 St. Eugene Golf Resort Casino honours the Ktunaxa people, who have occupied the Kootenay region for more than 10,000 years. Photo courtesy of St. Eugene Golf Resort Casino |
CRANBROOK, BC — "The people who come to Cranbrook and Kimberley are amazed. It's gorgeous; it's beautiful. You're not going to find another place like this, not in Canada."
Those were the words of Sarah Gourley, the Casino Shift Manager at St. Eugene Golf Resort Casino in picturesque Cranbrook, BC. It doesn't take very long to realize that when you're in Cranbrook, you're in special company.
Being an Edmontonian I haven't had much contact with southern BC other than a few in-and-out ski trips. The drive can be a taxing eight-hour slog, especially in the winter, one that takes the better part of two days to do, round trip. However, that pain is gone now, courtesy of a new direct flight with Integra Air that takes off from Edmonton and lands in Cranbrook in an astonishing 75 minutes. Add to that the fact that you can check your bag about 15 minutes before takeoff, and all told your trip from city to city is no more than two hours.
Sometimes you just need to get away from it all. And now, having been to Cranbrook, I can't think of many other places in Western Canada (at the very least) that offer as much relaxation, adventure, and luxury as the Kootenay’s.
One of the region’s crown jewels is the aforementioned St. Eugene Golf Resort Casino. It's a full-feature, 4.5 star paradise that sits on a golf course, is located just five minutes from the airport and 15 from Kimberley Alpine Resort, and sports the closest Casino to the Canadian Rockies.
"Coming to St. Eugene, it feels like you're a member of an exclusive club. You can stay at the resort, go golfing or head to Kimberley for a great day of skiing, come back, have a great dinner at the Purcell Grill, and spend your evening at the Casino for a great time."
As I said during a succulent meal of bison tenderloin at the Grill, I will now hate everything I'll eat after that point. There's also the Fisher Peak Lounge and Fred's Saloon for pub and delicatessen-style eats, and combined with the full-sized gym, steam room, sauna, 365 day outdoor pool, and hot tubs, you literally never have to leave the Resort grounds for anything.
For those looking for a more rustic stay, and one that you'll remember well into your golden years, take the time and research Three Bars Ranch, located just 15 minutes outside of Cranbrook. This six-night, all-inclusive adventure retreat offers fantastic accommodations, dozens of activities, and an all-around experience not found anywhere else in Canada. (Three Bars offers shorter stays, but you're selling yourself short by going for anything other than the six-night stay. There's just so much to do!)
Perfect for couples looking to get away and have some fun, corporate groups looking to do some world-class team building and celebrating, or families looking to connect in a place that will be the centerpiece of photo albums for years and years will need to look no further than Three Bars.
"We host a lot of families where one or two people are interested in horseback riding, but not everyone," said Tyler Beckley, who heads all Ranch activities. While Three Bars is known for its horses and wrangling, there's a heck of a lot more to do. "Dad's a golfer, brother's a fisherman, mom likes to hike, what have you ... here, everyone can do something that they enjoy, but you're guaranteed to be back together for meals."
 The Lodge is a spectacular log building that houses the dining room, saloon, and recreation lounge. Photo courtesy of Three Bars Ranch |
The staff can be as involved or uninvolved as you require. Some groups want to do their own thing, but for others the Three Bars staff have organized family- or team-building activities. It all depends on what you need.
For me, being at Three Bars and experiencing the tranquility of a place like that ... I can't believe that it's just two hours from my home in Edmonton. That Integra now gives me ability to escape, suddenly, into such an otherworldly experience is mind blowing.
And corporate groups don't even have to stop there. The City of Cranbrook has a charm all its own, and you certainly don't have to stay rustic to have a good time. Prestige Mountain Resort is located right downtown and is a fantastic getaway option for large groups. As far as conventions and retreats go, this is another home run.
With the ability to host hundreds of delegates in deluxe guest rooms, luxurious designer suites, and a full-service convention centre, Prestige Mountain Resort is the full package. And with the city's wealth of biking, golfing, skiing, fishing, hiking, swimming, and adventure options, you're never in search of something to occupy your time.
Cranbrook is a marvel. It's as simple as that. Have a look at what Integra is offering you and take the time to experience this place for yourself. There's so much to do, so many amazing places to stay, and it's now less than two hours away.
For flight options check out www.integraair.com.
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