The great outdoors

Cranbrook caters to outdoor recreationists

Hockey is a favourite local activity. — Tanya Laing Gahr photo

A trip to Cranbrook is not complete without exploring the wide variety of outdoor recreation opportunities available.

Cross-country delights

Cross-country skiers are in for a special treat. There are several places in Cranbrook to pursue this healthy outdoor sport.

The South Star Trails offer a series of cross-country skiing routes, covering 30 kilometres of wilderness terrain right next door to town. Maintained by volunteers who keep the trails groomed, this lovely network is consistently chosen as a great place to bring skiers while they are visiting Cranbrook. The South Star trailhead is situated just south of Cranbrook on Gold Creek Road, at the south end of 38th Avenue.

There is also some premium cross-country territory accessible directly from town in the Cranbrook Community Forest. A 2,000-hectare park with spectacular lookout points, lakes, grasslands and wooded glens, the community forest offers trails that are multi-purpose, so hikers and photographers can also appreciate this hidden jewel.

Another popular multi-purpose recreation spot was created by the Kimberley-to-Cranbrook Rails to Trails project. Converted from an old rail bed in 2009, this trail is open to a variety of non-motorized activities, and when winter comes it attracts many avid cross-country skiers.

Sensational sledding

Snowmobiling is enjoyed by many in Cranbrook. One of the best places to hit the trails is the Lumberton area. Or go a little further out of town to Moyie. Both of these sledding zones are located a short distance south of Cranbrook. Alternatively, by travelling northwest of town, you can also indulge in some fine sledding conditions on the Perry Creek trail system. The Cranbrook Snowmobile Club keeps the local trails groomed and ready.

Skate away

Skating is another way Cranbrook locals and visitors stay active during the wintertime. Just a short drive from town, Jimsmith Lake Provincial Park, with more than 13 hectares of land within its borders, is a noted place to skate and enjoy the peaceful wilderness. If you prefer to stay in town, check out Baker Park and Idlewild Park, which have designated areas that are flooded during the cold season to serve as ice rinks for skating and other winter sports.