We would like to acknowledge that Kimberley (k̓ukamaʔnam) and surrounding trail networks are located on the unceded traditional territory of the Ktunaxa (?amak?is) Nation.
Home of both the largest urban park and freestanding cuckoo clock in Canada, Kimberley is a good place to hide out and take in in the splendour of the Rocky Mountains.
Explore more bird trails in this region
Spring Birding in Kimberley
Spring sees the water come alive in the Kootenay Rockies! Ducks like cinnamon teal, ring-necked, bufflehead, ruddy, and redhead show up, along with many other species. Also on the water, horned grebes are one of the stars of the area as they return to breed in their striking breeding plumage. Songbirds also return to the skies and trees throughout the valley. A highlight of the region, Lewis’s woodpecker, also returns for the warmer months.
Summer Birding in Kimberley
Summer can be a quiet season for birding in some areas, but the Kootenay Rockies are still busy! Ducks and grebes are still around on the water, more and more warblers and other songbirds are singing and adding colour to the area, and raptors like ospreys and turkey vultures can be seen circling and looking for a meal. This is also a great time and place to see typically-eastern species in BC like blue jays and eastern kingbirds. And don’t be surprised if you hear a meowing while you’re on the trail – summer is the best time to see and hear a gray catbird!
Fall Birding in Kimberley
Fall migration means you’ll see and hear higher numbers of warblers and other songbirds around the Kootenay Rockies before they head south for the winter. It’s also a good chance to see the many species of waterfowl and raptors before they also leave for the season. Trumpeter swans are one of the stars of the season, and always look majestic as they pose for a photo. Lewis’s woodpecker, a regional highlight, can still be occasionally seen before the weather cools down too much.
Winter Birding in Kimberley
While many species have gone south for the winter, that doesn’t mean the season is quiet in the bird world. Some year-round birds you can see included ruffed grouse, Barrow’s and common goldeneye, golden and bald eagle, merlin, and several woodpecker species. By the water, you’ll still see the graceful great blue heron and noisy belted kingfisher throughout the colder months. Mountain chickadees and Clark’s nutcrackers are treats, especially if you’re visiting from coastal areas of the province. One species to look out for is the northern shrike, a tiny but fierce predatory songbird!
Surrounded by the Columbia Wetlands, take time to breathe in the fresh mountain air as some of the best birding in the province unfolds all around you.
-
1Saint Marys Lake Road, Kimberley, BC, CA
Located in the foothills of the Purcell Mountain range, this park protects important wildlife habitats of over 97 species of birds, including year-round and migratory visitors.
-
2840 North Star Drive, Kimberley, BC, CA, V1A 3E9
A 33km first-class network of ski trails for competitive and recreational skiing managed by the Kimberley Nordic Club.
-
3635 Trail Street, Kimberley, BC, CA, V1A 2M3
Offering a variety of trail experiences for hiking and biking, with a mixture of double track and single tracks that weave through mature forest, rock outcroppings, and alongside Lois Creek.
-
4Marysville Falls Trail, Kimberley, BC, CA
A short, mostly boardwalk path located just south of Kimberley. A 10-15 minute stroll will take you to a viewpoint overlooking the 30-metre waterfall.
-
5105 Spokane Street, Kimberley, BC, CA, V1A 2E5
Learn about the history of Kimberley through galleries and archives of local historical objects and subjects.
-
6115 Spokane Street, Kimberley, BC, CA, V1A 2E5
Find books and resources on birding at this public library in the heart of Kimberley.
-
7864 Rotary Drive, Kimberley, BC, CA, V1A 1E6
The North Star Rails 2 Trails, nestled between the Purcell Mountains and the Rocky Mountain Trench, is a paved trail that stretches over 28km, linking the cities of Kimberley and Cranbrook.
-
8Lake Front Drive, BC, CA, V0B 2A0
A recreation lake located west of the community of Kimberley, popular for fishing, canoeing, swimming and birdwatching.
-
9
-
10Kimberley
From rental homes and cabins to cozy ski-condos, Kimberley has a wide array of accommodation choices. There are modest mountain accommodations, luxury chalets, ski-in/ski-out rentals, central downtown hotels and many more places to hang your toque or towel.
The pedestrian-only brick-lined streets of the Platzl is home to some of Kimberley’s most popular cafes, restaurants, and watering holes.
-
12295 Spokane Street, Kimberley, BC, CA, V1A 2E6
A cozy coffee shop conveniently located in Kimberley’s downtown shopping area.
