Situated in the middle of the broad Rocky Mountain Trench, Cranbrook (population 19,364) boasts more sunshine than anywhere else in British Columbia.
Its location in this wide valley creates a feeling of openness unique for a region defined by its mountainous geography.
Cranbrook is a railway town, a mill town, a commercial centre, and an island in a sea of golf courses. It has a modern theatre and a lively arts community, a professional hockey team, and a remarkable railway museum that captures the experience of the golden age of rail travel in Canada.
The wilderness, abundant wildlife, and quiet lakes and hikes complement the town's lure as a service and shopping hub for the surrounding communities. The Canadian Rockies International Airport – gateway to the Kootenay Rockies – is located here, and while visitors will find hotels, restaurants and big-box stores along Cranbrook's main strip, it's well worth a detour to explore the local boutiques, shops and cafes.