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Kimberley
- "Bavarian City of the Rockies"
Kimberley is located 32 km (20 miles) north-west of Cranbrook
and 117 km (73 miles) south of Invermere
on Hwy 95A. Kimberley is known as the "Bavarian City of the
Rockies" because of the creation of a local European village
atmosphere called the "Platzl."
Second
Highest City in Canada
To go along with the "Platzl" and Bavarian theme, Kimberley
happens to be in the heart of the Rocky Mountains at an elevation
of 1,097 m (3,600 ft) giving it the distinction of being the second
highest city in Canada.
The
Sullivan Mine
Kimberley was named after the famous South African diamond mine
in 1896. Kimberley also was once home to the world's largest lead
& zinc mine called The Sullivan Mine which had been operating
since 1917.
Kimberley's
Economy
Cominco Ltd. has shut down the Sullivan Mine in 2001 which was the
area's largest employer for years. Today Kimberley's economy has
developed around various outdoor recreational activities that are
available throughout the region.
Relaxing
Atmosphere
Walking around Kimberley one cannot stop to notice the nice clean-living
atmosphere and civic pride. One thing that you will notice is that
all the fire hydrants have been hand painted with various characters
lending to the mountain scenery.
The
"Platzl"
The "Platzl" business area is also very relaxing especially
with vehicles being restricted and the creation of a pedestrian-only
zone. Kimberley also has the distinction of the largest cuckoo clock
in Canada which lends to the character of the Bavarian atmosphere
you'll find everywhere.
Kimberley
Alpine Resort
Kimberley has some excellent outdoor recreational activities. If
you enjoy the winter sports the number one thing that Kimberley
has is the Kimberley Alpine Resort. Located really close to town
this mountain resort offers a very good selection of runs with some
awesome powder snow.
Beautiful
Golf Courses
Plus, if you enjoy golfing, Trickle Creek is located at Kimberley
Alpine Resort offering an excellent layout through some beautiful
country. Other selections for you include Kimberley Golf Club and
Bootleg Gap Golf.
Marysville
Located just south of Kimberley by a 5-minute drive south is the
small suburb of Marysville. Originally its own community, Marysville
has since amalgamated with the City of Kimberley. Located here are
a few small stores and the famous Marysville Pug & Grill.
Marysville
Falls
You can also gain access to a short trail to the spectacular 33-metre
(100-feet) high Marysville Falls. If you love the backcountry and
fishing, there is a good road to the west from Marysville 15 km
(9 miles) to St. Mary Lake.
Julyfest
Some festivals you might want to see include the Julyfest parade
held every third weekend in July. Julyfest is a celebration of events
designed for the whole family.
Music
and Dance
For music and dance lovers there is the Kimberley International
Music and Dance Festival happening on the Labour Day long weekend
in September. Other events include the Jazz and Ragtime Festival,
the Rockin' in the Rockies 50's Fest and, for accordion lovers,
there is the Kimberley International Oldtime Accordion Championships.
Historic
Fort Steele
The good thing about staying at Kimberley is you're close to some
good exploring around the area. Historic Fort Steele is located
on Hwy 95A just downstream from Marysville on the St. Mary River
where it joins the Kootenay River on Hwy 93/95.
Wasa
Lake and Fairmount Resort
Wasa Lake, reportedly one of Canada's warmest lakes is north from
Kimberley on Hwy 93/95. For golfers just north Wasa is Fairmount
and Invermere offering even greater selections.
Information
on Kimberley
Camping
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