Why go anywhere else?
When you can find all there is and more right here in your own backyard, when you step back and check it out you definitely realize instantly why Cranbrook is a great place to call home, and has so much to offer that really … why would you need to go anywhere else!? Beautiful mountains, lush forests, local attractions combined with the small town feel, and friendly people. There are so many reasons to visit, stay and play right here.
History of Cranbrook
The City of Cranbrook began as a railway and resource town, born with the arrival in 1898 of the Crowsnest Railway. The City of Cranbrook was incorporated in 1905 and has long served as the regional centre for the East Kootenay and a divisional point for the Canadian Pacific Railway. Europeans first visited the area in the early nineteenth century and began to settle here in the1860’s.
The ancestors of the Ktunaxa people have lived on these lands since long before the arrival of Europeans. Their traditional territory extends within the Kootenay region and areas in Alberta, Montana, Washington and Idaho. Their local presence is centred on the site of the former St. Eugene Mission, just east of Cranbrook, home of the St. Mary’s Indian Band and offices of the Ktunaxa Kinbasket Treaty Council. The St. Eugene Church opened its doors in 1898, the same year that the railway reached Cranbrook.
The City of Cranbrook has a number of properties protected under Heritage Designation and is in the process of re-launching a Heritage Registry to recognize properties that have significance to our community.
Resources & Links
- > The City of Cranbrook
Visitors and Residents will find important information and links for anything they may need to know about the City of Cranbrook. City Council, Taxes, Job Opportunities, News and Transfer Station hours … check out this link to answer your questions. - > Cranbrook Tourism
Tourists look no further … all the info you need while visiting Cranbrook can be found here! Find out what’s happening by checking the events calendar, find local attraction & activity information. - > The Cranbrook Chamber
Find out about East Kootenay area businesses and services, or how to become a Chamber member. The Chamber represents the business community and plays a vital role for ensuring future sustainability and success in Cranbrook’s economy. - > The Cranbrook Railway Museum
Discover what the museum has to offer, view photos from inside the rail cars and find information on tours that are offered. Book the beautiful Alexandra Hall for your next function, and find out more by checking out this site. - Regional District of East Kootenay
Offering over 100 services for the entire region, the RDEK is a local government who works together with municipalities and electoral (rural) areas to provide and coordinate these services. - Kootenay Ice Hockey
Find out when you can catch the next Ice game, and find out scores from ones you missed! This site will keep you up to date and in touch with our local WHL team who have won numerous league titles, and even captured the Memorial Cup!
Have Specific Questions?
Fill out the form below with any questions you may have about Cranbrook and we would be happy to respond within one business day with a customized response from one of our tourism experts.