First Class Fishing in Fernie’s Famous Elk River

Well that’s a mouthful and a half….wasn’t really sure how to word it but there you have it…..we have a fishing paradise here in Fernie and men, women and children come from all over the world to test our waters. Fish stories are exchanged daily over mugs of steaming lattés and cappuccinos….about the one that got away…it was how big?? Now in all fairness, I am not a seasoned fisherwoman…..in fact I can’t quite recall my last fishing expedition but I’m sure it involved dragging the bottom of a lake, yards of tangled fishing line and expletives not fit to post. I know, I know….I need to at least give it a go now that I live here! My son is heading out this way on the weekend to do some fishing and he invited me to go with him…I told him I’d sit on the shore and read a book….and cheer when he reels in the big one!  Such a good Mum!!

The weather is ideal right now for fishing…the days are still warm and sunny and although the nights are cooler, fall fishing is fantastic! I’ve even noticed some new hatches of little flying creatures stuck in my teeth when I’m out for a run by the river…I’m sure they have some name like Baitis or October Caddis. You can venture out on your own, but to find that perfect deep pool or sweet foam line, you’d be best to take a guided fishing adventure with one of our experienced and professional guiding companies. You can choose from Fernie Fly Fishing, Kootenay Fly Shop and Guiding Co., Elk River Guiding Company or Fernie Wilderness Adventures – they can all provide you with one of your most memorable fishing expeditions ever and help you reel in the big one that didn’t get away!

Now after a day on the river wrestling with “Fishzilla”, you’ll probably want to rest those tired, aching muscles. Why not book a spa treatment at our very own King Fir Spa. Choose a Restorative & Relaxing Classic Massage or a Sports Massage or any one of the wonderful services we offer. Then check in to one of our cozy log cabins or condo suites with your own private hot tub and soak the night away. We still have some great summer accommodation specials – don’t miss out!

So as summer continues to grace our valley with all it’s splendor, the leaves are starting to turn and before we know it the snow will fly! Christmas and New Year’s are not that far away. Book today! What are you waiting for? If you visit us for a Fernie Christmas, don’t forget to ask about our Christmas Package including a tree, ornaments, tree topper, tree skirt and the best thing of all….some of my world famous shortbread cookies!

Let us take care of your vacation – it’s what we do!

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I Remember December…..in Fernie BC

Why on earth I am thinking about December is beyond me! I mean really…we still have blue skies, sunshine, trails to explore, golf to play and fish to catch! I suppose that with the colder nights, one can’t help but start to dream about snow capped mountains, face shots and Mogul Smokers at the Griz Bar!

I awoke with a start yesterday morning as I heard a strange roaring noise coming from below my bedroom…sounded like the train had taken a wrong turn and was detouring through the house or at the very least the trolls that live under the house were coming to take me away! I pulled the covers tightly over my head awaiting the worst when it occurred to me that the whole train thing was quite ridiculous and trolls were only supernatural beings in Norse mythology and Scandinavian folklore. What the….oh wait…..the furnace….the furnace? Oh no! That means it’s likely frosty outside! Frost? Ah! Sue’s garden! I’m house sitting for her and I promised to take care of her prized, world famous tomatoes! I shot out of bed, threw on what I thought was my housecoat (turns out it was the rug that was beside my bed) and dashed out to the moonlit garden  still somewhat wary of the trolls.  I gathered those tomatoes in record time and returned to the house. Whew! Disaster diverted! So yes, the nights have caused many Fernie furnaces to leap to life, but the days are still so beautiful! The leaves are begrudgingly starting to turn to some yellows and oranges and a few are even starting to drift from the branches when a breeze sneaks up and tickles them. Now I’m still not going to do any snow dancing because I have a few items on my bucket list to get through before that first blanket of white, but there’s nothing wrong with dreaming about a White Christmas!

Speaking of Christmas, have you booked your holiday to Fernie yet? Well, I suggest you get on it! We have some cozy condos, chalets and lodges available….fireplaces, private hot tubs and fully equipped kitchens with ovens big enough to roast that turkey in. We even have a Christmas Package available as an add-on when you book your accommodation including a pre-lit Christmas Tree, ornaments, tree topper, tree skirt and even a box of my homemade Christmas cookies.  Let us take care of your vacation – it’s what we do!

We’ll make your Fernie dreams come true.
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Don’t Say “There’s Always Next Summer”…..It’s Still Summer in Fernie BC!

