Seeing the sights

Cranbrook has attractions that suit every preference

Elizabeth Lake is a quality sanctuary for Canada geese and other waterfowl. — Jody Jacob photo

Cranbrook is filled with attractions that appeal to all age groups. With recreation spots, event venues and artistic focal points, a trip to this active location is sure to keep you busy seeing the sights and sampling the culture.

Natural attractions

As you enter Cranbrook from the east,  you will see a birdwatcher’s paradise called Elizabeth Lake. Here there is a wetland bird sanctuary, where you can walk along the network of scenic trails and see various species of waterfowl that migrate through the area. There are 249 acres of wetland and grassland territory to explore, photograph or just sit back on a bench and enjoy.

The Elizabeth Lake Lodge is on site and provides comfortable, modern accommodations, RV sites and minigolf.

Another great spot to see the local wildlife is the Cranbrook Community Forest. Hike or bike through grassland and forest terrain, surrounded by fir, pine and larch trees with serene ponds and meadows. The trails  here lead to incredible viewpoints of the city, not to mention opportunities to capture some classic B.C. nature photography along the way.

Visitors can get a good view of the different parts of town by taking a walk or a bike ride along Rotary Way. This two-lane trail goes for approximately nine kilometres so it will only take a few hours at most to traverse its entirety. Rotary Way runs alongside Joseph Creek—adding a relaxing touch to the experience—and leads to some of the local parks as well as other recreational and commercial zones.

Where the action is

There are many ways to enjoy sports and leisure in town. The Cranbrook Recreation Complex (locals call it the RecPlex) houses a deluxe swimming pool with a waterslide, hot tub, steam room and sauna. The RecPlex also features a racquetball and squash court.

If you seek a vigorous activity, head to the College of the Rockies Cranbrook campus to test your strength on The Peaks climbing wall. The Viking Skatepark is a perfect place for young people to have fun and show off their skateboarding skill. This concrete skatepark is situated on 17th Avenue near the Cranbrook RecPlex.

Structural masterpieces

The community has been engaged in an ongoing beautification process, wherein the city has seen the construction of marvellous architectural features such as the Cranbrook Arches—an attractive way to welcome visitors as they enter town. The arches were completed in spring of 2010 and incorporated a time capsule to be opened in 2055.

Also the 3,000-pound, 25-foot-high Spirit Tree sculpture was added to Spirit Square near the Clock Tower downtown. This is one of a few magnificent features built for Cranbrook by artist Paul Reimer.

At one end of Baker Street you can see the statue of Cranbrook Ed the elephant. Made by sculptors Tony and Twila Austin, this art piece tells the colourful story of an escaped circus elephant.