This year, we plan to adventure into four seasons of fun with some signature outdoor experiences, and a few off-the-beaten-path surprises. From snowshoe hikes in the Purcell mountains, to fall soaks amongst the golden larches, we’re ready to discover why Kimberley is an outdoor enthusiast’s playground all year long.

Winter

The snow-capped Rockies and perfect Purcell powder aren’t the only perks to wintering in Kimberley. This winter’s bucket-list includes gliding under the stars, savouring sweet mountain-top treats, and washing it all down with a giant helping of post-activity cheer.

1. Snowshoes & S’mores
   
   Join forces with the fine folks at the Kimberley Alpine Resort for their 2-Hour Kootenay Haus Mountain Top Snowshoe S’mores Tour. This tour is a great way to wrap up a day spent exploring our trail systems or our downtown Platzl, and is sure to add a little sweetness to any stay here. Enjoy a chairlift ride to the top of the mountain, before embarking on a guided 30-45 minute snowshoe tour through snow-capped landscapes. Once you reach the iconic Kootenay Haus cabin, take in the alpenglow from the deck while warming yourself around the fire pit, cooking s’mores atop the open flames, and enjoying a steaming mug of hot chocolate with family and friends. The chairlift will take you back to the Plaza just in time for dinner at Buckhorn & Main Mountain Eatery, or a night cap at the Stemwinder Bar & Grill
   
2. Ski Under the Stars
   
   A winter visit here wouldn’t be complete without carving down perfectly groomed corduroy on North America’s longest lit night ski run. Every Thursday, Friday and Saturday from January to early March, the North Star Quad Chair resumes operations in the evenings, offering eager night riders the chance to cruise under the stars from 5:30-8:30pm. Chase your pals down 2,100 vertical feet of terrain on our beloved Main Run, while bright lights lead you all the way back to the Plaza. Some bonuses of night skiing here include: low light pollution, plenty of constellations high above, small crowds, and always short lift lines

Spring

With the retreat of winter comes wildflower explosions of Balsamroot and Yellow Bells on our hillsides, and a rush of wonder as our waterways open up once again. Expect a blend of our chiller winter moments and our sunny, summer dispositions during springtime here, and don’t forget to bring along a skookum pair of shoes with you.

3. Wildflower Wanders
   
   The Wycliffe Butte is a popular hiking trail located in the Wycliffe Wildlife Corridor just south of Kimberley, which protects some of the most ecologically significant grasslands in the southern Rocky Mountain Trench. Early-season flowers to spot here include the bright-blue, bell-shaped Mertensia Longiflora, which begin to dot the landscape during the early spring melt. Most notably, this area is known for its early to mid-May explosion of Balsamroot, which covers the hillsides in a thick carpet of yellow. Aside from beautiful wildflowers, common sightings here include migrating elk herds, as well as threatened wildlife species such as the American badger. This 2.5 km out and back hike is perfect for all ages to tackle, and is a great way to spend some time in Kimberley
   
4. Waterfall Rush
   
   From the city-limit splendour of Marysville Falls, to the hidden and Cherry Creek Falls, casual explorers and seasoned adventurers alike will find their new favourite spot to refresh and relax here. If sticking within city limits, the Marysville Falls are a spectacular natural feat, easily accessed by a 10-minute walk. Enjoy the stroll down a wooden walkway and along Mark Creek, before reaching the penultimate viewpoint overlooking a 30-meter waterfall
   
   Looking for more? Legend has it there are a handful of other great waterfalls to enjoy during springtime here, too

Summer

Summertime in Kimberley is for cruising on two wheels and beating the heat with plenty of cool times on our local waterways.

