As the largest community in the Kootenay Rockies region, Cranbrook (population: 18,476) is close to all the excitement. Nearby you'll find everything from the region's warmest swimming lake to outstanding heritage sites. Cranbrook itself has 40 heritage buildings and is home to the remarkable Canadian Museum of Rail Travel. Head northeast to tour Fort Steele Heritage Town, a restored 1890s pioneer boomtown. Unwind in the area's two famous mineral hot springs or hit the slopes at renowned Kimberley Alpine Resort. You'll also find invigorating hiking and biking trails nearby as well as river rafting, fishing (appropriate license(s) required), sailing, golfing and delightful guest ranches - all guaranteed to enrich your stay. The landscape of the Cranbrook area is made up of Mountains, valleys, forest, rivers and lakes, a combination renowned for its limitless outdoor possiblities. It is the centre of a four-season tourist region.Cranbrook Map
Cranbrook/Rossland development was tied to the exploration and exploitation of resources - a relationship which continues today. Five Indian Reserves within the region are reminders of the original inhabitants of the area. Kootenay River itself was named after the "coo-tinneh" - water people. David Thompson and his party from the North West Fur Company were the first Europeans to enter the area. They traded for furs with various Indian encampments throughout the East and West Kootenays. A North West Mounted Police fort was established along with a permanent settlement in 1887. The Fort was later renamed Fort Steele after its first commander, Sam Steele. Ktunaxa Interpretive Centre St. Eugene Mission Canadian Museum of Rail Travel 250-489-3918 Fort Steele Heritage Town Ghost Towns Moyie, Perry Creek, Lamberton, Fisherville
Cranbrook Trails Wasa Lions trail
Cranbrook's Heritage Walking Tour
Elizabeth Lake - marsh area - great for birdwatching
Isadore Canyon
Cranbrook Community Forest
South Star Recreational Trails
Bummer's Flats, Kootenay River near Wasa
Mark Creek Fitness Trail
Moe's Canyon & Kimberley Nordic Ski Trails
Kimberley Nature Park
Lakit Lookout
Fisher Peak
Premier Lake Area
Cranbrook Forest Service Hiking Trails
Alki Creek Trail
Baker Lake Trail
Cooper Lake Trail
Gold Run Lake Trail
Haystack Lake Trail
Hourglass Lake Trail
Lisbon Lake Trail
Mallandaine Pass Trail
Mayo Ailsa Lake Trail
Mineral Lake
Mount Evans Trail
Mount Stevens Trail (Wasa)
Richmond Lake Trail
