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The Best Things to Do in Kimberley, British Columbia
- andrewsco3
- Sep 11
- 10 min read
Kimberley is a small mountain town in British Columbia with a laid-back feel and plenty of outdoor adventure. It’s a great spot for families, with things to do all year, whether you’re hiking and biking in the summer or hitting the snow in the winter.
The town of Kimberley sits in the Purcell Mountains in the East Kootenay Rockies, south of Radium Hot Springs and Invermere. From Calgary, it’s about a 4.5-hour drive, making Kimberley a perfect spot for a quieter long weekend getaway.
Since the days of underground mining, Kimberley has reinvented itself, transforming from a working community into a relaxed mountain destination.
Its mining past is still an important part of the story, but today the town is known for the pedestrian-friendly Platzl, great skiing, excellent biking trails, easy access to hiking and waterfalls, and a welcoming small-town atmosphere.
In this post, I’ll share the best things to do in Kimberley, from outdoor adventures to fun stops in town, along with ideas to help you plan a family trip to this mountain community.
Table of Contents
Map of Things to do in Kimberley
Whenever we plan a trip, we always start with Google Maps. It helps us visualize locations and create efficient itineraries. We’ve added all the sights and attractions to the map below to help you see where everything is and choose which attractions you'd like to stop at and visit.
The Best Things to do in Kimberley
Explore the Platzl
The Platzl is the heart of Kimberley and a must-visit spot for anyone exploring the town. This pedestrian-only plaza is lined with small boutique shops, great coffee, restaurants, and even a couple of breweries, all within easy walking distance.
The town has done a great job of creating a relaxed atmosphere with colorful flower displays and a small splash park, making it a lovely spot to enjoy dinner and a light stroll afterwards, especially on Thursday evenings when the farmers market is on.
The Platzl was originally designed around 50 years ago as part of the town’s reinvention from mining and to attract tourists, with a Bavarian mountain theme.
It's even home to the world’s largest free-standing cuckoo clock. If you drop a $2 coin in the clock, the town’s mascot, Happy Hans, makes an appearance!
Kimberley Underground Mining Railway
One of Kimberley’s most fascinating pieces of history is its underground mining railway. For over 100 years, the town was built around and supported by the massive Sullivan Mine.
In fact, it was so large that it was once the largest lead-zinc mine in the world.
The mine closed in 2001, but long before that, the town had already begun planning its transformation into the mountain destination we know today. Mining remains a big part of Kimberley’s story, and the town has preserved this history in a pretty unique way for visitors.
While the original mine is no longer accessible for safety reasons, a new area has been created that can be safely explored, giving visitors an up-close look at mining techniques and what life was like for the miners underground.
The mine can only be explored with a guided tour. There are two options to choose from:
1-Hour Scenic Tour – a shorter tour where you ride through the mine on the train without getting off. This tour only runs at 10:00 a.m.
2-Hour Interpretive Tour – a longer experience that includes live demonstrations by local guides and the opportunity to step off the train to explore parts of the mine up close. These tours run at 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., and 3:00 p.m.
I highly recommend the 2-Hour Interpretive Tour if you can, and I'd consider it one of the best things to do in Kimberley as a family.
It’s great for older kids since there’s lots to learn and experience, but some parts, like the drill demonstrations, can be loud, so it’s not ideal for young children or babies. Our girls, aged 8 and 10, both enjoyed it, though they found it a little loud at times.
Ride the NorthStar Rails to Trails
For families that love cycling, the NorthStar Rails to Trails is a must-do in Kimberley. This scenic multi-use trail stretches 26 kilometres from Cranbrook to Kimberley along a former railway bed, so the grade is mostly gentle and perfect for kids.
Along the way, you’ll be treated to stunning views of the Purcell and Steeples mountain ranges and the sparkling St. Mary’s River. The trail is well-marked with kilometre markers, and interpretive signs and picnic spots make it easy to take breaks and enjoy the surroundings.
Whether you’re riding with kids, friends, or on your own, this car-free trail is a fantastic way to experience the outdoors while soaking in some of the East Kootenay region’s most beautiful scenery.
