Situated between the Purcell and Rocky Mountains, Kimberley is a breathtaking four-season resort that charms visitors with its distinct European flair. Downtown, the pedestrian walking area, or Platzl, is a gathering point where visitors can stroll, shop and dine along a street adorned with colourful hanging flower baskets. In summer, listen at Kimberley's International Old Time Accordion Championships or watch as "Happy Hans" emerges from the Kimberley Cuckoo Clock, one of the world's largest free-standing clocks.
Make Kimberley your base for mountain biking, hiking and walking. Explore the diverse terrain of the KimberleyNaturePark along with several dozen kilometres of multi-use trails. Stroll the forested paths of the Lions & Rotary Trail along MarkCreek, leading from Kimberley to Marysville, home of the spectacular 30-m (100-ft) MarysvilleFalls. Climb a mountain or ride high on the challenging mountain-biking trails of Kimberley Alpine Resort.
Play a round of championship golf at Kimberley-area courses. Award-winning courses include Trickle Creek, Bootleg Gap and, in Cranbrook, the top-ranked St. Eugene Mission Golf Resort.
Stroll Kimberley's Platzl, a downtown pedestrian walking area lined with unique storefronts. Don't miss seeing one of the world's largest free-standing clocks. Catch Happy Hans, the town mascot, who emerges from the clock on the hour to sing.
Kimberley is also home of the "Old Bauernhaus" building, originally built in southern Bavaria about 350 years ago. In 1987 it was taken apart and shipped to Kimberley, where the reconstructed building now houses the Bauernhaus Restaurant.
More than 48,000 flowers bloom throughout Cominco Gardens. Over 5 ha (12 ac) of colour and splendour greet you. You'll see giant dahalias, also known as "dinner plate dahalias," an extensive display of perennials such as Canterbury bells and foxglove as well as over 16,000 annuals that include Livingston daisies, marigolds and petunias. Cominco Gardens have become a must-see attraction for visitors to Kimberley. The gardens are located just five minutes from downtown Kimberley.
Just east of Kimberley is FortSteeleHeritageTown, a restored 1890s pioneer boomtown boasting several heritage buildings as well as period theatrical presentations in the summer months. Hop aboard a steam train or ride on a horse-drawn wagon.
Summer in Kimberley means celebration in the downtown Platzl. Through July and August, see a play performed by the Kimberley Summer Theatre troupe at Centre 64. Mid-day vaudeville shows also keep the Platzl humming.
In the second week of July, the Platzl transforms into a musical stage as the International Old Time Accordion Championships come to town. Parades in the Platzl are a highlight of Julyfest, held the third weekend in July. You can watch or participate in sporting events such as soccer and fastball as well as enjoy live entertainment. On the Labour Day weekend, the International Music and Dance Festival will serenade you through the closing days of summer with live dancing and entertainment.
Located at the eastern slopes of the Purcell Mountains, KimberleyNaturePark is a haven for outdoor recreation. The park's varied terrain and its diverse ecosystem provide endless opportunities for hiking, biking and walking plus wildlife viewing.
Top of the WorldProvincialPark is an alpine park set on a plateau at an elevation of more than 2,200 m (7,218 ft). Camping, hiking, horseback riding and cycling are popular activities in this family-friendly park. You'll also share the area with moose, elk, white-tailed deer, wolverines, black bears, bighorn sheep and abundant birdlife around FishLake.
Enjoy swimming the warm waters of WasaLakeProvincialPark where canoeing, fishing, cycling, windsurfing and waterskiing. MoyieLakeProvincialPark features 1,300 m (4,265 ft) of developed sandy beach with swimming, windsurfing, sailing, boating, fishing and wildlife viewing.
The Wasa Sloughs are a seasonal sanctuary to waterfowl, eagles, ospreys, great blue herons, turkey vultures and Canada geese, often seen nesting atop muskrat houses.
The Kimberley area is home to many refreshing lakes, creeks and rivers. Cast your line into the St.MaryRiver for great fishing. Local river-rafting companies also offer family-friendly, guided adventures on the river. St.MaryLake is a lovely spot for canoeing or kayaking.
Kimberley Alpine Resort is one of BC's most popular ski and snowboard destinations. Expect light, dry powder and perfectly groomed slopes. Choose from 70 runs covering 728 ha (1,800 ac) of skiable terrain serviced by Kimberley's eight lifts. You'll have access to wide-open, intermediate terrain and expert runs amidst 751 m (2,465 ft) of challenging vertical. "The Main" run is one of North America's longest illuminated night-skiing runs.
Cross-country skiers are sure to enjoy over 33 km (20.5 mi) of groomed, double-track trails at Kimberley Alpine Resort. A 3.3-km (2-mi) lit trail is open for night skiing. Break your own trails at KimberleyNaturePark, also open for ski touring and snowshoeing.
Snowmobilers can ride in Kimberley's surrounding backcountry near Lost Dog Creek. Local, guided tours are available. The PerryCreek trail system, southwest of Kimberley, is also popular for snowmobiling. Try Kimberley's outdoor rink or the Kimberley Alpine Resort for outdoor ice skating. Indoor arenas are also close by.
More than 48,000 flowers bloom throughout Cominco Gardens. Over 5 ha (12 ac) of colour and splendour greet you. You'll see giant dahalias, also known as "dinner plate dahalias," an extensive display of perennials such as Canterbury bells and foxglove as well as over 16,000 annuals that include Livingston daisies, marigolds and petunias. Cominco Gardens have become a must-see attraction for visitors to Kimberley. The gardens are located just five minutes from downtown Kimberley.
