FAQs
In Town
- Where is the Platzl?
The Platzl is our pedestrian-only main street, and features a variety of shops, restaurants, arts, and Kimberley culture. Find the main Platzl Parking just through the traffic lights on Kimberley Ave, then explore the Platzl on foot!
- Is the Platzl accessible for strollers and wheelchair users?
The Platzl is easily accessed by strollers or wheelchair users.
- Where do I go if I have an emergency? Who can I call?
With an in-town clinic just minutes from our downtown and our regional hospital a mere 30km away, medical emergencies and illness can be quickly addressed.
Kimberley Health Clinic: 250.427.2215
East Kootenay Regional Hospital: 250.426.5281
Emergency Services (Ambulance, Fire, Search and Rescue): 911
Wildfire: 1.800.663.5555 or *5555 on a cell phone
- Best breakfast/lunch/dinner/grab n’ go options?
From foodie feasts, to meals that are fancy-free and kid-approved, Kimberley’s a good place to eat, drink, and be merry all year long. We’ve got plenty of restaurants, cafes, and quick grab n’ go options to keep you full and happy during a stay here. Head to our Dine page for the full run-down on all of our yummy options!
- Where can I grab a drink in town?
We’ve got our fair share of drinkeries and watering holes here. For locally-brewed or distilled options, head to Bohemian Spirits, Overtime Beer Works, or Grist & Mash Brewery. For BC beers and pub-grub, opt for The Sullivan Pub, The Shed, The Stemwinder Bar & Grill, The Elks Club, or Whisky Jack’s Smokehouse. For more creative cocktails, head to the Hourglass Lounge or the Pedal & Tap.
Getting Here and Getting Around
- Where is Kimberley?
Find us in the southeastern corner of British Columbia, where the Purcell Mountains and Canadian Rockies meet. Kimberley is a short distance from the Canadian Rockies International Airport (YXC) and is in close proximity to major travel routes like Highway 3.
- Where is the closest airport to Kimberley?
The Canadian Rockies International Airport (YXC) is 16km from Kimberley and offers direct flights from major centres like Calgary, Vancouver and Kelowna.
- What should I know before driving?
Remember to check road conditions, closures, and travel advisories before setting out, and come equipped with snow tires in the winter months.
- Do I need a car to visit Kimberley?
No car? No problem! Take advantage of the community transit bus in town, the shuttle from the airport, and the many paved paths and nature trails that link our neighbourhoods together and can be enjoyed on foot or by bike, or call Mountain Shuttle and Cab
- Where can I park in town?
Enjoy free parking all throughout town. Take that, meter-feeders!
- Where is the Visitor Centre?
The Kimberley Visitor Centre is within eyesight of our one-and-only intersection and is found on Kimberley Ave. at the far end of our main downtown parking area. From the front doors of the Visitor Centre, you have a direct view of the back of the Platzl.
- What is the schedule for the community bus, and where are the pick-up spots?
The Kimberley Transit System offers regular rides throughout town, as well as rides on request outside of the regular routes. In the wintertime, the 23 Peak to Platzl transit is a free ski shuttle service, aimed at getting you and your gear to and from the Mountain. Convenient, downtown pick-up spots include Howard Street at the North end of the Platzl, and in front of Shoppers Drug Mart on Ross St.
Accommodation
- What are my accommodation options in Kimberley?
Ski from your front door, hook up an RV, or find a little extra luxury during your stay here. From condos and chalets to camping and hotels, we’ve got plenty of places to rest your head, recharge, and keep you cozy throughout your visit. Head to our Stay or Bedfinder pages for additional information on the ins and outs of finding a place to stay here.
- How do I find the Kimberley Riverside Campground?
From the main Platzl Parking area, take a right at the lights onto Wallinger Ave., and drive 6km south. Make another right turn onto St. Mary Lake Road, and follow the road for 3km before reaching the Kimberley Riverside Campground on your left.
Shopping and Activities
- What are the taxes in British Columbia?
British Columbia charges a separate 7% Provincial Sales Tax (PST) and 5% federal Goods and Services Tax (GST) on most goods. While food sales are generally exempt from PST, be aware that there is a 10% PST charge on all liquor purchases.
