Communities
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BOUNDARY cOUNTRY
Every season leads to adventure
Population: 13,300 | Growth: 3.6% (2016-2021)
An abundance of natural resources, rich agricultural lands, and commercial properties provide opportunity, affordability and lifestyle choices for those seeking to relocate.
Big White / Boundary Country, BC
Cranbrook
Regional hub
Population: 20,499 | Growth: 2.3% (2016-2021)
As the largest city in the East Kootenays, Cranbrook serves as a regional centre for healthcare, education, and commerce. With excellent amenities, transportation links, and the College of the Rockies campus, it’s an ideal base for childcare professionals.
Cranbrook by Kari Medig / KootenayRockies.com.
DBC Image Bank
COLUMBIA VALLEY
The warm side of the Rockies
Population: 11,700 | Growth: 23.4% (2016-2021)
The natural beauty and resources in the Columbia Valley’s landscape are assets that provide for vibrant tourism and natural resources sectors. Live lakeside, mountain side, in the heart of downtown, or on an acreage: it is all possible in the Columbia Valley.
Creston by Jeff Banman / CrestonValleyPhotobank.ca
Creston
Small town living at its best
Population: 5,583 | Growth: 4.1% (2016-2021)
Nestled between the Selkirk and Purcell mountain ranges, Creston serves as the economic hub of the beautiful Creston Valley. Known for its fruit production and agricultural heritage, this community offers small-town charm with all essential amenities.
Crawford Bay by FieldandForest.co / KootenayRockies.com
Creston Valley Kootenay lake
The hidden gem of the Kootenays
Population: 8,518 | Growth: 6.9% (2016-2021)
Between orchards and wineries, pristine rivers and provincial parks as well as British Columbia’s fifth largest lake, Creston Valley Kootenay Lake is a truly unique destination.
ELKFORD
Natural beauty and friendly people
Population: 2,749 | Growth: 10% (2016-2021)
Choose Elkford for the lifestyle and the sense of belonging. Surrounded by stunning mountain landscapes, residents enjoy year-round access to outdoor adventure.
Elkford by Tracey Halladay Photography
fernie
A small town for big adventures
Population: 6,320 | Growth: 17.1% (2016-2021)
In Fernie, adventure and everyday life are seamlessly connected. It’s a place where you can bike in the morning, explore mountain trails in the afternoon, and still feel the warmth of a small town community.
Fernie by Mark Gallup / KootenayRockies.com
FRUITVALE
The heart of the Beaver Valley
Population: 2,700 | Growth: 2% (2016-2021)
A country lifestyle with open space, clean air, and agricultural potential, while remaining closely connected to regional employment and services in the South Kootenay.
Photo by Ashley Voykin / Courtesy of Tourism Rossland
Golden
Gateway to six national parks
Population: 3,708 | Growth: 7.5% (2016-2021)
Golden is the adventure capital of the Canadian Rockies, a dynamic mountain town perfectly positioned at the confluence of the Columbia River and Kicking Horse River, surrounded by six national parks.
Golden by Kari Medig / KootenayRockies.com
Grand Forks
Gateway to the Boundary Country
Population: 4,112 | Growth: 1.6% (2016-2021)
Located at the confluence of the Granby and Kettle Rivers in the Boundary Country, Grand Forks serves as the region’s economic hub. This agricultural community offers small-town charm with mountain valley living and proximity to Christina Lake recreation.
Grand Forks by Tina Bryan / Boundary Country Tourism
Kaslo
The "Little Switzerland of Canada"
Population: 1,049 | Growth: 8.4% (2016-2021)
Kaslo is a jewel of the West Kootenays, a charming village nestled on the pristine shores of Kootenay Lake. Known as the “Little Switzerland of Canada,” Kaslo combines turn-of-the-century heritage charm with a modern mountain lifestyle, creating an idyllic setting for families seeking a peaceful, connected community.
Kalso by Mitch Winton / KootenayRockies.com
Kimberley by Kari Medig / KootenayRockies.com.
Kimberley
A good place to be
Population: 8,115 | Growth: 9.3% (2016-2021)
Kimberley has earned its reputation as “BC’s Best Small Town” through an unbeatable combination of natural beauty, outdoor recreation, and genuine community spirit.
MONTROSE
Gateway to the Beaver Valley
Population: 1,013 | Growth: 1.7% (2016-2021)
Montrose benefits from close proximity to regional employment in industry, healthcare, education, and services, supporting steady residential demand while maintaining a quieter, small-town setting.
Photo by Ashley Voykin / Courtesy of Tourism Rossland
Nakusp by Kari Medig / KootenayRockies.com
nakusp
Hot springs haven of the Arrow Lakes
Population: 1,590 | Stable growth rate
Nestled on Upper Arrow Lake between the Selkirk and Monashee ranges, Nakusp is renowned for its natural hot springs and stunning lakeside setting. This peaceful village offers excellent recreational facilities and strong community spirit.
NELSON
Queen city of the Rockies
Population: 11,106 | Growth: 5.1% (2016-2021)
A highly desirable destination for its intense outdoor recreation, rich arts and culture scene, and a strong, inclusive, community-focused, and sustainable atmosphere.
Courtesy of Nelson and District Chamber of Commerce
REVELSTOKE
All-season playground
Population: 8,275
Community living in a spectacular and historic mountain setting. World-class alpine skiing, backcountry hiking, snowmobiling, mountain biking, river rafting, canoeing and kayaking.
Revelstoke
ROSSLAND
Canada's alpine city
Population: 4,400 | Growth: 11% (2016-2021)
A historic mountain community, situated in the heart of the Monashee Mountains. At an elevation of 1,023m (3,410 ft), it is one of Canada’s highest incorporated cities, characterized by a walkable heritage downtown and immediate access to exceptional outdoor recreation.
Photo by Ashley Voykin / Courtesy of Tourism Rossland
TRAIL
Home of champions
Population: 7,920 | Growth: 2.7% (2016-2021)
Located along the Columbia River, Trail is a compact and walkable city anchored by a scenic riverfront esplanade and two landmark bridges, including the Columbia River Skywalk —one of the longest pedestrian suspension bridges in North America.
Photo by Kenton Doupe / Courtesy of City of Trail
WARFIELD
Jewel of the Kootenays
Population: 1,760 | Growth: 4.3% (2016-2021)
Warfield is known for its strong volunteer spirit, active sports culture, and distinctive character. The community is affectionately nicknamed “Mickey Mouse Town” for its iconic peaked-roof homes built in the late 1930s as worker housing.
Photo by Ryan Flett / Courtesy of Tourism Rossland
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