Cranbrook and Kimberley: a traveller’s dream
A hub for culture and community
The East Kootenay region of British Columbia may be renowned for being a stunning golf mecca, but that’s certainly not all it has to offer. Cranbrook and Kimberley are jam-packed with rich heritage, community events, fine dining and much more.
Coffee shops offer locally roasted beans and are constantly buzzing with a variety of events—including performances from the incredibly talented people of the music scene. Local bands, independent artists and amazing programs at the local schools ensure that any visitor will surely find the music to their ears. There’s even an outdoor shopping centre called the Platzl in Kimberley for those craving a unique Bavarian experience.
If you’re in search of some Back to the Future travelling, look no further than the heritage town of Fort Steele, located just outside of Cranbrook. There, visitors can experience life as it was at the turn of the 19th century, with blacksmiths, candy shops, heritage houses and live reenactments of the historical events of the town.
Cranbrook and Kimberley combine together as a hub for culture and community—not to mention great golf. Home to six uniquely challenging courses all within a short drive of one another, this spot is a must-stop on any traveller’s journey.
Cranbrook Golf Club
Located conveniently right in the town of Cranbrook, the Cranbrook Golf Club is a well-manicured course that plays host to a variety of exciting events every season. Throughout its history the club has hosted five major BCGA championships and the 2004 RCGA Senior Men's Match Play Championship, along with many others.
The club can give thanks for its excellent aesthetics not only to hard-working staff, but to the natural beauty of Cranbrook. The fairways are strategically tree-lined to create a natural, isolated environment on every hole, giving the club a relaxing, private feeling. Be sure to take time to look around and enjoy the Rocky Mountain scenery when you hit the course at this Kootenay gem.
Wildstone Golf Course
It may be a new addition to the region, but Wildstone Golf Course is definitely one of the best golfing experiences in the province. Junior golf is a very important feature at the course and it runs a variety of youth programs, with particular success from the cutting-edge SNAG golf system. Opened in 2011, the course features the trademarks of the area: stunning mountain vistas and immaculately maintained greens and fairways.
You don’t need to leave behind the beauty of the course when you go home, though—Wildstone’s Boulder Creek has an assortment of luxury villas that make up a quaint, welcoming golf course village where you can move in straight away. The villas offer a modern, rustic atmosphere and are an affordable option for anyone seeking luxury living in the Rocky Mountains.
Mission Hills Golf Course
A short and friendly nine-hole course, Mission Hills is a great place to work on your short game. Choose from any of three unique layouts—Pine, Badger or Creek—to really get the most out of what this course has to offer. For a quick taste of golf when you’re short on time, there is also a Mini Mission consisting of three holes that you can play for just $5.
Taking advantage of the beautiful scenery of the area, Mission Hills is also offering a new opportunity this year with its Mission Hills Park Living real estate development. The lots are available for purchase with a park-model RV and are located directly on the course property. Right in the centre of the regional golfing hub, these homes are just a few minutes from everything you need in the city of Cranbrook.
St. Eugene Golf Resort Casino
St. Eugene is a special place to golf in the area, as it pays its respects to Cranbrook’s cultural heritage. The resort honours First Nations culture, with several teepees erected around the golf course so that visitors can get up close and personal with the region’s history. Whether or not you’re there for the golf, the resort has much to offer. With a full-service three-diamond hotel, health club, fine dining, the Casino of the Rockies and an exciting course designed by renowned architect Les Furber, you’ll never be bored.
The course itself is a 7,000-yard par 72, a length that will set golfers up for a full day of play. There are several Class A golf professionals at the resort, all available and eager to help players with their game. Along the course you’ll find beautiful flowerbeds, vibrant green grass and the mountain views that make this region famous.
Kimberley Golf Club
Constructed in 1924, the Kimberley Golf Club is an 18-hole par 71 with mighty ponderosa pines lining its fairways. On every hole you will be surrounded by the beauty of nature as you play through this true mountain golf course.
The club offers a variety of lessons and programs run by director of golf Tom Vold, who is also a two-time winner of Golf Professional of the Year from the Las Vegas chapter of the southwest section of the PGA of America.
Bootleg Gap Golf
With both an 18-hole championship course for the experienced golfer and a nine-hole recreational course for the casual player, Bootleg Gap offers something for every player. The courses are both designed by Les Furber and are accompanied by one of the finest practice facilities in the Kootenays.
No matter which course you decide to play at Bootleg, you’ll find yourself in awe of the stunning views of the Rocky Mountains, St. Mary River valley and abundant wildlife. Many of the holes are isolated by the trees, which provides a feeling of serenity on the course.
Trickle Creek
Trickle Creek is an award-winning golf resort that carves through the forests of North Star Mountain. It has earned the rating of 4.5 stars by Golf Digest—one of only seven Canadian courses to do so—as well as a bronze rating for Best Resort Course by ScoreGolf.
Also designed by Les Furber, this course takes players on a mountain adventure over creeks and ponds while providing exceptional views of the Rocky Mountains. But golf isn’t all that Trickle Creek is known for. The Trickle Creek Lodge is located just off the 18th hole, where visitors can find an outdoor pool, hot tubs, incredible food and much more.
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