8 Things to Do in Cranbrook & Kimberley Totally Worth It

Wondering what to do in Cranbrook and Kimberley BC with the family? We’ve driven through this area many times over the years. We’ve visited in the winter, in the summer, and now finally in the spring. Each season is completely different and brings something unique to the region.

So here are some of the best things to do in Cranbrook and Kimberley BC with the entire family. You’ll find a mix of outdoor activities, local experiences, and a few unexpected spots that are easy to add to your route.

📍 Note on our visit We visited Kimberley and Cranbrook this March, which meant fewer crowds, strong waterfall flows, and a mix of winter and early-season conditions. Some attractions had limited hours, but overall it was a great time to explore at a slower pace.

Best Things to Do in Cranbrook BC This Spring

1. Bowling at Encore Brewing Co.

Encore Brewing Co. is one of the most fun and unexpected things to do in Cranbrook, especially with kids. It’s a renovated bowling alley combined with a microbrewery and restaurant, all in one place.

The bowling side has about eight lanes of 5-pin bowling, and you can reserve a lane online for one hour. We arrived in the late afternoon, as a walk-in, just before dinner, and only had to wait about 10 minutes to get a lane.

It’s family-friendly until 9 PM, which makes it a great early evening activity.

On the other side of the bowling area, you’ll find the brewery and restaurant. They brew their own beer on site. I tried a sour beer (the Jam Jam Apple Raspberry Sour)  that was really good, and we shared nachos, which were also excellent (though a bit too spicy… we probably used an entire bowl of sour cream!).

There are also extra activities like basketball games for kids and pool tables for older kids and adults.

2. Visiting the Cranbrook History Centre

💡 Pro-Tip: If you’re visiting with kids, ask for the scavenger hunt when you arrive. It’s a great way to explore the exhibits and keep them engaged the whole time.

The Cranbrook History Centre is one of the most unique attractions in the area, especially if you’re interested in trains and Canadian history.

It is home to one of the largest collections of historic rail cars in North America, highlighting the important role of the Canadian Pacific Railway in shaping Western Canada.

The museum is open every day except Sunday, so make sure to plan your visit accordingly. Plus, if you have time, I strongly recommend joining a guided tour. It’s the only way to step inside the historic train cars.

There are a few different tour options. We chose the Trans-Canada Limited tour, which takes you inside a luxury train that once travelled between Montreal and Vancouver starting in 1929.

It was fascinating to see how people travelled across Canada at that time. I actually did a similar trip as a teenager, from Quebec City to Vancouver with my dad and sister with VIA Rail, so it was really interesting to compare.

One thing that stood out is how different the trains looked before and after the war. The 1930s design was so much more elegant, while later versions were more practical (but looked like hospital rooms). 

The museum has done an incredible job restoring these cars.

3. Exploring Downtown Cranbrook

You’ll find several historic buildings throughout downtown Cranbrook, and it’s interesting to walk around and see how the town has evolved over time. Many of the buildings date back to the early 1900s, when Cranbrook became the main regional centre after being selected by the Canadian Pacific Railway over nearby Fort Steele.

At the Cranbrook History Centre, you can view a map that highlights key historic sites around town. It’s a good idea to visit the museum first, then head downtown to recognize some of these buildings in real life.

You can also follow a self-guided walking tour like the Baker Hill Heritage Walk, which takes you past some of the town’s most important historic sites:

As you walk around, take your time to look for the murals scattered throughout the downtown. They add a lot of character and give you a better sense of the town’s history and identity.

There are also a few great local spots to stop along the way. For lunch, Munch Café & Deli is a cozy option. I had the stuffed baked potato soup, and it was delicious. For dinner, The Heid Out Restaurant & Brewhouse is a great choice. I ordered the spicy Korean bowl, and it was perfect for my taste. I don’t usually like spicy food, but the server suggested keeping the sauce on the side, and it worked really well.

4. Stepping Back in Time at Fort Steele Heritage Town

Fort Steele Heritage Town is one of the top things to do near Cranbrook, especially if you’re traveling with kids.

This historic site recreates a town from the 1890s, during the gold rush era in the East Kootenay region. It was once a thriving centre before the railway shifted toward Cranbrook, which led to its decline.

Today, you can walk through a recreated 1890s town, surrounded by mountains in every direction. The views are incredible. No matter where you stand, you’ll see mountains all around, which makes the setting even more impressive.

Plan to spend at least half a day here. You could easily stay longer.

If your kids are anything like mine, ask for the scavenger hunt when you arrive. It’s a great way to explore the site and keeps them engaged as you move from building to building.

We visited in March, so not all buildings were open and there were fewer live demonstrations than in summer. But we were still able to go inside a few places, including:

• The bakery
• The candy store (always a favourite with kids. It’s also where you can get your scavenger hunt prize)
• The tinsmith shop, where we learned how metal items were made

The staff were great. One of them took the time to answer ALLLLL of my son’s questions, which made the experience even better. We also saw farm animals, including a baby goat being bottle-fed, which was pretty cook to see.

Pro-Tip: Fort Steele is also conveniently located on the road toward Panorama and Radium Hot Springs, which makes it an easy stop on your way to or from Calgary.

Best Things to Do in Kimberley BC

5. Hiking in Kimberley Nature Park

Kimberley Nature Park is one of the best places to go hiking in Kimberley. It’s in fact the largest municipal park in British Columbia and has more than 50 kilometres of trails.The easiest access is the one on Swan Avenue.