It seems once Labour Day Weekend has come and gone and the kids are back in school, everyone is of the same mind…..summer is over…sigh….but wait!! It is absolutely not over! For starters, the first day of Fall is September 22 and at my tally, that’s 17 days away! So lift that chin up….way up….and have a look at what awaits you! Open your eyes and mind to the endless activities that Fernie has to offer! Whether you want to hike our beautiful trails, mountain bike our well maintained single tracks, swing your clubs at our immaculately manicured golf course or fish in our pristine river…there’s still lots of time! As I mentioned last week, the dog days of summer are still with us. Yes the evenings are cooler but the stars still dance merrily above us and the moon shines down on us in brilliant splendour. Speaking of the moon…were you able to view the Blue Moon over the weekend? Did you sleep under it? No? Well I did!! Yup….Saturday night my friend and I slept out on his deck under the twinkling stars and the brightest moon I’ve ever seen. I almost had to wear my sunglasses to catch a few z’s! When I finally stopped star gazing and drifted off, I had the deepest, most peaceful sleep ever and as the morning sun bathed me in its warmth it put a smile on my face and a song in my heart….oh wow that sounded sappy…you get the idea…it was awesome!

There are also some great events yet to come this month….Fernie Terry Fox Run, Tears and Gears Mountain Duathlon,Fernie Kids Tri and the Emily Brydon Youth Foundation Golf Tournament. There are concerts at the Arts Station and live music at the Brick House. So you see? Still time to enjoy Fernie before donning the down jackets, toques, gloves and winter boots.  We have September Savings or Summer Savings on all our vacation properties.

So yes, I am dwelling on summer, but it’s a fact that winter will be along with a vengeance before we know it! Not quite time to start our snow dancing but have you booked your winter wonderland getaway yet? What? No? Well, check out our Book Early and Save This Winter or our Winter Long Stay Specials and picture yourself curled up in front of a cozy fire in a condo suite, chalet, lodge, log cabin or resort home. Don’t miss out on making this your best winter yet!

Let us make your Fernie dreams come true.
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Skiers set for fun fall, says outlook

great news for Fernie... Skiers set for fun fall, says outlook

Dog Days of Summer and a Blue Moon in Fernie BC

Well, we are managing to cling to summer here in Fernie! The forecast for the next 14 days is nothing but sunshine and blue skies! Sure the evenings are cooler, but the weather during the day is so fantastic for hiking, biking and golfing! I’m sure there are trails you’ve yet to try and perhaps you’ve not hit the links yet…..now’s the time! Don’t delay!

Last night as I wandered home from the final Wednesday Night Summer Social I was absolutely blown away by the sunset! It looked like the entire western skyline was on fire! It literally took my breath away and I found myself speechless which, for those of you that know me, is extremely rare. I marvel at the raw beauty of this special place we call home…the mountains, the trees and the eerie yet magical shadows cast by the full moons. Speaking of which, tomorrow night is a Blue Moon! You’re familiar with the old phrase “…once in a Blue Moon…”? This is where it comes from…it will be the second full moon in a month! And the next one won’t happen until 2015 so I think we all need to sleep outside tomorrow night on top of a mountain! Well, that’s what I would love to do….how amazing would that be? I’m sure I could reach out and touch the moon! Okay perhaps that’s a little ambitious, but I hope you all have a chance to experience the extra-special energies and messages Blue Moons are fabled to give us!

Come to Fernie this weekend and let us share our mountain life with you! We have some great last minute lodging specials and there are some fun events going on throughout the valley including the Demolition Derby, the last weekend of summer operations at Fernie Alpine Resort and the final Sunday Mountain Market. Head up to Island Lake Lodge for a hike and lunch on the Bear Lodge deck (lunch not available on Saturday due to a wedding) or hit their Date Night on Monday night and dine on the best food I’ve ever been lucky enough to savour. This night has become so popular it’s best to make a reservation.

So yes, as much as I love these dog days of summer, I can’t help but start to dream of the morning light dancing across my window panes with webs of snow drifting gently across them….oh champagne powder…soon….very soon. Book your winter Fernie, BC getaway now and take advantage of our great early bird specials!

Let us make your Fernie dreams come true.
1.800.667.9911

Rollin' on the River in Fernie BC

Well, with all this nice warm weather we’ve been having, I have been somewhat remiss in my postings…my bad….but seriously I would much rather be out hiking, biking, golfing or floating the river in all this glorious sunshine than glued to my computer writing about why you should come to visit!  Speaking of floating the river, I finally managed to do my first river float of the summer on Monday afternoon after work with my sister and brother-in-law. Now, as I have mentioned, doing anything with my sister is always an adventure and this was no exception. She offered me one of their flotation devices to use….little did I know it was the Low Rider when I accepted. Granted it has a beverage holder, but I will tell you it is aptly named as your derriere sits very low in the water! As I looked over to see what Sue and Eric were floating on, there they were…..riding on lovely proper river floating tubes with very high clearance…..of course they were! Now aside from the fact that the river is um…er….extremely refreshing, it has also become quite shallow in places and I found myself on a number of occasions, high centered on some very pointy rocks while the other 2 sailed merrily onwards. So take it from someone who is still thawing out and nursing a few unsightly bruises….don’t float the river in a Low Rider!! Riding on the proper apparatus, the river is a blast with some really fun rapids so enjoy it while summer is still here!

