Trails

Fisher Peak of the BC Rockies is the prominent summit along the skyline over Cranbrook, motivating hikers and trail seekers into the mountains.

Head for the trails. Start your adventure from Cranbrook as the city is spaced between the two mountain ranges the Rockies and the Purcells.In Top of the World Provincial Park find well-marked trails that traverse alpine meadows and crystal-clear lakes. The Whiteswan Provincial Park contains the natural Lussier Hot Springs for a soak after your hike.

The Mause Creek Tarn is one of Cranbrook’s most popular hikes. Reward yourself after the hike with ice cream in Fort Steele Resort and RV Park.  The best part? The trails are closer than you think.

The many parks that dot the city of Cranbrook make it easy for locals and visitors to get out for a walk and breathe in fresh mountain air any time of year.

Walking trails meander along the shoreline of the wetlands at Elizabeth Lake in Cranbrook’s Confederation Park. Stroll the easy paths while looking at the dozens of bird species.  The Cranbrook Community Forest is crisscrossed with kilometres of hiking and biking trails that weave between forest, grassland and three small lakes.

Top Tip! Janice Strong has been a long-time guidebook author to the area. Her 4th Edition of the book Mountain Footsteps Hikes in the East Kootenay of Southeastern British Columbia is published by Rocky Mountain Books. It was just released in April 2018 and it was the BC Bestsellers List. Mountain Footsteps has all the latest on hiking in the southeastern part of BC.

Chief Isadore Trail
  • Several trailheads to start & stop your journey
  • Cycling and walking on mostly rail grade at 3% with a few shorter sections of steeper grades up to 10% incline
  • 43.5 total km on packed gravel trail 1-2 meter width on rail grade and steeper sections
Cooper Lake
  • A short and easy hike directly to Cooper Lake (3.3km)
  • Scenic back-country & protected Caribou habitat.
  • Historical location of the flume to power the 1920's Moyie sawmill
Cranbrook Community Forest
  • Over 2,000 hectares of crown land. Ecosystem of grasslands, forest and lakes!
  • Single track groomed trails for winter biking, snowshoeing & hiking
  • All season biking, hiking, picnics, dogs on leash
Elizabeth Lake Bird Sanctuary
  • 5.9 hectare wildlife sanctuary
  • Large wetland area home to many bird species including turtles and squirrels
  • Includes trails, benches, picnic tables and viewpoints
Fat Biking
  • There is no shoulder season in biking in Cranbrook
  • Experience winter on two wheels
  • Visit the maintained trails at the South Star Recreation Area
Fisher Peak
  • Arguably the most sought-after hike in Cranbrook
  • 4.5 km to the summit, with 4,400 ft. elevation gain
  • A full day hike guaranteed to challenge your ability
Fisherville Historic Site
  • Historic Site
  • Interpretive Trail
  • Ghost Town
Idlewild Park
  • 41.75 acres of nature walking, trails & amphitheater
  • Open space, picnic benches, horseshoe pits and children's play area
  • In winter, a local favorite for tobogganing & snowshoeing
Kinsmen Park
  • Soccer Pitches
  • Walking trails
  • Two tennis courts
Kootenay Rockies ATV Club
  • Guided weekly rides within over 4000 km of trail
  • Supporting the preservation of our environment and wildlife habitat
  • Planning events and guided club rides for all levels of ATV enthusiasts
Lakit Lookout
  • A popular, steep hike to an old fire lookout cabin
  • Birdseye view of the Kootenay River, Cranbrook, Wasa & Fort Steele
  • 2.3 km day-hike, family & dog friendly
Mause Creek Tarns
  • One of Cranbrook’s most popular moderate hikes.
  • Alpine tarns surrounded by wildflowers and larches.
  • Explore a multitude of trails into the scenic alpine.
Motorized Places to Ride
  • Trails for Snowmobiles, ATVs, Dirtbikes, Side-by-sides & more
  • Network of areas that are permitted for offroad vehicles
  • Maintained trail networks
NorthStar Rails to Trails
  • Over 28 kms of paved trail linking Cranbrook and Kimberley
  • Biking, walking, running, in-line skating, skateboarding
  • Smooth 3% grade trail on old railbed
Ridetheory
  • Youth mountain biking lessons and camps
  • Private coaching sessions
  • Fun, inclusive and professional mountain bike lessons
South Star Recreation Trails
  • Multi-seasonal, multi-use, non-motorized trail system.
  • walkers, hikers, bikers, equestrians, skiers, snowshoe-rs and fat bikers are ALL welcome
  • Track set trails in winter for skiers.
The Bee Line
  • Moderate to difficult hike
  • Panoramic Rocky Mountain views
  • 4.0 km loop
Top of the World Provincial Park
  • The large park is mostly wilderness with a few trails
  • Main core of the park is Fish Lake reached by a moderate, but long hiking trail.
  • camping, backcountry public use cabin at Fish Lake
Wildhorse Cycling Club
  • Recreational and competitive cycling
  • Promote responsible biking practices
  • Group rides
Wycliffe Buttes
  • Between Cranbrook and Kimberley just off highway 95A
  • A short jaunt to HUGE reward
  • See the Rockies and the Purcells from one knoll.
XC Skiing & Snowshoeing
  • Network of set Cross Country Ski tracks
  • Multitude of trails suited for snowshoeing
  • Equipment rentals & sales