Marysville Falls & Eco Park
Marysville Falls is a short, kid-friendly walk that is just 10 minutes’ drive from Kimberley and located close to the NorthStar Rails to Trails path, making it a perfect stop for families exploring the area.
The path follows a well-maintained, stroller-accessible boardwalk that winds along the creek, passing smaller cascades before reaching the main 30-metre waterfall. Some sections of the creek has areas where kids can climb on the rocks, while the main falls need to be enjoyed from a designated viewpoint, behind a safety fence.
Parking is free at Marysville Eco Park, which is a restored green space with picnic tables, washrooms, e-charging station and interpretive signs about the area’s history and wildlife.
For families looking for more detail on visiting Marysville Falls, you can read our full blog post on the experience.
Kimberley Nature Park
Kimberley Nature Park is one of the largest municipal parks in British Columbia and a great place to visit for any families that enjoy spending time outdoors.
The park spans over 800 hectares and features an extensive trail network that winds through forests, meadows, and ridges, offering views of the surrounding Purcell and Rocky Mountains.
The trails vary from easy walking paths to more challenging routes, making it a perfect spot for families, hikers, and mountain bikers.
It’s perfect for days when you want to enjoy nature without a long drive or too much effort.
Fort Steele Heritage Town
Fort Steele Heritage Town is a living history site that takes visitors back to the late 1800s when the region was a booming gold rush settlement. It is roughly a 40-minute drive from Kimberley but definitely worth making the trip if you want to experience some of the area’s history.
The town features over 60 restored buildings, some in their original locations and others moved from nearby communities to preserve them. You can explore homes, tailors, and even a working blacksmith, all of which bring the past to life and give a real sense of what life was like in earlier times.
Costumed interpreters add to the experience with demonstrations, horse-drawn wagon rides, and live storytelling.
Our kids really enjoyed the hands-on activities such as making ice cream, panning for gold, and stepping into the old theatre to watch a black-and-white movie!
St Mary's Lake
St. Mary's Lake is a peaceful spot just outside Kimberley, about a 10-minute drive from town, perfect for spending time on the water without the crowds.
The water is clear, and while the beach is pebbly, the gentle shoreline makes it easy for a quick dip or paddle. On a warm day you'll usually see people stand-up paddleboarding here.
There are plenty of picnic tables near the shore and lots of room for kids to play, making it a great place for families to spend the afternoon.
Also, if you’re visiting St. Mary's Lake, Meachen Creek Falls is an easy waterfall to reach. To get there, continue past the lake along the gravel forestry roads, where a clear pullout marks the trailhead. From there, it’s just a 2.4 km roundtrip hike.
Kimberley Alpine Resort
Kimberley Alpine Resort is a great spot to get outdoors no matter the season. In winter, it’s all about skiing and snowboarding, with runs for everyone from first-timers to pros. There’s even a terrain park for freestyle fun, and plenty of cozy lodges where you can warm up between runs.
In summer, the resort is still worth a visit for mountain biking. While the chairlifts aren’t running, trails like Round the Mountain offer fantastic options for riders of all skill levels. Bikes can also be rented in town if you don’t have your own.
Whether you’re hitting the slopes in winter or riding the trails in summer, Kimberley Alpine Resort is definitely worth a visit.
Cherry Creek Falls
Cherry Creek Falls is a short, family-friendly trail just outside Kimberley that leads to a beautiful waterfall.
One of the great things about the trail is the loop option, which lets you extend the hike a little, or you can take the direct path to the falls if you just want to snap a few photos. The trail is well-maintained, with safety barriers and handrails leading down to the base of the falls.
We even had a little excitement on our hike when we came across a snake slithering across the trail!
Kimberley Splash Park
Kimberley’s splash park is a fun, free spot for kids to cool off on a hot day. There are fountains, spray features, and plenty of open space to run around, so it’s perfect for families looking for a low-key afternoon in town.
There are benches and shaded areas that make it easy for parents to relax while the kids play, and it’s close to other town amenities (just a short walk), making it a convenient stop during a visit to the Platzl.
Spirit Rock Climbing Wall
Our kids spent a few hours at Kimberley’s Spirit Rock climbing wall and absolutely loved it.
