Cranbrook History Centre

The Cranbrook History Centre houses the Canadian Museum of Rail Travel, the Cranbrook Archives, Royal Alexandra Hall and the Cranbrook Museum.

The Canadian Museum of Rail Travel also known as Trains Deluxe, has a National Historic Designation. It features complete train sets representing various eras of travel including the prestigious million-dollar 1929 Trans Canada Limited.

Also on display is the Soo-Spokane Train Deluxe of 1907, royal cars, cars of state and interpretive cars, totaling 28. All of the museum cars are famous for their stained glass, exotic inlaid woods, plush upholstery, wood carpets and brass fixtures. The largest public display of Canadian Pacific Railway china and silverware in Canada is on view in the dining car.

The Centre also provides raised viewing corridors between the lines of rail cars which give visitors easy access to the cars in all types of weather. Guides take visitors on first class tours through the sumptuous interiors or the restored car and buildings to admire the interior design and appointments, and hear about the extensive restoration program.

The Cranbrook Museum is home to a growing collection of displays and artifacts representing a comprehensive history of Cranbook and the East Kootenay. These include paleontological and paleogeological artifacts, natural history and wildlife, examples of heritage fashion, business and railroad history and a section devoted to the Ktunaxa.

The model railway features more than 200 metres of track and is the largest such display in the British Columbia interior.

The Royal Alexandra Hall is a 3,000 square foot oak-paneled original cafe from the grand 1906 CPR Royal Alexandra Hotel of Winnipeg.

Open year-round. Mid-April to Thanksgiving in mid-October, 7 days a week, 9 am to 5 pm.
In the winter, hours are Tuesday to Saturdays, 10 am to 5 pm.

Access to the Cranbrook Archives Department is allowed with the facility archivist.  The archives consist of a large collection of papers, books, photographs, pamphlets, maps and other paper items pertaining to several interests. It is also a reference library for museum research.

Cranbrook also offers a downtown City Heritage Walking Tour.  See historic residences in the Baker Hill area dating from 1888. The Cranbrook History Centre provides self-guided map-brochures. Maps are also available at the Visitor Centre.