18 Best Things to do in Kimberley BC
Kimberley BC is a super cute little mountain town in BC that’s well known amongst local skiers or those planning a Powder Highway Ski Trip.
However, I hadn’t heard many people talk about it on the West Coast. That’s a shame, as we discovered so many fun things to do in KImberly British Columbia on our recent Kootenay Road Trip in BC in summer.
We stopped off for a half-day at Kimberley. Though, I’d never really heard much about this BC mountain town I LOVED it and there are so many fun things to do in Kimberley BC!
We got such a good vibe from the town that we spent lunch looking up houses for sale ’cause you never know!
The town’s slogan is “A good place to be!” The only change I’d make is that it’s a great place to be!
Kimberley has an interesting history of gold rushes, mining, and Bavarian influences. The Bavarian influences come from the desire to attract motorists to visit the town during their trips through the area. It actually took inspiration from Leavenworth in Washington!
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Best things to do in Kimberley BC
Kimberley is small but that doesn’t mean the list of things to do in Kimberley is small. There’s is so much to do whether you’re visiting and looking for things to do in Kimberley BC in winter or in summer!
1. Visit the Kimberley Underground Mining Railway
My husband has been wanting to visit the Squamish Britannia mine for years and if it’s anywhere near as good as the Kimberley Underground Mining Railway then I’m sold!
There’s both a longer mining tour and a shorter express train ride available and both include a train ride and a trip into a purpose-built mine next to where the original Sulivan mine in Kimberly. If you have the time, I’d highly recommend the longer tour.
The tour is led by a former miner and so you get a real insight into what working in a mine is like and the changes the industry has gone through. Whether you’re visiting Kimberley with kids or not, I highly recommend visiting Kimberley’s underground mining railway.
It’s honestly fascinating and one of the coolest unique things to do in Kimberley BC.
2. Go Skiing at Kimberley Alpine Resort
Kimberley Alpine Resort in the Purcell Mountain Range is renowned for having sunny weather and impressive scenery. There are around 80 runs so it’s a bit smaller than some of the other BC ski resorts but if you’re visiting Kimberley in winter you have to visit the ski hill!
There are plenty of options for all levels of skiers and they also do evening skiing too on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. It’s one of the best places to ski in BC in winter.
3. Visit the Fort Steele Heritage Town
A short drive outside of Kimberley is the Fort Steele Heritage Town which is a protected heritage site.
Here you’ll get to experience what it was like to live during the gold rush of the 1800s. You can watch street theatre, and join tours to learn more about this exciting period of history and how much the town has changed since the gold rush.
4. Explore the Shops in the Kimberley Platzl
The Platzl is Kimberley’s fully pedestrianized downtown hub. There is great shopping in Kimberley, some tasty looking restaurants, fun Kimberley events throughout the year, and bars here. Plus, it’s so nice to wander around without having to worry about cars.
We spent a good while exploring the shops here which were a mix of great local food, clothing from independent designers, and art and outdoor goods.
5. Watch the Clock!
Right in the Kimberley Platzl is the World’s Largest Standing Cuckoo Clock! Who’d have thought?! The clock is 22ft tall and was built in 1972.
Instead of a cuckoo, Happy Hans (the town’s mascot) comes out of the clock and yodels! It’s fun to watch and you can see him come out for the price of a loonie ($1). It’s one of the most fun and unusual attractions in Kimberley.
6. Ride the North Star Rails to Trails
There’s a paved 26km trail from Kimberley to Cranbrook which is used a lot by cyclists since it offers a pretty route and a great workout too. You can also walk or run the train and in the winter you can even x-country ski it!
If you don’t have a bike or ski gear, you can rent from Black Dog Cycle & Ski in Kimberley.
7. Explore the Kimberley Nature Park
Another claim to fame for Kimberley is that Kimberley Nature Park is the largest municipal park in BC! At over 840 hectares large, the park has an interpretive forest, over 50km of trails, old-growth cedar trees, and plenty of beautiful viewpoints!
The park can be enjoyed throughout the year with cross-country skiing and snowshoeing offering the chance to view the park in a completely different way.
