Tour by train at Kimberley's top historical attraction

If you’re a history buff in love with the tours, attractions and museums in Kimberley, this is a necessary stop.

The city of Kimberley is nestled in the Rocky Mountain Trench in the East Kootenay Region of B.C. Kimberley’s Underground Mining Railway (KUMR) is owned and operated by the Sullivan Mine and Railway Historical Society. It has been in existence for nearly three decades, evolving into a unique tourist attraction.

Call to ask about private tours and more:

Call 1-250-427-7365 to book a private or group tour, or make other inquiries about this popular attraction in Kimberley.

Five-star reviews for Kimberley’s Underground Mining Railway

“This place is amazing! I worked in underground mining for a few years and these volunteers do an amazing job of telling their experiences and showing off an amazing mining operation. Very cool if you've never been in a mine, and even if you have it's a great tour full of nice touches.”

~ Christopher, Google reviewer

“We had a great time here. Very interesting story about the mine. The gentleman conducting the tour was awesome.”

~ Mike, Google reviewer

“Love the experience. Went once as a kid and had to bring my boyfriend to see this amazing tour. Was very educational and just the same as I remember it 10 years ago. I was even allowed to bring my puppy on the tour seeing how we were tenting and couldn't leave him there or in the car for almost 2 hours. Thank you staff, I very much appreciated this!”

~ Krysta, Google reviewer

These are just a few of many happy customers; check out all the Google reviews.

Tour one of the most interesting historical attractions in Kimberley

At KUMR, you can:

• Ride the rails through the beautiful Mark Creek valley as you listen to the history of Kimberley and the Sullivan Mine.

• Learn about life as a miner at the Underground Interpretive Centre, as a guide describes hard rock mining and demonstrates some of the equipment used in the Sullivan Mine.

• Take a short walk to the Sullivan Mine Powerhouse for a guided tour featuring the huge compressors and generators that powered the mine.

• Board the train again to learn more about Kimberley and enjoy spectacular scenery and glimpses of wildlife as you travel back to the station.

• Explore the Orpheum Theatre, the North Star Schoolhouse, the Miner’s Cabin and the Caboose as part of your adventure into history.

Head to the Downtown Station to purchase tour tickets

Meet friendly staff and purchase your train tour tickets at the Downtown Station, located about 200 metres west of Kimberley’s pedestrian mall, known as the Platzl.

A wide variety of snacks and beverages are available at this newly renovated station. Enjoy a picnic on the deck while you wait for the arrival of the train.

You can also do a bit of shopping for train souvenirs, t-shirts and hoodies, as well as arts and crafts produced by local artisans.

Wander through the station and view the historical photos and mining displays. Don’t forget to sign the guest book!

About the Sullivan Mine & Railway Historical Society

The Sullivan Mine & Railway Historical Society is a non-profit organization formed by the merger of the Sullivan Mine Interpretive Centre Society and the Bavarian City Mining Railway Society. The railway originated with the idea of having a commuter train route from downtown Kimberley to the ski hill.

In 1978 the Kimberley Steam Railway and Navigation Society was formed by a few men of vision who went to an abandoned mine at Salmo B.C. to obtain rails for the new project. By July, 1984, the railway, named the Bavarian City Mining Railway, was operational and had a ridership of 4,681 passengers. The route consisted of a two-kilometre track, which circled the Happy Hans Campground.

• In 1995 the railway line was extended by five kilometres winding down the mountainside and through the Mark Creek Valley to the Downtown Station.

• In 2004 the extension to the Kimberley Alpine Resort was completed.

• In October, 2005, the immense undertaking of drilling a 750-foot tunnel began. This tunnel is located in the Mark Creek Valley and houses the Sullivan Mine Interpretive Centre. This project was jointly funded by the Canada/British Columbia Infrastructure Program and by Teck Cominco Ltd. The tunnel excavation was done by very experienced former Sullivan miners employed by Redding Mining of Kimberley.

• In 2006, the BCMR volunteers constructed a new locomotive and three new railcars. During the fall of 2006 the final preparation of the railbed, laying of the rails, and construction of the underground facilities were completed.

• An official opening ceremony was held prior to the May 19 start of the 2007 tourist season. with many dignitaries from Teck and from all three levels of government in attendance as well as members of the media, dedicated volunteers and interested Kimberley residents.

• In 2009 the train could no longer go up to the resort, as a convention centre was being built where the loading ramp had been. With a focus more on history, a loop route through the tunnel and circling back across from the original portal was constructed and a tour of the powerhouse was included in the train tours. An express train trip was added on Saturday, Sunday and holiday Monday mornings at 10:00 a.m. for those who just like to ride the train. A new loci was purchased and volunteers revamped it to meet the requirements. The track to the resort was rebuilt and a new Resort Station constructed.

Contact info

Address: 111 Gerry Sorensen Way, Kimberley, BC V1A 2Y5

Mailing address: Sullivan Mine & Railway Historical Society Box 94 Kimberley, B.C. V1A 2Y5

Phone: 1-250-427-7365

Email: [email protected]