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. Auntie Barb's Bakery
   Pot pies, sausage rolls, soups, fresh bread and pies.

3. Two Birds Deli
   Enjoy fresh salads, sides, proteins, charcuterie platters and more from this newcomer to the Cranbrook culinary scene. Make sure to go early as they sell out some days. 
   
   
4. Ricks Fine Meats
   Ready-made sandwiches made from fresh cold cuts. Or pick up fresh meats for a picnic grill. 
   
   

5. The Raw House
   Smoothies, salads, sandwiches, bowls, and salad rolls.

6. Kootenay Grounds
   Salads, baked goods and coffees to go.
   
   
7. Soulfood
   Fresh baked treats, salads, and Stoke juices are ready to go when you stop in for a quick pickup. 3 varieties of sandwiches and salads available daily. 
   
   
8. The delis at Safeway, SaveOn Foods or Superstore
   A great selection of ready-made foods to complement any picnic. 

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