AllTrails is my go-to hiking app for finding, planning, and navigating while I’m out on the trails. With offline maps on AllTrails+ you can be confident you’re still on the right track, even without mobile signal.
8. Embrace the German Heritage
It’s a little strange to arrive in Kimberley and feel like you’re in Germany if you didn’t already know that Kimberley has the nickname “Little Bavaria”.
As stated above, town planners took inspiration from Leavenworth in Washington and came up with the Bavarian theme as a way to entice motorists to visit the town. It seems to have worked!
The Bavarian influence extends to the Platzl, the yodeling cuckoo clock, the style of the buildings, and the Old Bauernhaus Restaurant where you can enjoy schnitzel, spaetzle, and more German classics.
9. Go X-Country Skiing in Kimberley
There are so many awesome places to go cross country skiing in Kimberley and the Kimberley Nordic Club on North Star Mountain is the place to go to get some advice and lessons, and hear more about the trails.
10. Enjoy the Festivals in Kimberley
Kimberley is a festival town! No matter the time of year you visit, you’ll likely find that there’s a festival going on in Kimberley and their festivals are some of the best things to do in Kimberley British Columbia.
There’s a Flannel Fest in winter, the July Fest in summer, and even a Dirtbag Film Festival! A lot of the events take place in the Platzl but if you want to check what’s on it in advance of your trip, check their events calendar.
11. Shop the Kimberley Farmers’ Market
The Kimberley Canada farmers’ market takes place on Thursday evenings throughout the summer. You’ll find fresh food from local farmers and producers, art, live music, and tasty food that’s ready to eat!
12. Road trip to the Columbia River Valley
There are so many awesome mountain towns and places to see near Kimberley BC. The best way to see them is to plan a road trip (which chances are you’re already doing if you’re in Kimberley!).
Some of the best towns include Invermere which is close to both Radium and Fairmont Hot Springs near Kimberley.
Further east is the super cool mountain town of Fernie which is renowned for its skiing and mountain biking. Then to the west, there’s Creston which is an up-and-coming town with great food and beer, and Nelson and Kaslo right on Kootenay Lake.
13. Visit the Kimberley Heritage Museum
The Kimberley Heritage Museum showcases the local stories of the area. There’s also a rotating exhibition and over 10,000 artifacts and 11,000+ photographs from throughout this small town’s varied history.
The museum is open year-round with shorter hours during the winter. There’s a small entrance fee to enter ($4).
14. Visit the Ktunaxa Interpretive Centre
A short drive away from Kimberley at the St. Eugene Golf Resort is the Ktunaxa Interpretive Centre where you can learn about the Indigenous history of the region.
Knowing about who the land originally belongs to and Indigenous traditions and stories is both important and interesting, making this a worthwhile trip.
15. Wander Through Cominco Gardens
One of the best things to do around Kimberley BC is to visit the Cominco Gardens.
The Comico Gardens is a must for anyone who appreciates flowers (and who doesn’t?). The gardens were established in 1927 and boast over 45,000 flowers annually alongside incredible views of the Mark Creek Valley.
The gardens were acquired by Cominco/Teck Resources who began producing fertilizer from ore by-products. The fertilizer was used here to show off its effectiveness while simultaneously creating beautiful gardens to enjoy.
The gardens are open daily and are free/by donation. The best time to visit is from mid-July to mid-September.
16. Go Mountain Biking in Kimberley
Set amidst the spectacular Rocky & Purcell mountain ranges, Kimberley offers a great range of mountain bike riding possibilities.
For beginner to intermediate riders, a lot of green and blue trails can be found at the Kimberley Nordic Centre and Kimberley Nature Park. For those looking for something more technical and steep, Bootleg Mountain is the place to go.
- Top Tip: Use Trailforks to find the best mountain biking in Kimberley!
17. Enjoy Beer Brewed in Kimberley
There are two breweries in Kimberley nowadays both serving up a cold beer that’s perfect after you’ve been out on adventures.