5. Epic Rides
   
   Kimberley is home to over 100km of trails, which vary from fast and flowy, to janky and jagged. A biker’s true “Tour de Kimberley" lies in our Round the Mountain track. This 20km loop takes you through the Horsebarn Valley, the Kimberley Nature Park, and the Nordic Centre to give you a taste of Kimberley’s varied bike terrain. If 20km isn’t quite long enough, customize the loop by including Mr. Toad, Thunder Turkey, or Magic Line into the mix
   
   White-knuckle riders with a penchant for the steep, the rooted, and the rocky might opt for a day at Bootleg Mountain instead. While shuttle laps are your best friend here, true suffer-fest aficionados can pedal the steep 12km to the top before enjoying a well-deserved flow to the bottom. Our faves? Try Purple People Pleaser for machine-built flow, or Snow Mexican for a rough and ride ‘em way down
   
   Looking to rent a ride? Check out Bootleg Bike Co. and Black Dog Cycle & Ski, and don’t forget to download the Trailforks App for a comprehensive guide of bike trails in the area
   
   
6. Whitewater Adrenaline
   
   Splash into a perfect summer day in Kimberley with white water and wild rapids. The Kootenay Rafting Co. is your one-stop shop for half-day, full-day, or custom tours on Kimberley’s waterways. Simply bring your sunscreen, towel, and pursuit of a good time, and leave the rest up to the KRC crew. A day on the rougher waters of our backyard St. Mary River is sure to keep the good times flowin’ throughout the rest of your stay here

Fall

Before the snow flies, Kimberley is transformed by golden hillsides and crisp moments. Fall is the perfect time to enjoy alpine hikes through our famed larch trees, and take a few moments to recharge in some of our more rejuvenating natural landscapes.

7. Larch Hikes
   
   Our golden larch trees are a quintessential highlight to any autumn visit here, and are best enjoyed on foot. Enjoy the extensive swath of Western Larch from the comfort of Kimberley’s city limits, or head to the mountains to get amongst one of the largest Subalpine Larch strands in North America. Our picks? To stick within city limits, we recommend heading to The Centennial Trail at the Kimberley Nordic Club. The Centennial loop guides you around the outer boundary of the Nordic Club and under towering larch trees that boast some of the best fall colours in town. This 3km loop is also appropriate for mountain bikers, adaptive riders, and on-leash dogs
   
   For a more mountainous adventure, we recommend making the most of Fall’s splendour with a trip to Mause Creek Tarns and Tanglefoot Lake. While the hike into Tanglefoot Lake is beloved in the summer months too, something extra special happens when the colours here begin to shift come fall. Weave through picturesque tarns as you climb higher, and watch as the bright-yellow larch trees and colourful shrubbery get more striking as the trail goes on. The sparkling lake views are the cherry on top of an already great hike here
   
   
8. Hot Spring Soaks
   
   All the best adventures include a little TLC. To soak in a natural spring surrounded by beautiful nature, head north out of town to find Lussier Hot Springs. Situated along the Lussier River, these springs are as picturesque as they are piping hot, and boast 360-degree views of the snow-capped Canadian Rockies. After your soak, be sure to continue down the logging road towards White Swan Provincial Park and take in the beauty of the surroundings there
   
   Tip: As these springs can get quite busy, we suggest arriving in the early morning and saving plenty of time for additional adventures in the afternoon

Know Before You Go

Kimberley’s close proximity to trail networks, mountain ranges and untouched wilderness means it’s the perfect place to hit the trails and enjoy the great outdoors, all year long. While we’re all for optimizing our fun on the trails, preparation and planning are vital to ensure that every outing goes as smoothly as possible. Be sure to familiarize yourself with our basic planning, safety, trail etiquette and wildlife tips, then stock up on relevant maps, apps and guidebooks. Check all of your gear before setting out, and remember to play within your ability levels along the way.

We would like to shout out our fabulous Kimberley Trails Society and Kimberley Nature Park Society, who thoughtfully build and maintain the most incredible playgrounds for us to enjoy. Furthermore, we would like to acknowledge that Kimberley (k̓ukamaʔnam) and our surrounding nature are located on the unceded traditional territory of the Ktunaxa (?amak?is) Nation.