The character-packed city of Kimberley sits in beautifully forested countryside, northwest of the city of Cranbrook, and just over 100 kilometres north of the U.S. border. This charming, Bavarian-influenced city is situated on Highway 95A and enjoys quick access to the Canadian Rockies International Airport, Cranbrook and the states of Montana and Idaho.
Originally a mining town, Kimberley was named in 1896 after the famous South African diamond mine. From 1917 to 2001, Kimberley was the world’s leading producer of lead and zinc at the nearby Sullivan Mine, named for miner Pat Sullivan who helped discover its massive mineral deposits. Kimberley was incorporated in 1944 and joined together with the villages of Maryville and Chapman in November 1968 to form the City of Kimberley.
Since the closure of Sullivan Mine in 2001, the mining heritage of Kimberley has been preserved in the fascinating Sullivan Mine Interpretive Centre and Railway.
With its lush surroundings and wide range of recreational opportunities, Kimberley is the perfect holiday retreat. Year-round attractions provide plenty of entertainment during your stay, from strolling through the Bavarian downtown shopping district to cross-country skiing or hiking on the endless kilometres of nearby, maintained trails. The local hotels, bed and breakfasts and privately owned rentals offer comfortable, reasonably priced accommodations.
A great place to start your holiday is at the open-air Platzl mall, the historical heart of the city. Along with its charming shops and cafés, this European-style pedestrian mall boasts Canada’s biggest free-standing cuckoo clock. Happy Hans, as he’s called, is the town mascot and a bit of an opportunist: for a mere 25 cents, he’ll yodel.
In summer, Kimberley comes alive with festivals, including Julyfest, the International Old Time Accordion Championship and the Kimberley International Music and Dance Festival. There are community fairs, plays, concerts, art exhibits and more. The winter brings snowy adventures at the Kimberley Nordic Centre and Kimberley Alpine Resort, just minutes from the city centre. The nearby lakes, rivers and streams offer excellent fishing, rafting and boating.
Golfers will love the course at Kimberley Golf Club, which winds around towering ponderosa pines high above the St. Mary’s River, offering immaculate fairways, well-kept greens and stunning mountain views from all 18 holes.
The 18-hole Trickle Creek Golf Resort is a thrill to play as it weaves through rugged alpine terrain, crossing creeks and diving with the slopes of North Star Mountain. Bootleg Gap Golf Course is a 27-hole public course (18 championship par 72 holes and nine holes par 34) that offers great fun and challenges.
The suburb of Marysville has one-of-a-kind shops and cafés, and is a must-see on the drive to Cranbrook. St. Mary’s Alpine Provincial Park awaits experienced hikers.
For more information, visit www.city.kimberley.bc.ca.
Designed by Shawn Wernig © 2011 Columbia Valley Pioneer • www.columbiavalleypioneer.com