- Over Time Beer Works: A cool taproom with a large outdoor patio, Over Time Beer Works is a fun spot to chill out with four regular beers on their lineup and seasonal taps too.
- Grist and Mash: Grist and Mash is Kimberley’s newest brewery. They do Belgian-style beers as well as others using malt, hops, and cereals from BC farmers.
18. Play gold at Trickle Creek Golf Course
Trickle Creek Golf Resort in Kimberley is a must-visit for anyone looking to enjoy a round of golf surrounded by stunning mountain scenery. It’s one of the best things to do in Kimberley BC in summer.
Known for its dramatic elevation changes and breathtaking alpine views, this par-72 course is designed to challenge golfers of all skill levels.
The course itself is beautifully maintained and features unique, strategically placed hazards and diverse hole layouts, making every round interesting and engaging.
Beyond the golf, Trickle Creek Lodge has a shop with the latest gear and apparel and a clubhouse and restaurant with a great patio overlooking the 18th green. It’s the perfect spot to relax and enjoy a meal or drink after your round!
Best Kimberley Restaurants
There are some great restaurants in Kimberley with some of the best listed below.
- Pedal and Tap: Featured on Food Network’s You Gotta Eat Here!, Pedal and Tap is right in the PLatzl and is famous for its mucky fries and spaghetti balls.
- The Old Bauernhaus Restaurant: Enjoy schnitzel, spaetzle, and more German classics.
- The Shed: Go-to place for beer and BBQ in Kimberley
- Our Place: If you’re hungry for breakfast this is the place to go. Expect a wait but it’s 100% worth it.
- Nina’s Hillside Garden: A super cute place for lunch in Kimberley. It’s cash only and it’s a little bit of a walk to get to, but well worth it for lunch is such a beautiful spot.
Where to stay in Kimberley
There are plenty of hotels in Kimberley since it’s such a popular place for skiing as well as in the summer.
- $$$ – Polaris Lodge: Right next to the slopes of Kimberley Alpine Resort, the Polaris Lodge hotel has hot tubs, spacious rooms and mountain views.
- $$ – The Larix Hotel: This beautiful hotel with a Bavarian-inspired exterior is the ideal place to relax and get some rest before more adventures.
- $ – Kimberley Downtown Accommodation: This homestay includes free breakfast and is in a prime downtown location.
How to get to Kimberley BC
Kimberley is in the Kootenay region of British Columbia to the east of the province. It’s a great stop off on a Kootenay Road trip and not too far from the Columbia River Valley where Invermere, Radium, and Fairmont Hot Springs are near Kimberley.
- Vancouver to Kimberley BC: It’s a long drive to Kimberley from Vancouver of around 10 hours on Hwy 3 then through Osoyoos and Castlegar. You can also get flights to Kimberley from Vancouver for around $300 return.
- Invermere to Kimberley: Invermere to Kimberley is about a 1.5-hour drive. This is the direction we came from before heading to Fernie.
- Calgary to Kimberly BC: The drive to Kimberley from Calgary is around 4.5 hours. You can either go through Banff, Lake Louise, and Kootenay National Park or go south of Calgary and come through Fernie.
If you’re visiting from out of town and don’t have a car, your best options are renting a camper van or a car. For car rentals, consider checking both DiscoverCars and RentalCars, as these platforms make it easy to compare prices among different companies to secure the best deal for your trip.
For RV rentals, Outdoorsy is my go-to choice. It provides a variety of options, from trucks and vans to more spacious vehicles, catering to different camping styles and needs.
I use comparison sites like DiscoverCars and RentalCars to book my car rentals as it’s easy to check prices and compare the best deals!
FAQs about things to do in Kimberly BC
Why is Kimberley BC called Kimberley?
Kimberley, BC was named in the early 20th century after the famous Kimberley diamond mines in South Africa. The town received this name because of its own deposits of lead and zinc ores, similar to the potential wealth generated from the South African mines.
Is Kimberley in the Kootenays?
Yes, Kimberley is located in the Kootenay region of British Columbia, Canada. It is in the Purcell Mountains and is known for its beautiful scenery and outdoor activities.
