8 Places to Take a Picnic

There is nothing like laying lunch out on a blanket overlooking a lake or taking a romantic hike to a viewpoint for dinner and a drink. Picnics are the fine dining of 2020 and we have a roundup of great locations and suppliers of good eats to make your next picnic top notch. 

The beauty of the picnic is the options of where to have one are only limited by your imagination. We could never list all the options but we have a few that are easily accessible in and around the city for quick and convenient access. 

1. Idlewild Park

   Playground, picnic shelters, horseshoe pits, fishing docks and a zipline, make for a picnic and more at this gem of a spot.
   
   
   
   

2. Eager Hill

   With close proximity to the city center, a short hike will take you to a picnic table with views of Fisher Peak, The Steeples and beyond. 
   
   
   
   

3. Rotary Park

   In the heart of the city this is a quick and easy spot to get a snack downtown and enjoy time at the splash park or the playground while eating lunch. 
   
   
   
   

4. South Star Recreation Site

   Picnic tables can be found in a few places in this trail network but a favoured spot is at the picnic table on Jackrabbit and Larch.
   
   

5. North Star Rails to Trails

   Take a picnic by bike. There are a number of picnic tables along this 28 km paved trail between Cranbrook and Kimberley. The table pictured here is between the 18 and 19 km markers off of the Wycliffe Road parking lot. 
   
   
   
   

6. Jimsmith Lake

   This provincial park just outside the city has day-use picnic tables or grassy areas near the beach to spread out a blanket. 
   
   
   
   
   

7. Norbury Lake
   

   This provincial park a short distance from the city has day use and overnight camping. 
   
   
   

8. Picnic on the Peak

   This one is most unique. Fly with Eclipse Helicopters and picnic below Fisher Peak while enjoying a catered lunch by the Heid Out, which includes beers from Fisher Peak Brewing.
    

While making special items at home to enjoy outside is truly the best, there are times convenience wins. Visiting from out town? Heading out to a park straight from work? Try one of our local eateries for some great options. Cranbrook has great places to pick up prepared items for a picnic. These spots all have ready-made items making it easy to grab and go.

1. Max's Place
   Sandwiches, wraps, salads, cookies, coffee and the world's best cinnamon buns. Pick up the essentials for a breakfast or lunch feast. 

2. Morchella Market
   Grab-&-Go sandwiches, baked goods, hot beverages, and more. A must stop for picnic essentials.
   
   
3. Dash Eatery
   Quick-serve sandwiches on housemade buns. With quick options and soup combos
4. Ricks Fine Meats
   Ready-made sandwiches made from fresh cold cuts. Or pick up fresh meats for a picnic grill. 
   
   
5. Kootenay Grounds
   Salads, baked goods and coffees to go.
   
   
6. The delis at Safeway, SaveOn Foods or Superstore
   A great selection of ready-made foods to complement any picnic. 

You Might Be Interested In...