10 Best Hikes Near Cranbrook You Need to Check Out

Nestled in the heart of the East Kootenay in British Columbia, Cranbrook is the ideal spot to start an outdoor adventure. It is a central point from which you can hit the trail for all ability levels and whether you are in search of waterfalls or views, there are plenty of options.
1. Moyie Falls (Lumberton Falls)

Distance: 2.2 kilometres
Elevation Gain: 106 metres
Time: 45 minutes
This dog-friendly hike has an easy river crossing and leads to secluded falls. Located only about 20 minutes from downtown Cranbrook via Lumberton Road, this is an ideal fall hike with opportunities for leaf peeping. It is located on private property and may be closed at the discretion of the owner, but it is most often open and serves as a swimming hole during the heat of the summer.
2. Lakit Lookout

Distance: 3.3 kilometres
Elevation Gain: 366 metres
Time: 2 hours
The steep climb to the Lakit Lookout is more than worth the effort for the incredible views. Be prepared with a four-wheel drive vehicle as the Forest Service Road is bumpy, but once you have exerted your way to the top, you have a viewpoint of the entire surrounding area and nearby mountain peaks. Make sure to top in the lookout itself–rebuilt in the 70s from the original lookout, you can find journals dating back to this era.
3. Fisher Peak

Distance: 6.4 kilometres
Elevation Gain: 1,300 metres
Time: All-day
It’s an all-day event, but scaling the most dominant mountain in the region is something to feel proud of. Make sure you have some experience with route-finding since this adventure is very much for experienced hikers. However, the sense of accomplishment and the views you get for taking it on means you’ll have bragging rights for years to come.
4. Mause Creek Tarns

Distance: 8.5 kilometres
Elevation Gain: 654 metres
Time: 4 hours
Another perfect fall hike, you can find brilliant yellow larches here during the autumn months. You’ll turn off Fort Steele Road to Boulder Creek before heading along a Forest Service road for about 13 kilometres. After you’ve hiked to the tarns, you have the option to continue to Tanglefoot Lake nestled in an alpine meadow.
5. Wycliff Buttes

Distance: 2.4 kilometres
Elevation Gain: 130 metres
Time: 1 hour
An ideal after-work hike, this popular trail featured wildflowers and plenty of views. Located close to nearby Kimberley, you’ll find the parking lot on Stirton Road. Hikers of almost all abilities should be able to tackle the incline with no issue. If you want an additional challenge, there is also a second lookout available just past the first.
6. Swansea Mountain

Distance: 12.5 kilometres
Elevation Gain: 864 metres
Time: 6 hours
This loop has some spectacular views and an easy-to-find trailhead about an hour from Cranbrook. Expect a lot of elevation gain and hot temperatures during the summer months without shade, but the climb rewards you with a glimpse of the surrounding mountains. Dogs are allowed, as well! This is a particular favourite among locals due to the proximity to town and the magnificent scenery you can experience along the way.
7. Perry Creek Falls

Distance: 2.4 kilometres
Elevation Gain: 133 metres
Time: 1 hour
The hike to Perry Falls is located only 30 minutes from Cranbrook and offers a quiet trail and some Gold Rush history. After a leisurely hike that’s ideal for dogs and kids, you can head to the nearby Old Town of Fort Steele for a tour of the ghost town that was once established in the area.
8. Bear Lake

Distance: 4.6 kilometres
Elevation Gain: 499 metres
Time: 5 hours
Challenging but rewarding, you start this hike by navigating a steep Forest Service Road—a four-wheel drive car is recommended. From there, your thighs will burn as you hike up to the lake itself. This is an idyllic place to swim during the summer months, and there is an additional viewpoint if you feel like testing yourself.
9. Yankee, Canuck and Turtle Lake Loop

Distance: 6.4 kilometres
Elevation Gain: 243 metres
Time: 2 hours
It’s recommended to take this hike clockwise so you finish off with the main attraction of Yankee Lake, however, you can expect views of the Kootenay range pretty much throughout the entirety of the trail. There have been known to be bear sightings, so make sure you have your bear spray in hand. Only an hour from downtown Cranbrook, it serves as the perfect weekend, family-friendly hike.
10. Balancing Rock

Distance: 2.4 kilometres
Elevation Gain: 196 metres
Time: 1 hour
You can find this trail in the Creston area, where you can choose to hike just to the “balancing rock” that gives the hike its name, or you can continue on the 4.3-kilometre Mount Creston Trail. Either way, you will discover views all the way to the Balancing Rock as you climb up several switchbacks. This hike is accessible most of the year, unless you are planning on hiking during the winter months.