A Platzle a Pretzle and a Coo-Coo-Clock in Kimberley BC

	The Platzl in Kimberley, British Columbia 1

Originally drawing settlers in with the lure of mountains rich in galena, zinc, silver and other minerals, Kimberley took its name in hopes that the area's natural deposits would be as rewarding as the diamond mines of South Africa's Kimberly. However, in 1972, this newer, less profitable Kimberley recognized that these recourses would one day be depleted and instead of turning the area into another Big Hole, they looked to the valley's recreational resources to sustain the community in the days to come. They haven't looked back.

In 1973, this one-time mining town, now a popular tourist destination, adopted a Bavarian theme that makes it one of the most recognizable little villages in the Rockies. Being a relatively small town, Kimberley is easy and fun to explore by foot, so men put on those lederhosen, women throw on a dirndl and then climb up to the small mountaintop village of Kimberley, B.C. Stroll through the cobblestone pathways and visit the charming shops and cafes along the way, then grab a seat at a restaurant and order up a pretzel, some schnitzel and a refreshing stein of German ale.

	The View from Atop Kimberly, BC 2

There are many things to do—enjoy a great array of summer festivals and activities, stay and play in a world class ski resort or hit a round of golf at the Trickle Creek Golf Resort before retiring to the Trickle Creek Residence Inn, only minutes away. Visitors can stay the night at a Swiss Alps styled inn and spend the day playing in the great outdoors. Whatever ones desires, the clean-living atmosphere and civic pride of Kimberley will make visiting the town a pleasure.

WorldWeb.com Travel Guide is designed to help visitors make the best of their stay wherever they may be. Three informative directories are provided for locating and reserving accommodations in Kimberley:

1)Accommodation Directory - This directory provides detailed information about hotels, bed and breakfasts, resorts, campgrounds and more.

2)Room Reservations - This link allows the user to check for room availability and then conveniently and securely reserve their choice online.

3)Maps - These maps are designed for the user to easily locate an attraction, restaurant, shop, tour or activity and see where it relates to other locations within the city.

TRANSPORT

Located on Highway 95A, the city of Kimberley can be approached from the north and south via Highway 95 or from the east and west via highway Highway 3. From the north, follow Highway 95 past Skookumchuck then take the 95A junction. Coming from the south along Highway 95, or from the east or west on Highway 3, take the 95A junction just north of Cranbrook.

The Cranbrook Airport is only 15 minute drive to Kimberley and receives daily flights from Calgary and Vancouver via airlines like Air Canada and Pacific Coastal. Car rentals are available at the Cranbrook Airport and in the city of Cranbrook.

Greyhound buses, shuttle services and taxis run between Kimberley and Cranbrook, Vancouver, Calgary and other major points in B.C. and Alberta, providing convenient access to the town year round. In and around Kimberly local car, van and shuttle services are provided by L&K Taxi.

	Cominco Gardens in Kimberley 3

ORIENTATION

Amongst the Rocky Mountains of southern British Columbia, at an elevation of 1,113 m (3,651 ft), Kimberley once held the title of highest city in Canada. This record was later handed to Airdrie, Alberta, for the difference of two feet. Still, with over 914.4 m (3000 ft) clearance from the St. Mary River to the top of Kimberley Alpine Resort, the city features views unsurpassed by any other in Canada.

The town is situated 32 km (20 mi) northwest of Cranbrook; approximately a four-hour drive from Calgary, Alberta; four hours from Spokane, Washington; and 11 hours from Vancouver British. Columbia.

TIMES TO VISIT

Throughout the year there is no shortage of attractions to be seen, adventures to be had and celebrations to get involved in. There is no good or bad time to visit. Like many Rocky Mountain towns, the summers are hot and dry and the winters are tucked into a blanket of snow so be prepared for the sun, snow and everything in between.

	The Mountain Cabins in Kimberley, BC 4

Spring and summer bring the opening of multiple world-class golf courses as well as nearby parks and campgrounds. The season also inspires the people of Kimberley to get involved with the town's colourful parades and swinging celebrations.

July brings a weekend of accordion music by musicians from all over the world at the International Old Time Accordion Championships. Later in the month, the annual Julyfest gets going. This citywide celebration is directed towards the whole family with a dance party, competitions, sporting events and a parade. In mid-August, Kimberley hosts the Festival of Arts and later the Kimberley International Music and Dance Festival takes place on the Labour Day long weekend. Throw in the Jazz and Ragtime Festival, the Rockin' in the Rockies 50s Fest, and the Kimberley Folk Festival and it becomes evident that this community likes to celebrate.