There is a parking area right at the trailhead, which makes access very easy. Just be aware that the road leading in is now a one way.

The park has several loop options, so you can choose a short walk or a longer hike depending on your time. One section of the trail network is also part of the Trans Canada Trail (the Lower Army Road trail). The Swan Avenue – Ridges – Kettles Loop #1 is a great option for families. It’s a 5.6 km long loop hiking trail with 125 m elevation gain. When we visited, we simply walked around. I think we started on the Levirs in a Dangerous Time trail and looped around somewhere else. It was a beautiful trail. 

In the summer, this area is also popular for mountain biking.

6. Chasing waterfalls near Cranbrook at Marysville Falls

Marysville Falls is one of the easiest and most rewarding stops near Kimberley, and it’s directly on the way to Cranbrook. And especially in spring when the water flow is strong.

There is a parking lot directly across the street from the falls, and it’s very well signed, so it’s easy to find.

From the parking area, it’s only about a 10-minute walk round trip to reach the viewpoint.

We actually visited a few years ago when the kids were much younger. At the time, it felt like it took forever to get there. It was like the “activity of the day”. Going back this time, we realized how quick and accessible it really is.

7. Climbing at Spirit Rock Climbing Centre

Spirit Rock Climbing Centre is a great indoor activity in Kimberley, especially in spring when the weather can be unpredictable.

It’s very family-friendly. When we visited on a Saturday morning, there were lots of young kids climbing, which made it really welcoming and relaxed.

You’ll find a mix of climbing options:

• Bouldering areas (like what we just did in Golden BC two weekend prior to this one)
• Auto-belay walls
• Traditional climbing (if you have certification)
  

We chose to use the auto-belay, which was perfect with my son (it made sure I could also enjoy some climbing). There are two levels and five auto-belay stations, so there’s enough variety to keep things fun.

We originally planned for a short stop, but ended up spending the entire morning there.

💡 Pro-tip: When you visit you get a full day pass access, so I would recommend going in the morning, so depending on how the rest of the day goes, you can go back later in the day. We had pretty busy planning, so we didn’t have the time to go back.

8. Walking Around the Kimberley Platzl

The Kimberley Platzl is the heart of downtown and  one of the main Kimberley attractions. 

It’s a pedestrian-only area, so there are no cars, which makes it very easy with kids. You’ll find small shops, cafés, and restaurants all within a short walking distance.

The Platzl was redesigned in the 1970s in a Bavarian style, helping transform Kimberley from a mining town into a tourism destination. Today, the alpine-style buildings and the large cuckoo clock give it a unique European feel.

We stopped for breakfast at Our Place, a small local diner, and it was excellent. The French toast was especially good.On a previous summer visit, we had dinner at Pedal & Tap, which had a great atmosphere and really good food.

There is also a small museum located here, but it was closed when we visited. It is typically open Monday to Friday, so it’s worth checking hours in advance.

Where to Stay in Kimberley and Cranbrook

There are several places to stay in both Kimberley and Cranbrook, but choosing a central location makes exploring the area much easier.

We stayed at St. Eugene Golf, Resort & Casino and I believe it’s one of the best places to stay near Cranbrook and Kimberley, especially if you want a central base.

It’s located roughly halfway between the two towns, which makes it very convenient for day trips in both directions. But what makes this place truly unique is its history.

The resort is Indigenous-owned and operated, and the main building was originally opened in 1912 as a residential school for Indigenous children. It operated until 1970 and is now an important site for learning and reflection.

When you walk through the building, you’ll notice how much of that history is still present:

• The guest rooms are located in what used to be the dormitories
• The restaurant and lounge are in former classroom spaces
• You can still see the old chapel on site

Plus, historical photos and information are displayed throughout the halls. It’s a meaningful and emotional experience, but also an important one. 

Staying here offers a chance to better understand the history of the place while supporting an Indigenous-owned business.

Beyond the history, it’s also a very comfortable and family-friendly stay.

There is:

• A heated outdoor pool
• Hot tubs
• Beautiful mountain views
• On-site dining options
  

One of the highlights for us was swimming outside at sunset. The warm pool, with the mountains in the background, made it a really special moment for me and my son.

We also stopped by the Numa Lounge for a drink and dessert. The space, with its red brick walls and large windows, has a beautiful atmosphere. It was also a chance to chat with staff and learn more about the history of the building.

If you’re traveling with kids, this is a great balance between comfort, location, and meaningful experience. And if it’s something you enjoy, there is also a casino and a golf court on site.

Why Visit Kimberley and Cranbrook in Spring?

Spring is a great time to visit Kimberley and Cranbrook if you want a quieter and more flexible trip.

• Fewer crowds than popular Rockies destinations
• Waterfalls are at their best with snowmelt
• A mix of indoor and outdoor activities
• Easier to find accommodation and better prices

It’s the perfect season for a slower, family-friendly road trip.

FAQ: Kimberley and Cranbrook BC in Spring

Conclusion

Kimberley and Cranbrook are one of those places that don’t need a packed itinerary to be memorable.

With a mix of easy outdoor stops, local experiences, and meaningful places to visit, it’s a destination that works especially well for families looking for a slower pace.If you’re planning a road trip through the Canadian Rockies or looking for an alternative to busier destinations, this is a region worth adding to your list of places to visit in Canada.