Cranbrook Things To Do This Summer

Along the Kootenay River in the great Rocky Mountain Trench, the city of Cranbrook British Columbia sits as the largest urban centre in the region. Plan a trip to visit and experience all Cranbrook things to do this summer. First Nations culture, mountain biking, hiking, heritage town, soulful food and craft beer make the city a great roadtrip destination.

I spent a week exploring all the region had to offer on assignment with ZenSeekers. Fully immersed into the community I discovered the fun Cranbrook things to do this summer. I had such a great time on our visit and if you can read my full story on the ZenSeekers site.

Discover the Fun Cranbrook Things to Do This Summer

 

Mountain Biking on Eager Hill

Home of the newest trails in the region, courtesy of the Wildhorse Cycle Club, Eager Hill is the must visit mountain bike spot. When it comes to serious fun Cranbrook things to do this summer head north of town to the Fraggle Rock parking lot. From here you pedal along Chewbacca Rocka, take in the stunning views of R2Dtour and have fun on Ewok and Roll. Yup, the club named all the trails in this part of the Community Forest all with a Star Wars theme.

Once you have mastered all the trails on Eager Hill don’t worry as the region still has over 200km worth of trails to be experienced. Extend your stay and I promise your smile will be there every time you hit the trail.

Cranbrook Things To Do Chris Istace Mindful Explorer

Zipping along R2D2tour trail on Eager Hill

 

Cranbrook Community Forest on Trailforks.com


Hiking the Community Forest Trails

The Cranbrook Community Forest is a protected wildland comprises 2000 hectares of amazing flora and fauna. Stretching beyond the north and south reaches of Cranbrook the forest is easily accessible from multiple points right within the eastern portion of the city. A well developed hiking system including public facilities, way-finding signage and trailhead kiosks help make your hike more enjoyable.

Eager Hill in the northern part of the forest offers views of the Steeples and Fisher Peak and Kootenay River. While the forest directly east of Cranbrook holds marshes, grasslands and lakes adding to the diversity of the community wildland.

Whether you are young or old, whether you are new to hiking or well seasoned adventurer, exploring the community forest is one of the great Cranbrook things to do this summer.

Cranbrook Things To Do Chris Istace Mindful Explorer

Hiking the Cranbrook Community Forest with Janice Strong

 

St. Eugene Resort – Speaking Earth Experience

The First Nations people of this part of the Kootenays have called the area home for more than 10,000 years. Hunting, fishing, gathering and living a symbiotic life with Mother Earth was their way of life.

The Ktunaxa (pronounced k-too-nah-ha) culture and traditions are now part of a first-ever program at St. Eugene Golf and Casino Resort. The Speaking Earth Haqaⱡpaⱡninam  (Hackalth-palth-knee-nam) is a series of activities that take you on a journey to another time and experience the life of another nation and their world.

As well you will learn about the history of the St.Eugene Mission residential school that the resort calls home now. Through a world class Canadian example of positive leadership the Ktunaxa Nation are pioneers in using cultural education to foster reconciliation into the future. This is one of the Cranbrook things to do like no other in the region.

Cranbrook Things To Do Chris Istace Mindful Explorer

Experience the 10,000 yr old Ktunaxa culture with Speaking Earth

 

Fort Steele Heritage Town

Named after NWMP Superintendent Sam Steele, this historic community has been brought back to life as an immersive heritage town. Discover the preserved buildings, street actors in full period attire and live working demonstrations like the blacksmiths shop. Make sure to head to the top of the old tower for a birds eye view of the entire town. Step back in time and enjoy as this is one of the most educational Cranbrook things to do.

Cranbrook Things To Do Chris Istace Mindful Explorer

Step back in time at Fort Steele Heritage Town

 

Cranbrook Food and Craft Brewery

Yes I do love hiking and mountain biking is right up there with it, BUT I truly enjoy a healthy local sourced organic meal. During my stay in Cranbrook I visited Soulfood four times as I loved it so much. My favorite was the homemade ginger fermented sodas which were as good or better than kombucha which I love. Chef Ronny makes his own kimchi in house and serves in the most amazing sandwich, I had that dish twice it was so good. The menu is diverse and full of savoury delight, wether you are vegan or enjoy a good local famers sausage there is something for everyone.

The other stop for foodie Cranbrook things to do is a stop at the Heidout and home of Fisher Peak Brewery. Head brewmaster Jordan has been crafting the finest beer in the Kootenays and just returned with a gold medal at the Canadian Beer Awards. Stop by and check them out for yourself and while there stay for a fantastic meal at the Heidout.

Cranbrook Things To Do Chris Istace Mindful Explorer

Try the Ginger sodas at Soulfood for a unique and healthy refresher

 

Cranbrook Things To Do Chris Istace Mindful Explorer

Brewmaster Jordan testing his finely crafter beer at Fisher Peak Brewery

 

Extendend Your Cranbrook Roadtrip With These Kootenay Activities

Kimberley Mountain Biking : Trails For All

Fernie Summer Activities : Top 5 Fun Things To Do

Cranbrook Things To Do – If You Go

Fly into Cranbrook via Pacific Coastal Airlines featuring non-stop flights daily out of Kelowna, Vancouver and with easy connections to the 60 odd other destinations they service around BC. You will land at the Canadian Rockies Airport, literally in the Canadian Rockies, an airport who is excited to welcome Westjet service to their roster in summer 2018.

Learn more about Cranbrook here.

Begin planning your trip to Cranbrook via the HelloBC website.

Uncover more adventures in the Canadian Rockies. Check out ZenSeekers’ #RockiesExploring Expedition page to see how you can have an adventure like this.

Disclosure: This post was published in partnership with ZenSeekers

Join the discussion 2 Comments

  • This is great! I loved the Cranbrook area when I lived in BC. Fishing, river rafting, hiking, craft beer…such a gem.

    Digging these posts Chris! Making my BC envy grow and now reminiscing on the camping marathon road trips I used to do with the same crew every summer.

    • Chris Istace says:

      I’m glad I had this chance to really discover the area Scott. So much to see and do, can’t wait to come back for Fisher Peak and of course some more MTB riding.

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