When the snow falls and ski season is declared open the townspeople abandon their shorts and sandals for their skis and snowboards. The location is ideal for anything from snowmobiling to backcountry heli-skiing, and the Kimberley Alpine Resort features one of B.C.'s most popular family ski and snowboard destinations.

ACCOMMODATIONS

Downtown
For those who wish to stay centrally located in town, whether for one of the great festivals or to simply enjoy the town's Bavarian atmosphere, they can choose from two great downtown lodgings. The elegant rooms of the Chateau Kimberley Hotel and the well appointed Tudor-styled rooms at the Kimberley Inn are both situated in the heart of Kimberley. Surrounded by the dining, shopping and entertainment of little Bavaria, these hotels transport guests to some exotic village in the Swiss Alps without the need for an international flight.

	Good Times at Kimberley Alpine Resort 5

Kimberley Alpine Resort
Those who require lodging with direct access to Kimberley's two major outdoor resources—skiing and golf—will want to stay at one of the convenient ski-in-ski-out accommodations found within the Kimberley Alpine Resort. These hotels and condos provide easy access to all of the resort's four-season activities and are only a minutes drive from the neighbouring golf courses and from downtown. Stay at the suites on the hill for an opportunity to enjoy some luxurious amenities like a private deck with a hot tub and a barbecue, a comfortable suite with a fireplace to snuggle up in front of and breathtaking views of the Rocky Mountains.

Guest will not be disappointed by their options on the hill. From the Kimberley Ridge and the Copper Springs at the base of the ski hill, to the newly renovated two- and three-bedroom townhouses at the Silver Birch Chalets; from the four-season destination properties at the Purcell Condo Hotel to the Rocky Mountain Condominium Hotel found on opposite sides of the Northstar express chair lift; and from the affordable Polaris Lodge at the village centre, up to the executive condos at the Northstar Chalets, the spectacular views and endless opportunities here are as plentiful as the sun and snow. There are still more accommodation options spread about town that provide easy access to all the towns amenities and to the area's activities, yet keep their distance from the crowds.

Other Options
At the entrance to the city, the relaxed garden setting of the North Star Motel is only two minutes from the city centre and five minutes from the ski hill. Also, the comfortable, well-kept rooms and reasonable prices at the Travellaire Motel, located just blocks south of the Platzl, make it a great option for visitors. Plus, there are the Canadian Mountain Cabins, nestled in along the St. Mary River. These privately-owned log homes provide guests with modern conveniences, spectacular views and a serene mountain experience. Those in town for business, will find the Western Lodge, with its own gym, conference area, restaurant and full-service pub, very convenient.

The Kimberley area is full of bed and breakfasts, providing visitors with a quiet, relaxed stay apart from the high velocity turnover of other resort lodgings. These accommodations provide the modern amenities required for a pleasant stay, plus breakfast in the morning, within a beautiful Rocky Mountain setting. Some, like the Enchanted Forest B&B and the Trail St. Guest House are only minutes from the ski hill and golf courses. Others, like the House Alpenglow B&B, provide an authentic Bavarian Haus feel. Still, others, like the West Winds B&B on the outskirts of Kimberley, apply their own touch of Canadian Alpine home living.

	Logdes at Kimberley Alpine Resort 6

Surrounding Area
There are a number of places to stay in the surrounding area as well. Try camping out in one of the areas many scenic campgrounds, like the Kimberley Riverside Campground. Located in the St. Mary River Valley just outside of Marysville, this campsite features 140 spacious, private sites with 46 RV pull-throughs. Adjacent to the Kimberley Nature Park and in close proximity to the St. Mary Lake, the campsite offers endless opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts.

For those who need to get away from it all, the Spirit Trail Lodge provides a peaceful mountain retreat set in the wilderness of the Purcell Mountains. They offer horseback riding, teepee nights, wildlife safaris, cross-country skiing and everything else for a rejuvenating getaway.

Wasa Lake Provincial Park is only 35 km (22 mi) northwest of town, making Kimberley the closest community to the park. A family vacation destination since the 1950s, Wasa Lake offers camping, fishing, swimming, hiking, cycling and boating. Take the scenic 8 km (4.9 mi) trail that circumnavigates the lake and experience some fantastic nature viewing opportunities. Open May 1 through Sept. 15, the park's gate is closed during the off season.