Fall is the perfect time to discover the best of Cranbrook and Kimberley’s vibrant café scene, where each stop offers a unique coffee experience alongside delectable treats. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, these cafes are sure to entice your taste buds and provide the perfect spot to relax and unwind (or get wound up) on this caffeinated two-day adventure. Taking advantage of St. Eugene Golf Resort & Casino’s lower vacancy and shoulder season discounts, you can take advantage of early check-in opportunities, be centrally located for your daily café quests and enjoy your first coffee of the day at your home base.
Day 1: Touring Cranbrook's Downtown & All Around
For those who appreciate locally roasted coffee, Kootenay Roasting Company, on Baker Street, has been the foundation of the coffee scene in Cranbrook for decades, with good reason. KRC roasts their own beans on-site, ensuring the freshest coffee possible. With a variety of locally roasted beans, carefully selected from around the world, you cannot go wrong with any of their brews. Complement your coffee with a freshly baked muffin or cookie. Before you leave, make sure to grab a bag (or two… or three) of their house-roasted beans to enjoy a piece of Cranbrook at home.
A staple in downtown Cranbrook, located on 9th Avenue, Max’s Place has loyally served Kicking Horse Coffee for years. Known for its deep flavours and organic origins, it stands out in Max’s popular caramel macchiato, a sweet and indulgent choice perfect for any time of day. Don’t leave without trying their homemade cinnamon rolls, which are a local legend. If you want to recreate the Max’s Place experience at home, you can pick up a bag of Kicking Horse Coffee and a pan of frozen cinnamon buns that you can bake at home.
Just down the road, on Kootenay Street, Morchella Market & Café offers a farm-to-table experience right in Cranbrook, brewing up their coffees with Fernie Roasting Company. Their latte is a must try, offering a silky-smooth texture that pairs perfectly with their freshly baked scones— a true local favourite. They also feature a grilled cheese of the month, which is always as delicious as it is creative. Guests can also explore Morchella’s market section, featuring products from local producers such as Corner Veggies, We Be Jammin’ and more.
Located up the road, on 11th Avenue, Kootenay Grounds Café & Bookstore is a cozy spot where community, a love for reading and great coffee meet. They serve coffee from Oso Negro Coffee Roasters from Nelson, BC, which you can have custom grinded to bring home. Known for their rich dark roast, their classic latte a fan favourite. We highly recommend adding their house made vanilla syrup. As for treats, Kootenay Grounds has a carrot cake that will win over even the most discriminate taste buds. In addition to their café offerings, Kootenay Grounds sells other local products, making it easy to take a taste of the Kootenays home with you. Do not miss out on a soy candle by Homestead Candle Co., or fermented Bill Pickle hot sauce from Blazing Bills.
Finally, a café that will move you away from the downtown core and is well worth the walk is Hot Shots Café. The coffee game at Hot Shots is about as diverse as it gets. For cold lovers who love a high test caffeine experience, try their blended Triple Threat. If you’re looking to warm up on a cool fall day, their Hazelnut Zebra feels like a warm hug wrapped in hazelnut and chocolate. If you are in the mood for a whole new coffee experience, do not miss their locally made Darkside Nitro coffee, a cold brew coffee infused with nitrogen gas to create a thick and creamy texture. With a large selection of rice and noodle bowls, their Tom Yum and Pad Thai Bowls are local favourites. However, many locals will tell you that nothing beats their Thursday Ramen offerings.
Day 2: PEruse the Platzl and Yonder
Start your day at the Snowdrift Café, a cozy gem tucked into Kimberley’s charming Platzl. They serve ROSSO coffee, a popular Calgary, Alberta roaster, ensuring every cup is fresh and full of flavour. Snowdrift’s Pumpkin Spice Latte with homemade pumpkin spice is a crowd favourite, offering a perfectly balanced blend of spice, boldness and smooth notes. Complement your drink with one of their popular cinnamon buns. If you are seeking a heartier bit, their breakfast bagel is especially popular. Don’t forget to browse their shelves for locally made products, including artisanal jams and coffee beans to enjoy at home.
Head to the top of the Platzl to Fantails Espresso Bar. Fantail Espresso Bar enjoys a shared space with a local barber, offering an intimate, welcoming environment where Kimberley residents and visitors can grab a cup of jo with Vancouver roasted beans, Agro. Their Caramel Latte, rich with caramel made at Grow, is a top seller, and perfect for those who love indulgent flavours. If you’re craving a snack, they offer a variety of local baked goods from Grow as well. During the summer months, you can catch their mobile truck in locations throughout Kimberley.
Continue to the opposite end of Kimberley’s Platzl, over to The Bean Tree Café. Bean Tree serves Calgary roaster, Caffé Monte. Known for its laid-back atmosphere, Bean Tree is a great spot to sip on one of their most popular offerings, the Cinnamon Dolce Latte, a smooth and creamy drink with a hint of sugar, spice and everything nice (by which, we mean whipped cream). Beyond coffee, their Salmon Bagel is a local favourite, making it the ideal choice for breakfast or lunch alongside a steaming cup of coffee.
Make your way over to Kickturn Coffee Roasters, a haven for coffee aficionados in Kimberley. As the name suggests, they roast their own beans, ensuring that every cup is brewed to perfection. Their house-roasted Rosa is the star of the show, offering a rich and aromatic experience. The most popular drink here is their cappuccino and cortado, each focusing on the depth of their carefully crafted roasts. Pair your coffee with a house-made pastry, like their mouth-watering, freshly baked croissant. Advocates for a healthy environment, Kickturn has opted to forgo single use cups in their establishment, encouraging guests to take ten and enjoy their coffee in house.
Finally, head down Wallinger Avenue until you reach Stoke Market. Stoke is a staple in Kimberley, combining their charming grab and go café with the practicality of a local market. They proudly rotate their beans to support three local roasteries, Dose Coffee, Rooftop Coffee Roasters and Oso Negro Coffee Roasters; which each stand up well in their locally loved America. Stoke Market also offers an impressive selection of house made Stoke Cold Pressed Juice and in-house fresh baked goods, including their sourdough bread which regularly sells out. While you’re there, pick up some your choice of several Kootenay coffee brands and browse their range of organic and locally produced goods.
Whether you’re starting your day, looking for a midday pick-me-up, or want a highly caffeinated weekend adventure, Cranbrook and Kimberley’s cafés offer an array of experiences to suit every coffee lover. From locally roasted beans to fresh, homemade snacks, these stops provide more than just a caffeine boost—they offer a taste of the local community and culture. So, grab a cup, relax, and enjoy the warm hospitality and unique flavours that these delightful cafés have to offer.
More Itineraries to Explore...
