They say Mother Nature is the best artist, and a visit to Kimberley and Cranbrook in the winter will leave you with no doubt that is true. Expansive vistas of the Purcell and the Rocky Mountains around every corner, layers of pristine white snow coating the forests, and the golden glow of the winter sun paint an unforgettable experience in the mind of every winter traveller to the region.
For the locals, the chance to make your own art in the snow is what makes winter so unique. We live for the gracefulness of gliding along the tracks on your cross-country skis. We crave breaking trail through the forests of Douglas firs and ponderosa pines. These activities are artforms themselves and something we want every visitor to experience.
So you're looking for an active winter getaway in nature and the chance to create your own "snow art." Why not combine it with a tour of Kimberley and Cranbrook's other artists? The region is full of painters, musicians, sculptors and chefs who draw inspiration from our surroundings created by Mother Nature to make art from the heart.
Day 1: Playtime in the Mountains,
After checking into your room at Mountain Spirit Resort, strap on your snowshoes and take a wintery walk through Kimberley Nature Park. Regarded as British Columbia's largest municipal park, the park offers nearly 100km of trails for your snowshoeing pleasure. If you're feeling adventurous, head up the Myrtle Mountain Trail for one of Kimberley's best views towards the Rockies.
Satisfy the appetite you just worked up with dinner at Pedal and Tap. Start with their legendary Mucky Fries, a smorgasbord of fries loaded with cheese, bacon, green onions and a homestyle chipotle sauce.
After dinner, let your ears be your guide as you navigate Kimberley's live music scene. Check for the latest concerts at venues such as Grist and Mash, The Elks Club, Whisky Jacks or Stemwinder.
Day 2: Slide Through Kimberley's art scene
Start your morning with a hearty breakfast at Our Place Restaurant in the Platzl. The Classic features maple or pork sausages from Kimberley's Meat Matters Butchery.
Swap your snowshoes for Cross Country Skis and head to the Kimberley Nordic Club to ski one of British Columbia's premier cross-country ski facilities. 36km of groomed trails meander through open forests at the base of North Star Mountain.
For classic skiers looking for solitude on singletrack, ski down the Kinnikinnick Trail out to Sunshine Corner.
Skate skiers will enjoy many groomed trails throughout the facility, including Spruce Trail and Landsem. If you're new to cross country skiing, rentals and lessons are available to get you started.
Pop into the Burrito Grill to warm up with a Mexican-inspired lunch. Burritos, bowls, and quesadillas loaded with your choice of fillings will prepare you for your afternoon art tour.
After your delicious lunch, cross Howard Street to Centre 64, Kimberley's home for everything art. Their gallery hosts rotating exhibitions featuring local and regional artists in all mediums.
Book an appointment to visit Caprice Fine Art Studio Gallery, a talented local oil painter who draws her inspiration from the nearby nature.
Kimberley's newest gallery, The Laundromat Gallery, has found its home in the former Platzl laundry facility.
As you head towards Cranbrook, be sure to stop by Marysville Artisans. There you'll find more than 20 sculptors, painters, ironworkers and other artists exhibiting their work.
You've made it to Downtown Cranbrook!
It's time to check into your boutique room at The Baker Hotel. Ask for a room with a mountain view, and you'll be treated to an evening show of the last light on Mount Fisher and the Steeples.
After you've settled in for the night, head to Allegra Restaurant to sample some fine Mediterranean dining. The open concept kitchen gives you a front-row seat to experience the artistry of the talented team of cooks.
Unwind for the evening with a play at the Cranbrook Community Theatre. Housed in an original heritage building, the Cranbrook Community Theatre has called the Studio/Stage Door home for more than 40 years. This February, check out Here On The Flight Path by Norm Foster
Day 3: History is Yours for the Making
Rise with the morning sun and head to Hot Shot's Café for your morning jolt of caffeine and a delicious breakfast. You have a big morning ahead of you, so be sure to pack along some of their freshly baked snacks to keep you going on your next winter jaunt.
For your final morning, you get to choose your own adventure. Unpack the snowshoes and tromp through the open woods of the Cranbrook Community Forest, or return to the skinny skis and make your way to the South Star Recreation Trails.
Both trail networks offer rolling and flat terrain suitable for all skill levels, and will leave you already planning your return trip to explore the rest of the trails.
Come out of the cold and heat up your soul with the pungent flavours of Indian Cuisine. Bay Leaf Indian Fusion, one of Cranbrook’s original Indian restaurants, will tickle your tastebuds with the lingering zest of Indian herbs and spices.
Cranbrook was founded as a railroad town
There's no better place to learn about that history than at the Cranbrook History Centre. The centre is home for artifacts, historical photos, and information on the city's origins and the surrounding area. Take a tour of the historic rail cars, each a piece of art in its own right.
Following your journey through Cranbrook's history, pay a visit to the 1401 Art Space. The gallery hosts exhibitions from local and regional artists on a rotating basis. If you've been inspired by the art you've seen, create your own masterpiece in one of their workshops.
Are you looking for that perfect piece to memorialize your East Kootenays trip? Stop by KootsRoots or Skinkuȼ Treasures, where you can purchase gifts from local artisans to take home.
For your last dinner in Cranbrook, check out The Heidout Restaurant for a culinary experience sure to leave you stuffed. Pair the Jaeger "Hunter" Schnitzel with a pint from Cranbrook's own Fisher Peak Brewing for a match made in Kootenay heaven.
Round off your evening with a performance at the Key City Theatre. Cranbrook's premiere destination for musicals, concerts, theatre and comedy, the Key City Theatre's calendar is packed full of events throughout the winter season.
More Itineraries to Explore...
