Long before explorers came to Kimberley the Ktunaxa people, called this mountain town – Kukamaʔnam (in the Ktunaxa language), meaning “Animal Trail Coming Down to You”. This name hints at the area’s historical significance as a natural pathway.
During the 1890s witnessed a fervor of activity with people flocking to Kimberley, eager to tap into its untold bounty of the discovery of gold in the region. Prior to this, miners had already staked their claims and pierced the underground realm of the North Star Mountain, now renowned as the Kimberley Alpine Resort.
Venturing into uncharted territory, a group of miners (Walter Burchett, EC Smith, John Cleaver and Pat Sullivan) navigated beyond Mark Creek, which lead to a monumental discovery. The year 1892 marked their success story with a breakthrough and the discovery of the Sullivan Mine, a testament to their forward-looking spirit and the un-official kick-off of Kimberley’s legacies.
Situated just off the Crowsnest Highway 3, and the remarkable Rainforest to Rockies route. Venture north from Cranbrook on Highway 95A (30-minute drive) and step into the rich narrative of Kimberley’s history; where the spirit of community-driven groups have tirelessly carved numerous enduring traditions.
Once a ski jumping hotspot in the 1930s, its landing site interestingly is where Save On Foods sits. Fast forward to the 60s and 70s, and the beloved Kimberley Ski Club relocated to North Star Mountain, witnessing community backing that included resource pooling and direct support from Cominco (owner of the Sullivan Mine). From a rope-tow to a T-bar (the Maverick), followed by a double chair (the Buckhorn), the resort grew with additions of on-mountain lodging, expanded terrain, new lifts and other facilities – shared by locals & visitors alike and their passion for snow.
Kimberley is a community with a robust legacy in promoting outdoor living and connectivity. Back in the ’70s, they led the pack in North America by converting their downtown centre into a pedestrian-exclusive area, named ‘The Platzl’.
Fast-forward to 1987, and Kimberley championed one of the largest municipal parks in all of Canada – the Kimberley Nature Park. Today, this extensive parkland spans more than 800-hectares and boasts over 50-km of established trails.
In 2009 the Kimberley Trails Society, a dedicated group of volunteers, tirelessly oversees the development and upkeep of the community trail networks. Notably, they pioneered the Bootleg Mountain network for downhill mountain biking.
And, in the spring of 2009 the project commenced for the Northstar Rail Trail, with an inauguration in the fall of 2010. It was integrated into the Trans-Canada Trail in 2012 and has since experienced an increasing flow of usage, year-after-year. It serves as a vital artery for residents of Cranbrook & Kimberley, as well as visitors, providing a seamless commute between the cities while also offering an excellent route for exercise, social interaction, and beautiful scenic views. This paved, accessible trail expands over 28-km, reinforcing the strong commitment towards sustainable living.
Kimberley stands proudly on the shoulders of these “trail-blazers”, past and present, whose vision continues to shape Kimberley’s outdoor experiences to this day.
