Cranbrook

The capital of the East Kootenay — where the Rockies meet the Columbia Valley.

Cranbrook is the largest city in the East Kootenay, a vibrant regional hub sitting in the Rocky Mountain Trench between the Rockies to the east and the Purcell Mountains to the west. It is a city with genuine character — a strong arts community, excellent dining, and a location that puts world-class outdoor adventure within easy reach in every direction. The Canadian Museum of Rail Travel is one of Cranbrook's most distinctive attractions, housing a remarkable collection of restored CPR passenger cars from the early 20th century, including the legendary Trans-Canada Limited. The museum tells the story of the railway that built the Kootenays and opened the Interior to settlement — it is one of the finest railway museums in Canada. Kimberley, the Bavarian City of the Rockies, is just 30 minutes north, and Fernie's legendary ski terrain is an hour to the east. The Cranbrook area itself offers excellent fishing in the St. Mary and Moyie rivers, hiking in the Purcell Mountains, and golf at some of the finest courses in BC. The city's downtown has a walkable character with independent shops, restaurants, and a growing craft brewery scene. Elizabeth Lake, right at the edge of the city, is a wildlife sanctuary and one of the best birdwatching spots in the East Kootenay.