The variety and number of hiking trails surrounding Cranbrook is phenomenal. Here are just a few to get you started.

Walking trails around Elizabeth Lake Bird Sanctuary lead to bird-watching blinds around the lake. The trails are currently undergoing a revitalization project so be sure to stop and stretch your legs. The Cranbrook Community Forest offers various trails. Located on the west edge of Cranbrook, the Kettle Lake Interpretive Trail is a 1 kilometre loop that takes you around Kettle Lake; pick up a pamphlet from a Visitor Information Centre and enjoy the walk.

A good half day hike is the Lakit Lookout trail. Located west of Cranbrook, this 2 kilometre trail takes you to an old fire watchtower on top of an alpine ridge. This hike allows for marvelous views of the valley, including Cranbrook and Kimberley.

For those who are more adventurous you may want to try and conquer Fisher Peak. This is the highest peak in the southern Canadian Rockies; the trail is steep and difficult and a full day should be allowed to travel this route.

Isadore Canyon
Several kilometers of scenic trails laid out on an old railway bed, making for a smooth but challenging hike or bike ride.

South Star Recreation Trails
Travelling south of Cranbrook in the Gold Creek area, these trail wind through stands of western larch and lodgepole pine. The trails cover more than 30 km of forest and are perfect for a variety of recreation activities and levels of ability. The trails are used year round for hiking or biking, horseback riding and cross-country skiing.

Elizabeth Lake Wildlife Sanctuary
Located at the west side of Cranbrook, this wildlife Sanctuary abounds with waterfowl, songbirds, and other wildlife. Walking trails around the park lead to bird-watching blinds around the lake.

Marysville Falls
Twenty-minute drive from Cranbrook leads you to these beautiful waterfalls. A ten-minute walk along a boardwalk will bring you to a fenced look out above steep, moss covered cliff walls.

Lakit Lookout
The view from this hike is outstanding, and is a terrific place to go enjoy a pleasant alpine tour. The roads in can be quite rough as some access roads can be rocky, narrow, and require a high clearance vehicle, but the hiking is excellent.

Bummer’s Flats
Situated alongside the Kootenay River just south of Wasa about 7 to 8 kms north of Fort Steele and maintained by Duck Unlimited is an extensive are of marsh which has been divided by raised dykes.