-
13711 304 Street, Kimberley, BC, CA, V1A 3H5
A drive-through coffee house and bistro offering premium Caffè Monte coffee.
-
14110 Spokane Street, Kimberley, BC, CA, V1A 2E4
A friendly cafe serving coffee, light lunches, and baked goods.
-
15724a 304 Street, Kimberley, BC, CA, V1A 3H5
Start your day with specialty coffees and teas, or one of their breakfast sandwiches.
-
161690 Warren Avenue, Kimberley, BC, CA, V1A 1R6
Making mornings better since 2020, Grace’s cafe focuses on organic preserves, coffee, and homemade treats.
-
17355 Ross Street, Kimberley, BC, CA, V1A 2C4
Fresh and quality produce, meats, and in-house baked breads for lunches on the go or supplies for making dinners while out camping on the trails.
-
18280 Norton Avenue, Kimberley, BC, CA, V1A 1X9
Located in a historic building first constructed more than 350 years ago in Bavaria, this restaurant creates freshly prepared specialties and traditional Bavarian cuisine including Wienerschnitzel, Beef Tenderloin, and Bavarian Feasts.
-
19290 Spokane Street, Kimberley, BC, CA, V1A 2E4
A favourite breakfast spot for locals. Enjoy homemade traditional breakfast fare and sit out on the patio in the Platzl.
-
20215 Spokane Street, Kimberley, BC, CA, V1A 2E3
This bicycle-inspired restaurant and lounge located in the heart of Kimberley’s pedestrian-only Platzl features a seasonally inspired menu rich in local ingredients.
-
21180 Deer Park Avenue, Kimberley, BC, CA, V1A 2J4
Enjoy sharing plates, tapas, and exciting entrees at this local eatery making use of fresh, local ingredients to inspire their ever-changing menu.
-
22521 Wallinger Avenue, Kimberley, BC, CA, V1A 1Z7
Get stocked up for outdoor adventures with fresh, organic, and local fruits and veggies, housemade baked goods and breads, and cold-pressed juices and kombucha.
-
23195 Deer Park Avenue, Kimberley, BC, CA, V1A 2J5
Located in the Platzl, this pizzeria embraces the Italian tradition of Neapolitan pizza, serving fresh wood-fired pizzas and pasta entrées.
-
24400 Ross Street, Kimberley, BC, CA, V1A 2C6
Affectionately known by the locals as The Sully, this small-town Pub offers great homemade food in a comfortable atmosphere.
-
251685a Warren Avenue, Kimberley, BC, CA, V1A 1R5
Small Japanese restaurant serving up a variety of sushi dishes, as well as other popular Japanese classics.
The Platzl, Kimberley’s downtown core. Photo courtesy: Kootenay Rockies Tourism/Mitch Winton / Stonefire Pizzeria Restaurant with patio dining.
Boutiques and outdoor outfitters abound in this Bavarian-themed mountain town. Stock up on all you need whether you’re exploring the wetlands, or searching for a keepsake to bring back home.
-
27175 Deer Park Avenue, Kimberley, BC, CA, V1A 2J5
Specializing in ski and bike equipment and rentals, they also sell outdoor adventure gear.
-
28197 Howard Street, Kimberley, BC, CA, V1A 2G5
Bike rental, service, and repairs for mountain and street bikes.
-
2964 Deer Park Avenue, Kimberley, BC, CA, V1A 2J2
Kimberley’s arts and cultural centre with fine art exhibitions, live performances, and workshops year-round.
-
30196 Spokane Street, Kimberley, BC, CA, V1A 2E4
Located in the Platzl, this non-profit used bookstore has a large selection of books, fiction and nonfiction.
-
31349 Spokane Street, Kimberley, BC, CA, V1A 2E7
Focused on carrying the best in Canadian artisanal glass and fine craft, this gallery is also a bistro that features delicious take-out options.
-
3215-196 Spokane Street, Kimberley, BC, CA, V1A 2E4
Outfit yourself with gear for outdoor activities such as hiking, backpacking, skiing, and more.
Downtown Kimberley. Photo courtesy: Destination BC/Kari Medig
Experiences
Bookable Experiences in Kootenay Rockies
Discover British Columbia’s super, natural landscape with expert guides ready to lead you through the province’s great outdoors.
Explore Nearby Itineraries
There’s so much more to see in BC. Explore a nearby Bird Trail.
