Welcome to Kimberley! While it’s easy to find fun here, there are a few tips and tricks that can make your stay even more memorable. Whether it’s a quick trip to the Visitor Centre, or a tour of the town, these 10 Kimberley Hacks will set you up for success on any holiday here.

1. Utilise the Kimberley Visitor Centre

Start your stay on the right foot with a trip to the Kimberley Visitor Centre. The Centre is centrally located at the far end of the main Platzl Parking, within eyesight of our one-and-only intersection. Here, you’ll find in-the-know, long-time locals ready to greet you with plenty of insider tips on how to make your Kimberley stay memorable and tailored to your needs. We also have a convenient electric vehicle charging station here, as well as public washrooms that are available for use during Visitor Centre hours.

Address: 270 Kimberley Avenue
Hours: 10-5pm Daily (excluding holidays)

2. Ask a Local

Saddle up next to a friendly face at a local watering hole, or strike up a conversation while out on the trails. Whether you’re chatting with the outdoor enthusiasts at Purcell Outdoors, a friendly bartender at The Shed, or a fellow adventurer in nature, our locals know a thing or two about what makes Kimberley so special, and how you can maximise your fun here. When in doubt, just ask!

3. Play in the Platzl

Before you embark on your big Kimberley adventures, be sure to get your bearings first by enjoying a self-guided Walking Tour through our endearing town centre: the Platzl. While this tour can be completed during a short visit through town, we encourage you to take your time to really soak up the Platzl magic and appreciate all the small things that make our home so special. Perks of exploring our Platzl include: learning local history at the Kimberley Heritage Museum, saying “hi” to Happy Hans at the World’s Largest Free-Standing Cuckoo Clock, discovering our artistic sides, and getting familiar with all of the shops and eateries that make our pedestrian-only downtown core such a fun spot to be.

4. Grab Maps and Download Apps

Looking for some adventure guidance? Whether you plan to hit the slopes, cruise the trails, or embark on a backcountry adventure, we’re here to help. In the Visitor Center, we have collected over 150 guidebooks, maps, and local brochures and magazines to provide you with important information and future possibilities for adventure in our beautiful home. Grab a hard copy there, download an app or pdf, and always remember to familiarise yourself with our basic safety, accessibility and trail etiquette suggestions.

5. Hit the Trails

Hit the trails, Kimberley-style! With the largest municipal park in British Columbia, 5 separate unpaved trail networks to enjoy, and enough cruisy paved paths to accommodate every strider, stroller, or roller, trail-time is all-time here in Kimberley. In the winter, explore our trail networks by snowshoe, fat bike, or cross-country ski. Come summer, hop on your bike, or lace up a pair of walking shoes before heading to the nearest trailhead. Bring your gear of choice and a map or app to guide you, then cruise into four seasons of fun on our beloved trails.

Hint: While here, be sure to get off the beaten-path with some signature Kimberley backcountry adventures, too. We love larch-filled hikes, long drives to picturesque spots on backcountry roads, and hot springs soaks in the heart of nature. Chat with the friendly Visitor Centre folks or in-the-know locals to learn about favourite backcountry spots near Kimberley
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6. Follow the Food

Enjoy multi-course meals and gourmet goodness, or get casual with elevated pub grub and backyard BBQ. Our restaurants are a place to nosh with strangers and discover regional favourites like locally butchered meats and farm-fresh BC produce. Wherever you choose to eat here, come prepared with a good appetite, some good cheer, and a little flair for foodie fun.

7. Quench your Thirst

Discover Kimberley’s spirited side and clink glasses with friends at our beloved drinkeries. Our pub and bar scene is where friendships are made, music is enjoyed, and patio pints are had after a long day on the trails. More interested in coffee culture? At our local cafes, enjoy everything from sticky, big-as-your-head cinnamon buns and homemade muffins, to organic elixirs and classic coffee creations. With 5 unique coffee houses to choose from, we’ve got plenty of options to keep you satiated and happily caffeinated during your stay here.

Tip: be sure to get uber-local with our 2 craft breweries (Overtime Beer Works and Grist & Mash), our hometown distillery (Bohemian Spirits), and our local coffee roastery (Kickturn Coffee Roasters)

8. Look for Lakes

Winter or summer, our surrounding lakes and waterways are surefire spots for great times and even better memories. For sandy shores, don’t miss Wasa Lake Provincial Park. For campfire hangs and Purcell Mountain views, head to our backyard to enjoy St. Mary Lake or River. Looking for more? We love ice skating on Stoney Lake, fishing out at Lazy Lake, and paddleboarding on Premier.

Hint: Don’t forget to also chase a waterfall or two while cooling down here

9. Pick your Itinerary

If you’re here to discover good times and fun finds in Kimberley, we’ve got the insider tips and know-how to make your most memorable vacation happen. Our seasonal itineraries are curated for any adventure-packed, family-centred, or laid-back vacation, and include all of the must-do, must-see, and must-eat recommendations that we love most. Pick your vacation style, then let us take care of the planning to set you up for success throughout your stay.

10. Visit Our Neighbourhoods

Our downtown core isn’t all we’ve got, folks! Step a little further away from the Platzl to soak up all of the different flavours of Kimberley. From the Lois Creek Trail Network in Townsite, to the yoga-posing and craft-butchering streets of Marysville, to the picturesque views enjoyed near our Ski Hill, our neighbourhoods each offer a unique charm to all who visit. Grab a town map from the Visitor Centre, then be on your way!

Bonus

Turns out, we’ve got more than 10 tips and tricks up our sleeves. From attending a memorable event, to finding the perfect place to hang your hat at the end of the day, our bonus hacks provide that little extra Kimberley know-how to take your visit here over the top.

11. Enjoy an Event

From our seasonal farmers’ markets to our year-round live music, our family-friendly shin-digs, or our Oktoberfest celebrations, there’s plenty of fun to be had throughout the year in Kimberley. Peruse the calendar for the full lineup of great happenings, and be sure to check back often for new additions and event details. Then, get ready to bump elbows with locals and craft some unforgettable memories along the way.

12. Find a Bed

Planning a trip to Kimberley but not sure where to stay? Simply fill in our Bed Finder form and let us forward your query to all of the accommodators that match your needs. Our partners will then contact you directly with their availability and offers. Too easy!

13. Follow Us

Come for the pre-trip inspiration, then stay for the post-trip memories. Around here, our social media feeds are a little like us: part memory-making, part adventure-seeking, and 100% come-as-you-are. Don’t forget to tag us in your very own Kimberley adventures or use the #kimberleybc #agoodplacetobe hashtags to connect with others who love this place too.