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History
Kimberley began as a mining camp at the end of the nineteenth century. It was named by William Ridpath, a Spokane
lawyer who hoped the camp would have the same luck as its namesake in South Africa. After the discovery of high grade ores
nearby, Kimberley blossomed into a small mining town. Throughout the next century, the underground Sullivan Mine was developed, producing
lead and zinc ore.
Kimberley was incorporated as a city in 1968, and officially became known as "the Bavarian City of the Rockies" in the early
1970s. In more recent times, Kimberley has started making a transition away from the Bavarian theme towards celebrating its
authentic mining history.
Location
Kimberley is located on Highway 95A, 32 kilometres north of Cranbrook, BC.
The Canadian Rockies International Airport (Cranbrook Airport) is a 20 minute drive
south of Kimberley. Multiple daily flights are offered to and from Calgary and
Vancouver through Air Canada and Pacific Coastal Airlines. Charter flights are also
available by Kootenay Airways Ltd. and Bighorn Helicopters.
Distances:
Calgary: 407 kilometres
Edmonton: 707 kilometres
Saskatoon: 999 kilometres
Seattle: 764 kilometres
Vancouver: 903 kilometres
Places to See
- Marysville Waterfalls
Marysville Falls, located off the main street in Marysville, is over 100 feet high within
the beautiful rocky ledges of Mark Creek.
Visiting the Falls is very easy and there is no charge. Once in Marysville there is the main
street bridge over Mark Creek. On one side is a community park featuring local
artisans work, and on the other side is the trailhead to walk to the Falls.
- Cominco Gardens
The Cominco Gardens are located adjacent to the Kimberley Health Care Centre in Kimberley's Townsite
area, and were originally built to showcase the Elephant Brand Fertilizer which the Cominco
Mine produced. The Gardens feature over 45,000 blooms each year and are free to visit.
- Sullivan Mining Railway
An excellent heritage experience for everyone. Hop on the train in town or at the Kimberley Alpine Resort
for this journey about the history of Kimberley and the Sullivan Mine- once the world's largest lead and zinc mine.
- The Platzl
Kimberley's Platzl is the hub of activities and shopping. It is a fully pedestrian-only zone filled with unique
shopping, dining, and festival experiences. A great place to lounge with a latte, have a candlelight dinner, or
pick up that one-of-a-kind gift for someone back home.
- Sullivan Mine Interpretive Centre
The Sullivan Mine Interpretive Centre gives visitors a glimpse of Kimberley's mining history. Visit alongside a
ride on the Sullivan Mining Railway for the full experience.
- Kimberley Alpine Resort
The Kimberley Alpine Resort offers a variety of recreational activities during the summer months. Ride their high-speed
quad from the resort village base to the top to enjoy a vast view of the Rocky Mountains. Take your mountain
bike or hiking shoes and enjoy the trails!
- St. Mary Lake
St Mary Lake is a beautiful and peaceful lake only 30 minutes from town, up the St Mary Lake Road. Boating and fishing
are permitted, but with strict regulations. There are no camping facilities.
- Centre 64 Art Gallery
Centre 64 is an inviting location for all art forms. The Centre houses a gallery with two exhibition spaces, a
studio for dance and music, a theatre area seating 124 people, a fibre artists guild room, and the office of the
Kimberley Arts Council.
- Old Bauernhaus
The Old Bauernhaus is a fine dining restaurant with a very unique history. The owners Tony and Ingrid dismantled
this beautiful old farm house in the European Alps in 1987 and carefully shipped it to Canada in 1989 to create a
restaurant with an unparalleled dining experience. The Bauernhaus is over 350 years old, featuring fresh specialties
and their renowned 'Bavarian Fest'.
Things to Do
- Hiking!
Kimberley offers a variety of hiking, from casual day or half-day hikes within the community's Nature Park, to day or multi-day backpacking
trips up the St Mary Valley and other pristine valleys in the area.
- Mountain Biking!
Kimberley is an excellent mountain biking location featuring a variety of trail systems for all abilities, all within town or
a short drive away. Visit the Kimberley Visitor Centre for trail maps.
- Golf!
Kimberley is a world-class golf destination with three award-winning professional courses within town- plus it's only a 30-60 minute drive to over
five other high end courses.
- Nordic/XC Skiing!
The Kimberley Nordic / XC Ski Trail System was first established in 1967. Located adjacent to the Kimberley Alpine Resort, the nordic trails consist
of a variety of double-track set trails of varying degree of difficulty and length, complete with centre skating lanes. There are also a variety of
single track set secondary trails and a 3.3 km double track set loop lit for night skiing every night until 10:00pm.
- Snowshoeing!
All community trail systems are open to snowshoeing and cross country skiing in the winter. Please be respectful on the trails by keeping off the Cross
Country ski tracks. Snowshoeing is not allowed on the Nordic Trail System.
- Ski Touring!
Excellent ski touring is accessible up the various drainages of the St Mary Valley. To access the majority of locations, a snowmobile is required. Ski touring
in the Valley is a bit complicated in that locations are not documented anywhere in a guide, but in local knowledge. The best advice is to find these locations
either through local coffee shops, local adventure operators and stores, or via friends and family. Ski tourers should be knowledgeable about avalanche terrain
and hazards, and must carry a transceiver, shovel, and probe.
Events
- Festival of the Arts
Experience the annual Festival of the Arts, featuring art exhibits, performing artists, food & wine, and lots of fun festivities.
- JulyFest!
Kimberley's JulyFest is one of the community's biggest summer events! It has: the Canadian Bocce Championships, a sexy dance party,
an uproariously fun parade, an exciting golf tournament, and a soccer tournament featuring players too good for the World Cup! Held
every July near the end of the month.
- Kimberley International Old Time Accordian Championships
As if the word "accordian" isn't enough to get everyone excited! You'll be treated to a rocking good time as the world's best players
battle for accordian supremacy! Watch with nervous anticipation as arms pump, fingers twiddle, and eyebrows furrow!
Notable Comments
- Residents in Kimberley are in a state of shock today after eccentric billionaire Ludwig Wilhelm announced his plans
to build a luxurious fairy-tale castle near the banks of the St. Mary River. The elaborate palace will be designed in a
dramatic Romanesque style with Byzantine and Gothic interiors. Numerous paintings on the walls will depict scenes of Happy
Hans (Kimberley's official mascot) yodeling. Wilhelm, who fell in love with Hans the instant they met, has dubbed his castle
'Neuhansstein' as a tribute to the chirpy yodeler.
- Houston McBride, in a report for the Kimberley Sun
- "I like Kimber-ley!"
- Delores Clayburn, an enthusastic four-year old from Kamloops
Contact Information
Kimberley Chamber of Commerce
270 Kimberley Avenue
Kimberley, BC V1A 3N3
Phone: 250-427-3666
Fax: 250-427-5378
E-mail: info@kimberleychamber.ca
Website: www.kimberleychamber.com
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