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 2015 and 2020 the city of Cranbrook approved $245 Million in building permits with 2020’s total soaring past $93M to record our all-time high.
The Facts
- 2020 – $93M in building permits – All-time record high
- 5 Straight years of year over year growth
- 2015-2020 – Over $245M in Building permits
- 445% Increase 2015 v 2020
- $50M invested in infrastructure
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
When it comes to market accessibility, Cranbrook is strategically located within striking distance of provincial, national, and international markets. We are less than two hours away from southern Alberta – which expands our market reach to a further 4.5 million – and have immediate access to two U.S. borders (Idaho and Montana). Our port of entry to the U.S. facilitates international trade both by rail and via a main highway used as a prime route for long-haul truckers.
Cranbrook’s proximity to other thriving Kootenay communities, such as Kimberley, Fernie, Invermere, and Creston expands our immediate market reach even further.
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:
- Edmonton, AB: 674 km (419 mi)
- Calgary, AB: 410 km (255 mi)
- Vancouver, BC: 842 km (523mi)
- Calgary: 410 km (255 mi)
- Montana Border: 102 km (63 mi)
- Idaho Border: 79 km (49 mi)
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
- Aquatic facility
- 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
- Additional $1.5 million indoor sports facility under construction
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
- 2019: 21,308
- Average age: 43.1
- 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.
