Kimberley

Kimberley lived on the Sullivan mine, one of the largest lead-zinc-silver deposits ever worked, and when its closure became foreseeable in the 1970s the town looked for another economy and settled on a Bavarian theme: the main street was pedestrianised as the Platzl, buildings were refronted in alpine style, and a large cuckoo clock was installed that plays when a coin is dropped in. The mine closed in 2001 after ninety-two years. An underground railway built for the mine now carries visitors, and the town sits at about eleven hundred metres, which it claims makes it the highest city in Canada.

Highlights

• The Platzl - a pedestrianised main street refronted in alpine style.
• The cuckoo clock - a large coin-operated clock, said to be Canada's biggest.
• The Sullivan mine railway - an underground train built for the mine.
• The mine history centre - the story of a ninety-two year lead-zinc operation.

When to go

June to September for the Platzl and hiking; December to March for skiing at the local hill. The theme is at its liveliest during summer festivals such as Julyfest.

Good to know

The Bavarian theme is a 1970s commercial invention with no local heritage behind it, and it reads as kitsch to many. The town is small. Some themed businesses have closed over the years.

Nearby

Fort Steele lies southeast; Fernie is east.