Kimberley and its’ Underground Mining Railroad

By Perry Mack

There was a time when riding the railroad in this part of the country would have meant you were working as a miner digging out lead, zinc and silver and shipping it to the surface on 5,600 feet of this underground railways’ track. You were in danger of suffering from oxygen depletion or dying from other mining hazards.

But that was after the turn of century and the mine was active until 2001 giving up 17 million tons of zinc and lead and over 285 million tons of silver worth more than 20 billion dollars.

Now your rail ride is substantially more pleasant and less dangerous. Today the Sullivan Mine and Historical Society has replicated a 15km railway for an informative and enjoyable experience. Your adventure begins in the Bavarian style town of  Kimberley, BC. A beautiful mountain town cradled between the Purcell and Rocky Mountain ranges in the East Kootenay region of BC. Board the train near The Platzl (a heart-warming re-creation of a European village) and ride to the Underground Interpretative Centre. Here you get a feel for the hard rock mining that went on and see demonstrations of authentic mining equipment demonstrated by actual miners from the original Sullivan mine. Then just a short jaunt over to the Sullivan Mine Powerhouse for a guided tour of the massive compressors and generators that were used to power equipment in the mine. Take time for a guided tour Orpheum Theatre, North Star School House and Miner’s Cabin to get more immersed in the life of the miners and their families at the turn of the century.

If you’ve already visited the mine tour don’t get off the train and keep riding up to Kimberley Alpine  Resort. Here you can get off the train and hike or bike down through the alpine trails or ride the train back down through the tunnel and join the rest of your group.

Returning to Kimberley, you’ll now have time to enjoy the Platzl. This pedestrian only outdoor shopping mall is filled with quaint shops and restaurants serving authentic Bavarian food. Growing up in a German household my mouth was watering with the aroma’s of the kitchens of my youth, hot schnitzel served a half dozen ways  at the Gasthaus am Platzl and the Bavarian sausages served on a bed of sauerkraut at Chef Bernard’s. If you didn’t have the privilege of growing up German Canadian you have to close your eyes and order the home smoked hickory pork on a bed of sauerkraut with spaetzle (German dumplings/noodles). It will take you directly to Germany without the airfare and jet lag. There are over thirty restaurants and coffee houses so leave room for coffee and a dessert as you continue to wander the Platzl.

There’s often live music playing on the outdoor stage and from the wandering accordionist. DO you hear yodelling? Yes, you do. It’s Adi the Yodelling Woodcarver.  At one point during the day you’ll hear and see the largest free standing Cuckoo Clock in North America so make sure your camera is ready for this unique photo opportunity.

If you time your visit right there festivals and celebrations all summer long including vaudeville shows, theatre, concerts, art exhibits and the Sunday Village Market held in  the Platzl between 10am and 2pm.

The Kimberley Riverside Campground is just 8 minutes south of Kimberley with 140 large sites including 46 pull through. Aside from the village of Kimberley and it’s allure, the area boasts golf courses, river rafting and endless trails and nature paths for hiking, biking and sightseeing.  Add a stop in Kimberley to your travel plans, you’ll be so glad you did!