Cranbrook Community Album

Sports and competition have been a part of the Columbia Basin since earliest times. When Supt. Steele and the North West Mounted Police got ready to leave Fort Steele and pull back to Fort Macleod, they celebrated by inviting the Ktunaxa people to a sports day. Early on there were logger sports days, drilling competitions for miners, hose reel races and always horse racing.

In the 1920s baseball, hockey, soccer and basketball organizations were formed. School competed against school, city against city in organized leagues. Bowling and billiards were also seen as competitive sports. Outdoor sportsmen from all over the world came to the Columbia Basin seeking wildlife trophies.

In the 1940s Cranbrook had a pool constructed by the Gyro Club, advertised as the largest outdoor pool in western Canada. Cranbrook swimmers and divers competed in many community events.

Today Cranbrook prides itself as home to the Kootenay Ice hockey team. It is also home to many world class athletes.