Cranbrook is a picturesque little town that offers a portal to the Rocky Mountains. In addition, it has plenty of charm of its own. Spend action-packed days exploring the breathtaking surrounding countryside. When you need some downtime, visit one of the town’s delightful museums, wander its historic sites or play a few rounds of golf.
The railway plays a key role in the history of this former mill town, having brought people from all over to live and work in this otherwise inaccessible spot. Explore this history in depth at Trains Deluxe – the Canadian Museum of Rail Travel, which features painstakingly restored vintage railway cars. The 19th-century gold rush, too, holds an important place in the town’s identity. Visit Fort Steele Heritage Town to be immersed in a perfectly preserved town of the period, populated by costumed actors and guides.
To get the most out of Cranbrook, you must spend a fair bit of time outdoors. Head to one of the four provincial parks nearby to hike through rich rainforests and enjoy stunning coastal views. Wasa Lake Provincial Park is a great choice for swimmers. Try some windsurfing or waterskiing here too. Wherever you go, look for signs of the local wildlife, which includes bears, eagles and mountain goats.
Make time for one of the area’s great sporting specialties: golf. Spend an afternoon unwinding at Cranbrook Golf Club or one of the six other golfing facilities nearby, all of them set in very scenic surroundings.
If golf is not for you, another relaxed daytime activity is the Cranbrook Heritage Walking Tour. Follow this route through the historic sights of the town’s peaceful Baker Hill area.
Come in winter and trade your hiking boots for skis or a snowboard. The Rockies offer a perfect environment for wintersports.
Cranbrook is the ideal destination for a vacation due to its proximity to the Canadian Rockies International Airport. Fly in and then reach Cranbrook in around 15 minutes by car. From Cranbrook, it’s surprisingly easy to access the wealth of natural wonder that the world-famous Rockies have to offer.
