What to do and see in Kootenay Rockies, Kootenay Rockies: The Best Museums

Owners Connie Artym-Bradatsch and Grey Bradatsch have been in business for over thirteen years and foresee many more as the premiere art gallery in Invermere, BC. In past years the gallery has won awards for “Business Excellence” and “Entrepreneurship” from the Columbia Valley Chamber of Commerce, and will continue to provide the art and the service that clients have come to expect and appreciate from The Artym. With their knowledgeable and friendly staff boasting over 30 years combined experience; customer service has always been of utmost concern to everyone at the Artym Gallery. Stop by and enjoy the sculpture, paintings and jewellery by over 65 Canadian artists in a constantly changing display at the Artym Gallery.

The Cranbrook History Centre is a museum and archives dedicated to the research, preservation, and restoration of the history of Cranbrook and the surrounding area. Located in beautiful downtown Cranbrook, the History Centre offers something of interest for visitors of all ages. Also known as the Canadian Museum of Rail, the Centre is also home to the Trans-Canada Limited, a 1929 luxury train, as well as many other restored Canadian trains.

For the month of April, we are open Friday through Sunday. We are currently closed to the public Monday through Thursday. At the Revelstoke Railway Museum we strive to preserve, share and inspire a sense of wonder and excitement for our Canadian Pacific Railway. Come and see some of Canada's railway treasures. It's a great experience for all ages!

The Nikkei Internment Memorial Centre is dedicated to preserving and sharing the history of the internment of over 22,000 Japanese Canadians during the Second World War. The Nikkei Internment Memorial Centre opened its doors in 1994 as an initiative from the New Denver Kyowakai Society to commemorate and honor the stories of over 22,000 Japanese Canadians who were stripped of their civil rights, labelled "enemy aliens" and uprooted from their coastal homes during the Second World War. Located on the site of a former internment camp, the original buildings, period artifacts, interpretive displays, and Heiwa Teien garden designed by the renowned Roy (Tomomichi) Sumi, chronicle this extraordinary episode in Canadian history.

Touchstones Nelson: Museum of Art and History is a multi-faceted organization with a history museum exhibition, regional archives, two contemporary gallery spaces and a fabulous gift shop. The history museum features an introduction to the Sinixt and Ktunaxa nations, culture and perspectives, the history of European exploration and the challenges of trade and travel routes, and how various industries such mining, transportation, hydroelectricity affected the area and the creation of the Queen City. Our galleries rotate exhibitions eight times per year and feature everything from contemporary art and pop culture, to fine craft and design, to local architectural and social history – Touchstones’ exhibitions connect to this area’s creative energy and rich heritage. The gift shop features wares from over 100 local artists and authors. If you are looking for a gift that reflects Nelson and area’s abundant talent and craft, you will certainly find it in our superbly curated Shop.

Opened to the public in 2013, the Fernie Museum is located in the heart of historic downtown Fernie. The museum offers two floors of exhibits, a gift shop, archives and visitor information services. The main floor permanent exhibit highlights the story of the Fernie region, from the use of the area by the Ktunaxa to underground and open pit mining to the development of Fernie as a four-season resort community. The second floor gallery features rotating art and history exhibits. The Museum also offers a range of programs throughout the year, including popular themed walking tours during the summer. Museum staff are on hand to help guide your paths as your explore our museum, community and the environment around us – whether it is on the ski hill or on our many hiking or biking trails. Public washrooms are available and the facility offers barrier free access.