Cranbrook: Nature, Trails and Railway History

Cranbrook offers a variety of experiences: on the outskirts of town are expansive forest and grassland areas and a wildlife sanctuary; there are also trails for hiking and cycling, as well as traces of railway history. You can divide your days between nature, outdoor activities and culture. Choose a vacation rental as a base for your trip according to which of these sides of Cranbrook interests you most.

Forest, Grassland and Birdwatching

The Cranbrook Community Forest covers more than 2,000 hectares on the eastern and northern outskirts of town. Its landscape includes forest, grassland, ponds and open views; the forest is just a few minutes from the town centre. The Elizabeth Lake Bird Sanctuary, by contrast, is on the western outskirts and covers 5.9 hectares. The two natural areas offer different experiences: one features a variety of landscapes, while the other focuses on a wildlife sanctuary.

Walking trails around Elizabeth Lake lead to viewpoints and birdwatching stands. Birdwatchers have a specific reason to set aside time at the lake, with the viewpoints and stands providing distinct stops along the way. Cranbrook’s parks offer open lawns, shaded benches, playgrounds, picnic tables and trails. Playgrounds may be of interest on an outing with children, while benches and picnic tables provide space for a break.

Trails for Different Outings

Cranbrook has a network of trails for hiking and cycling. Rotary Way runs through the city as a trail for walking, running and cycling, offering an easy, accessible way to explore Cranbrook outdoors. If you’re looking for a longer route beyond the city, consider the Chief Isadore Trail: it runs from Cranbrook to Wardner and combines a historic railway corridor with a newly built trail. Along the way, the route passes through grassland, forest and working landscapes.

For a ride between two towns, the paved Northstar Rails to Trails route connects Cranbrook with Kimberley. It offers a scenic journey through forest and open country and is described as beginner-friendly. Closer to Cranbrook, the Wycliffe Buttes offer a different kind of outing: a short, easy hike with panoramic views of the Rocky Mountains to the east and the Purcell Range to the west. You can choose between a ride on a paved route, trails through varied landscapes and a short hike with mountain views.

City and Railway History

At the Cranbrook History Centre, the group experience about the Trans-Canada Limited combines a 45-minute guided tour with a visit to the galleries. The HO-scale model railway there recreates a section of the Canadian Pacific Railway’s southern main line through the Kootenays. You can learn about railway history both through a model of a section of the route and as part of the group experience.

The Baker Hill Heritage Self-Guided Tour takes you on a self-guided walk or bike ride through one of Cranbrook’s oldest neighbourhoods. The easy tour explores architecture and history from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It offers a different perspective on the city than trails through forest and open landscapes. If you’re choosing accommodation for a trip with several interests, these differences can help you plan your days: in Cranbrook, nature, outdoor activities and city history each offer their own experiences.

More destinations: Kimberley, Fernie, Radium Hot Springs, East Kootenay F, East Kootenay G, Invermere, Spillimacheen, Panorama.

For the broader trip overview: East Kootenay.