Rails to Trails: Cranbrook to Kimberley by Bike

For those of you who love a dedicated bike trail (albeit a multi-use one), check out the scenic NorthStar Rails to Trails that stretches for 26 kilometres between Cranbrook and Kimberley, British Columbia. Along its length, you are treated to views of the Steeples range, the Purcell range, and pretty St. Mary’s River. Visit in late September and October for breathtaking fall colours. The trail, completed in 2022, is on a former CP railway bed and as such the grade is gentle. The elevation profile is mostly flat between Cranbrook and the St. Mary’s River bridge. From there, it gradually climbs to Kimberley. If you’re doing an out and back bike ride on the NorthStar Rails to Trails, I think you’ll find it’s a touch faster cycling back to Cranbrook – but who’s in a rush?

Along the trail, which has been part of the Trans-Canada Trail since 2012, there’s lots of signage so you’ll always know where you are. Look for kilometre markers every kilometre painted on the asphalt. There are also bathrooms at three locations, kiosks, numerous interpretive signs and bike repair stations in both Cranbrook and Kimberley. The NorthStar Rails to Trails is primarily used in spring, summer and fall as it’s not maintained in winter. However, in theory, if conditions are right, fat biking the trail could be a whole lot of fun after a snowfall.