Rock the Kootenays: Stay a Little Longer
Rock the Kootenays brings the sound. Cranbrook brings the rest, in every sense of the word. Before, after, and between the music and the mountains, there’s room here to breathe. To trade the rush for reflection. To stretch the weekend into something that feels unrushed and real. The days start slow, the skies stay bright, and the landscape opens up in every direction.
Cranbrook is the kind of place where comfort meets character. The food is good, the trails are close, and the people have time for a chat. You can spend your morning on the green, your afternoon by the lake, and your evening rocking in Cranbrook. Whether you’re here for the weekend or taking the long way home, you’ll find that Cranbrook doesn’t just host a festival, it invites you to stay a while longer.
1. Take It at Your Own Pace
Cranbrook’s trails offer fresh air and big views without demanding an athlete’s stamina. They’re local favourites: well-marked, scenic, and close enough to fit between coffee and soundcheck.
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Eager Hill Lookout – A short, steady climb to an open ridge that looks out over the Kootenay River Valley and the jagged Steeples Range. Bring a thermos and linger a while.
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Wycliffe Buttes – A double summit between Cranbrook and Kimberley. It’s a modest walk, but the views reach across both valleys: Columbia on one side, St. Mary on the other.
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Cranbrook Community Forest – A vast network of trails minutes from downtown. Choose from quiet woodland walks, gentle climbs, or scenic loops that show off the landscape in every season.
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Elizabeth Lake Bird Sanctuary – Flat, peaceful, and perfect for an easy stroll. Wooden boardwalks and shaded benches make this a local favourite for early mornings and long conversations.
2. A Round with a View
Here, golf isn’t just a sport; it’s a way to spend time outdoors without rushing it. With eight courses within half an hour, Cranbrook offers variety and beauty in equal measure.
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Cranbrook Golf Club – A classic parkland course with mature trees, rolling fairways, and a pace that matches the town’s relaxed rhythm.
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Mission Hills Golf Course – A welcoming, walkable nine-hole course that pairs friendly service with mountain views. Ideal for a quick round before or after the festival.
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Shadow Mountain Golf Course – A sweeping layout shaped by the land itself. Play your way along dramatic elevation changes, then unwind at the clubhouse patio with a cold drink and a wide-open view.
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Wildstone Golf Course – Designed by Gary Player, Wildstone pairs smooth greens with wide skies, a polished experience that still feels connected to nature.
3. Lakes Worth the Drive
When the amps quiet down, the water calls. Cranbrook’s lakes are close enough for a quick swim and calm enough to stretch out the afternoon.
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Jimsmith Lake – Minutes from town and loved for its easy access, warm shallows, and mix of grass and sand. Locals bring paddleboards, lawn chairs, and enough snacks to last the day.
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Norbury Lakes Provincial Park – A chain of small, glassy lakes backed by larch and pine. It’s a peaceful spot for camping, fishing, or floating as the sun dips behind the Rockies.
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Moyie Lake – Just a short drive from Cranbrook, this deep, clear lake is perfect for swimming, paddling, or picnicking along the shoreline.
4. Follow the Water
Every stream and waterfall around Cranbrook tells its own story, some loud, some soft, all worth hearing.
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Perry Creek Falls – A shaded trail through mossy forest leads to a tucked-away cascade where you can feel the mist drift through the trees. Bring sturdy shoes and take your time.
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Lumberton Falls – A short drive west of town brings you to this local secret, a cool retreat on hot days with easy walking and a perfect picnic spot nearby.
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Fly Fish on St. Mary’s River – A destination for world-class fly fishing and quiet reflection. You don’t need to cast a line to enjoy it; just find a rock, sit back, and watch the water move. Get a guide with Tight Lines Fly Fishing, or St Mary Angler Fly Shop
5. Food with Character
Festival weekends are made for good meals and slow evenings. Cranbrook’s dining scene is relaxed and rooted, a mix of longtime favourites and fresh energy.
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The Heid Out & Fisher Peak Brewing Company – A true local gathering place with craft beer brewed on-site and a menu built for good conversation.
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Fire & Oak – Thoughtful, modern dishes served without pretense, from hand-stretched pizza to crisp salads and rich pasta.
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Baker 89 – A bright, casual spot downtown known for hearty breakfasts, fresh baking, and friendly service that feels like home.
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Ella’s Café – Small, welcoming, and full of flavour. Try the jerk chicken or weekend brunch and stay for the friendly chat.
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Encore Brewing Co. – A relaxed taproom serving creative brews and easygoing pub fare, perfect for winding down after a festival night.
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The Firehall Kitchen & Tap – Set in Cranbrook’s historic fire hall, this lively restaurant pairs local history with great food, cold drinks, and plenty of character.
6. A Little History Between Sets
Cranbrook’s stories run deep. Between rock shows and road trips, take a moment to explore the layers beneath the surface.
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Cranbrook History Centre – Home to restored Canadian Pacific railcars and exhibits that trace Cranbrook’s evolution from railway town to mountain hub.
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Fort Steele Heritage Town – Just outside Cranbrook, a living museum where you can walk old streets, talk with interpreters, and see history in motion, from blacksmithing to steam engines.
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St. Eugene Interpretive Centre – Located within St. Eugene Resort, this centre shares the history and resilience of the Ktunaxa people through stories, artifacts, and reflection.
7. Rest Easy, Rise Early
After the encore fades, Cranbrook settles into stillness. Choose your rhythm: a soft bed in town, a lakeside campsite, or a cabin tucked between the trees.
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Local hotels and motels – Reliable, walkable, and close to the festival grounds.
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Campgrounds – Sleep under the stars, wake to birdsong and fresh mountain air.
Wherever you stay, you’ll wake to sunlight streaming through the windows. Cranbrook enjoys more sunny days than anywhere else in B.C.
