Fort Steele

Many German and Swiss immigrants who arrived in the late 19th century settled in Fort Steele and nearby Kimberley to work as miners and loggers. Southeastern British Columbia was not unlike the Tyrol region they had left, so they found it comfortable to settle here. Later, a demand for experienced alpinists to guide and teach hikers, climbers, and skiers brought more settlers from the Alpine countries. Today, a Tyrolean influence is evident throughout southeastern British Columbia, particularly in Fort Steele. Schnitzels and fondues appear on menus as often as burgers and fries.