There's truly no bad time to visit Cranbrook, as the city offers activities for visitors on a year-round basis. However, if your main goal is to bask in the sun, go on a hike, or swim in one of several local lakes, you'll definitely want to hit the area in the summer. If you choose any time from June to September, you'll have great weather, with average highs ranging from the mid 70s to the low 80s.
Obviously, these great temperatures also make Cranbrook quite crowded in the summer, as many visitors flock to enjoy the balmy weather. The most popular months for a visit are July, June, and August, so schedule your trip outside of these months for a less-crowded experience.
Late spring and early fall are usually only slightly cooler, making them a good alternative. The last frost of the season typically happens around May 26, while the first one for the season happens around Sept. 14. Therefore, if your goal is to try camping or hiking, you might want to do so before or after these dates to avoid chilly nights and mornings.
Visiting in winter means you'll have a chance to experience all of the winter sports in the area. Plus, there will be less tourists around to hinder your experience. Average temperatures from December to February are in the 20s to 30s, making it great weather for skiing and snowboarding.
Regardless of when you're visiting, Cranbrook is consistently one of the sunniest places in all of British Columbia. The city sees about 2,190 hours of sun a year, meaning you'll have great weather for whatever you're doing. Even better, Cranbrook is also one of the least foggy, windy, and wet cities in the region, with most precipitation coming in the form of snow in the winter months.
There's no reason you shouldn't try to save a few bucks when booking your hotel. Luckily, several hotels in the area offer discounts for being a member of a certain organization or for being over a certain age.
If you belong to AAA or are part of the military or government, consider the Super 8 Cranbrook, which offers discounted rates for these people.
Check out the Days Inn for more affordable prices if you're a senior, member of AAA, or member of the military or government. All you have to do is provide your ID at check-in.
Striking a balance between affordability and amenities can be tricky, but there is a Cranbrook hotel that fits the bill. Look into the Best Western Cranbrook Hotel, which is located right near Tamarack Centre. You'll experience clean rooms and friendly service whenever you book a stay here. Each room has air conditioning to keep you comfortable, along with a shower/tub combination bathroom with complimentary toiletries and a hair dryer.
Kids will love staying here thanks to the indoor pool and waterslide. You can join them for a swim or make use of the 24-hour fitness center to burn off some calories. When you work up an appetite, head over to the hotel restaurant for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. There's also a small cafe that serves coffee and snacks if you want to grab something to go.
You'll never run out of fun things to do during your stay in Cranbrook. Many people come here to enjoy the four provincial parks that are all located within 30 minutes of downtown Cranbrook. Each of these parks feature a lake that's perfect for swimming, boating, or fishing, depending on your preferences. Jimsmith Lake Provincial Park offers non-motorized boating, while Wasa Lake Provincial Park is the best place in town for swimming and windsurfing. Stop by Moyie Lake Provincial Park to explore two nature trails, or hit up Norbury Lake Provincial Park to go on a picnic.
There's also plenty of golfing in the area, with at least six local courses to challenge both amateurs and semi-pros. If you're around in the winter, you'll absolutely need to check out the Kimberely Alpine Resort, which is just a 30-minute drive away. This resort is North America's largest gladed terrain and provides 68 total runs which you can access on five different lifts.
If you're not into sports, that's not a problem. You can take things a bit slower by perusing the local wildlife. Stop by the Elizabeth Lake Wildlife and Bird Sanctuaries to get a glimpse of western painted turtles, squirrels, and various migratory and local birds.
Whatever you add to your Cranbrook itinerary, you're sure to find the city has enough to meet your needs as a traveler. Make your trip even more enjoyable by booking hotels that meet your needs. Cranbrook offers accommodations for every budget all around town, meaning you can choose the location that's close to what you want to do. Stay by the airport to reduce travel time, head downtown to enjoy the walkable restaurants and shops, or venture into the wilderness for a more secluded stay.
Below are reviews of the city of Cranbrook, BC from an actual visitor's perspective.
Discovered an excellent restaurant - the Allegra. Lots of parks and hiking trails.
The people and restaurants were great!
My sister lives there and I went there to visit her
Great restaurant - Baker 89!
Interesting city, weather not the best for a golf tournament.
Cranbrook is a beautiful city in an awesome setting. Given that it has an industrial background, it does not have an industrial feel. Shopping was great for a small City. Lots of natural sites and opportunities in the area!
My son and daughter in law live there, so it's a nice place to get into the mountains and visit them.
Cranbrook is a cute little town. Beautiful area and we always enjoy visiting when we are here for hockey.
Nice!
Nice!
Cranbrook is a quiet town. I loved it
Nice restaurants, great bike trails.
Taxi service was great even in this awful weather.
Cranbrook has a great selection of amenities near the hotel. Several restaurants are within walking distance.