North Star + Chief Isadore Trail

East Kootenay — Cranbrook to Kimberley

~72 km Crushed gravel / packed earth Easy

North Star Rail Trail BC

This combined trail follows the former North Star Railway and Chief Isadore Trail from Cranbrook north to Kimberley through the Rocky Mountain Trench. The surface is crushed gravel and packed earth, the grade is flat, and the views of the Purcell and Rocky Mountains are constant.

Cranbrook has full services (grocery, bike shop, accommodation). Kimberley has restaurants, the famous Platzl pedestrian area, and accommodation. Between them, Wycliffe is a small community with not much, so carry water and snacks for the middle section.

Communities along the route: Cranbrook, Wycliffe, Marysville, Kimberley

Getting there

Cranbrook: fly into Cranbrook Airport (YXC) or drive from Calgary (4 hr). Kimberley: 30 min north of Cranbrook by car.

Getting away

Reverse the ride, or arrange a shuttle between the two towns.

Cyclist-friendly stops along this route

Cafés that don't mind your cleats, shops that'll help with a flat, places to stay with secure bike storage. These stops have been checked for what touring cyclists actually need.

Find welcoming stops →

Know a place that goes the extra mile for cyclists?

Help us find the stops that make this route great.

Suggest a stop →