Cranbrook is the perfect escape from the rainy, gloomy coast, as the sunniest city in B.C. Known for its toasty summers, mild winters, and breathtaking mountain scenery, the charming spot is a treat to visit any time of year, but we can think of few things more tempting than a sunny fall day in the East Kootenays.

B.C.’s sunniest city

According to Environment Canada and Tourism Cranbrook, Cranbrook’s semi-arid mountain setting gives it the most sunny days out of anywhere else in the province. On average, Cranbrook receives over 182 days of sunshine annually, totalling 2,229 hours.

The annual rainfall average sits at 276 millimetres per year, compared to Vancouver’s range of 800 to well over 1,000 millimetres per year.

cranbrook bc
Photo via Shutterstock

While the current forecast shows a couple of days of showers and cloudiness this week, it’s a stark cry from Vancouver’s rain-heavy forecast.

Ski season in Cranbrook

Conveniently located on what Tourism Cranbrook has coined as the “Powder Highway,” Cranbrook is situated near over eight world-class ski resorts, including Kimberley, just 20 minutes away and Fernie, one hour away.

Known for its fantastic cross-country skiing, fat biking, snowmobiling, and snowshoeing opportunities, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the beautiful snowy mountain scenery here.

In fact, Cranbrook has many magical outdoor skating rinks to check out this upcoming season:

  • Baker Park – two outdoor skating rinks, open until 10 p.m.
  • Pop Price Park – open until 10 p.m.
  • Wasa Lake – The Pete Vereshagen Memorial Rink
  • Idlewild Park – maintained reservoir

Visitors can also glide across a number of frozen lakes this upcoming winter (Jim Smith, Elizabeth, Wasa Lakes) once they freeze over. So stay tuned for updates on winter conditions!

Before then, visitors can enjoy abundant golden larches and stunning fall colours.

So there you have it, Vancouver. It’s not a short trip there by any means, but sunnier days surely await in Cranbrook.

Cranbrook 

How to get there: Drive nine hours and 30 minutes from Vancouver to Cranbrook via Crowsnest Highway/BC-3 E.

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Isabelle Vauclair

Staff Writer, Vancouver – Isabelle is a West Coast native with an appreciation for Vancouver’s natural landscape, patio scene, and community spaces. She loves to discover new hidden gems in her neighbourhood and share them with readers across the city.

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