BEST OF Cranbrook BC

There is virtually no other reason for its existence, as it is neither on a major lake nor on an easily navigable river. Prior to the entire rail goings on, the Cranbrook region was inhabited for over ten thousand years by the Ktunaxa (pronounced "Too nah hah") Native people. They followed retreating glaciers into the Cranbrook area from the great lakes to the south. As the land evolved and changed, they passed down many legends and stories. The Hoodoos, for example, are said to be the bones of Yawo'nek (pronounced "Yehwoonik"), a great water monster whose bones were thrown up onto the banks of the river. 

The area now called Cranbrook was called "The Pine Tree in the Centre" in the Ktunaxa language. David Thompson, an early explorer, was the first white man to explore the Kootenay River in the early 1800s. He established trade with the Ktunaxa, who sustained themselves in the hunting, fishing and gathering lifestyle of their ancestors.Fur traders, missionaries and prospectors soon arrived in the area, calling it "Joseph's Prairie", because the chief of the band was called Joseph. It was renamed Cranbrook by the city's founder who named it after his ancestral home of Cranbrook in Kent, England. 

Population: 19,907 Location: Cranbrook is located near the junction of Highway 95A and Highway 3 in the BC Rockies, 20 miles (32 km) southeast of Kimberley.

Whether you are coming to shop, dine, golf, play on the beach or just relax, Cranbrook, British Columbia offers the BEST of everything. There are many unique shops and places to eat, drink, play and relax. The BEST of these establishments are listed on this Web Site with detailed information on their products, services and menus as well as interactive mapping that will direct you to their front door.

For the BEST shopping, services, restaurants, entertainment, lodging accommodations, real estate information and community events, click on to the categories below and start planning your trip to beautiful Cranbrook, British Columbia.