Cranbrook is well located geographically and easily accessible year-round. Not only is the city easy to get to, but easy to navigate once within it.
As the largest city in the area and with a population of 21,308, Cranbrook is also the home to the East Kootenay Regional Hospital (Interior Health), the Canadian Rockies International Airport (YXC), and the College of the Rockies, Cranbrook is the economic and cultural hub of the region.
The housing developments of the last 5 years is evidence of a strong and thriving community set to continue well into our City’s future. Between 2018 and 2022 the city of Cranbrook approved $300 Million in building permits with 2020’s total soaring past $93M to record our all-time high.
This is Cranbrook
- Leadership Commitment
- Safe, Secure and Affordable
- 2018-2022 – Over $300M in Building permits
- Retail Hub of the Kootenay’s
- Canadian Rockies International Airport
- East Kootenay Regional Hospital
With the Rocky Mountains to the east and the Purcell Mountains to the west, Cranbrook offers natural beauty in a mountain setting and more hours of sunlight annually than anywhere else in the province. Its temperate climate and lack of seismic activity and extreme terrestrial storms mean that business operations are not affected by severe weather and can continue to run smoothly year-round.
Most living here enjoy an outdoor-oriented lifestyle, having easy access to hiking, biking, and cross-country skiing trails as well as rivers and lakes for fishing, boating, paddle boarding, and white-water rafting. With eight golf courses and an alpine resort all within a 25-minute drive, Cranbrook is a prime destination for year-round tourism.
Proximity
One of the key advantages of living in Cranbrook is its proximity to Calgary, Alberta’s largest city. Just a day trip away, you can easily access the vibrant urban atmosphere and numerous opportunities Calgary has to offer. Whether it’s for business meetings, shopping, or exploring the city’s cultural scene, you’ll find that Cranbrook’s close proximity to Calgary opens up a world of possibilities.
Additionally, the Kootenays region, where Cranbrook is located, attracted over 2,175,100 tourists in 2022. This high number of visitors speaks volumes about the wide variety of activities and attractions available within a two-hour drive of Cranbrook. From stunning natural landscapes, including national parks and pristine lakes, to outdoor adventures like hiking, skiing, and fishing, the Kootenays truly offer something for everyone.
But it’s not just about nature and outdoor activities. Cranbrook itself boasts a vibrant community with a rich cultural heritage. The city is home to a thriving arts scene, with art galleries, theaters, and music festivals that will captivate your senses. You’ll also find a range of dining options featuring diverse cuisines, ensuring that your taste buds are constantly satisfied.
Access to a wide range of outdoor pursuits and quality healthcare, education, and employment all contribute to Cranbrook’s enviable quality of life. Due to its wholesome, family-oriented community values, Cranbrook has all the charm of a small town with the added advantages of a big city. Safe, secure, and affordable, Cranbrook is the perfect city for employers and employees alike.
Sunniest City in BC
- Hours of sunshine annually: 2,190.5
- January daily average: -6.1C
- July daily average: 18.7C
- Annual snowfall: 125.3 cm
Driving Distance from Cranbrook to:
- Kimberley, BC 28 km (17mi)
- Fernie, BC 97 km (60mi)
- Banff , AB 278 km (172mi)
- Calgary, AB: 410 km (255mi)
- Vancouver, BC: 842 km (523mi)
- USA Border: 79 km (49mi)
Adventure at your fingertips
Living in Cranbrook means you will have easy access to a wide range of outdoor pursuits. In addition to in-city trails and the surplus of city parks, there are several hiking and biking trails that are within a 10-minute drive from downtown. Peaceful lakes, great river valleys and golf courses surrounded by nature are right at your fingertips.
Its mild summers and moderate winters make it the perfect destination to enjoy the outdoors all year round. From biking to hiking, skiing, snowboarding, and everything in between, the endless access to outdoor activities and a love for nature are what truly define the Kootenay lifestyle.
Recreation Opportunities
- 28 City-wide parks encompassing 160.5 ha (401.5 acres)
- 3 Indoor arenas 2 Outdoor rink facilities, 1 Indoor Sports Dome
- Aquatic facility , Wavepool , Indoor Slide
- 8 Golf courses within a 30-kilometre (19-mile) radius
- 2 Ski resorts within 97-kilometre (60-mile) radius
Live, Play, Work
- 2 shopping malls
- 8+ big box and national retailers
- Approx. 17 fitness, yoga & wellness centres
- Vibrant downtown core
- Main retail & service corridor
- Hockey, baseball, slo-pitch and soccer and other local sports clubs
Popular Activities in Cranbrook
Environmentally Friendly and Sustainable Cranbrook
Cranbrook has been and continues to work hard to become a more sustainable and environmentally friendly city. Because of Cranbrook’s strong connection to nature and the outdoors, our community strongly advocates for cleaner and greener ways of doing things and our industry is driven by 100% renewable green energy. We present an ideal opportunity for cleantech investors and developers, such as those aimed at the protection and enhancement of parks and natural areas, the maintenance of our natural resources such as water, and the production of clean energy.
Experience Our Culture
Cranbrook also offers a wide variety of arts, recreation, entertainment, and cultural activities. Our sports complex, Western Financial Place, plays host to our very own hockey team known as the Cranbrook Bucks as well as several concerts throughout the year. The Cranbrook History Centre, Key City Theatre, and nearby Fort Steele Heritage Town are other top attractions.
Whether it is summer or winter, we like to celebrate. From farmers’ markets to festivals, Cranbrook serves up a healthy dose of fun. Go shopping, take in a live performance, tour galleries, find fresh baked goods and local produce or plan an evening at one of over 30 dining establishments.
Population
Cranbrook is home to a steadily rising population of 21,308 with an additional service population of 73,000 within 150 kilometres (93 miles). With access to a wide range of outdoor pursuits, culture, and entertainment, along with quality healthcare, education, and employment, it is no wonder many who are currently living in Cranbrook were either raised here or have moved back. Others have migrated to Cranbrook after spending years of it being their preferred vacation destination.
Population Growth Chart:
- 2011: 19,319
- 2016: 20,472
- 2022: 21,882
- Households: 8780
- Average Age: 44.4
- Average family size: 2.7
- Population density per square km: 626.6
Community & Culture
With a wide variety of arts, entertainment, and cultural activities, there is never a shortage of things to see and do in Cranbrook. Along with wholesome, family-oriented values, Cranbrook has all the charm of a small town with the added advantages of big-city services.