The Outdoor Lover’s Guide to Cranbrook, BC
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This guide is sponsored by Cranbrook Tourism. All content and opinions are my own.
British Columbia has a set of principles similar to our ones for Leave No Trace. I encourage you to check out their Don’t Love It to Death information so we can preserve our outdoor spaces for future generations. ❤️
Planning on visiting Cranbrook, BC for your next outdoor adventure?
As you can imagine, Cranbrook, BC is an outdoor lover’s paradise. But what you might not know about it is that it is a bit of a hidden secret when it comes to all of the opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, and more you can find in the area. Daniel, Gravy, and I jumped at the opportunity to check it out, and we couldn’t wait to hit some of the nearby trails and camp.
Our friends at Cranbrook Tourism directed us to the sights and activities that we would not want to miss when in the area. With so many options, we wanted to make sure we saw and did the best things! With some suggestions for hikes and places to eat, we were ready for an epic adventure.
That being said, having a guide to cover the main details of what you shouldn’t miss can be incredibly helpful, especially when you have a limited amount of time in the area. This guide includes some of my favorite spots while we were there–hopefully this will help you when planning your time in Cranbrook!
In summary: This guide offers detailed information on where to stay, eat, and what to explore when you are in Cranbrook!
Quick tip: When in doubt, head to the provincial parks–there’s plenty of great hiking and mountain biking in these spots!
How to get to Cranbrook
The most common way you will reach Cranbrook from the United States is by taking Highway 93. This highway goes through the northwestern part of Montana. You will need to cross the border here, so make sure you have your passport in hand.
Once you have made it across, you’ll continue north on Highway 95 until you reach Cranbrook–it’s pretty straightforward. Of course, Google Maps is always your friend.
The best time to visit Cranbrook
While Cranbrook is magical all year and each season offers something different, the most popular time to visit is during the summer months. During this time, it can be more difficult to get camping and hotel reservations since it can be busy, and in July and August it can get rather hot.
This is why we chose to come the first week of September. Not only are all the campgrounds still open and you can still enjoy all the same activities you would in the summer, but there are significantly fewer crowds. We thought this was a wonderful time to go and I would highly recommend it if you can.
Of course, if you are into winter activities like snowmobiling, cross country skiing, and snowshoeing, then winter is your time to be there!
Where to stay in Cranbrook
You can find several options of places to stay in Cranbrook that will fit your budget. Several lodges outside of town are also available if you are looking to connect with nature, as well.
1. Prestige Rocky Mountain Resort Cranbrook
209 Van Horne Street South
⭐4/5 stars out of 125 reviews
This lovely hotel serves as the perfect base for all of your outdoorsy adventures. While it is not the cheapest option, if you are looking for accommodations that put you close to hiking trails and other outdoor activities, then this could be a good fit. The hotel also includes a spa, along with a short walk to Rotary Park if you want to stretch your legs.
⭐BOOK PRESTIGE ROCKY MOUNTAIN RESORT CRANBROOK HERE⭐
2. The Baker Hotel
1017 Baker Street
⭐5/5 stars out of 559 reviews
You can’t get more convenient than this hotel in the downtown area of Cranbrook. Only a short walk away from restaurants, grocery stores, and coffee shops, the Baker hotel is ideal if you want to be in the heart of town. Not only is the location worth staying here, but you it’s also an affordable option too if you are looking to save on your trip.
Where to camp near Cranbrook
If you really want to enjoy the incredible nature that Cranbrook has to offer, then pitching a tent at one of the many campgrounds available is the way to go. We opted to spend our time relaxing at our campsite, and it didn’t disappoint!
1. Norbury Lake Provincial Park
Cranbrook Tourism recommended Norbury Lake Provincial Park to us, and it was easy to see why this was their choice! Not only do you have access to two stunning lakes, but each campsite has plenty of space. We had our tent, but you would still have a lot of space even if you have an RV. Best of all, it’s near a number of the best hikes in the area.
2. Moyie Lake Provincial Park
Another great provincial park nearby is Moyie Lake Provincial Park. Featuring 111 sites, there is also direct access to the beautiful Moyie Lake for day use. During the summer months, swimming, wind surfing, sailing, and a number of other water activities can be enjoyed here. Another plus? Showers are available too!
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Top outdoorsy things to do in Cranbrook
It’s incredibly difficult to choose the best things to do out of all of the options in and near Cranbrook, but there are certain activities that Daniel, Gravy, and I particularly loved. Most of these included hiking trails and parks, but Cranbrook also offers a number of other outdoor activities too–these are just the ones that we wanted to make sure we didn’t miss.
1. Lakit Lookout hike
This was personally my favorite thing to do while exploring the Cranbrook area! The Lakit Lookout hike is not for the feint of heart–expect to gain 1,200 feet within a little more than two miles–but the views are unbelievable. Not only do you get to peek your head inside the lookout itself constructed in the 70s, but the views of the Kootenays are well-worth the climb.
2. Norbury Provincial Park
Norbury Provincial Park is not just for campers! This park features two stunning lakes that are ideal for a quick tip or paddle. Along with opportunities for water sports, there’s also a dog-friendly beach that Gravy loved exploring. You can’t beat the teal water–it’s super photogenic.
3. Fisher Peak
If you are up for a challenge, then the full-day adventure of summiting Fisher Peak might be in the cards. Keep in mind that the road to get up there requires four-wheel drive and a high clearance. Once you have made it up there, then you will be scrambling 4,400 feet. Make sure you check the weather before you head out, and plan to be pretty exhausted by the end!
Where to eat
Downtown Cranbrook is where it is at when it comes to food options! You can find a number of different cuisines available, as well as breakfast, lunch, and dinner places. We tried a few of them while we were here and they were all good, but there were a few that stood out.
1. The Heidout
821 Baker Street
This local joint has options from healthy to hearty depending on how hungry you are after a long day of exploring! I had a delicious Turkey Reuben here that I would totally recommend, and you are spoilt for choice when it comes to beer options–I even found a local non-alcoholic option. I could see this spot getting popular during dinner hours, so just keep that in mind if this is one of your can’t-miss restaurants.
2. Fire and Oak
209 Van Horne St S
Worked up an appetite from exploring the area? Fire and Oak offers a number of dishes like steak, pizza, and pasta to fill you up. The ideal dinner spot, I would recommend making reservations here if you are planning on visiting during the summer months since it can get quite busy. The atmosphere is modern and offers an upscale-feeling experience.
Where to shop
There are several spots in Cranbrook where you can grab some outdoor gear. My recommendation is to stop by High Country Outdoor Gear & Clothing for hiking, climbing, and backpacking items. I found the staff very knowledgeable, and they are located right downtown which makes it super convenient if you need to find an item quickly before you head off on your chosen adventure.
Conclusion
In my opinion, there’s so much to see if you are an outdoor love and you want to explore Cranbrook! From waterfall hikes to amazing camping options to views of the nearby mountains, this serves as a haven for those who love to connect with nature. I hope this guide has helped you plan your time in this wonderful town and has provided some needed recommendations to help you make the most of it!
Have any questions about visiting Cranbrook? Let me know in the comments!
