The traditional territory of the Ktunaxa and Secwepemc people.
Cranbrook is known as the true crossroads of the Kootenays, as you’ll only ever be a few minutes from experiencing incredible lakes, rivers, and adventure. Plus, it routinely reports the most sunshine hours of any city in BC, so it’s best to plan for a lot of time spent outdoors.
Getting Here
By Land
By Air
By Bike
- Biking Guide: Cranbrook Tourism
- Biking West: From Kimberley
- Biking South: From Invermere
Spring Birding in Cranbrook
Spring sees the water come alive in the Columbia Valley! Ducks like cinnamon teal, ring-necked, bufflehead, ruddy, and redhead show up, along with many other species. Also on the water, horned grebes are one of the stars of the area as they return to breed in their striking breeding plumage. Songbirds also return to the skies and trees throughout the valley. A highlight of the region, Lewis’s woodpecker, also returns for the warmer months.
Summer Birding in Cranbrook
Summer can be a quiet season for birding in some areas, but the Columbia Valley is still busy! Ducks and grebes are still around on the water, more and more warblers and other songbirds are singing and adding colour to the area, and raptors like ospreys and turkey vultures can be seen circling and looking for a meal. This is also a great time and place to see typically-eastern species in BC like blue jays and eastern kingbirds. And don’t be surprised if you hear a meowing while you’re on the trail – summer is the best time to see and hear a gray catbird!
Fall Birding in Cranbrook
Fall migration means you’ll see and hear higher numbers of warblers and other songbirds around the Columbia Valley before they head south for the winter. It’s also a good chance to see the many species of waterfowl and raptors before they also leave for the season. Trumpeter swans are one of the stars of the season, and always look majestic as they pose for a photo. Lewis’s woodpecker, a regional highlight, can still be occasionally seen before the weather cools down too much.
Winter Birding in Cranbrook
While many species have gone south for the winter, that doesn’t mean the season is quiet in the bird world. Some year-round birds you can see included ruffed grouse, Barrow’s and common goldeneye, golden and bald eagle, merlin, and several woodpecker species. By the water, you’ll still see the graceful great blue heron and noisy belted kingfisher throughout the colder months. Mountain chickadees and Clark’s nutcrackers are treats, especially if you’re visiting from coastal areas of the province. One species to look out for is the northern shrike, a tiny but fierce predatory songbird!
Cranbrook
Cranbrook is known as the true crossroads of the Kootenays, as you’ll only ever be a few minutes from experiencing incredible lakes, rivers, and adventure. Plus, it routinely reports the most sunshine hours of any city in BC, so it’s best to plan for a lot of time spent outdoors.
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12399 McClure Road, Kimberley, BC, CA, V1A 3K8
The relaxing 2km trail into Wycliffe Buttes is speckled with beautiful wildflowers in the spring – and surrounded by spectacular views of the Rockies and Purcell Mountain Ranges year round. The slight elevation leads to a rocky knoll easily accessible by foot, bike, snowshoe, or horseback.
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2101 Kootenay Highway, BC, CA
Managed by the Cranbrook Community Forest (CCF) Society, this birdwatching hotspot features 3 signed loop trails for hiking and nature exploration. Watch for cinnamon teals, Swainson’s thrushes, Clark’s nutcrackers, and more.
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3620 Van Horne Street South, Cranbrook, BC, CA, V1C 6X9
This large wetland area on the west edge of Cranbrook is the city’s best-known and most-loved birdwatching destination, with both resident and migratory birds making appearances. Walking trails lead you around the lake, with viewpoints, picnic tables and benches throughout.
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4112 Crowsnest Highway, BC, CA, V0B 1N0
Part of the Cranbrook Community Forest, this short 1.5 km scenic climb follows an old road bed to an abandoned fire lookout. Reach the top for views of the Rockies, Mount Fisher and The Steeples Mountains.
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5901 Baker Street, Cranbrook, BC, CA, V1C 1A4
Be prepared for outdoor adventures and birdwatching. Their extensive stock includes binoculars, outdoor clothing, hiking footwear, and more.
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616 9 Avenue South, Cranbrook, BC, CA, V1C 2L8
This cozy bookshop located in downtown Cranbrook is a great place to get birding guide books before heading out on the trail. They also carry a wide selection of local authors, travel books, unique greeting cards, maps, and gift items.
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711 10 Avenue South, Cranbrook, BC, CA, V1C 2M9
Stock up on outdoor supplies for hiking, camping, watersports, and birdwatching.
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8620 Van Horne Street South, Cranbrook, BC, CA, V1C 6X9
Seasonal, May – September
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1024 11 Avenue South, Cranbrook, BC, CA, V1C 2N9
A quaint coffee shop serving up specialty drinks and coffee, baked goods, salad bowls, and more. Browse their growing selection of new books and local art while you’re there.
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11903 Baker Street, Cranbrook, BC, CA, V1C 2L8
Enjoy artisan roasted coffee from this family-run shop established in 1999. Sit inside and observe the roasting process or catch some sun on the sidewalk patio.
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1221 10 Avenue South, Cranbrook, BC, CA, V1C 2M9
A community staple for over 25 years, this shop serves breakfast and lunch options made in-house daily. Don’t forget to try their famous cinnamon buns.
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131225b Cranbrook Street North, Cranbrook, BC, CA, V1C 3S6
Perfect for those looking for an intimate fine dining experience. Mediterranean-style cuisine with a seasonally-focused menu, creative cocktails, and an extensive wine list.
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1437 11 Avenue South, Cranbrook, BC, CA, V1C 2N9
Located in a 1929 heritage building that was once the city’s fire hall featuring roll-up truck doors, a fire pole and fire bell. Enjoy BC craft beer and quality pub fare on one of their outdoor patios.
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15821 Baker Street, Cranbrook, BC, CA, V1C 1A2
This ever-evolving restaurant has been in the community for decades. Tour the brewery, sample craft beer, and enjoy delicious food made with locally sourced ingredients.
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161924 8 Street North, Cranbrook, BC, CA, V1C 3N3
Whether it’s a relaxing brunch, a quick lunch, or an early evening meal on their sunny patio, Hot Shots focuses on fresh ingredients and creative specials.
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171114 Baker Street, Cranbrook, BC, CA, V1C 1A8
Satisfy your sweet tooth! Choose from 10 rotating flavours of frozen yogurt (with vegan & sugar-free options) and a creative topping bar.
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181017 Baker Street, Cranbrook, BC, CA, V1C 2N9
Located in the historic Mount Baker Hotel, this central downtown restaurant is a great way to start the day with breakfast and specialty coffees, or end the evening with delicious upscale pub dining.
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From upscale resorts to historic hotels, to family-run bed and breakfasts and everything in between Cranbrook has somewhere special for you to rest your head.
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2013 9 Ave S, Cranbrook, BC, CA, V1C 2L9
Start your morning right at The Baker 89, where hearty, locally-sourced breakfasts, from classic pancakes and eggs to fresh avocado toast are crafted with care to fuel your day.
Cranbrook is the perfect base camp to discovering the Kootenay experience. Check in with the local outfitters for insider information before setting your compass and heading out into the wild.
Nestled between the rugged Rocky and Purcell Mountains in southeast BC, the Columbia Valley offers a wild side of British Columbia’s outdoor activities, but with a good mix of relaxing serenity in the form of hot springs and luxury accommodations. Exploring the Columbia Valley Bird Trail takes you through breathtaking scenery with a plentiful amount of bird activity.
With history and culture as impressive as the rising hills and wild spaces surrounding the city, it’s worth taking time to relax and recharge at any one of Cranbrook’s many popular local haunts.