The facility offers routes for all skill levels, so beginners can try climbing for the first time with the easy clip-style connectors, while more experienced climbers can belay each other. There’s also a bouldering wall upstairs!
Entry to the facility is on a day-pass basis, so you can re-enter later if you like. Planning your first visit earlier in the day is a good idea if you want the option to come back for a second session.
Where to Eat in Kimberley
Kimberley’s dining scene is surprisingly varied for a small mountain town, offering everything from casual family-friendly spots to traditional German cuisine and craft breweries. Whether you’re looking for pizza the kids will love, a hearty meal after a day outdoors, or a sweet treat in the afternoon, there’s no shortage of choices.
Pedal & Tap
A local favorite that is located right in the heart of downtown in the Platzl. A great place for families but trust me when I say that the portions are HUGE!
Stonefire Pizzeria
A great selection of wood-fired pizzas that are always a hit with kids.
The Shed
A casual spot for burgers and BBQ. It's small, but they do have a nice little patio right on the Platzl on a sunny day.
The Old Bauernhaus Restaurant
We didn’t eat here, but it’s top of the list for next time (it’s hard to get a reservation). The restaurant is slightly out of town towards the Alpine Resort, set in an old German-style log cabin, and serves traditional German food.
Grist & Mash Brewery
Our favourite brewery in town, serving some excellent craft beer. They even sold ‘growler’ cans to go, which was perfect since we were staying in an Airbnb.
Bean Tree Café
A nice café in the Platzl with some of the best coffee in town. It’s a great spot to grab a latte and a snack before exploring.
Stoke Market
I had to add stoke market to the list as once we discovered it, we went every single day! It's basically a We had to add Stoke Market to the list because once we discovered it, we went every single day.
It might look like just a grocery store inside a gas station, but they have some of the best coffee and produce in town. There’s a great coffee station, a fresh fruit smoothie station, and by far the best selection of local fruit around. We stocked up every morning on cherries, peaches, and of course, a good cup of coffee to kick off the day.
How to Get to Kimberley
Getting to Kimberley from Calgary is a scenic drive with a couple of different routes, each offering its own highlights. Both routes take roughly the same amount of time, depending on where in Calgary you begin your journey.
If you’re new to Canada, you’ll probably want to take the route through Banff since it’s one of the most famous mountain drives in the world. The scenery here is iconic, and the stops along the way are bucket-list worthy.
Route via Banff and Kootenay National Park
This northern option takes you along Highway 1 through the heart of the Rockies before crossing into Kootenay National Park.
This classic mountain drive passes through alpine towns like Canmore and the world famous Banff, where you can easily spend days exploring. From Moraine Lake, which we think is the most beautiful lake in the world, to the Banff Gondola, there are endless things to do if you want to add extra time to your journey.
Once you’re inside Kootenay National Park, you’ll find plenty of easy roadside stops, including Marble Canyon, the Paint Pots, and even some natural hot springs by a river bank. This route is busier than the southern option, but the scenery is so impressive that the extra traffic is worth it if you haven't driven the route before.
We’ve also put together a two-part itinerary for exploring the Canadian Rockies. You can read Part 1 and Part 2 here.
Route via Fernie and the Crowsnest Pass
If you’re looking for a quieter but still scenic drive, the southern route takes you along Highway 3 across the Crowsnest Pass via Fernie. Stops include the Frank Slide Interpretive Centre, where a massive rockslide reshaped the mountainside, as well as several waterfalls that make for quick leg stretches.
The route also passes through Sparwood, home to the world’s largest truck, and Fernie, a stunning alpine town, that is well worth spending some time in. Big Bang Bagels in Fernie might be our favourite bagel spot in the entire Canadian Rockies.
If you have time for a short detour, Surveyors Lake is a great spot for paddleboarding, swimming, and even spotting red-eared slider turtles.
About Our Family
We are a family of four that moved to Alberta in 2012 and have explored extensively throughout Alberta and British Columbia.
We love hiking and exploring the Canadian Rockies! We write travel guides with families in mind, so the majority of the suggested things to do in this guide are kid-friendly.
Read more about us here.
Read about our 100 day sabbatical here.
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