Kootenay Hunters Association, the Wildlife Education Centre
displays wildlife species from all over BC. Located in the Chamber of Commerce building.
Things to Do
- Golf!
Cranbrook makes a wonderful central point for your golf vacation. There are many golf
courses within driving distance from Cranbrook to make your golfing excursion memorable.
- Camping!
The camping opportunities in and around Cranbrook are endless. If you prefer more creature
comforts, try the Mount Baker RV Park or the Ponderosa Motel and Campground, both located
within Cranbrook's city limits. Or stay next door to Fort Steele Heritage Town at either
the Original Fort Steele Campground or the Fort Steele Resort and RV Park.
Cranbrook is within an hour's drive of 7 provincial parks with campgrounds. Jim Smith Lake,
Moyie Lake, Wasa Lake, Norbury Lake, Premier Lake, Whiteswan Lake, and Kikomun Creek Provincial
Parks all offer unserviced sites within the spectacular Rocky Mountain Trench. For reservations
at Moyie Lake, Wasa Lake, or Kikomun Creek, call the BC Parks Reservation Service at
1-800-689-9025.
The Cranbrook Forest District offers many primitive back country campsites that are located
off of the main routes. Access to these campsites may be difficult and require a 4 wheel drive
vehicle. Please check at the Cranbrook Ministry of Forests office or the Cranbrook & District
Chamber.
- Biking!
South Star Recreation trails offer cycling opportunities during the summer months. During the
winter, these trails are used for cross-country skiing. Located at the south edge of Cranbrook,
South Star allows you the opportunity to "create" your own trail.
Kootenay Freewheelers have established a trail system near the Community Forest. These trails
are rated moderate to difficult and vary in length. Please stop at the Cranbrook Chamber of
Commerce for a map.
Isadore Canyon is an old railway bed that is great for biking and begins on the north edge of
Cranbrook. Again, please stop at the Cranbrook and District Chamber of Commerce for directions.
The Lazy Lake Mountain Bike Loop is a 33 kilometre loop beginning at Wasa Lake Provincial Park.
For further information and a map, contact BC Parks District office at 1-250-422-4200.
Cranbrook also has a new cycle/walk trail that provides residents and visitors with access to
a trail system that can accommodate a variety of non-motorized forms of transportation,
including walking, bicycling, rollerblading, and jogging.
- Fishing!
There are many excellent fishing opportunities available in the Cranbrook area. Premier Lake,
known for its rainbow and brook trout, is an easy drive north of Cranbrook.
Closer to home, Moyie Lake is home to rainbow trout, Dolly Varden, and kokanee. A boat is
necessary for optimum fishing. Rainbow and cutthroat trout can be found in Idlewild Lake,
located on the south edge of Cranbrook. If you are under 15 or over 65, this is the perfect
spot for you. Many other lakes, streams, and rivers offer some of the best freshwater fishing
in Canada. Ask the friendly locals for their opinions on the best places to fish.
Idlewild Park is located right in Cranbrook and offers lake fishing for those under 15 or those
over 65.
- Winter Sports!
Cranbrook's proximity to excellent winter recreation opportunities makes it the perfect place
for a snowy holiday. Skiing and snowmobiling are particularly popular sports.
South Star Recreation trails are the perfect place to take the family cross country skiing.
Cross-country skiing opportunities are also available at the Kimberley Alpine Resort and at
Fernie Alpine Resort.
There are four world-class downhill ski areas within an hour's drive from Cranbrook. Try your
skill at Kimberley Alpine Resort, Fernie Alpine Resort, Panorama, and Fairmont Hot Springs Resort.
Snowmobiling is also a popular winter recreation sport. The Lumberton area, south of Cranbrook,
and the Perry Creek trail system, northwest of Cranbrook, offer some fine snow and trails.
Events
- Sam Steele Days
Cranbrook's annual festival is held over the third weekend in June. It features pancake
breakfasts, softball and soccer tournaments, barbeques, and live entertainment!
- Rockin' in the Rockies
Rockin' in the Rockies brings together the best of 50s and 60s cars, music and fun. The
three day event held in mid-June includes a car show, a fifties style rock and roll dance,
pancake breakfasts, and a massive swap meet, complete with booths held in the curling arena.
The cars cruise the downtown streets in the evening and then cruise to Kimberley.
Notable Comments
- I like Cran-brook!"
- Delores Clayburn, an enthusiastic eight-year old from Kamloops
Contact Information
Cranbrook Chamber of Commerce
Box 84
Cranbrook, BC V1C 4H6
Telephone: 250-426-5914
Toll-Free: 1-800-222-6174
Website: http://www.cranbrookchamber.com
City of Cranbrook
40-10th Avenue South
Cranbrook, BC V1C 2M8
Phone: 250-426-4211
Toll-Free: 1-800-728-CRAN (1-800-728-2726)
Fax: 250-426-4026
Website: http://city.cranbrook.bc.ca
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