Is Kimberley BC worth visiting?
Definitely! Kimberley, BC is a beautiful mountain town known for its outdoor activities, including skiing, hiking, and golfing. It has a unique Bavarian-themed pedestrian area, a friendly community, and stunning natural surroundings.
Final thoughts on what to do in Kimberley BC
As you can see, not only is Kimberley full of fun outdoor activities from golfing to hiking and skiing, but there are tonnes of other things to do in Kimberley, British Columbia like visiting the mine, enjoying the restaurants, and soaking up some German heritage.
Whatever you decide for your itinerary based on these Kimberley things to do, you’re sure to find fun things to do for the whole family.
If you’re visiting the Kootenays as part of an Eastern BC road trip, be sure to check out other cool towns nearby like Creston BC, these fun things to do in Invermere and Radium, and what to do in Fernie BC.
Alternatively, if you’ve enjoyed this guide to things to do Kimberley BC, you might like my other Canada travel guides.
Canada Travel Planning Guide
Should I buy Canada travel insurance?
100% YES! — You should have travel insurance for all your trips. Though Canada has “free” healthcare, it’s only for residents. If you’re just visiting, you’ll need travel insurance should you need medical care. It also helps you claim for delayed flights or lost/stolen baggage. We use SafetyWing for our travel insurance!
Is it safe to rent a car in Canada?
Yes — Renting a car is a good idea in most of Canada as public transit isn’t the best!
Car hire is usually quite reasonable, especially compared to some other countries and they’ll all be automatic so you shouldn’t have a problem driving it if you’re used to manual transmission.
I personally use a mix of DiscoverCars and RentalCars to find the best deal that works for me when I rent a car. I used them in Norway, Italy, and Canada when we first moved, and have never had an issue. For RV rental I recommend Outdoorsy.
What’s the best way to pay/exchange money for Canada?
Wise (formerly Transferwise!) — I use my Wise card everywhere these days. I fill it with a certain currency and then I can spend it in countries across the world, online and even for direct debits. Wise has the best currency exchange rates (and they’ll even tell you when you can get it cheaper elsewhere!). When you pay in another currency through chip and pin or tap/wireless, they’ll automatically convert it for you – it’s easy! This link gets you a fee-free transfer.
Do I need a visa for Canada?
Many countries do not need a visa to travel to Canada — However, you may need an ETA which costs $7 (you need this if you’re from the UK). You can buy them online and they usually take a few hours to come through though it can take longer. Only ever buy from this official website otherwise you’ll end up paying more money necessarily. If you want to move to Canada, check out my guide to the Working Holiday Visa which is how we first moved there! Always check the official Canadian Immigration website to see whether you need a visa to travel there.
Will my phone work in Canada?
It depends — Some American and European companies work in Canada for a certain amount of data or time but many will not work at all. Getting a Canadian SIM card will help you get around with Google Maps and stay in touch with people back home. There isn’t much free WIFI in Canada so you can’t really rely on that, especially if you’re heading outside of major cities.
Where can I book my Canada accommodation?
I always check Booking.com for hotels or Hostel World for hostels. If I’m looking for something for a bigger group of people, or a bit more unique (cosy cabins, luxury beach houses) then I use VRBO.
When we first moved to Canada we used Trusted Housesitters to get free accommodation!
What’s the best site to buy Canada flights?
I only ever use Skyscanner to find cheap flights no matter where I’m travelling!
Last Updated on August 17, 2023 by Hannah
Hannah started That Adventurer after graduating back in 2013 and has documented all of her adventures since then. From backpacking South America to city breaks in Europe, a 3 month road trip across the USA in a self-converted van and 6 years living in Canada, you’ll find posts on all of this.
Hannah specialises in active travel and on That Adventurer you’ll find hiking, walking, biking, skiing and all sorts of active travel guides to allow you to see a destination in an adventurous way.
Now back in Europe, you’ll find new guides as Hannah and her husband spend the next year ‘digital nomading’ from Norway to Portugal, Switzerland to Scotland and places in between.