- Can I hike or bike right from the Platzl?
With a centrally located downtown core, the Platzl is the perfect starting point for adventures by bike or on foot. Favourite close-to-town biking adventures include the 20km Round the Mountain route and the climb-heavy Magic Line near the Kimberley Alpine Resort. Favourite hiking, bird-watching and jogging routes include the Tea Spot loop in the Lois Creek Trail Network, or Myrtle Mountain in the Kimberley Nature Park. For directions and additional information, check out our In Town Trail Blog, or download our Maps and Apps page.
- How do I locate the North Star Rails to Trails?
From the Platzl, the closest trailhead is a cruisy 4-minute bike ride away. Head south down Wallinger Ave. before taking a left onto Rotary Drive. Find the Rails to Trails trailhead directly across from Rotary Park and the Kimberley Civic Centre.
- Where is Kimberley’s Underground Mining Railway?
Orient yourself to the Kimberley Visitor Centre and then head 400 meters up Gerry Sorensen Way to find our Kimberley Underground Mining Railway (KUMR). While we recommend the short stroll from the Platzl Parking area/Visitor Centre, additional parking is available right at the KUMR.
- Where can I go to cool off or enjoy a swim?
We love our backyard lake and river, St. Mary Lake and St. Mary River, and also find fun at Hahas Lake, Wasa Lake Provincial Park, and Premier Lake Provincial Park.
Outside of Town
- Is there fishing and hunting and are permits required?
Licenses are required for any freshwater recreational fishing in the Kimberley area. Certain waterways in the area, such as the St. Mary River, also require a Classified Waters License. Fishing licenses can be purchased online, or at local vendors such as Kimberley Fly Fishing and Bavarian Home Hardware.
Similarly, all hunters must have a Fish and Wildlife ID and hunting credentials (such as a Hunting License, Initiation Hunting License, or a Youth Hunting License). A federal firearms license (PAL or POL) is also needed in order to legally possess firearms here. Hunting licenses can be bought online by signing in to your BC Hunting account, or through local vendors, such as Bavarian Home Hardware.
BC Fishing Regulations: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/sports-culture/recreation/fishing-hunting/fishing/recreational-freshwater-fishing-licence
BC Hunting Regulations: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/sports-culture/recreation/fishing-hunting/hunting/bc-resident-hunting
- Where is the Grey Creek Pass, is it open, and suitable to drive?
Famed as the highest dirt road in Canada, the Grey Creek Pass’s elevation means it’s generally only passable from July to October. It is best suited for experienced drivers with high clearance and 4WD vehicles. To find the Grey Creek Pass, begin at the Visitor Centre then take a right at the lights onto Wallinger Ave. Drive 6km south before making another right turn onto St. Mary Lake Road. Continue to follow St. Mary Lake Road past St. Mary Lake before making a left turn at the 38 km marker onto Redding Creek Road. Redding Creek Road will link up to the Grey Creek Pass, which you’ll then follow for 90km before arriving in the West Kootenay at Grey Creek.
- What are some great hiking trails in the Purcell Mountains?
Favourite Purcell Hikes include Hourglass Lake, Meachen Falls, Pyramid Creek, and Mary Ann Falls. Before setting out, be sure to stop by the Kimberley Visitor Centre for additional directions, maps, or hiking-related information. For more Purcell Mountain hiking suggestions, check out our Hiking Blog and Summer Itineraries.
- What are some great hiking trails in the Rocky Mountains?
Favourite Rocky Mountain hikes include: Tanglefoot Lake, Teepee Mountain, Fisher Peak, Lakit Lookout, and the Turtle-Yankee-Canuck Loop. Before hitting the trails, swing by the Kimberley Visitor Centre for any directions, maps, or information needed. For more Rocky Mountain hiking suggestions, check out our Hiking Blog and Summer Itineraries.
- Can I access backcountry hikes with a low-clearance, 2WD vehicle?
While not always necessary, assets for hiking here generally include 4-wheel drive and some know-how on gravel roads. Before setting out, we suggest stopping by the Kimberley Visitor Centre so that the friendly folk there can help you to choose the hike best suited for you and your vehicle, and provide you with any additional directions, maps, or information needed.