Despite its location smack dab in the middle of the Canadian Rockies, the mountain towns of Kimberley and Cranbrook have managed to stay affordable and uncrowded, making them ideal destinations for families. Your mission? Choose between the following itinerary suggestions to customize a laid-back family getaway that promises to leave everyone feeling recharged.
Day 1: Play Outside
Anyone with kids knows the best vacations involve plenty of fresh air and outdoor adventures. If you’ve got a Frozen fan on your hands, you’ll definitely want to check out the many frozen waterfalls within easy striking distance of Cranbrook.
Marysville Falls is easily accessible, situated just off the highway, less than a 10-minute drive from Kimberley. As a bonus, the boardwalk pathway is suitable for strollers.
To get a taste of local heritage, swing by Fort Steele. This Heritage Town is an excellent spot for families all year round. While you can’t go in the buildings in the off-season, you can let the little ones burn off energy up and down Main Street. The best part, however, is meeting the very friendly sheep and horses, who love the attention.
In downtown Kimberley, the Platzl is a delightful pedestrian-only zone brimming with a toy shop, craft store and genuine cuckoo clock. Here, you’ll find plenty of family-friendly restaurants, shops and cafes to pop into and explore.
Day 2: Snowy Adventures
Want a surefire way to get kids outdoors? Tempt them with the promise of hot chocolate and s’mores. Trickle Creek snowshoe tours include these perks, plus rentals and an easy, guided hike through hidden trails. Everyone can do snowshoeing as long as there are no mobility issues. (If you can walk, you can snowshoe, and you’ll feel so happy you did!)
If there’s mounds of fluffy powder on the ground, you’ll want to head to the Kimberley Nordic Club. It’s open to the public and offers dozens of cross-country ski trails, with a warming hut and rentals available on-site.
Kimberley Alpine Resort sports over 1,800 acres for higher octane thrills with an equal number of runs for beginner, intermediate, and advanced skiers and snowboarders. The resort typically receives 13 feet of snow per season (that’s a lot!), so you know you’ll have contented kids by the end of the day.
Need Equipment?
If you’d rather do outdoor adventures on your own without a group tour, there are several spots where you can rent equipment. In Kimberley, rentals can be found at Black Dog for alpine skis and bikes (including electric and fat bikes). RCR Rental Shop also offers skis, a variety of bikes, and snowshoes.
Look to Just Liquid Sports in Cranbrook if you want to hit the water and High Country Sports for snowshoe rentals.
Day 3: HEAD INDOORS
Indoor entertainment for the whole family is found at Encore Brewing, a craft brewery that's successfully reimagined the local bowling alley. On one side of the facility lies communal dining tables, pool tables, and arcade games. On the other side, there are 8 lanes of 5-pin bowling, with those more petite bowling balls that are easier for kids to throw. Travel tip: Arcade games are free all day long on Tuesdays.
Get all the feel-good endorphins from rock climbing without the risk at Cranbrook's ARQ Mountain Centre. More than a climbing gym, it sports a rad play gym, a kids' climbing area, and a coffee bar.
Meanwhile, in Kimberley, Spirit Rock Climbing Centre is free for children under three years old from 10 am until 12 pm on Saturdays. Their mini climbing walls have dinosaur feet and handholds, making it appealing for wee-ones. A 50 ft climbing wall makes it a draw for the whole family. Beginners and drop-ins are welcome at both climbing facilities.
Western Financial Place is another top spot to take the kids. Its aquatics centre sports a wave, lane and leisure pool. There's also a rope swing, water slide, sauna, steam room and a massive hot tub to tire out the tots.
Day 4: Sneak in some Culture
Kids are like little sponges who don’t mind soaking up educational tidbits so long as it’s presented on the sly. Case in point, there’s much more to St. Eugene Resort than meets the eye.
Inside this golf, casino and spa resort lies the Ktunaxa Interpretive Centre. A visit provides a glimpse into the history of the Nation and how the facility morphed from a residential school to the resort it is today. St. Eugene also offers interpretive programming throughout the year, so check their event schedule before your visit.
For family performances, look to Cranbrook’s Key City Theatre. Check their events page for engaging and affordable performances in advance.
FOR A FAMILY FRIENDLY MEAL
Families are welcome everywhere in this part of the Kootenay Rockies. Still, there are a few eateries that really take the cake.
Kids love sitting up at the bar at Stonefire Pizzeria and watching all those tasty pies come out of the oven. It’s also well suited for adults with a genuinely epic Caesar (not the salad!).
Could your kids use a distraction while they wait for their food? If so, the Pedal & Tap is where you'll want to dine as they dole out Wikki Stix, keeping the troops happily entertained. Local favourites include mucky fries and spaghetti balls.
For breakfast, look to the special menu designed for little ones at Deer Park Diner. This brunch spot also offers a robust take-out service if you're on the go.
You probably weren't expecting a full-on farmer's market vibe with a juice station, bakery and healthy snacks at Kimberley's Centex Gas. However, that's just one of the many ways this region surprises you. After fuelling up, head inside to nourish your body at Stoke Market.
In Cranbrook, Fire & Oak (inside The Prestige Rocky Mountain Resort) lures families with amazing smoothies and a kid's menu serving comforting favourites. And while Fire Hall Kitchen & Tap doesn't have a physical kid's menu, there is one online. It's a go-to spot for parents who want to responsibly sample one of their many beers on tap or a juicy burger.
Max's Place has you covered for a decadent hot chocolate or something suitably caffeinated for caregivers and offers take-n-bake cinnamon buns!
Where to Stay
St. Eugene Resort has acres of green space that families love roaming across. You'll snag summertime vibes at the heated outdoor pool, even in the shoulder season. If you're into camping, there's a riverside KOA RV Park on-site. The best part? You can get St. Eugene restaurant meals delivered to your campsite.
Suppose your crew is a fan of waterslides. In that case, Best Western Cranbrook has a corkscrew waterslide at their indoor pool, plus laundry facilities.
Be sure to ask for the Prestige Junior Adventurers Activity Booklet at the front desk when checking into The Prestige Rocky Mountain Resort in Cranbrook. This resort offers an indoor hot tub, salt-water pool and robust gym.
Stay right on the mountain with access to all the amenities of Kimberley Alpine Resort with a stay at Trickle Creek Lodge. All rooms have full kitchens and a dining table, making self-catering a breeze. Pack your bathing suit, as there are two hot tubs and an outdoor pool to dive into.
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