Something else really fun to attend are the Sunday Mountain Markets  Every Sunday through until Labour Day from 10am – 2pm at Rotary Park you can check out farmer's just picked fruit, organic veggies, herbs and flowers; herbalist's hand-crafted soaps and fragrances; baker's tasty pies, bagels, cupcakes and sourdough bread; as well as local artisan's latest creations. The Wednesday Night Socials downtown at Station Square are my favorite with live music, delicious food and a beverage garden but sadly the last one is August 29.

So…have you tried the Aerial Playground and Rippin’ Zipline at Fernie Alpine Resort? No?? Well get on it! This is hugely fun for all ages! Why not make a day of it? Book your time in the Aerial Playground, then hop on the Timber Chair for a scenic ride up the mountain. If it’s a weekend or holiday, you can stop in at Lost Boys Café for lunch for their Ride & Dine Special. There are some great hiking trails once you’re up there as well….Polar Peak is one of my favorite hikes reaching an elevation of 7010 feet and a view of the Elk Valley that is simply breathtaking.

There’s only one more long weekend this summer and we want you to enjoy Fernie so we are offering the deal of a lifetime! The Timbers is available and the special rates are so amazing I can barely contain myself! Gather your friends or family…up to 17 of you can stay in this executive mountain-style log home. Give us a call to book your September Long Weekend getaway! Great last minute specials available NOW!

Speaking of specials, check out our Early Winter Booking deals and Long Stay Specials. Don’t miss out on an opportunity to settle into one of our cozy cabins, condos, chalets or resort homes.

Let us make your Fernie dreams come true.
1.800.667.9911

Fernie BC…The Best Place For a Bucket List!

Well, one Bucket List item less…I finally hiked Mountain Lakes Trail (Heiko’s Trail)! Yup….sure did! What an amazing experience! They say pictures say a thousand words but honestly no picture can paint that scenery. It took us 8 hours, with a couple of stops for snacks and lunch, but all in all…a great workout! We didn’t have any bear encounters (whew) but did see a few mountain goats, some picas, a deer and a Clark’s Nutcracker soared above us as we gobbled down our lunch. With not a cloud in the sky, the seven of us, including my sister Sue whom we’ve nicknamed Miss Adventure (and that is another story for another time!), trekked our way to our destination - the Bear Lodge deck at Island Lake where we were treated to probably one of the most refreshing, coldest beers ever served! What a fantastic way to end a stellar day spent with good friends and family. Just as an aside, I would call Island Lake to ensure they’re open to the public the day you’re hiking as they are host to weddings throughout the summer, mainly on Saturdays, and it would be a shame for you not to experience that great deck at the Bear Lodge!

So…what’s on your Bucket List? Floating the Elk River? White water rafting? Mountain biking Project 9 or Swine Flu? Hiking the Three Sisters? Zip lining? Skiing double black diamond runs? (had to throw winter in there) Oh….the possibilities are endless! This is such a diverse and grand playground we have here that I’m not sure if there are enough years for me to fulfill my list.

Then of course there are all the events coming up, especially this weekend. The 2012 Highline 100 is on Saturday August 11th. It’s a fun bicycle ride, not a race, where you have your choice of doing either 100 miles (160km) or 100km road ride. The reason for this ride is to carefully grow it into a meaningful fund raiser for the Elk Valley Hospital Foundation and the Fernie Alpine Ski Team. The Wapiti Music Festival kicks off Friday August 10th and continues on Saturday August 11th. The focus is fresh Canadian Indie music, full of energy and fun for all ages. Sunday August 12th is BibBity BobBity Boo – Fernie’s Children’s Festival at Rotary Park. This is serious fun and you won’t want to miss this! Check out our Events Calendar for more excitement later in the month. Come visit Fernie for the whole weekend! Call us and mention any of the above events and get 10% off a 2 night stay or 15% off a 3 night stay. We also have long stay special on all our accommodations including our lodges, condos, log cabins and resort homes so pick up the phone and talk to one of our reservation specialists (that includes me) and find out more information!!

Whether your Bucket List is an adrenalin activity, an event or a romantic getaway with that someone special, Fernie BC is the best place in the world to start!

Fernie – the place where dreams come true!
1.800.667.9911