With our long-awaited return to Cranbrook, we’re excited to reintroduce BC’s sunniest city in more detail!

Nestled in the Kootenay region and framed by the majestic Rocky and Purcell Mountains, Cranbrook is a true hub for outdoor adventure. From mountain biking and hiking to skiing and countless year-round activities, this city has it all. Boasting more than 2,000 hours of sunshine each year, Cranbrook lives up to its title as BC’s sunniest city, drawing visitors for its scenery, activities, and rich history.

 

Cranbrook’s Heritage

Beyond its natural beauty, Cranbrook is deeply connected to the railway, mining, and the Ktunaxa Nation. The Ktunaxa people have lived in the Kootenay region for over 10,000 years, with their culture and history preserved at the heart of their traditional territory in Cranbrook. The city’s modern growth began in the late 1890s, when the Canadian Pacific Railway transformed it into a major transportation and commercial hub of the East Kootenays. Mining and forestry further fuelled its development, and today, Cranbrook continues to thrive as a busy freight railway center for Canadian Pacific and Canadian Pacific Kansas City railways.

This proud railway heritage is showcased at the Canadian Museum of Rail Travel, one of the city’s most significant historic attractions. The museum features beautifully restored railcars, artifacts, and exhibits that bring the past to life. Cranbrook’s downtown itself tells a story, with heritage buildings from the early 1900s still standing strong.

 

Seamless Connections To/From Cranbrook

For those eager to step back in time while enjoying sunshine and adventure, Cranbrook is the perfect destination! Starting October 27, 2025, Pacific Coastal Airlines will offer non-stop daily service between Cranbrook and Kelowna. 

With Kelowna as our connecting hub, travellers can enjoy seamless access between the East Kootenay region and our Vancouver Island destinations — Comox, Nanaimo, and Victoria. If you’re flying with us, here are the optimized connection options available:

Depart Cranbrook at 09:00 and arrive:

  • in Kelowna at 08:55 (55 minutes duration time)
  • in Comox at 10:47 (2 hours 47 minutes duration time)
  • in Victoria at 10:51 (2 hours 51 minutes duration time) 
  • in Nanaimo at 11:01 (3 hours 1 minute duration time)

Arrive at Cranbrook at 19:30 with departures from:

  • Kelowna at 17:35 (55 minutes duration time)
  • Comox at 15:35 (2 hours 55 minutes duration time) 
  • Victoria at 15:45 (2 hours 45 minutes duration time) 
  • Nanaimo at 15:50 (2 hours 40 minutes duration time) 

*Please note that Cranbrook is in the Mountain Time Zone

With the addition of Cranbrook as our twentieth destination, the East Kootenays are now closer than ever! Plan your adventure with Cranbrook Tourism and Kootenay Rockies Tourism, and book your trip with Pacific Coastal Airlines for travel this fall and beyond!

 

Photos courtesy of DestinationBC.