Before the snow transforms the golden hillsides of Kimberley, B.C., the striking region offers visitors a beautiful spot to soak up every last drop of fall. Sandwiched between two iconic mountain ranges (the Rockies and the Purcell Mountains), you really can’t go wrong with a visit here. Just ensure you’re up for a trek if you’re driving from Vancouver!

Whether it’s embarking on invigorating alpine hikes through yellowing trees, taking your time along nature trails at Kimberley Nature Park (the largest municipal park in B.C.), or checking out the local arts and culture scene, there’s something for everyone at this quaint mountain town.

According to Kimberley Nature Park Society, the 840-hectare nature park protects crucial wildlife habitat in the foothills of the Purcell Mountains. Together with the adjacent 200-hectare Horse Barn Valley Interpretive Forest, there are over 50 kilometres of trails through pockets of old-growth cedar trees, over rugged slopes and forested hillsides, and meandering through numerous ponds and babbling streams. And of course, there are plenty of scenic viewpoints lining each trail.

All in all, Kimberley has 180 kilometres of trails within town limits, organized into five separate, unpaved trail networks. There are also tons of paved paths to accommodate strollers, rollers, and every kind of “strider.”

Every winterthe trail networks become explorable by snowshoe, fat bike, and cross-country skiing.

For those looking forward to ski season, Kimberley is a must-visit. Home to the longest-lit night-skiing run in North America, Kimberley has 80 downhill runs at the Kimberley Alpine Resort, and even more groomed cross-country tracks at the Kimberley Nordic Club.

Looking for something to do indoors? You can check out 125 years of Kimberley’s history at the Kimberley Heritage Museum, which is open-year round. Admission is $5 a pop for those aged 16 and over.

Kimberley

How to get there: Drive nine hours and 50 minutes from Vancouver to Kimberley 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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