Out in the open
Embark on a journey in Cranbrook’s outdoor recreation areas
Surrounded by shimmering lakes, rugged mountains and verdant forests, Cranbrook is the perfect starting point for your own custom-designed outdoor adventure. Try out one of these popular areas and you are sure to find your next favourite spot for recreation.
Hikes for the venturesome
Hiking locations abound in and around Cranbrook. The Rails to Trails project was completed in September of last year with the support of the City of Cranbrook, the provincial government, CP Rail and the City of Kimberley.
The result was a multi-use paved recreation route converted from an old CPR rail bed, which connects Cranbrook and Kimberley. It is ideal for walking, cycling or even inline skating, built for users of all ability levels and usable in all seasons. The trail can be accessed in Cranbrook from Collinson Road, north of town. It can be accessed in Kimberley at the junction of Rotary Drive and Archibald Street.
Why do people climb Fisher Peak? Because it’s there. At an elevation of 2,846 metres, the reward at the end of this challenging hike is a stunning viewpoint. You can see all across the Kootenay River Valley and southern Rockies, so make sure to bring a camera—you will regret it if you miss this incredible photo opportunity. You need a 4X4 vehicle to access this rugged area, the trailhead of which is located north of Cranbrook, a few kilometres past Fort Steele Heritage Town. If you manage to reach the iconic peak you will see a marker and metal box at the top where you can sign your name to show that you were there.
A short distance from Fisher Peak Trail’s access point, you can try a hike on the Mause Creek Trail (known to locals as the Tanglefoot Lake Trail). This wide route offers moderate hiking and will lead you through subalpine meadows and down a slope descending to Tanglefoot Lake. The trailhead is about a 45-minute drive from the highway, mostly on a dirt road. You will need to cross a creek with no bridge about 15 minutes into the hike, so take care to wear appropriate footwear and make sure the water levels are safe before attempting it.
Alluring lakes
Longing to relax on the beach? Cranbrook has some gorgeous bodies of water in the vicinity. Jimsmith Lake Provincial Park is located five kilometres from town, with camping nearby and a lovely waterfront day use area.
No powerboats are allowed on the lake, but you can take a non-motorized boat out on the water, go swimming or just find a spot on the beach to sunbathe. If you have a licence you can fish for rainbow trout and large-mouth bass.
You can access this park via Highway 3/95 at the south end of Cranbrook, with a paved secondary road leading west for four kilometres to the park entrance.
Another fun place to go this summer is Wasa Lake Provincial Park. Situated 40 kilometres north of Cranbrook, this park offers sites for camping, a pleasant lake for swimming and boating, as well as hiking and cycling territory. Along the perimeter of the lake is an eight-kilometre trail that allows an easy walk around the shoreline, and there is also a 2.7-kilometre self-guided interpretive trail.
