Unique accommodations in Cranbrook, BC

Imagine sleeping in a glammed-out train car, with real railroad tracks just steps away from your front door. Or, stepping outside your cozy log cabin, and saddling up to go for a morning horseback ride through the woods. How about waking up in a Victorian-era village, and watching an authentic steam train roll by?

These are all things that guests can experience when staying at one of the unique accommodations in Cranbrook, BC.

Forget vanilla hotel rooms–in this town nestled in the Kootenay Rockies, these quirky stays are so fun it’s hard to tear yourself away to experience the great outdoor activities in this area like hiking, mountain biking, paddling and waterfall walks.

Here are some of the most memorable Cranbrook accommodations.

Quick find

Railcar Designer Suite at the Prestige Rocky Mountain Resort

Cranbrook has a long rail history, and North America’s largest collection of train cars dating back to the early 1900s is found at the Cranbrook History Centre’s Canadian Museum of Rail Travel.

One of those cars–the Naughton–was acquired by Prestige Hotels and Resorts (one of the best hotels in Cranbrook, BC) located just down the street, as part of a project called the John Huber Express to commemorate the city’s railway history.

The result was a complete overhaul of the former first-class sleeping car, which was built in 1921 for the Canadian Pacific Railway to whisk pampered passengers across the country.

It was transformed into two Railcar Designer Suites; the Sante Fe is a nod to the wild west with its cowhide rug, leather chairs and Tuscan vibe, while the Crystal is blinged out with dazzling chandeliers, ornate furnishings and damask wallpaper.

The Crystal Railcar. Courtesy of Prestige Hotels and Resorts

Both have a king size bed, seating area, TV and private bathroom complete with a jetted tub and separate shower. The Crystal also has an outdoor observation platform, framed by a rare and authentic brass railing.

Guests have access to the hotel’s restaurant, pool, hot tub and complimentary bike rentals. Click here to book

The Sante Fe Railcar. Courtesy of Prestige Hotels and Resorts

The Naughton’s sister car, the Newcastle, is also on display at the Cranbrook History Centre.

Three Bars Guest Ranch

Channel your inner cowboy at Three Bars Guest Ranch, a sprawling estate found about 25 minutes northwest of Cranbrook surrounded by pristine wilderness.

There are 25 log cabins on site which are big on western charm and give major Yellowstone vibes, ranging in size from cozy one bedrooms to family suites with multiple bedrooms, living spaces, a hot tub and panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows with sweeping views of the countryside.

This family-run dude ranch gets rave reviews from guests, who come for the guided trail rides, activities like cattle sorting, fly fishing, rafting, hiking, e-biking and archery, and good ol’ home cookin’.

The ranch operates on a package basis (three or six night stays are available depending on the season), which include accommodations, all activities, meals and airport transfers.

Three Bars Guest Ranch also has on-site amenities like a heated pool, hot tub, outdoor fire pit, gym and playground, which are sure to keep the whole family busy all day long.

Windsor Hotel at Fort Steele Heritage Town

Feel like you’re traveling back in time at the Fort Steele Heritage Town, where its Windsor Hotel is one of the most memorable places to stay in Cranbrook.

This living history museum was once a bustling frontier town in the late 1800s, and visitors can get a glimpse of what life was like way back when by touring things like the harness repair shop, old time movie theatre, and picking up a sweet treat at the bakery.

Hop on the 1077 Steam Engine train for views of the hoodoos, mountains and park, or tour Fort Steele on a wagon ride pulled by Clydesdales.

The Windsor Hotel at Fort Steele is a perfect example of Victorian architecture and design, and there are six rooms available to book.

Four of them are single rooms with queen beds and a shared bathroom, while the two suites are ideal for families.

The Delgardno Suite and the Mather Suite each boast a king size bed, separate bedroom with two single beds, and a private bathroom complete with a clawfoot tub.