Kimberley
Elevation: 1080 m (3542 ft)
Population: 6700
Interesting Note: Kimberley was originally called "Mark Creek Crossing", but in 1896 was changed to Kimberley in expectation that the Sullivan Mine would be as rich as the diamond mines of Kimberley, South Africa.
Just a half hour north of Cranbrook is the mountain city of Kimberley. With a
population of just under 7000, Kimberley maintains a small town atmosphere but
offers all kinds of events and great shopping.
Kimberley has made the transition from a resource town to a tourist town. In
the winter Kimberley is a ski town, with a 75 run hill right above the city.
You can be on the slopes after a five minute drive. In the summer, Kimberley
is a city of Festivals. Music, dance, the arts and sports are all celebrated
throughout the spring and summer months. There also three world-class golf courses
right in town.
Newly renovated, Kimberley's downtown pedestrian Platzl is the center of activity.
During the Kimberley International Oldtime Accordian Championships the Platzl
is wall to wall people; dancing, jamming, singing. Kimberley's population more
than doubles during that week. JulyFest also attracts large crowds. With a soccer
tournament that attracts up to 40 teams, tennis, baseball, road races, and one
of the biggest bocce tournaments around, JulyFest is a big hit every summer.
There are two new festivals on the summer calendar, the Jazz and Ragtime Festival
and Arts on the Edge.
(Text courtesy of Cranbrook Chamber of Commerce)
What Kimberley has to offer:
