Reviews of Kimberley's Underground Mining Railway (Spa)

Paul Guthrie

Bill Roberts is a great guide. Wonderful, informative and funny tour. Thanks so much! It was also great to see that Teck is doing a great job environmentally. Nice to see a responsible mining corporation.

Kaleb Boucher

This was a fun little loop to see the history of what kept Kimberley so busy and the town busy. Now it is a great tour and ride up to the base of the ski hill from downtown. Fun for the whole family. I think it would be great if you could load bikes onto the train and people could commute to the bike trails up top too.

Laura Dunlop

Love Miner Bill! Love Kimberly and love the history.

Ben Humphrey

If you've ever wondered about the mine, it's history or how it works... Now is the time, you get to hear about it from a guide that actually worked there. It's like being able to ask a history book questions. Very authentic, informative experience.

Ron Dorey

This mining tour is reason enough to go to kimberley! It was amazing! Very informative!

Cindy Salmon

Awesome experience!

Doug French

A very interesting interpretive tour of how mining in Kimberley was done, by someone who worked their adult life in the Sullivan Mine. Tour includes a 225m long tunnel, where the mining techniques employed at the mine are explained. This was the most interesting part of the tour, especially being told by someone who had lived it. Also included was the powerhouse, which was also interesting for all the old machinery. I lived in the area for many years, but never went here. I wish I'd done it sooner, it was so interesting.

Amanda Venables

This is a main attraction in the summertime..

Nolan Dyck

Best experience!

Sg Shuffler

Very interesting. The Best mining tour ever. They did a great job

Cassady

Definitely a unique kimberley experience! The novelty of the train ride will be enjoyed by those young and old. The guides obviously have fun with what they do! This would be a great experience on a hot day since it is cooler in the mine.

Beth Neibert

Bill is an amazing tour guide! I overheard this was his last year doing this so I wish him all the best! I'm looking forward to reading his book. I've been on this tour 3 times (twice as a a child and once as an adult) and I highly recommend checking KUMR out.

Emily Jane Molly Gatekeeper

Great way to spend an hour

June Hopley

Very informative about the mine and mining activities in Kimberly. The fact they have a retired miner as the guide was worth the cost.

Terry Smith

Not much underground. Volunteers very informative. This is not a cheap tour.

Jake Slingerland

Excellent tour/mine guard. If you are thinking of taking it, do it!! You Will not be disappointed.

Christopher Hey

OK, but can be boring if you're not into mining.

Richard Gulling

Really cool information and temperature.

Brian Hirschfield

Very interesting tour...lots of historical information. Hard to hear in the mine and in the power plant.

Simon inBrisbane

Very educational and well worth the money. The train ride and tour was 1.5 hours and we learned a lot. Miner Bill and Powerhouse Bob (same guy) were a lot of fun and did a great job including the kids with his tour. So much fun and the scenery was beautiful.

Rafael Marrero Ramos

Looked neat when I walked around, they were closed. We did chat with others that stopped for a tour.

Marco De Leo

Called their front desk asking for details surrounding the train ride. The lady has been very clear to be there 15 to 20 minutes before departure. That worked perfectly for us we had a quick lunch and came earlier, 30 minutes before departure. Train already full screwed up our afternoon. Could not reserved. There was no school bus nor any abnormal traffic to excuse them. Her excuse was there is very limited seating on the train. Are you serious i dont know any kids train with unlimited seating!!!!

Artëm Gayardo-Matrosov

Omg must do. The tour guide is the best. He is fun and knowledgeable.

Just Jenna

Had a great time, worth the money and very informative and impressive. They have all the tools used and in working condition, even started them up and used them! A little long for the young kids but they had toys and things to keep them occupied while you can listen to the presentation. Great tour guides

Carissa Gordon

Fun informative and a little rough of a train but cool tunnels

MK Sheikh

Nice little tour of Kimberly. I wish the tour guide would have given more information. But the kids loved it and they were great with social distancing.

Bruce Murdoch

A surprising attraction for the little ones right in the centre of Kimberley. It takes you on an hour long tour around the hills surrounding the mine and I to it and then through a new suburb to the bottom of the ski resort. It seems that it is a bit and miss on how busy it gets and their website doesn't seem to have been updated since 2017. But our 3 year old enjoyed it even though I was afraid he may lose interest half way into it. He didn't.

Ryan Divine

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

Etienne Hui

Fun very interesting with one the actual miners as your host that worked the mine for over 37 years

Dan Yeung

Excellent tour even as a local, you should do it!

Craig Bloom

Great mining tour. Thoroughly enjoyed it

Chris Istace

An excellent tour and experience, beginning and ending with a train ride up to a recreation of the mine.

syed anwar

This is an amazing tour. Train ride to underground mine, back on train for tour of power plant then back on train. Very fun and very informative. So fortunate to have been on this tour!

Mark Kary

A lot of interesting things to see

Doug Lundquist

A very unique and informative experience.

Lee Brochu

The train and exhibits are superb with an excellent presentation by former miners inside the mine. The power house is a wonder for children and adults alike. Was expecting to see more underground, especially one or more of the major caverns.

Rob Hadley

Very interesting tour, Bill was a great presenter of the mine.

George Benedict

Excellent displays of Sullivan ore and great collection of maps and diagrams describing the geology and history of the mine. A must see for geologists and rock and mining enthusiasts alike if in Kimberley or Cranbrook!

Thorsten Grützmacher

(Translated) The guide is unfortunately only in English. Nevertheless, very recommendable destination. A former miner explains and demonstrates the Altag in the underground mining very impressively. (Original) Die Führung ist leider nur auf Englisch. Trotzdem sehr empfehlenswertes Ausflugsziel. Ein ehemaliger Minenarbeiter erklärt und demonstriert den Altag im Untertagebau sehr eindrucksvoll.

Dawn High

Amazing experience

Matt Lech

Very interesting train ride, travel in an old mining cart up into the mine and see the methods used and check out the old machinery. The tour leader is a retired miner and a wealth of knowledge. Well worth a look.

Kevin McGowan

Fascinating history, very informative tour.

Nick Fenton

This was well worth the money. The guide was a person who worked in the mine for over 30 years and was very knowledgeable. The train ride into the mining interpretation centre was fun.

Rupinder Singh

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.

Tyson W

The entire family enjoyed this amazing tour (from 12 years to 82 years). The interpreter was incredible. The way he told the stories you felt like you were living it for real. I highly recommend it.

Marc D.

An absolute must see attraction if your near or In the area of Kimberley B.C i have over 50 photos but chose to show only a few, an experience you need to see for sure!

David Mathew

This is an experience that everyone who comes into Kimberley must do! If there was 6☆ I would. The mining veteran with the encyclopedic knowledge and memories of mining and the history is extraordinary. I will come back every time I visit. Best 20$ I've spent so far!

Jeremy Fidelack

Very cool... Would highly recommend!!!

Rosie Friesen (Rosie)

a fun and informative look into the mining industry. a bit technical at times, but a good time.

Jason T

Prices not as advertised, families be aware! While on vacation in Fernie, we decided to make a day trip to Kimberly and take the mine tour. The information on the website says $100 for a family, with no fine print. IMO this is a steep price for what was offered, but decided to make the trip. Once at the mine, we were told the family price is for only 2 adults and 2 kids. We have a family of 5. Mom,Dad, and 3 minor kids. I was told I had to pay and additional $35 for the trip. The conversation with the attended ended with “do you want to ride the train or not?” I paid the 35% ransom, I did not want to explain to the family why we drove here and left without have done the excursion. The actual tour was very informative, And gave a good insight into how the mine worked. I would have bought the book our tour guide “Bill” wrote for $30 but we had already spent an extra $35 for admission

Sara Ouellette

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!

Betsy Turner

We brought our young children to the KUMR to enjoy something that you don't get a chance to experience elsewhere. They loved the train ride, enjoyed the beautiful scenery and enjoyed seeing some wildlife along the way. They were a little scared at first of the tunnel as it is very dark in spots, but this is part of the experience. The interpretive part of the train ride was lost on them, but it is very educational and gives a glimpse not only into the local area and this particular mine, but also the life the miners lived. We'll definitely return once our children are a bit older.

gordon jones

Get a good understanding of how they did things in the old days. In that time it was the biggest mine of it's kind, on the planet. Showcases some of the equipment they used. Shows that the old guys were smarter than we are now.

Atem 1000

Very informative. Loved the train ride and dogs are allowed :)

Shayan

Fantastic tour of the underground mining operation

Layne Goldsmith

Nice to learn about history.

Dustin Keller

Great 1.45hr tour. Learned a tonne! Great staff, cool stories. Was a good time.

john fleming

An actual train ride into the now decommissioned Sullivan Mine in Kimberley, BC. Tour is great for all ages, see how rock miners earned their living as they demonstrate a couple of the actual tools that they used. Suggest that you bring a light jacket because it is rather chilly in the mine.

S and L Prest

(Translated) Great thing (Original) Tolle Sache

Guy Ouellette

Very, very cool!!!

Paul Berthiaume

Very informative.. A hour and bit long total Ride and presentation from station to station. Guide inside the mine was great and interactive with the kids.

Brian Pearson

It was mostly talking, we barely got to see the actual mine. The kids got bored pretty quickly. Every other mine tour we’ve been to involved seeing more of the mine and more artifacts.

Masood Butt

Really interesting and informative

Dan Relkow

Educational and informative

Tori Stavenjord

Faboulous

Ryan Sweetnam

Great tour!

Jason Kellock

A cool place to visit

Beatrix T

Great attraction! Super informative and really nice staff who run it all

Jeff Shultz

Extremely interesting. Learned a lot about mining.

Ian Rice

It’s not a kid friendly event. We went with 8 kids and were ready to leave any moment. However the gentleman who presented the Compressor Unit was good.

Rashelle Hole

Very delightful, enjoyable and informative trip

Andrew Bond

Great place for the family! Very informative! even a bit of rain couldnt put a damper on this fun little tour. Would recommend it to anyone passing through! :)

Jeremy Wekell

A must see if you're in Kimberley. Well worth the $25

Dave Love

You know when you go on a tour and you get too much information? Yeah, this isn't one of those tours. Quite the opposite actually. I didn't feel like we learned much of anything about the mine or the men that worked in it. They have an amazing opportunity to have a great tour, but it failed to deliver.

Srinivasa Rao Guduru

Very interesting visit to a world famous old lead and zinc mine. The rehabilitation of the old mine site is remarkable and commendable.

Cameron Lee

This is a must see when in Kimberley!

Mike duToit

We drove almost 2 hours for the train, and when we arrived about 1.25 hours before the train was to leave, the doors where locked. The staff member sitting outside told us to come later to purchase tickets, and they only went on sale 15 minutes before the train is scheduled to leave. When we arrived roughly 20 minutes before, there was a significant line, and we where promptly told the tickets where sold out. Very disappointing for us to hear that the tickets where sold out so quickly. If you're going to go, make sure you arrive AT LEAST 15 minutes before they begin selling tickets (they start selling tickets 15 minutes before the train leaves), so arrive at least 30 minutes before to get tickets. With the current social distancing, they are seating around 50% capacity, which is not a lot of people/group units on the train. This was disappointing to us to learn through experience, as we had scheduled one of our holiday days to go on the train. If I could make a suggestion to the railroad, it would be quite beneficial to either up your trains running, or sell tickets online as we where greatly disappointed in the experience we recieved through the staff member, and driving for no reason at all. Giving 3 stars as I think the potential is there for a great time, but disappointed in the customer service, and the explanation of when to arrive to purchase tickets to ride the train.

Dan Plant

Sooooo fun to learn about this small town mining company that contributed so very much to the region. Kimberley is a must visit town in beautiful BC. Great history and a very hospitable town to visit. The train ride through the mine area was very enlightening. Check it out soon and support the local economy!

Dave Geary

We had a BLAST! Totally worth the $25, informative and so damn cool!

Dave Martin

Interesting...

Marcel Rose

Love it

Barry O'Neill

Can't get better then this..Unbelievable

Darian Spagrud

Our youngest talked us into going and we were surprised with the tour, great experience. Train ride, waling through mine with demostration of equipement by a former miner who loved his 36 years working in the mine. Tour is 1 hr 45 mins.

Mike dejager

one of the coolest historical tours ive been on, the interpretive staff there were top notch presenting the deep and interesting history of the mines, kimberly and their lasting impacts in a fun amd engaging way, definately something for all age groups on this one as well. would 100% recommend this to anyone with even the smallest inkling of interest in the subject

Rhonda Norris

Neat history, fun tours and train rides for kids

Trevor Wiens

Cool place to spend the morning! Really enjoyed that our guide for the mine portion used to work there, he had great stories.

Joy Naipo Naipasoi

Very informative, friendly staff, ample parking.

Nix

Great train ride

Richard Harris

What a fabulous experience! The telling of the Sullivan Mine's history and experiences by a man with over 35 years of personal experience made it a history lesson worth paying attention to. Travel by rail made the journey easy and even more interesting. Even if this stop might be off your route, take the detour. The over 90 minute experience was priceless.

Ker

We went on aug 4th we were there for the 11am ride, my son loves trains he's 2 and my daughter 4. We went into the the tunnel for the demonstration. ( Thinking this was kid friendly). We all lined up to watch, The instructor explains that if your child is making noise please remove them so others can hear ( which was totally understandable) My son started asking questions while the instructor was talking so we headed back down the tunnel to the train. The conductor ( lady) came up to us, (Me thinking she going to say something about the train to him)..... But no she smacked my son arm and shoved her finger in his face and yelled SHHHHHHH. Me being in shock!!! About this took my son to the train, My mind is still blown that it happen would not recommend this for familys!!!!

Tara Schwarz

Entertaining & educational

Shandel Dupal

Nice little train ride you may want to bring a sweater because that mine is not warm! Not really for kids under 6 years of age. Most of the time you are stoped touring the mine.

Dominik Gasser

(Translated) Very interesting ride in the world's largest lead and zinc mine for almost 100 years. Highly recommended. (Original) Sehr intetessante Fahrt in die während fast 100 Jahren weltgrösste Blei- und Zinkmine. Sehr empfehlenswert.

Luis Delgado

Great ride, reasonably priced for a 45 minute ride. Educational as well. The underground mine portion is a small part of the ride, but interesting nonetheless. Great for kids. Recommend to ride it once.

Ryan O'Donoghue

Great staff, wonderful tour! Went there as a kid. It has only improved over time.

Jeremy Overton

include this place in your visit to Kimberley, is awesome !

Cam Lugg

This tour and train ride was amazing. The guide actually worked in the mine and was so knowledgable The facts he told us about the mine were amazing I would recommend this to anyone especially those who enjoy learning about Canadian history

Shay Hanratty

We did the express tour that doesn't include the whole mine experience. More kid friendly. The accordian player that volunteered his time to entertain everyone was wonderful. A very man.

Krysta Nagel

This was a great tour and the whole family enjoyed it. Can be a bit loud for the little guys but the staff were very accommodating. The power house is also really neat. Would definitely recommend if you are in the area. The mining information was pretty technical and a lot of it went over our heads but it was interesting none the less. Definitely enjoyed.

Rhyann Smith

Great experience. Lots of time on the train, underground, and in the power house. I think it was about 90 minutes plus total. Awesome guides. Lots to learn. It's great that former miners are the main tour guides. Get there early so you don't miss out on tickets. Kids loved it. Definitely worth it for the family. A Kimberley must do.

carter ashton

very interesting

Thomas Gales

Take this tour. Budget friendly and more than worth the cost. The knowledge the tour guide has about the mine will blow your mind. He actually use to be a miner their

Ashley Loomis

Engineer is awesome and Gordon underground is worth every penny. Not for kids under 6. Bring a sweater for underground

Maureen Cartwright

Informative

C. E.

This is a top notch must see tourist attraction. One of the best historical and factual sites in Canada.

Bill Barger

Quite boring. Felt very staged and got to see maybe 50 feet of the mine. If I go for a mine tour I want to ... tour a mine. Maybe different when it's not COVID, but as is save your money.

Rhonda Salvani

A wonderful place to bring children, educational, and fun!

Alexandra Jensen

This is a really great place to visit. The train ride up to the mine is beautiful, and the tour within the mine and powerhouse were both really well paced, informative, and done with a very human touch - our tour guide had worked at the mine for 30 years before it closed and clearly new the realities of the work and how to present it in a way that was accessible to the tour group. Highly recommended for anyone passing through the area, especially those with older (8+) children.

Nonna

Loved it. So beautiful. Train ride was fantastic

Dale Floer

Informative tour of this historically important mine site. However we found it difficult to hear the commentary over the clattering of the train. My 6 and 8 year old liked the train ride and the machinery demos, but were bored during the narrative parts of the tour as they were too long to hold most kids attention. 4 stars for adults, 2 stars for kids.

Kevin Nichiporik

It’s very interesting but you could get bored if you decide to go a second time.

tyrelirwin

Really interesting tour. Lots of information on how the mining was actually done by a real miner that worked in the mine. Best for adults and older children (10+) as there are longer periods of explanation and demonstration where young kids get bored. The acoustics in the mine are such that any noise carries and makes it impossible to hear the explanation and stories being told.

Matt Wolbaum

This review is for the full mining tour. We went for the full mining tour with out two year old, and at the first stop they inform us that all kids have to be silent or go to a colouring room. Its literally a guy operating a very loud drill and talking about mining history, so we spent our time in a windowless room colouring. Wasn't really worth the 25$ each for my wife and me.

C Francis

Mining demonstration was very cool. Worth the trip only wish we had more time

Mic hael

Great place to visit.

Jed Sigman

Fun and great experience learning about the mine

Mike

Nice ride. Mine interpretation not available due to COVID-19.

B Chapman

A must stop. My family of three loved it.

Yury Ezhov

Very educational

Jeff Kleinholz

Very informative and neat place to stop

Mark Madden

Great experience and very knowledgeable people!

YT12ish

excellent and informative tour. What makes the tour timeless is the guides have previously worked in the mine. You can replace their experience. passion and stories.. Well done

Jennifer Brown

A fun afternoon with a knowledgeable host. Great history and an interesting underground tour and mine car railway transport.

Todd White

Wonderful tour. Guides so friendly and informative. A must do while in Kimberly.

Daniel Valderrama

Bill = 10/10

kyle dunbar

Unforgettable experience of life time. Everyone who comes into Kimberley must have this experience! The senior person is with the encyclopedic knowledge and memories of mining and the history is extraordinary. I will come back every time I visit. the money 20$ is worth every penny and I've spent best so far! Unfortunately there I can't award more than five star, but deserves 10+.. I will recommend everyone not to miss this place during their visit to Kimberley.

Kelly Paterson

Really fun ride! Neat local history

Ross McLean

Great educational day out. One suggestion, the host could use a mic for his presentations. It would be easier to follow.

Sean Moraes

Drove 2.5 hrs to get here and they are closed for the season, no mention of it closing in Google. Says open 11-5

chris noble

Excellent history lesson and background on the mining industry. The tour guy Bill Roberts was amazing.

Kris Wilk

They are a cute little stop just off the main road, quick 45 minute tour that has great views. A great stop for kids.

Ryan Jones

This is a train ride and an interpretation center that takes you in a small underground area to show how mining was carried out over the nearly 100 years at the Sullivan mine in Kimberley BC. Actual miners (retired) not only show, but demonstrate some of the equipment used. Inside is much cooler than outside (which is great in the hot summer months) but if you get chilled easily, bring a jacket or sweater. After the mine, the train takes you to the powerhouse where you can see the air compressors, generators and the actual model used in the planning office. Well worth the trip, the tour takes almost 2 hours to complete so plan accordingly.

GRANT PATERSON

Recommend to visit

Roberto C

Nice place. Lots of fresh food and daily baked bread. Bit pricey but worth it.

Kevin Hennessy

Great tour, interesting. A little too technical for kids but you cannot appeal to everyone all the time. My kids 7 and 9 were ok as they didn't focus too much in a single area.

cindy ruhl

It was fun tour I love it!

Tree Snow

Wow. Very informative guided tour, some working mining equipment demonstrated, and lots of the powerhouse machinery that looks as it did the day they closed production down. Added to that a fun, short train ride. Fun tour!

Michael Lekien

Great way to spend an afternoon in Kimberly.

Dorothy Severson

Very interesting. Little kids may get figety.

ginni brown

Had a good time learning about mining. Explanations were a bit technical at times but it was a very cool tour.

mash352

Always is a great time.

Alison Richardson

Fantastic tour and guide.