Winter Itinerary: A Chill-Seekers 3-Day Guide To Snowy Saunters And Warm Welcomes In Kimberley
Day 1: Roam
Begin your vacation here by cruising into nature, breathing in the fresh mountain air, and soaking up some of our infamous year-round sunshine.
- Wake up to a hearty breakfast at The Sullivan Pub before embarking on a snow-filled saunter through Kimberley’s winter wonderland. Check out the Guided Snowshoe Tours offered through the Kimberley Alpine Resort and discover our remarkable trail systems and Rocky Mountain views. Each tour includes snowshoe rentals, a hot drink, tasty s’mores, and a fire to warm up by once the outing is complete
- Feeling independent? Strike out on your own for a self-guided snowshoe through the Kimberley Nature Park. For a longer day out with beautiful vistas, opt for an outing to Myrtle Mountain or Dipper Lake. For a shorter “shoe”, stick close to home base and trek through Moe’s Canyon on the outskirts of the Kimberley Alpine Resort. Download the Trailforks App for a comprehensive guide to trails in the area, or pick up a copy of the Kimberley Trail Map at the Visitor Centre before embarking on your snowshoe stroll. Snowshoes can be rented from the friendly folk at the Kimberley Alpine Resort rental shop
- Settle into an afternoon warm-up with a good book or a board game at The Beantree Cafe in Kimberley’s Platzl. Later, grab a BBQ dinner and drinks at The Shed. Fancy something sweet after dinner? We recommend saving room for hand-made chocolates and mousse cakes from Grow
Tip: While at The Shed, sit at the bar to strike up a conversation with bartender Jonny. We hear he has a penchant for creating custom cocktails and chatting about the history of all things libations.
Day 2: Recharge
After a day spent roaming through Kimberley’s trails, Day 2 in Kimberley is for Platzl perusing and a little well-deserved pampering.
- Start your morning with hand-milled bread and pastries from Bread & Butter, and a made-with-love latte from The Snowdrift Cafe. Revel in the rotating displays of local art at Centre 64 and learn some local history at the Kimberley Heritage Museum, before heading to the Platzl to soak up Kimberley’s unique downtown core. This pedestrian-only zone is home to many of Kimberley’s eateries, drinkeries, cafes, and brick-and-mortar shops. The Platzl features everything from trendy clothing and shoes to hand-made jewelry, dispensaries, toy stores, and fresh-pressed olive oils
Tip: While all of the shops in Kimberley offer something truly special, the unique gifts at Arrow & Axe, and the local honey from Moody Bees are not to be missed
- If pampering on an empty stomach doesn’t appeal, head for a light lunch at Creme Cheese Shop. Enjoy a soup or sandwich made with fresh, local ingredients there, before warming up with an afternoon hot-stone massage or mani-pedi. Kimberley is home to many talented body-workers and estheticians, who aim to make you feel like a million bucks during your stay
- Tonight, head to the “South Kimberley” neighbourhood of Marysville. Be sure to give yourself some extra time before your meal to check out Marysville’s unique shops and attractions, such as The Marysville Falls, Meat Matters and Marysville Artisans
Day 3: Reconnect
After recharging on Day 2, your third and final day in Kimberley is for reconnecting with the outdoors and discovering more of our natural beauty.
- Wake up with a filling breakfast from Our Place Restaurant before stepping into some skis and gliding through our many cross-country trails. The Kimberley Nordic Club features over 30 km of trails and impressive views of the Canadian Rockies. These tracks are groomed with both classic and skate skiers in mind, and accommodate all levels of nordic skiers. New to cross-country skiing? The Kimberley Nordic Club offers private, semi-private, and small group lessons to help build skills and confidence on the trails. Classic and skate ski rentals are available at the Kimberley Nordic Kiosk
- Fancy getting off the beaten path? Head to the St. Mary’s Valley for a cross-country ski along the St. Mary River. Take in the views of the snow-capped Purcell Mountains there, and keep an eye out for Bohemian Waxwings and Northern Flickers along the shoreline
Hint: we hear that the bold mountain-men and women of Kimberley like to polar bear dip in the St. Mary River all winter long. Join them if you dare
- Kimberley has plenty of grab n’ go options to keep you refreshed throughout the day. We suggest heading to Stoke Market for organic goodies and specialty coffees or stocking up on freshly-baked goods at our many Cafes. For dinner tonight, tuck into the multi-Course Bavarian Feast at the Old Bauernhaus Restaurant for a truly unique dining experience. Bring your appetite, and get ready to learn about the origins of this 350-year-old building and its Bavarian roots
Tip: If you’re itching for a little more time on the trails, head back to the Kimberley Nordic Club in the evening to enjoy the 3.3 km lit night-skiing loop before tucking in for the night
Chilling out here is easy, but our cool times are just getting started. For those looking for a more adventurous approach to wintering in Kimberley, tack on a few extra days for downhill turns at the Kimberley Alpine Resort. Or, get familiar with the ins and outs of a summer spent cruising Kimberley. There’s so much more to soak up here.